Xiaomi’s Chinese smartphones often come with Chinese pre-installed interface language, even if the device is officially intended for the global market, a problem that is especially relevant for models bought on AliExpress, from Chinese online stores or brought from trips. The Chinese version of MIUI China firmware not only restricts language choices, but also contains unnecessary services, advertising, and sometimes blocks access to Google Play.
In this article, we’ll cover all the current ways to remove Chinese from simple settings to complete flashing, learn how to change region, install global firmware, circumvent manufacturer restrictions and avoid typical errors. Instructions are suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on MIUI 14/15 and the new HyperOS (2026).
Why Xiaomi is Chinese and can it be removed?
The main reason for the emergence of Chinese is regional firmware, and the manufacturer produces several versions of the software for different markets:
- 🇨🇳 MIUI China – only Chinese and English, no Google services, a lot of built-in advertising.
- 🌍 MIUI Global - support 50+ Languages, including Russian, full integration with Google.
- 🇪🇺 MIUI EEA — European version without some Chinese services.
- 🇷🇺 MIUI Russia – localized version with pre-installed Russian services (Yandex, Mail.ru).
You can't just delete Chinese through Language and Enter settings - only 2 languages are available in MIUI China: Chinese and English (En). Even if you choose English, many system notifications, applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video) and services (Mi Account, Mi Cloud) will remain in Chinese.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the region in settings (e.g. India or Singapore) doesn’t add Russian.It’s a myth that this trick only works to unlock some features, but doesn’t change the firmware.
If your device is new and not activated yet, you have the chance to change the region when you first set it up.
- At the language selection stage, tap the corner of the screen 5 times (hidden menu is activated).
- Select Global or Russia from the list of regions.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and wait for the global firmware to load.
If this method does not work, move on to more radical methods.
Method 1: Change the region through settings (without firmware)
This method is suitable for devices with MIUI Global, where Russian is on the list, but the default is Chinese. If you have MIUI China, skip this section and go to the firmware.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Additional → Language and Input → Language.
- In the list, find Russian (Russia) or English (United States).
- If there is no Russian, tap Add language and select it manually.
- Drag Russian to the first position on the list.
After changing the language, some applications (Mi Community, Themes) may remain in Chinese to fix this:
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
- 📲 Update problematic apps via Google Play or App Store.
- 🗑️ Remove unnecessary Chinese services (e.g. Mi Pay, Xiaomi Mall) via Settings → Annexes → Application management.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) After changing the language, it can disappear. 5G. This is a firmware bug – fixed by updating or resetting to factory settings.
☑️ Preparations for regional change
Method 2: Install global firmware through Recovery
If your Xiaomi is running MIUI China, the only reliable way to add Russian is to reflash the device to the global version, a method that doesn’t require unlocking the bootloader, but is only suitable for official firmware.
Step-by-step:
- Download the correct firmware from en.miui.com. Choose the Global version or EEA For your model (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Pro+ 5G → ruby_global_images...).
- Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the phone’s root directory (not folders!).
- Open the Updater app, click on three dots → Select a firmware file.
- Select update.zip and confirm installation. The phone will reboot to Recovery and start firmware.
| Xiaomi model | Firmware code | Supported languages |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | rubens_global | Russian, English, 40+ |
| POCO X5 Pro | redwood_global | Russian, English, 45+ |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | taoyao_global | Russian, English, 50+ |
| Redmi K60 | mondrian_global | Russian, English, 35+ |
After the firmware:
- 🔄 The phone will automatically restart (can take 5-10 minutes).
- 📱 In the settings will appear Russian language and Google services.
- 🔐 You can link to Mi Account – use an account with the region Russia or Global.
⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MI longer than 15 minutes – reset via Recovery (clip the power supply) + Loudness up).
💡
Before the firmware check the version MIUI Settings menu→The phone.→Version. MIUI. If the current version is newer than the downloaded firmware, the installation may be blocked. In this case, use the method of unlocking the bootloader.
Method 3: Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware
If the official global firmware isn’t available for your model (e.g., Xiaomi Civi 3 or Redmi K70), you’ll have to unlock the bootloader and install the firmware manually, a method that’s more complicated but gives you complete control over the device.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
- 🔌 Cable USB (original!).
- 📱 Mi Account linked to the phone (required!).
- 🛠️ Mi Unlock Tool, Xiaomi Flash Tool, ADB Drivers.
Steps:
- Unlock the bootloader: Enable Developer Mode (7 times tap the Version) MIUI Activate the settings. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB. Connect your phone to your PC, start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions (you’ll have to wait 7-14 days to unlock).
- Install firmware: Download Fastboot firmware for your model (for example, toco_global_images... for POCO F5). Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC. Launch Xiaomi Flash Tool, select a folder with firmware and click Flash.
Important: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data will be reset and Xiaomi’s warranty is canceled, and some features (such as the Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD) may stop working.
What to do if Mi Unlock Tool says "Couldn't unlock"
Method 4: Use Multilang Patches (for power users)
If you don't want to flash your phone but you need Russian, you can install a multilingual patch over Chinese firmware, which doesn't work on all models and can cause system instability, but sometimes it's the only way out.
Instructions:
- Download the patch for your model from the 4PDA forum or Xiaomi.eu (look for themes marked [Multilang]).
- Install the patch through TWRP Recovery (unlocked bootloader required).
- After installation, clean the cache (Wipe) → Dalvik/ART Cache).
Pros of the method:
- ✅ It doesn't require a complete reflashing.
- ✅ Save data (but it’s better to do a backup!).
Cons:
- ❌ Possible interface glitches.
- ❌ Not all system applications will be translated.
- ❌ After updating MIUI patch flies.
💡
Multilang patches are only suitable for firmware based on Android 12 and later. On older versions (Android 10/11) they will not work.
Method 5: Buying a phone with global firmware - how not to run into the Chinese version
If you haven’t bought a smartphone yet, but you’re planning to buy Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, look at the box and firmware labeling. Here’s how to distinguish the global version from the Chinese version:
| Sign. | Global/EEA | China |
|---|---|---|
| The inscription on the box | Global Version, EEA | China, hieroglyphs |
| Colour of the box | Black/white with the model logo | Red or gold |
| Pre-installed annexes | Google Play, YouTube, Chrome | Mi App Store, Baidu, Weibo |
| IMEI on the sticker | Starts with 86 or 35. | Only 86. |
Where is it safe to buy:
- 🛒 Official stores: Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video (12-month warranty).
- 🌍 Global retailers: Amazon, AliExpress (choose sellers rated 98%+ and marked Global ROM).
- ⚠️ Avoid: Taobao, JD.com, local Chinese shops - there's almost always a place MIUI China.
If you are buying from hand (for example, on Avito or Yula), be sure to check:
Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUIYou must be provided with Global, EEA or RU. If you see China, you must not purchase.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When deleting Chinese, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- Error "This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device" Reason: You are trying to install firmware not for your model. Solution: Check the exact model name in Settings → About phone → Model name (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ are different devices!).
- The phone is stuck on the logo after firmware Reason: Incompatible firmware or interrupted process Solution: Press Power + Volume up to log into Recovery, then select Wipe Data.
- After the region shift, 5G disappeared, and the reason was: Firmware bug for some regions (e.g. India) Solution: Install firmware for EEA or Global instead of India.
- Google Play is not working Reason: There are no Google services (typical for MIUI China).Solution: Install Google Installer from the Mi App Store or run a global version.
⚠️ If after all the manipulations in the phone there are Chinese applications (Mi Pay, Xiaomi Mall), do not delete them through the phone. ADB or Root, which can cause the system to crash. You'd better turn them off in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Shut down).