Xiaomi Mi TVs have gained popularity due to a combination of affordable prices and modern features, but many users face a problem: the default interface is often configured in Chinese or English. This problem is especially relevant for models bought abroad or through informal channels. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the language to Russian, from standard settings to alternative methods for stubborn devices.
Although the process seems simple, each generation of Xiaomi TVs (be it Mi TV 4A, Mi TV Q1 or Mi TV P1) has its own nuances: for example, in firmware before 2021, Russian may not be on the list at all, and in new models it is sometimes “hidden” in the depth of the menu, we took into account all these features and collected current instructions for 2026, including solutions for cases when Russian is not displayed in the settings.
If you’ve just unpacked your TV and you see unfamiliar characters, don’t panic: 90% of the time, the problem is solved in 5 minutes. The main thing is to correctly identify your Xiaomi TV model and firmware version. You don’t need to be a techie: just find a sticker on the back (for example, L43M6-6ARU for Mi TV 4S 43) or look in the Settings → About TV menu.
In this article you will find:
- 🔹 The standard way to change language through menus (works on 80% of models)
- 🔹 Update firmware to add Russian (if not listed)
- 🔹 Resetting to factory settings as a last resort
- 🔹 Hidden settings for experienced users (through ADB)
Before you start, make sure your TV is connected to the Internet — that's what you'll need to download language packets. If Wi-Fi isn't configured, use an Ethernet cable or a mobile hotspot.
1. Method. №1: Change the language through the standard menu
This is the easiest and fastest method that works on most Xiaomi Mi TVs released after 2019. If your TV supports Russian out of the box, but it is not activated, follow this instruction.
To start, turn on the TV and look at the remote for a Settings or Menu button, and depending on the model, the interface may be slightly different, but the overall layout is this:
- Go to Settings → Preferences → Language (or → → → in Chinese).
- In the list of languages, scroll down to Russian (or Russian).
- Select it and confirm the choice with the OK button.
- Restart the TV (optional, but recommended).
If instead of Russian you see only English, Chinese and several European languages, then the language package is not installed. №2.
☑️ Preparation for language change
What to do if the menu is in Chinese?
- 📱 Use Google Translate with Camera Feature – Hover on the Screen to Translate Menu Items.
- 🔍 Look for the icons: the gear = settings, globe = tongue.
- 📌 Remember the sequence: → → (third-icon → second → tongue).
💡
If the list of languages is Russian (Russia) and Russian (Ukraine), choose the first option - it is more correct translation of the interface.
2. Method. №2: Update firmware to add Russian
If Russian is not on the list, your firmware is likely outdated. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that add support for new languages, a method that is suitable for Mi TV 4A, Mi TV 4S and others released before 2021.
There are two ways to update the firmware:
- Through the Internet (recommended):
Through USB-accumulator
- 💻 Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
- 📁 Unpack the archive and copy the file update.zip flash drive (format) FAT32).
- 🔌 Connect the flash drive to the TV and select Settings → On TV. → Update through USB.
- Connect the TV to your computer via a USB-A → USB-A cable (a conventional USB cable from a smartphone will not work!).
- Open the command line (Win) + R → cmd) and type: adb devices If the device is displayed, type: adb shell pm install -r /path/to/russian_language.apk (Replace the path with a real file with a language packet).
Where can I get a language package? It can be extracted from the firmware of another Xiaomi TV model or found on topical forums (e.g. 4PDA).
Alternative to ADB: Install a launcher with support for Russian, such as the ATV Launcher or HalLauncher. They don't change the system language, but make the interface more friendly.
💡
Before working with ADB, backup the current firmware with the adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab command. This will help restore the system in case of an error.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after a successful language change, users are faced with nuances, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
- 🔠 Keyboard left in English: Go to Settings → Input devices → Virtual keyboard and select Google Keyboard (if installed) or download Gboard from Google Play.
- 📺 Some apps in English: This is normal — the language of the apps depends on their own settings. For example, on Netflix or YouTube, the language changes in the account profile.
- 🔊 Voice assistant doesn't understand Russian: Xiaomi TV voice search works only in English and Chinese. For Russian, use Google Assistant through a separate application.
- 📵 After the update, the language reset: This is a bug of old firmware. Re-select Russian in the settings and disable Auto Update in Settings → On TV.
If after all the manipulations part of the interface remains in a foreign language, check:
- 📌 Firmware version (must be at least 1.5.65 for most models).
- 📌 Region of TV (settings should include Russia or Europe).
- 📌 Root rights (if you received them, it could affect system files).
6. Alternative methods: if nothing helps
If all standard methods have been exhausted and Russian has not appeared, consider these options:
- 🛠️ Installation of custom firmware: On forums 4PDA or XDA Developers have modified firmware with Russian language for popular Xiaomi models TV. For example, for Mi TV 4A MiTV-Russia firmware is suitable. Risk: loss of warranty and possible bugs.
- 🖥️ Use an external device: Connect an Android TV-box (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box S with Russian firmware) or Amazon Fire Stick via the port HDMI. It will be cheaper than buying a new TV.
- 📱 Smartphone control: Install the Mi Remote app on your phone and use it as a remote. In the app, you can choose Russian regardless of the TV settings.
Should I contact the service center?
If the TV is guaranteed, and the Russian language is not in the firmware, you can try to contact the official Xiaomi service. According to the law "On consumer protection" (Article 10), you have the right to demand Russification if the device was sold in the Russian Federation. However, in practice, service centers often refuse to help with software problems, citing "the features of the model."
Before you take the TV for repair, check:
- 📄 Is there a set of documents mentioning Russia (guarantee card, check).
- 🏷️ Whether the model with the index is indicated RU (Like Mi. TV 4S 55 RU).
- 🌍 Is the TV officially sold in Russia (check the serial number on the Xiaomi website).
💡
When buying Xiaomi TV abroad (for example, on AliExpress), check with the seller whether the model supports Russian. Even if the description says "Multilanguage", this does not guarantee the presence of Russian in the firmware.