How to change the language to Xiaomi: instructions for all models (2026)

Changing the interface language on Xiaomi devices is a seemingly simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties. MIUI The system automatically switches to Chinese, and the choice is lost, especially for devices purchased in China or India, where the firmware does not initially contain Russian or European languages.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the language to Xiaomi, Redmi and other languages. POCO — From the basic method through settings to manually adding language packs and even flashing.You'll learn how to get around the limitations of regional versions. MIUI, What to do if the language is reset after the update, and how to return Russian on "Chinese" devices without losing data. MIUI 12 and below.

Before you start, make sure your device is at least 30 percent charged — some operations (like resetting settings) can take time, and back up important data like contacts, photos and account passwords, which insures against loss of information in emergency situations.

1. Standard method: change the language through the MIUI settings

If your device initially supports the desired language (for example, bought in an official Russian or European store), then the easiest way is to use the built-in settings. MIUI 13/14 and most global firmware.

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen) and follow the following steps:

• 📱 Go to the section Additional → Language and input (on some models, the path may look like Settings) → System system → Language and region).
• 🌐 Click on the first item – Language (or Language if the current interface is in English).
• 🔍 Scroll down the list and select the language you want. If you don't have one, tap on Add Language (or Add Language).
• ✅ Confirm your choice by clicking Ready or Apply.

After that, the system will suggest rebooting the device — you can agree. Importantly, if the language resets again after the reboot (for example, in Chinese), this is a sign of regional firmware, in which case you move to the section on circumventing regional restrictions.

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In some models (for example, POCO F5 Or Redmi Note 12, the path to language settings may be different. If you don't find a section, search the settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen) and type "language".

What do you do if the language you want is not on the list? This is typical for Chinese versions. MIUI, where only Chinese and English are available by default, and we'll look at the solutions to this problem in the following sections.

2. Adding missing language without resetting settings

If you don't have Russian, Ukrainian or any other language on the list, but the device supports global firmware, you can try adding a language pack manually. MIUI 12-14 and does not require root rights.

First, check the current version of the firmware:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
2. Pay attention to the last characters in the version number:...CN — Chinese firmware (limited language range)....RU — Russian firmware (full set)....EU — European firmware (many languages)....IN — Indian firmware (English) + local).

If your firmware is Chinese (CN), but the device is unlocked (no binding to the Mi Account), you can install the language package through the APK-- For that, file:

• 📲 Download the language pack file for your version MIUI from a reliable source (e.g. miui.su or xiaomi.eu).
• 📁 Move the downloaded file to the Download folder on your phone.
• 🔧 Install the file as a normal application (allow installation from unknown sources in security settings).
• 🔄 Reset the device.

Download the correct version of the package (corresponding to yours) MIUI)

Check the free space on the device (minimum 500 MB)

Disable the antivirus (can block the installation)

Make a backup copy of the data

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Warning: Installing unofficial language packs can cause system failures, especially if the file is not intended for your model. On devices with a locked bootloader, this method will not work - you will need to unlock.

3. bypassing regional restrictions (for Chinese firmware)

Xiaomi devices designed for the Chinese market are often region-specific, and even after installing the language pack, the system can automatically return Chinese after upgrading or restarting, and there are two reliable solutions:

Method 1: Change region through Mi Account

1. Sign up or sign in to your Mi Account (if the device is unlocked).
2. Go to account.xiaomi.com and change your region to Russia, Ukraine or Europe in your profile settings.
3. On the phone, reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings.
4. After restarting, select the language you want when you first start.

Method 2: Installation of global firmware

If the change of region did not help, it remains to reflash the device to the global version. MIUI. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for power users:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires binding to Mi Account and waiting 7-15 days).
• 📥 Download the correct global firmware for your model from en.miui.com.
• 🛠️ Use the Mi Flash Tool to install firmware in Fastboot mode.
• 🔄 After the firmware, perform a complete data reset.

For models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) The firmware process is different - the utility is used SP Flash Tool. For detailed guides for specific devices, look for forums 4PDA Xiaomi EU.

4.Reset to factory settings for language change

If all previous methods have failed and the device is stuck in Chinese or other unnecessary language, a complete reset will help, which will remove all data from the phone, so make a backup beforehand.

Resetting instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About the Phone. → Recovery and discharge (or additionally) → Recovery and discharge).
3. Select Settings Reset (or Erase All Data).
4. Confirm the action by entering a password (if required).
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the device will reboot and prompt you to configure it as new. At the language selection stage, select the desired option. If the language is missing, then the firmware is still regional and you will need to replace it (see section 3).

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Setting resets don't change the firmware of the device! It just returns the settings to factory values. If the problem is regional firmware, resetting won't help, the language will be reset to Chinese/English again.

Attention:

⚠️ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) After reset, you may need to re-assign to Mi Account. If you forget your account details, the device will remain locked! Before reset, make sure you remember your username and password.

5. Features of changing the language on older versions MIUI

Devices on MIUI 11 and below (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Mi A1 or POCO F1) They have their own nuances when changing languages, and the main problem is the lack of support for new language packages and the reduced settings.

For MIUI 10–11:

• 📌 The path to language settings: Settings → Advanced settings → Language and input → Language.
• 🔄 After changing the language, a double reboot may be required (some interface elements remain in the same language).
• 📱 On some models (such as Mi 8 Lite) you need to clear the Settings cache through Settings to apply the changes. → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Clear the cache.

For MIUI 9 and below:

These versions often do not support manual installation of language packs.

1. Update to a newer version MIUI (if available).
2. Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
3. Use of translation applications (e.g. Google Translate with Screen Translation).

On Mi. A1/A2 (Android One devices) language change is performed through standard Android settings: → System system → Language and input → Languages.

There are no regional restrictions, but there may be no Russian keyboard input – you need to add it separately in the Gboard settings.

6. Solving problems after changing language

Even after a successful language change, users experience side effects such as resetting, missing fonts, or errors in applications. Consider typical problems and solutions.

Problem 1: Part of the interface is still in the same language

This is because of the cached data of the system applications.

• Clear the cache for Settings, Launcher and System applications UI through settings → Annexes → Application management.
• Reset the device.
• If the problem persists, reset the settings (see Section 4).

Problem 2: The keyboard in the correct language is missing

After changing the system language, the keyboard (Gboard or Mi Keyboard) can remain in the same language.

1. Open any input field (for example, in Notes).
2. Put it on the pin on the keyboard. → Languages.
3. Select the language you want and download the package (if required).
4. Turn on swipe languages by space (in keyboard settings).

Problem 3: Apps are painted or not opened

This is typical for Chinese firmware, where some applications (such as Google Play or YouTube) are not certified for the region.

• 🔧 Install Google Installer (for devices without Google services).
• 📥 Download. APK Applications from trusted sources (e.g. APKMirror).
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the global version.

Problem 4: Language resets after update MIUI

This is happening on Chinese firmware, where updates come only for the region. CN. Decisions:

1. Turn off automatic update in Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Settings → Auto Update.
2. Install an update blocker (e.g., the Disable Service app to disable com.android.updater).
3. Refuse the device to the global version.

7. Alternative methods: translation of the interface without changing the language

If it is not possible to change the system language (e.g., on a locked device), alternative methods may be used:

Method 1: Translation applications

• 🌍 Google Translate – Screen Translate (available via the camera icon in the app).
• 📱 Microsoft Translator – Supports offline and camera translation.
• 🔤 Translator – recognizes text from the screen and translates in real time.

Method 2: Castom launchers

Some launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Action Launcher) allow you to change the interface language regardless of the system.

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. In the launcher settings, find the Language section and select the desired one.
3. Make the launcher a standard app for the home screen.

Method 3: ADB-language-change command

For experienced users: you can manually change the language settings through ADB. Connect the device to the PC and execute:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings$LanguageSettingsActivity


adb shell settings put system system_locales ru-RU

Then restart the device.

⚠️ Misuse ADB-This method is only recommended if you understand what you're doing and you have a backup of the data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the language to Xiaomi