Xiaomi TVs have gained popularity due to the combination of affordable prices and modern technologies, but many users face a problem: after buying the device is in Chinese or English. TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X or Mi TV Q1. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the language of the interface to Russian, including hidden settings and alternative methods for โun-Russifiedโ versions.
It is important to understand that the process differs depending on the firmware version. MIUI TV And regionally, for example, televisions for the European market (EEA) Russian is usually supported out of the box, while Asian versions are usually supported (CN) We'll look at the solutions for both cases, and we'll also talk about what to do if Russian is not on the list of available languages.
If you've just unpacked your TV and you see some strange characters, don't panic. 90 percent of the time, it's solved in 5 minutes with a standard menu. The other 10 percent have advanced techniques, including manually adding language packs. Let's start with the simplest.
1. Standard method: changing the language through settings
This method works for most Xiaomi Mi models. TV Redmi Smart TV, Post-2019 (Firmware) MIUI TV If your TV supports Russian in the standard list of languages, follow this instruction:
1. On the remote, press the button Settings (cogs) or Menu (three horizontal lines).
2. Go to the System section โ Language and Region (in Chinese) โ ).
3. Select the Language item.
4. Scroll down the list before the Russian language appears.
5. Confirm the selection and wait for the TV to restart (usually takes a lot of time). 10-20 seconds).
If the interface is in a foreign language after these actions, check:
- ๐ Firmware Version: Go to Settings โ About โ System version. for Russian language required MIUI TV 2.0.18 or later.
- ๐ Regional settings: in the same Language & Region menu, make sure the country is listed as Russia or Ukraine (for some models).
- ๐ฆ Updates available: in Settings โ System Update Check the Relevance of the Software.
โ๏ธ Preparation for language change
On some models (e.g., Mi) TV 4A 32) a language item may be hidden behind an additional menu. If you don't find a Language section, try it:
- Press Menu. โ All Settings โ General โ Language & Input.
- Or use voice search (button with microphone on the remote) and say "Language settings".
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On Xiaomi remotes, the Menu button is often paired with the Home button. Press it for 3 seconds to open the full settings menu.
2 If Russian is not on the list: hidden settings
Sometimes, there is no Russian on the language menu, although the TV supports it at the software level, which is typical for gray deliveries or firmware models in Asia (CN ROM). In this case, it will help to activate the hidden mode of the developer:
1.Open Settings โ About โ System version (in Chinese: โ โ ).
2. Quickly press 7 times in a row on the line with the build number. the notification "Developer mode enabled" will appear.
3. Return to the main settings menu, and a new Developer options section will appear there.
4. Go to it and find Force enable all languages. Activate it.
5.Reboot the TV and re-check the language list in Language & Region.
This method works on firmware. MIUI TV 1.6-2.3 If after the activation of the developer mode Russian did not appear, try an alternative method through the ADB-commands (described in section 4).
What to do if there is no "Developer options" item
โ ๏ธ Note: Enabling the Developer Mode may cause some features to crash, such as Google Play Services or Chromecast. After changing the language, we recommend turning this mode off in the settings.
3. Manual addition of Russian through files
For older models (Mi) TV 3/3S, Mi TV 4 55" firmware 2018 or custom firmware devices may require manual installation of a language packet, which is technically more complex but effective in the 95% case.
You'll need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- ๐ USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
- ๐ Archive with Russian language for your model (you can download on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
- ๐ ๏ธ Programme ADB Tools (download from the official Android website).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the archive with a language pack (usually a file with the.apk or.zip extension).
- Connect the TV to your computer through USB-port (side or back of the TV).
- Open the command line (Win) + R โ cmd) and type: adb devices If the device is not defined, install Mi drivers TV ADB Driver.
- Install the language package with the command: adb install path_to_file/ru_language.apk Replace. path_to_file real-world path to the file.
- Reboot the TV with the command: adb reboot
After the restart, the Russian language should appear in the settings. INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK, signifier:
- ๐ด Language Package File is Not Suitable for Your Model.
- ๐ด TV firmware modified (for example, installed Custom) ROM).
- ๐ด Lack of rights (you need to get root access, which is risky).
4. Changing the language through ADB-teams (advanced method)
If the previous methods did not work, you can force the system language to change through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is universal and works even on blocked firmware, but requires accuracy.
Preparation:
- Put the debugging on. USB on TV: Settings โ Developer options โ USB debugging.
- Connect the TV to your computer and confirm your confidence in the device on the TV screen.
- Open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
Language change commands:
adb shell
settings put system system_locales ru-RU
settings put system system_locale ru-RU
settings put secure user_setup_complete 1
rebootIf the interface is still in English/Chinese after the reboot, try the alternative command:
adb shell am start -a android.settings.LOCALE_SETTINGSIt will open a hidden menu of languages where Russian can appear.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can cause the TV to reset to factory settings or loss of warranty. Don't type commands you don't understand. factory_reset Completely clear all data!
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ADB-It's the most reliable method for "un-Russified" models, but it takes care. Always check the commands before running them.
5. Update of firmware to add Russian
On some Xiaomi TVs (especially Mi) TV 4C, Mi TV 4A 2018-2019) Russian only appears after updating the firmware to the current version:
1. Check the current version of the software in Settings โ About โ System version.
2. Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (section Mi). TV ROM) or verified sources (4PDA).
3. Save the firmware file (usually.zip) to the flash drive formatted into FAT32.
4. Put the flash drive in USB-Port of TV and go to Settings โ System Update โ Update via USB.
Important: Firmware is divided into types:
| Type of firmware | Description | Supports Russian? |
|---|---|---|
| Stable (EEA) | Official European version | โ Yes. |
| Stable (CN) | Chinese version | โ No (more action needed) |
| Developer | Test firmware | โ ๏ธ Possibly (unstable) |
| Custom ROM | Unofficial firmware | โ Depends on the build. |
If you are updating the firmware with CN on EEA, consider:
- ๐ All data and settings will be reset.
- ๐ Internet connection is required to activate.
- ๐บ Possible loss of features specific to China (for example, some streaming services).
How to tell EEA-firmware CN
6. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps
In rare cases (usually on very old or modified models), language change is not possible with standard methods, and workarounds come to the rescue:
1. Use of Google Assistant to manage:
- ๐ค Connect the voice assistant via Settings โ Accounts & Sign in โ Google.
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Give commands in Russian, such as โOpen Netflixโ or โGrow Volume".
- ๐ฑ Install the Google Home app on your smartphone for remote control.
Installation of a launcher with a Russian interface:
Some users install alternative shells, for example, ATV Launcher or TV Launcher that supports Russian:
- Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings โ Security โ Unknown sources.
- Download. APK Launcher on the flash drive and install through File Manager.
- Assign a new launcher standard in Settings โ Apps โ Default apps.
Connection of external devices:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Use Android. TV Box (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box S) with Russian interface connected to TV via HDMI.
- ๐ฎ Put the console on. NVIDIA Shield or Amazon Fire TV Stick โ they have complete Russification.
4. Contact the service center:
If the TV is guaranteed and independent attempts have not been successful, contact the authorized Xiaomi service. In Russia and CIS countries, many centers are free to sew devices for the local market.
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Before visiting the service, make a backup of settings through Settings โ Backup & Reset โ Local Backup: This will save your apps and accounts.
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
When changing languages, users often face typical problems, and we've collected the most common and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Russian is on the list, but not used. | System cache failure | Get in to the Settings. โ Apps โ System UI โ Storage โ Clear Cache |
| After the change of language, some applications remained in English. | Application language is linked to the account | Go to the settings of each application and manually select Russian |
| ADB doesn't see TV | No drivers or debugging not included | Set up Mi. TV ADB Driver and check if it is on USB debugging |
| After the firmware update, the TV does not turn on | Incompatible version of the software | Restore the firmware through Fastboot (instructions for 4PDA) |
| No "Language" item in the settings | Cut down firmware for hotels/advertising | It requires a complete re-flash through USB or OTA |
If after all the manipulations the Russian language has not appeared, check:
- ๐ TV model: some budget series (Mi) TV 4C 32" for China" does not physically support Russian.
- ๐ Release Date: Models older than 2017 may require manual firmware via Fastboot.
- ๐ bootloader status: on Locked Bootloader, language change is limited.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On TVs with firmware MIUI TV 3.0+ (Released after 2020, the attempt to manually change language files can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account.