How to change the language on the phone Xiaomi: all ways and solutions to errors

Changing the interface language on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected problems. Some users can not find the right item on the menu because of an unfamiliar language, others face an error “Language is not supported”, and others after the MIUI update find that Russian has disappeared from the list. This article covers all scenarios from basic instructions to solving rare bugs, including cases when the phone is “locked” on Chinese firmware.

We will not only analyze the standard path through settings, but also alternative methods - through the Recovery, ADB-The team and even manual editing of configuration files, special attention is paid to the problems with the lack of Russian on the global and Chinese versions. MIUI, And also the nuances for models with HyperOS, if your phone doesn't understand Cyrillic or refuses to save the changes, here's the solution.

Why you can’t change your language to Xiaomi

Before we get to the instructions, it's important to understand the root of the problem, and there are three main reasons why you're having trouble.

• 📱 Chinese firmware without multilingual support (typical for devices purchased on AliExpress or in Chinese stores). MIUI Initially deprived of Russian, English and other languages other than Chinese.
• 🔄 Failure after update. Sometimes update MIUI Resets language settings or removes previously installed language packets.
• 🛠️ Manual interference with system files (e.g., through Magisk or build.prop editing) that resulted in damage to localization.

Another common situation is buying a used phone where the previous owner installed regional firmware (such as Indian or European) that does not support Russian, in which case the standard way to change the language through settings will not work – you will need to flash it or install the language package manually.

Standard way: Change the language through MIUI settings

If your phone supports the desired language (for example, Russian or English), but just installed another, follow this instruction. MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select Additional Settings (or Additional Settings in English).
3. Slip on the item Language and input.
4. Click on the first item in the list – Language.
5. Select the language you want from the list. If you don't have one, see the next section.

Once the language is selected, the system will suggest restarting the device. Don't ignore this step - without rebooting, the changes may not apply, especially on older versions of MIUI. If the language resets again after the reboot, this is a sign of corrupted system files (solution below).

What to do if the language is not on the list

If the language menu doesn't have Russian, English or any other language you want, the problem is the firmware. Here are the possible solutions, from the simplest to the most complex:

1. Installation of the language package via MoreLocale 2

MoreLocale 2 (available on Google Play) allows you to add languages that are not available in the system, suitable for global MIUI firmware where Russian is available, but does not appear in the list:

1. Install and open MoreLocale 2.
2. Choose a country (for example, Russia for Russian).
3. Press Set and confirm the change.
4. Reboot the phone.

Limitation: on Chinese firmware (with the CN suffix in the version number), this method will not work - you will need to flash it.

2. Transition to Global Firmware (Global ROM)

If your phone is originally on Chinese firmware (MIUI CN), the only reliable way to add Russian is to install a global version of MIUI.

• 🔧 Download the right firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (choose Global or Google). EEA).
• 📱 Use the Mi Flash Tool (for PC) or TWRP (power-user).
• ⚠️ Warning: Firmware erases all data! make a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup.

3. Manual language addition via ADB (for advanced)

If you can’t reflash, you can try adding language through the ADB-This method requires an unlocked bootloader and enabled debugging on the USB:

adb shell


su




setprop persist.sys.locale ru-RU




setprop persist.sys.local ru_RU




reboot

After the reboot, check if Russian has appeared in the settings.This method does not work on all versions of MIUI and can cause crashes - use at your own risk.

Features of changing the language to HyperOS

The new HyperOS shell (debuted in 2023 on Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70) has a different settings interface.

1. Open Settings and go to About Phone.
2. Slip the HyperOS version 7 times to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Language and Region.
4. Press the language and choose the right one.

HyperOS also has the function of automatic language definition SIM-If it's in the way, turn it off in the same settings section.

💡

On HyperOS, you can install up to 3 languages at the same time and quickly switch between them, holding the power button.

Problems with changing language

Sometimes, after a language change, you have side effects, and here are the most common ways to eliminate them:

If some features (such as Google Pay or banking apps) have stopped working after changing the language, check the region of the phone in the settings. Some services are country-specific and may be blocked when the language is changed to a non-appropriate region.

💡

On Chinese firmware (MIUI CN), banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) do not work even after changing the language, the solution is to switch to global firmware.

Changing the language on a locked phone (if you don’t know the password)

Situation: the phone is locked, and the interface is in an unfamiliar language, so that you can unlock the device and change the language.

1. Connect your phone to your PC and use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader (if it was linked to your Xiaomi account).
2. Load into the recap (turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up).
3. From the Recovery menu (it will be in English), select Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data for reset.
4. After resetting, select the desired language when you first turn on.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting over the receptacles deletes all data, including photos and contacts. If encryption is enabled on the phone, you may need to enter the old password even after resetting.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes when changing their language.

• 🚫 Install language packets from unverified sources (virus risk).
• 🚫 Changing language through an engineering menu (#4636##) can break the system.
• 🚫 Use "left-handed" firmware with 4PDA without checking compatibility with the model.
• 🚫 Skip rebooting after changing language (no changes will apply).

If you decide to check your phone, always check:

• 🔹 Compatibility of firmware with a precision model (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G — device!).
• 🔹 bootloader version (new phones may require 7-15 days to unlock).
• 🔹 Availability of a backup of data (firmware erases internal memory).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions