How to change the language on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all the ways and nuances

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its owners often face the need to change the interface language, which may be necessary after buying a device with foreign firmware, accidentally changing settings or preparing the phone for sale. Unlike many modern models, the Redmi Note 8 Pro has its own peculiarities in managing language parameters associated with the version of MIUI and regional restrictions.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to change the language, from standard settings to alternative methods for firmware without Russian. We will focus on common mistakes (for example, when the desired language is not on the list) and how to solve them. If you bought a phone with Chinese firmware or encountered a “gray” import, here you will find working instructions tailored to the specifics of the Redmi Note 8 Pro.

Why can't we change the language?

Before we get to the instructions, it's important to understand why the standard way of changing a language sometimes doesn't work.

• 📱 Regional firmware, devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) Most European languages are often devoid of English, including Russian.
• 🔄 An outdated version MIUI. In old assemblies (below) MIUI 12) the list of languages may have been reduced.
• 🔒 Manufacturer policy: Some firmware blocks language change without linking to Mi Account.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware. Informal builds (e.g. LineageOS) may have their own set of languages.

If your Redmi Note 8 Pro refuses to change language through the standard menu, don’t panic. 90% of the time, the problem is solved without flashing it over — just know the alternative methods, which we will describe below.

Method 1: Standard language change through settings

If your device supports the language you want, the easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI settings, which works for most global (Global ROM) and European (EEA ROM) firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select Additional Settings (or Additional Settings in English).
3. Go to Language and Input (Language and Input).
4. Click on the first item - Language.
5. In the list of available languages, find the desired one (for example, Russian or English) and tap on it.
6. Confirm the change by pressing Ready or OK.

After that, the system will suggest restarting the device, and you can agree that some interface elements (such as the keyboard) will only be updated after the reboot.

⚠️ Note: If there is no Russian in the list of languages, but there is English, select English (United States) first.

Method 2: Changing the region to unlock languages

On devices with China ROM or gray firmware, the list of languages is often limited, and changing the region of the system will help, which does not require root rights and works on most versions of MIUI 11-14.

How to change the region:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Language and Entering → Region (Region).
2. In the list of countries, choose Russia, Ukraine or India (depending on the language you want).
3. Go back to the language section and check if the correct option appears.

If the language never came up, try it:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone after changing the region.
• 📶 Connect to VPN servers in the country of the desired language (for example, Russia for Russian).
• 🔧 Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware, changing the region resets Google Play and Mi Account settings. save the login details in advance.

Method 3: Installation of language packs through Recovery

If standard methods fail, you can manually install the language pack via Recovery, which is suitable for advanced users and requires:

• 📱 Unlocked loader (Bootloader).
• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 📁 Language Package File for Your Version MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with the language package for your model (for example, ru_RU.zip For Russian language) from the official forum Xiaomi or trusted resources such as XDA Developers.
2. Rename the file to langpack.zip and place it in the root of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the device and press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
4. In the recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System (navigation is done by volume buttons, the choice is by power button).
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.
6. Restart your phone via Reboot to System.

If the language has not changed after the reboot, check:

• 🔍 Compatibility of the package with your version MIUI (You can find it in the settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
• 📦 Archive integrity (damaged file will not be installed).
• 🔧 Root rights (sometimes required for manual language activation).

Method 4: Reflashing to the global version of MIUI

If all previous methods failed, the radical solution is to completely reflash the Global ROM or EEA ROM, which is guaranteed to add support for all languages, but has risks:

• 🚨 Data loss (required to make a backup!).
• 🔓 The need to unlock the bootloader (can take up to 72 hours).
• 📉 Possible performance deterioration on informal firmware.

Step-by-step flashing algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the Xiaomi website).
2. Download the latest stable Global ROM for Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) from MIUI Downloads.
3. Install ADB/Fastboot drivers and Mi Flash Tool on PC.
4. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down when the device is off).
5. Connect your phone to your PC and run Global ROM through the Mi Flash Tool (select the Clean All option for full cleanup).
6. After successful firmware, perform the initial setup by selecting the desired language at the welcome screen stage.

Important: Firmware through Clean All deletes all data, including photos, contacts and messages. Use Mi Cloud or third-party tools (such as Titanium Backup) to back up.

fastboot getvar anti

Problems with changing language

Even after a successful language change, Redmi Note 8 Pro users sometimes encounter bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If artifacts appear in the interface after the language change (e.g., characters instead of letters), this is a sign of incomplete installation of the language package.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI System and clear its cache.
3. Reset the device.

💡

If the language continues to reset after all the manipulations, check to see if the phone has a "child" version of MIUI (such as MIUI for POCO), which often have rigid language settings.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with language settings on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, users often make typical errors that lead to additional problems.

• 🔄 Ignoring backup. Changing region or firmware can erase data. Always backup through Settings. → The phone. → Backup.
• 📥 Downloading language packs from unreliable sources, which can cause viruses or incompatible versions.
• 🔧 Trying to flash the wrong version MIUI. For example, the installation of China ROM global ROM without cleaning can lead to a loading cycle.
• 🔒 Use root rights unnecessarily. Most firmwares change language without root access. Don't risk device security.

Another common mistake is to interrupt the firmware process, and if you've started installing a language pack through Recovery, you should never remove the battery or restart the phone manually.

• 🚫 Loss of access to language settings.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop).
• 📵 Complete inoperability of the communication module.

⚠️ Warning: If after a failed firmware, the phone stopped turning on, try logging into Fastboot (clamp Power). + Volume down) and repeat the process. If that doesn't work, go to the service center, and you can do it yourself.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions