How to change the language on the phone Xiaomi: all the ways + mistake-making

Changing the interface language on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that one in five users of the brand face, and the reasons are different: buying a device with foreign firmware, accidentally changing your settings or wanting to learn a new language. MIUI There are nuances: from hidden menu items to problems with the lack of Russian in some regional versions.

Many people mistakenly think that to change the language, you just need to go to the settings and choose the desired option from the list. POCO F5, There may be no Russian in firmware for India or China, and this article covers all the relevant ways, from basic menu modification to manually adding language packs through the Internet. ADB. We will also analyze the typical errors and give recommendations for specific models.

If you just bought a Xiaomi phone with foreign firmware (such as the global version for India), do not rush to bring it to the service. 90% In some cases, the language can be changed independently. 2-3 The key is to know where to look for the right settings and what to do if the desired language is not on the list.

1. Standard method: changing the language through settings MIUI

It is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO firmware MIUI 12-15 Suitable for smartphones with an already installed Russian or English interface, when you need to switch to another available language.

The instructions are relevant for models:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra (MIUI 14/15)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi Note 12/11/10 Pro (all modifications)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ POCO F5/X5 Pro (Global and European versions)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi Pad 6 and other tablets

To change the language:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Scroll down and select Additional Settings (on some models, System and Device).
  3. Go to Language and Input (or Language and Region)
  4. Click on the first item - Language (may be called System Language).
  5. In the list of available languages, select the desired one (for example, Russian (Russia) or English (United States)).
  6. Confirm the change by clicking Ready or OK.

โ˜‘๏ธ What to check before changing the language

Done: 0 / 4

After restarting (if required) the interface MIUI Please note that some system applications (such as Theme or Security) may remain in the same language โ€“ this is normal and is corrected by updating through the Play Market.

2 If the desired language is not in the list: add manually

The situation when the menu is not Russian, Ukrainian or other required language, typical for smartphones with firmware for specific regions.

  • ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ Indian versions (Redmi 12 India) English and local languages only.
  • ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ Chinese models (Xiaomi 14 China) โ€“ Chinese and English only.
  • ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ European devices may not be Russian due to sanctions restrictions.

There are three solutions: install the language package through the MIUI bootloader, use ADB Or you can try the phone on a global version, and let's look at the first one, which is the safest way to do that, and it doesn't require unlocking the bootloader.

Method 1: Installation of a language pack through MIUI bootloader

This is the official method from Xiaomi, which works on most devices with the MIUI 13-15, you're gonna need it:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Stable Wi-Fi connection (package weighs 50-150 MB).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery charge of at least 50%.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Mi Account (not required, but recommended).

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ The phone.
  2. Press the MIUI version 7 times to activate the developer mode (if not already activated).
  3. Go back to the main settings and select Additional settings. โ†’ Language and input โ†’ Language.
  4. At the bottom of the screen, click Add Language (or Download Languages).
  5. In the list, find the desired language (for example, Russian) and click Download.
  6. After downloading, restart the phone.
What if there is no "Add Language" button?
If you don't have language download options on your menu, it means your firmware doesn't support dynamic addition, leaving you with two options: manually installing through the app. ADB (see next section) or complete global/European reflash MIUI.

Important: on some models (e.g. Redmi) A2 or POCO M5) Language downloads can be blocked by the manufacturer, and only flashing will help.

Method 2: Manually Adding Language Through ADB (For Advanced)

This method requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with the ADB. He's a good fit if:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง There is no option to download languages in the menu.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ The language is not available even after the update. MIUI.
  • ๐Ÿ”“ You have an unlocked bootloader (not necessarily, but simplifies the process).

Instructions:

  1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
  2. Activate Developer Mode on your phone (see step 2 of the previous method).
  3. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the adb folder.
  5. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
  6. Download the language package (file with the extension.apkm or.xapk) for your Xiaomi model from trusted sources (e.g. Xiaomi.eu).
  7. Install the package through ADB: adb install name file.apkm
  8. Reboot the phone.

๐Ÿ’ก

If, after setting the language, ADB it does not appear in the settings, try to clear the Settings app cache (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Settings โ†’ Clear the cache).

3. Change of language on blocked firmware (China, India)

Xiaomi smartphones sold in China or India often have a limited set of languages due to local laws, such as Chinese firmware (China). ROM) By default, only Chinese and English are available, and in Indian, English and Hindi are available, so you have to use workarounds to add Russian or another language.

Options:

MethodDifficultyPC requiredRisk of data lossSuitable for
Installation of the language package through MIUI bootloaderโญโŒ No.โŒ No.MIUI 13โ€“15 (Global/European versions)
Manual installation via ADBโญโญโญโœ… Yes.โŒ No.Any firmware with an unlocked loader
Reflashing to Global MIUIโญโญโญโญโœ… Yes.โœ… Yes (backup recommended)All models except Chinese with blocked bootloader
Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex)โญโญโŒ No.โŒ No.Any firmware (partial solution)

The most reliable way for Chinese firmware is to reflash to the global version MIUI. This will remove all language restrictions, but will require unlocking the bootloader and may result in loss of warranty.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Xiaomi 13/14 Series
Redmi Note 12/11
POCO F5/X5
Another model
I don't know.

4. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you change language to Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Error 1: After changing the language, some applications remain in the same language.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Solution: Update problematic apps via Play Market or App Store (for Xiaomi with Google services).
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ If the update doesnโ€™t help, clear the appโ€™s cache in the settings.

Mistake 2: There is no Russian in the list of languages, although the firmware is global.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Solution: Check for updates MIUI In Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง If you donโ€™t have any updates, try changing the region to Russia or Ukraine in the language settings.

Error 3: After flashing the language changed, but some system menus remained in English.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Solution: Make a reset settings (Settings) โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Recovery and discharge โ†’ Resetting settings).
  • โš ๏ธ Note: Before resetting, save all data as it will be deleted.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the language does not change after all the manipulations, check the version. MIUI. On some old firmware (MIUI 11 and below) may require a full flashing to the current version.

5. Features for specific models

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when changing the language.

Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra (MIUI 14/15):

    Redmi Note 12 Pro+/12 Pro:

      POCO F5/X5 Pro:

      • ๐ŸŒ In the global version, Russian is by default, but may not be available in the European version (EEA).
      • ๐Ÿ“ฆ You can use the language to add ADB loader-free.

      Xiaomi Pad 6/6 Pro:

      • ๐Ÿ“ฑ On tablets, the path to language settings may be different: Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Language and input.
      • ๐Ÿ”„ After changing the language, a reboot may be required to display the keyboard correctly.

      ๐Ÿ’ก

      On Redmi models A2 and POCO C55 (In the case of low-end smartphones, the language menu is simplified. If you don't have the right language, try installing a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) that supports multitasking.

      6. Alternative methods: third-party launchers and applications

      If you can't change the language of the system (for example, on blocked Chinese firmware), you can use workarounds. MIUI It is completely, but makes the interface more understandable.

      Method 1: Installation of a third-party launcher

      • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Apps like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher allow you to change the language of menus and inscriptions on the desktop.
      • ๐ŸŒ The launcher language changes in its settings, regardless of the system.

      Method 2: Translation applications

      • ๐ŸŒ Google Translate or Microsoft Translator can translate text from the screen in real time through the camera.
      • ๐Ÿ” For permanent use, it is convenient to add a translator widget to the main screen.

      Method 3: Changing the language in individual applications

      • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Many apps (such as WhatsApp, Telegram) allow you to change the language regardless of the system.
      • ๐Ÿ”ง To do this, go to the settings of a particular application and find the Language section.

      These methods will not replace a full-fledged language change. MIUI, This will help to solve the problem temporarily if other methods are not available.

      7 How to Get Your Old Language Back If Something Has Go Wrong

      If after changing the language, the interface became incomprehensible or errors occurred, you can return everything back in several ways:

      Method 1: Settings (if the menu is still clear)

      1. Open the settings (cog icon).
      2. Find the section with the Globe icon (usually Language and Input).
      3. Select the previous language from the list.

      Method 2: Resetting language settings

      1. Go to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Recovery and Reset.
      2. Select Reset language and keyboard settings.
      3. Confirm the action.

      Method 3: Complete reset to factory settings

      • โš ๏ธ Warning: This method will remove all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only as a last resort.
      • ๐Ÿ”„ Before reset, make a backup through Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Backup.
      • ๐Ÿ“ฑ For reset, go to Settings. โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Recovery and discharge โ†’ Resetting settings.

      ๐Ÿ’ก

      If the language is changed to unwanted again after the reset, it means that the firmware of the phone is tied to a specific region, in which case only flashing to the global version will help. MIUI.

      FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

      Can I change the language to Xiaomi without a computer?
      Yes, in most cases, you don't need a computer, and if you have the language you want, you can select it directly on your phone. If you don't have a language, try downloading it through the phone. MIUI bootloader (see section 2) The computer will only be needed for manual installation through ADB or-flashing.
      Why did the Russian language disappear after the MIUI update?
      This is a typical problem for regional firmware. Once updated, the system can reset the language settings to the standard for your region. Solution: Check if Russian is on the list of languages (Settings) โ†’ Language and input. If not available, download the language packet through MIUI If the package is not installed, reset the settings (see section 7).
      How to change the language to Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader?
      If the bootloader is locked, you have three options: Use MIUI bootloader to download the language package (if available); Install a third-party launcher with support for the desired language; contact the service center for official flashing (may cancel the warranty); Manual installation through ADB on a blocked loader is not possible.
      Can I add a language that is not on the list? MIUI bootloader?
      Technically yes, but it requires manual installation of the language packet through ADB or re-flashing to the custom version MIUI (Xiaomi does not officially support adding languages that are not available in the MIUI bootloader. โš ๏ธ Warning: Installing unofficial language packs may cause system failures.
      After the language change, some functions stopped working.
      This can happen if: Language packet is installed incorrectly (e.g., via third-party sources); phone firmware is incompatible with the language chosen; changes have failed; Solutions: Return the old language and check if functions have recovered; Clear the system cache (Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Memory. โ†’ If the problem persists, reset the settings (see section 7).