Russification of the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S Chinese version: the complete guide

Xiaomi Mi TV 4S Chinese-built TVs often come with firmware that does not have Russian, which creates problems for users unfamiliar with the English or Chinese interface. Unlike the global versions, Chinese models require additional manipulations to change the language. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods of Russification, from official updates to alternative methods using third-party tools.

Many owners are faced with the myth that Russification is possible only through flashing. In fact, in most cases, it is enough to update the software over the Internet or manually download a local package. However, it is important to consider the firmware version and the region of the TV - this depends on the availability of Russian. If you purchased Xiaomi Mi TV 4S on Chinese sites (for example, AliExpress or Gearbest), the probability of the absence of Russian in standard firmware is about 90%.

Before you start changing the language, make sure your TV is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, which is critical for downloading updates and avoiding crashes. USB-format-storage FAT32 — You will need it for manual installation of the firmware.

1. Check the current firmware version and region

The first step is to determine which firmware is installed on your Xiaomi Mi TV 4S. This depends on whether you can add Russian through a standard update or whether alternative methods are required.

1. Press the Menu button on the remote.
2. Select Settings (cog icon).
3. Go to About → System Update.
4. Remember or write down the firmware version (e.g. MSA20.1.1).

If the firmware name has the letters CN (e.g. MSA20.1.1.CN), it means that the device is intended for the Chinese market. In such cases, Russian is usually not in the standard settings. Global versions (MI or IN in the title) already contain a lot of language support.

If your firmware is older than 2021, the likelihood of successful Russification through an upgrade is reduced, in which case it is recommended to use methods with manual firmware installation or changing the region through ADB.

⚠️ Note: Some Chinese firmware blocks the installation of global updates. If after trying to update the TV gives an Update failed error, you will need to reset to factory settings or use Fastboot.

2. Method 1: Updating the firmware via the Internet (official method)

The easiest way to Russify is to update the firmware through the built-in update feature, which works if:

• 🌐 The TV is connected to the Internet.
• 🔄 A new version of the firmware with support for the Russian language.
• 📦 Free memory capacity of at least 500 MB.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About → System Update.
2. Press Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, confirm the installation.
4. Wait until the TV is finished (the TV will restart automatically).

After the update, check for Russian in Settings → Language. If the language does not appear, then your model does not support Russification through a standard update.

Check Internet connection |Free at least 500 MB of memory |Connect the TV to an uninterruptible power source |Do not press the remote buttons during the update

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Important: If the TV is stuck on the Mi logo after the update, wait 10-15 minutes. If the problem persists, reset via Menu + Power (hold 30 seconds).

Method 2: Manual installation of firmware via USB

If automatic updates don't work, you can manually install the firmware.

• 💾 USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32).
• 📥 Firmware for Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (global).
• 🔌 Stable power (do not turn off the TV during the process!).

Where to download the firmware:

• 🔗 Xiaomi official website (support section for Mi) TV 4S).
• 🔗 Forum 4PDA (Topics on Xiaomi Russification TV).
• 🔗 XDA Developers (for experienced users).

Installation instructions:

1. Download the archive with firmware (for example, mi_tv_4s_global_v2.1.0.zip).
2. Unpack the archive and copy the file update.zip root USB-storage.
3. Put the flash drive in the TV.
4. Go to Settings → About → System update → Update via USB.
5. Select the file and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Note: Install firmware from another model (e.g. Mi) TV 4A instead 4S) Check the exact model name in Settings before downloading. → About → Model.

Method 3: Changing Regions Through ADB (for Power Users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try changing the region of the TV through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the TV to the computer and knowing the command line.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB-A → Micro-USB (to connect to the TV service port).
• 📦 Utility. ADB (Download from the Android Developers website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn it on. ADB-debugging on TV: Settings → About → Android TV OS build (click 7 times) Settings → Developer options → Enable ADB debugging
2. Connect the TV to your computer via USB.
3. Open the command line and enter: Adb devices (the device should be displayed).
4. Follow the command to change the region: adb shell setprop persist.sys.country RU adb shell setprop persist.sys.locale en-RU adb reboot

After the reboot, check for Russian in the settings. If the language does not appear, try installing global firmware through ADB Sideload:

adb sideload update.zip

Note: Some firmware may reset Xiaomi account binding after changing region through ADB. Save login details in advance.

5. Method 4: Installation of third-party launchers with support for Russian

If the system interface is not Russified, you can install an alternative launcher (for example, ATV Launcher or Wolf Launcher), which will not change the language of the system menus, but will make the main screen and navigation on applications Russian-speaking.

How to determine:

1. Download. APK-launcher USB-accumulator.
2. Put the flash drive in the TV.
3. Open File Manager and install APK.
4. In the settings, select the new default launcher.

Popular launchers with Russian language:

• 📱 ATV Launcher - Simple and fast.
• 🐺 Wolf Launcher - Customized Interface.
• 🎮 Hal Launcher – Optimized for gaming consoles.

⚠️ Note: Installing third-party launchers may conflict with system updates. Before installing, disable automatic updates in Settings → Apps → System apps → Updater.

Possible errors and their solutions

When russification Xiaomi Mi TV 4S users often face typical problems, let’s consider the most common and ways to fix them.

If the TV is running slower after the update:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Apps → See all apps → (select the application) → Clear cache.
• 🔄 Perform reset to factory settings.
• 📥 Install a lighter firmware (for example, MIUI TV Lite).

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If you lose audio in some applications after Russification, check the audio output settings in Settings → Sound → Digital audio format. Set the Auto or PCM value.

7. Alternative methods: flashing through Fastboot

If all previous methods failed, the last option is Fastboot flashing, which requires disassembling the TV to connect to the service port and experience with Fastboot commands.

What you need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver for disassembling the back cover.
• 🖥️ Computer with Fastboot installed.
• 📥 Firmware in.img format for Mi TV 4S.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the TV.
2. Remove the back cover and find a service USB-port (usually near the motherboard).
3. Connect the TV to your computer and start the Fastboot.
4. Fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot reboot

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Fastboot flashing will void the warranty and may cause permanent damage to the TV. Use this method only if other options are exhausted.

After flashing the TV back to factory settings, you will need to reconfigure Wi-Fi, Xiaomi account and other settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the russification of Xiaomi Mi TV 4S