Xiaomi smartphones are very popular in Russia, but sometimes users face a problem: the phone menu does not have Russian. This can happen after buying a device with Chinese firmware, resetting settings or updating software. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to add Russian to Xiaomi β from standard settings to flashing the device.
It is important to understand that the process depends on the version. MIUI and regional firmware. Chinese versions (China) ROM) Often do not support Russian out of the box, while global (Global) ROM) European (EEA ROM) Firmware usually contains a complete language package. We will look at solutions for all cases, from simple to complex.
If you just bought a phone and see characters instead of the usual menu, don't panic. 90% In some cases, the problem can be solved by 5-10 For owners of devices with a locked bootloader, we have also prepared alternative methods.
Checking the current version MIUI and regional firmware
Before you change the language, you need to understand what firmware is installed on your Xiaomi, which depends on the available set of languages and possible ways to solve the problem.
To find out the MIUI version:
- Open the settings (cog icon)
- Scroll down and select About Phone (About Phone)
- Find a line. MIUI Version is your version of the firmware.
Note the suffix at the end of the version number:
- π¨π³ CN β Chinese firmware (often without Russian)
- π Global - global firmware (Russian is available)
- πͺπΊ EEA β European firmware (Russian is available)
- π·πΊ RU β Special Russian firmware (full localization)
If you're in your version MIUI No Russian, but global or European firmware - try to update the system through Settings β The phone. β System Update: Sometimes the language appears after the latest version of the software is installed.
β οΈ Attention: On Chinese firmware (CN ROM) standard update via the menu will not add Russian, in this case, you will need to change the firmware or install a language package.
Method 1: Change the language through standard settings (if available)
If Russian is already in the system, but for some reason is not selected, it can be activated in a few steps, which works on all firmware where Russian localization is present in the list of available languages.
Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:
- Open Settings (Icon with a gear)
- Scroll down and select Additional Settings.
- Tap Language and Input (Language & Input)
- Select the Language (Language)
- In the list, find Russian (Russian) or Russian
- Confirm the choice
On some versions MIUI The path may be slightly different:
- π± Nana MIUI 14: Settings β Language and region β Language
- π± Nana MIUI 12/13: Settings β Additional settings β Language and input β Language
- π± On older versions: Settings β Language and input β Language
βοΈ Preparation for language change
If the list of languages does not have Russian, but the firmware is global, try resetting the language settings to standard:
- Go to Settings. β Additional settings β Language and input
- Click on three dots in the upper right corner
- Select Reset settings (Reset settings)
- Confirm the action.
β οΈ Warning: Resetting your language won't delete your data, but it will return all language settings to factory settings. If a Russian was on the system initially, it will appear on the list after the reboot.
Method 2: Installation of the language package without changing the firmware
If you have Chinese firmware (CN ROM), But you don't want to completely reflash the phone, you can install the language package through MoreLocale 2 or similar applications. This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for most Xiaomi models.
Instructions for installing the language package:
- Download MoreLocale 2 from the official website or via APKMirror
- Install. APK-file (allow installation from unknown sources in security settings)
- Open the application and give it superuser rights (if there is root)
- In the list of countries, choose Russia or Russian Federation
- Press Set and restart the phone.
Alternative applications for changing the language:
- π± Locale & Language β runs without root on some firmware
- π± SetEdit β for experienced users (requires root)
- π± MIUI Language Pack β a special package for Xiaomi
| Annex | Root is required. | Works on CN ROM | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| MoreLocale 2 | No (partially) | Yes. | Tall. |
| Locale & Language | No. | Yeah (not always) | Medium |
| SetEdit | Yes. | Yes. | Low (risk of system damage) |
| MIUI Language Pack | No. | Only for global firmware | Tall. |
If after installing the language package, some applications remain in Chinese, it is normal. The system menu and basic functions will be in Russian, but some pre-installed applications (Mi App Store, Mi Community) may require separate localization.
π‘
Before installing the language package, back up the data via Settings β The phone. β Backup: In rare cases, incompatible packets can cause system failures.
Method 3: Reflashing to the global or Russian version MIUI
If previous methods have failed, the most reliable solution is to install a global or Russian firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader, but is guaranteed to add Russian and all the necessary services of Google.
Step-by-step instructions for flashing:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires a Mi Account and wait) 7-15 days)
- Download the firmware from the official website: π Global: miui.com/global π·πΊ Russian: miui.su (unofficial but stable)
Install the firmware
Fastboot
Recovery
fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zipWait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes)
Wipe Data
Important nuances when refashioning:
- π§ Models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11) require a special tool. SP Flash Tool
- π§ On new devices (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) You may need to log in to your Mi Account to unlock it.
- π§ After firmware, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings - save all important data in advance
β οΈ Note: Unofficial firmware from third-party sites may contain malicious code. download files only from trusted sources: official Xiaomi website, XDA Developers or 4PDA.
What to do if there is no network after the firmware?
Method 4: Use of alternative launchers with Russian interface
If changing the firmware seems too complicated, you can install an alternative launcher with a Russian interface, which will not change the language of the system menu, but will make the main interaction with the phone more convenient.
The best launchers with support for the Russian language:
- π± Nova Launcher β flexible configuration, gesture support, Russian localization
- π± Microsoft Launcher β Windows integration, full Russification
- π± Action Launcher - adaptive icons, Russian language
- π± Lawnchair β lightweight open source launcher
How to install and configure the launcher:
- Download the selected launcher from Google Play or APKMirror
- Install the application and open it.
- Click Set as Default Launcher
- In the launcher settings, select Language β Russian
- Set the look to your taste.
Limitations of this method:
- β System settings (Settings, Calls, Messages) will remain in the original language
- β Some system notifications may be displayed in Chinese
- β All the applications you have installed will be in Russian.
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Alternative launchers are a temporary solution, and full Russification will require a firmware change or language pack installation.
Problems with changing language
Sometimes, when you change the language to Xiaomi, you have a problem, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Part of the menu is still in Chinese
This is normal for Chinese firmware (CN ROM). System applications (Mi App Store, Mi Community, Themes) often don't have full localization:
- π§ Remove unnecessary Chinese apps through Settings β Annexes
- π§ Install alternatives from Google Play (e.g. Google Play Store instead of Mi App Store)
- π§ Use it. ADB to disable system applications: adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.mipicks
Problem 2: Google services are gone
Chinese firmware often lacks Google services to install:
- Download the Google Installer package with 4PDA
- Install. APK-file
- Follow the installerβs instructions (internet connection required)
- Reboot the phone.
Problem 3: The phone stopped after changing the language
This may be due to:
- π’ Language Pack conflict with firmware (solution: reset language settings)
- π’ Lack of memory (solution: clear the cache in Settings) β Memory)
- π’ Background activity of Chinese apps (solution: disable them in settings)
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No Russian on the list of languages | Chinese firmware (CN ROM) | Install a language package or re-flash |
| Apps fly out after changing language | Incompatibility of localization | Update applications or reset settings |
| No Google services | Absence GMS firmware | Install Google Installer |
| Phone overheats | Background activity of system processes | Disable unnecessary services in settings |