Why Xiaomi is getting Chinese and how to fix it
Have you just unpacked the new Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+, and instead of the usual Russian or English interface, see characters? Or after the MIUI update, the system suddenly switched to Chinese? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi devices, especially those who buy gadgets in international stores or get them from the warehouse. The reasons can be different: from the wrong region when you first set up to “fly” settings after the update.
It's important to understand that Chinese firmware and Chinese interface language are not the same thing. The first is the MIUI/HyperOS version, which is designed for the domestic Chinese market (with Google service restrictions and specific applications); the second is simply the system language that can be changed in the settings. We'll take both scenarios apart and show you how to remove Chinese from Xiaomi once and for all, from the simplest menu switch to deep flashing the device.
If your smartphone was bought in the official Russian store Xiaomi or an authorized reseller, most likely, the problem is solved in 2 minutes through the settings. For “gray” devices from China (especially models Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60 or POCO F5) may require unlocking the bootloader and installing global firmware. Don’t worry – we will describe each step in detail, so that even a beginner can cope without the risk of “bricking” the phone.
Method 1: Simple language switching in settings
To start with, the most obvious and safe method is that if your Xiaomi supports multiple languages (which is typical for global and European firmware versions), then Chinese might turn on accidentally, for example, after a reset or update.
- Open Settings (cog icon) If it's in Chinese, look for the icon. ⚙️.
- Scroll down and find the option for additional settings → Language and region.
- Tapping on the first item Language. There may be two options: 🌍 If you have Russian/English on the list, just select the language you want and confirm it. ❌ If only Chinese is available: move to the next method – your firmware is “locked” in the Chinese region.
On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12S Ultra or Redmi K50 Gaming), the path may be slightly different: Settings → System → Language and input → System language. If you are not sure, use the search by settings (lamp in the upper right corner) and type "(language).
⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware for the domestic market (marked as CN Even after the language change, many system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) will remain in Chinese.
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If there is no Russian in the list of languages, but there is English, select it. After that you can install Russian through Settings → Additional → Language and Entering → Download languages (if supported).
Method 2: Change of device region
Sometimes the language stays Chinese, even if the settings are Russian, because it's tied to the Chinese region.
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Put a few times on the version. MIUI (MIUI), Until the message comes out, “You’ve become a developer!" (!).
- Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
- Find the Region and select Russia, India or Europe (if Russia is not on the list).
- Restart the device. Once switched on, the language should change automatically.
- Launch the update through Recovery: 🔧 Turn off the phone. 🔘 Press the power button. + Volume up to enter Recovery. 🇨🇳 In the Recovery menu, select the Chinese option (copy the service pack). 📲 Select a file update.zip and confirm installation. ⏳ Wait for completion (10-15 The phone will reboot automatically.
Important: This method only works if your current firmware is no older than the one you install. For example, you can't put MIUI 13 on top of MIUI 14 - you first need to roll back to the old version via Fastboot.
⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K50 Ultra, when you install global firmware over Chinese, you can trigger an anti-rollback. This will lock the device! EU.
Method 4: Complete Fastboot Firmware (for experienced)
If previous methods have failed, the most radical way is to completely reflash through Fastboot, which requires unlocking the bootloader and is only suitable for confident users, the advantage of the method is that you get a "clean" global firmware without any trace of Chinese localization.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11;
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original);
- 🔧 The Mi Flash Tool;
- 📦 Fastboot firmware for your model;
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked – read below).
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the loader: 🔗 Go to the unlock page and download the Mi Unlock Tool. 📱 In the phone settings, link your Mi Account account to Settings → Xiaomi account. 🔧 Turn it on. OEM Unlock and Debugging by USB In Settings → For developers. 🔓 Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions (you may need to wait). 7-14 days!).
Squeeze the device:
- 📥 Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the official website.
- 📂 Unpack the archive in a folder. C:\MIUI\rom.
- 🖥️ Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
- 🔘 Press the power button. + Volume down to enter Fastboot.
- 🔧 In Mi Flash Tool, select a folder with firmware and click Refresh → Flash.
- ⏳ Wait for completion (5-10 The phone will reboot.
Once you've got the firmware, you'll need to reconfigure the device. All the data will be deleted! If you're afraid of taking risks, you'd better contact Xiaomi's service center.
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool is in error?
Method 5: Use custom firmware (Xiaomi.EU, PixelExperience)
If the official methods didn't help or you want to get advanced features, you can install custom firmware.
- 🌍 Xiaomi.EU – Optimized version MIUI All languages supported and without Chinese software;
- 🤖 PixelExperience – “pure” Android without shell MIUI;
- ⚡ LineageOS – lightweight and stable firmware for older models.
Advantages of custom firmware:
- ✅ Complete removal of Chinese apps and services;
- ✅ Regular security updates;
- ✅ Additional features (e.g., always up-to-date Android kernel);
- ✅ No restrictions on the region.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ An unlocked loader is required;
- ❌ Possible bugs (for example, non-functioning) NFC or camera on some models);
- ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
How to install Xiaomi.EU:
- 🔗 Download the firmware for your model from the official website.
- 📱 Transfer.zip to your phone.
- 🔧 Install custom Recovery TWRP (instructions are available on the forum 4PDA).
- 🔘 Come in. TWRP (Power button + Loudness up).
- 📲 Choose Install. → specify the firmware file → Swipe to confirm.
- ⏳ Wait for completion and restart.
⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially on newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13).Be sure to check user reviews of your device on the forums before installing!
What do you do if nothing helps?
If you’ve tried all the ways, but Chinese still remains, the problem may be deeper:
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Sometimes a full reset through Settings helps → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. Attention: all data will be deleted!
- 📞 If the phone is warranty, it is better to take it to the official service center Xiaomi. wizards will re-fashion the device without the risk of losing the warranty.
- 🛒 Buying a new device: Some older models (Xiaomi Mi 8, Redmi Note 5) may not have current global firmware, making it easier to buy a new smartphone with official support.
If you bought the phone from a Chinese store (like AliExpress or Taobao), contact the seller.Many stores provide a global pre-firmware service for an additional fee.
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Before buying Xiaomi in Chinese stores, always check the firmware version! The best choice is models marked "Global Version" or "EEA" (Europe).