How to change the language on the phone Xiaomi in Russian: full instructions for all models

Changing the interface language on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones may seem like a simple task, but in practice users often face unexpected difficulties. This problem is especially relevant for devices purchased abroad (for example, in China or Europe), where Russian is not available by default. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to change the language from standard settings to manually installing language packages, and also consider typical errors and their solutions.

It’s important to understand that the process depends on the version of the MIUI firmware (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), the regional binding of the device and even the smartphone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with global firmware, Russian is included in two clicks, and on the Redmi Note 12 with Chinese MIUI, you may need to install an additional package. We covered all scenarios from the simplest to the most complex so that you can return the familiar interface no matter what the situation.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t have Russian and what to do about it

The main reason for the lack of Russian in the settings menu is regional firmware. MIUI:

• 🌍 Global (Global) - supports Russian, English, European languages. MIUI Global.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese (China) - Chinese and English only, designated as MIUI China CN.
• 🇪🇺 European (EEA) — Russian may not be available in older versions.
• 🇮🇳 Indian (India) – often without Russian, but with Hindi and local languages.

If your Xiaomi is not purchased from an official Russian store, it is likely that it is Chinese or Indian firmware, in which case the Russian language will not be in the settings, even if you update the system.

• 🔄 Change the firmware region (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• 📦 Install the language package manually (does not work on all versions) MIUI).
• 🛠️ Reflash the device to the global version (the most reliable, but difficult way).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (MIUI China) some features (e.g. Google Play) may be blocked even after changing the language. MIUI Global.

Before you start taking drastic measures, check the current firmware version. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If the name has a CN (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5 CN) - you have a Chinese version.

Method 1: Standard language change in MIUI settings

If your smartphone supports Russian (global or European firmware), you can change it in a few steps. MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select Additional Settings (on some versions System and Device).
3. Tapping on Language and Input (or Language and Region)
4. Click on the first item in the list – Language.
5. In the search box, type “Russian” or manually find Russian (Russia).
6. Select the language and confirm the change.

After that, the smartphone interface will immediately switch to Russian. If there is no Russian language on the list, move to the next method.

On some models (such as the POCO X5 Pro or Redmi K60), the path to language settings may differ:

• 📱 MIUI 14/HyperOS: Settings → Personal settings → Language and input → Language.
• 📱 MIUI 12/13: Settings → System system → Language and input → Languages.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware for Xiaomi 14, 13T The settings menu has changed dramatically. If you don't find Language, try searching in the settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).

Method 2: Install a language pack with MoreLocale 2 (without root)

If Russian is not on the standard list, but you do not have Chinese firmware (for example, European or Indian), you can try installing it through the MoreLocale 2 application. POCO.

Instructions:

1. Download MoreLocale 2 from Google Play.
2. Open the app and click Custom Locale.
3. In the Language field, enter ru, in the Country field - RU.
4. Press Set and confirm the action.
5. Reboot your smartphone.

After the reboot, the interface should change to Russian.

• 🔄 Check what is in the language settings (Settings) → Language and input selected Russian (MoreLocale).
• 📥 Make sure the application has permission to change system settings (c Settings) → Annexes → MoreLocale 2 → Permits).
• 🔧 Some of the scalings require a debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times).

This method does not work on Chinese firmware (MIUI China), as they block the change of locale by third-party applications, in which case you will need to flash it.

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If MoreLocale 2 doesn’t work, try the SetEdit alternative app (requires root), which allows you to manually edit your local system settings.

Method 3: Manually Adding Russian through ADB (for Advanced)

If the previous methods did not work and you do not want to reflash the device, you can try adding Russian through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with the command line, but does not need root rights.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb).
2. Enable USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) Settings → Additional settings → Developer Options → Debugging over USB
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB and select File Transfer mode.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
5. Enter the commands in order: adb devices adb shell settings put system system_locales ru-RU settings put system user_locale ru-RU settings put global user_locale ru-RU
6. Reboot your phone: adb reboot.

If the language hasn’t changed after the reboot, try additional commands:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.LOCALE_CHANGED --es android.intent.extra.LOCALE ru_RU

This method works on most firmware, except in Chinese, where system settings are blocked. If the commands don't execute, you'll see a permission denied error, which means your firmware doesn't support changes through ADB.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not enter commands unless you are sure of their purpose, for example, an adb shell settings put global with incorrect parameters can disrupt sensors or network functions.

Method 4: Flashing to the global version of MIUI (most reliable)

If none of the previous methods worked, the only reliable option is to reflash the device to the global version of MIUI. This is guaranteed to add Russian and unlock all the functions of Google (if they did not), however, the process requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to data loss.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the loader: 🔓 Register on the official Xiaomi website and get permission to unlock. 📱 Install Mi Unlock Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume Down). + Nutrition). 🖥️ Follow the instructions of the program to unlock.
2. Download the global firmware: 📥 Choose your model on the site MIUI Downloads. 🔍 Look for firmware marked Global (e.g, miui_VIVALDIGlobal_V14.0.3.0.TKOMIXM_...).

Install the firmware

• 📁 Rename the downloaded file to update.zip and put it in the root of the phone's memory.
• 🛠️ Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a firmware file.
• 🔄 Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (the phone will restart several times).

After reflashing the Russian language will appear in the settings, and will be available services Google (if they were not previously).

⚠️ Warning: Flashing from Chinese to global could lead to data loss IMEI or locking network modules on some models (e.g. Redmi) K50 Before the procedure, make sure your model supports official global firmware, or use custom builds (e.g. Xiaomi.eu).

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Reflashing to the global version of MIUI is the only way to get Russian on Chinese devices, but requires unlocking the bootloader and can cancel the warranty.

Problem Solving: Language Changed, Chinese Symbols Remain

Sometimes, after a change of language to Russian, the interface is left with Chinese characters or untranslated menu items.

• 📱 Incomplete language package (relevant for custom firmware).
• 🔄 Cached data (remnants of the old locale).
• 📦 Lack of Cyrillic fonts.

How to fix it:

1. Clear the system cache: Settings → Applications → Application management → Three points → Show system → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache
2. Install the fonts for Cyrillic: 📲 Download the iFont app. 🔍 Find and install the Roboto or Noto Sans font with Cyrillic support.

Reset the locale settings:

adb shell pm clear com.android.settings

(Requires ADB and USB debugging).

If the problem persists, try reinstalling the language pack via MoreLocale 2 or reset settings (Settings → Additional settings → Settings Reset).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When changing language to Xiaomi, users often make mistakes that lead to additional problems.

• 🚫 Use of informal firmware: Installation of custom assemblies (for example, with 4PDA) may result in loss IMEI Always check that the firmware is compatible with your model.
• 🔄 Incomplete reset before firmware: If you do not do Wipe Data before installing a new firmware, you may remain artifacts of the old locale or there may be conflicts of system files.
• 📡 Ignoring regional restrictions: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) Chinese firmware blocks region change.Attempt to get around it through ADB It can cause soft-brick (the phone does not turn on, but reacts to charging).
• 🔧 Improper unlocking of the bootloader: Using unofficial unlocking tools (e.g., unblocking tools, MTK Bypass can permanently lock the bootloader on new models with HyperOS.

To avoid problems:

• 📌 Always back up through Settings → Additional settings → Backup and reset.
• 🔍 Check firmware compatibility on forums (XDA Developers or 4PDA).
• 🛡️ Use only official unlock tools (Mi Unlock Tool).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after a bad firmware (hangs on the MI logo), try entering Fastboot mode (clamp Volume Down + Power) and reflash the device via the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions