How to Russify Xiaomi TV: 5 Proven Ways (2026)

Xiaomi TVs have gained popularity thanks to a combination of affordable prices and modern technology, but many users face the problem of the lack of Russian in the firmware. Even if you bought the device from an official Russian store, after resetting or updating the software, the system can “fly” to English or Chinese. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of Russification, from standard settings to manual intervention in firmware.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the TV model (Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Redmi Smart TV, etc.) and the version of MIUI TV. We tested the instructions on the firmware of 2023-2026 and took into account the nuances for different regions. If your TV is released before 2020, some methods may not work, we will warn you about this in advance.

Before you start, check the current version of the software: go to Settings → About → System update. If you have a version older than MIUI TV 3.0, first update the TV over the Internet or manually - this will increase the chances of successful Russification.

1. Official method: changing the language in the settings

The easiest method is to use built-in localization options, which works on most models released after 2021, but may not be available on devices for the Chinese market (CN-version).

Instructions:

• 📺 Turn on the TV and go to the main menu (Home button on the remote).
• 🔧 Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
• 🌐 Select Language & Region (or System) → Language on older versions).
• 🇷🇺 Scroll through the list of languages and find Russian. If you don't have one, try Ukrainian as a temporary solution.

If Russian is not on the list, then your firmware does not support it out of the box. In this case, move on to the following methods. Do not try to install the language through third-party applications (for example, MoreLocale 2) - on MIUI TV this will not work and may cause crashes.

2. Russification through firmware update (OTA)

If the settings don’t have Russian, but the TV supports air-to-air updates (OTA), try updating your firmware to the latest version.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your TV to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
2. Go to Settings → About → System Update.
3. Click Check for updates and wait for the search.
4. If you find an update, install it. After the reboot, check the list of languages - Russian localization may appear.

If automatic updates don’t help, try the forced installation of global firmware:

• 🔗 Download the latest version of the software for your model from the official Xiaomi website (select the section). TV).
• 💾 Save the file to the flash drive in format FAT32 (File name don't change!).
• 📁 Connect the flash drive to the TV and go to Settings → About → System update → Update via USB.

⚠️ Note: Do not use firmware from unofficial sources (4PDA, They can contain viruses or incorrect translations that will cause the TV to turn off or stop turning on. Official global builds are always safer.

3. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

Sometimes Russian is “hidden” because of a failure in the settings of the region, in which case a complete reset of the TV helps. All your data (accounts, apps, settings) will be deleted, so write down important information in advance.

How to make a Hard Reset:

• 🔄 Go to the Settings → Device Preferences → Reset.
• 🔐 Select Factory Data Reset and confirm the action (it may require input) PIN-code).
• ⏳ Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).
• 🌍 When you first set up, choose Russia or Belarus region – this will increase the chances of the Russian language appearing.

If the language never appeared after the reset, then the problem lies in the firmware itself, in which case only manual installation of the localized version of the software will help (see the next section).

Save the list of installed applications (take a screen picture)

Record the username and password from the Mi Account

Disconnect the TV from the network (Wi-Fi/Ethernet) after reset to avoid automatic updates

Prepare the remote control (replace the batteries if necessary)-->

4. Installation of Russified firmware manually

This method is suitable for advanced users and requires care, and we will consider two options: through the recavers (for older models) and through the Fastboot (for new ones).

Important: The wrong actions can lead to the "bricking" of the TV. If you are not sure of your abilities, contact the service center.

Method 1: Firmware through Recovery

Suitable for Mi TV 4S, Mi TV 4A (2018-2020) models.

• 🔌 Download firmware with Russian from the official website (look for files marked with a note). RU or Global).
• 💽 Rename the file to update.zip And save it on the flash drive (FAT32).
• 🔄 Turn off the TV, then press and hold the Power buttons. + Menu on the remote until the Recovery menu appears.
• 📁 Select Apply update from USB And point the way to the file.

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (for new models)

Relevant for the Mi TV Q1, Redmi Smart TV X (2021-2026) will require a computer with the Mi Flash Tool installed.

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (choose Global or EEA).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Connect the TV to the PC via USB-slab (usually located on the back panel).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware erases all data and can block the TV if you choose the wrong version of the software. → About → Model) and check the firmware name.

5. Alternative methods: if nothing helps

If none of these methods work, there are some non-standard solutions that are less reliable, but sometimes they save you in desperate situations.

Method 1: Use of Google Assistant

On TVs with Google TV (e.g. Mi TV Q2), you can control your voice in Russian:

• 🎤 Press the microphone button on the remote and say: Change your language to Russian».
• 🔍 The assistant may suggest switching to the language settings or even changing it yourself.

Method 2: Installation of a third-party launcher

Some users install alternative shells (such as ATV Launcher or Wolf Launcher) that support Russian.

• ✅ The launcher menu will be in Russian.
• ❌ System settings will remain in English/Chinese.
• ⚠️ The remote and some functions may be affected.

Method 3: Connecting a keyboard with a Russian layout

If you need to type text (for example, to search on YouTube), connect a keyboard with a Russian layout via Bluetooth. This does not Russify the interface, but will simplify navigation.

💡

Alternative methods are a temporary solution, and full Russification will still require a firmware update or a reset.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you Russify Xiaomi TVs, you're going to have a common mistake, and we've collected some of the most common and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: After the update, the language reset to Chinese

This happens if the TV "thinks" it's in China.

• 📍 Go to the Settings → Location and choose Russia or Belarus.
• 🔄 Reset your settings (see Section 3).

Problem 2: Cannot install the firmware from the flash drive

Causes and solutions:

• 🚫 Incorrect format of the flash drive: use only FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS).
• 🔌 Port port USB Not working: Try another port or flash drive.
• 📁 Wrong File Name: Recovery must be update.zip, for OTA — original name from the site.

Problem 3: The TV doesn't turn on after the firmware is installed

If the screen is black or the Mi logo is on for more than 10 minutes:

• ⚡ Turn off the power for 1-2 minutes, then turn it on again.
• 🔌 Try another power outlet or power cable.
• 📞 If nothing helps, contact the service center - you may need to flash through the JTAG.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions