Xiaomi Mi TVs have gained popularity thanks to a combination of affordable prices and advanced Smart TV features. However, many users face a problem: after buying or resetting the settings, the system displays menus in Chinese, English or another foreign language, which complicates the configuration of the device and restricts access to content in Russian.
In this article, you will find 5 working ways to change the interface language to Russian, from standard methods through menus to alternative solutions for older models. We will discuss each step in detail, taking into account the features of PatchWall and Google TV firmware, and provide tips for correcting typical errors. If your Xiaomi TV does not see Russian in the settings, here you will learn how to fix this.
1. Standard method: change the language through the settings menu
The easiest method is to change the language directly in the system settings. It is suitable for most Xiaomi Mi TV models (including the 4S, 5, Q1, P1) series with PatchWall or Google TV firmware.
If the interface is in Chinese, follow the visual cues (see the screenshots below).
- Press the Settings button on the remote. In Chinese firmware, it's a character.
- Go to All Settings → Preferences → Language & Region.
- Select Language and scroll to Russian (or Russian).
- Confirm the choice and wait for the TV to restart (it will take 1-2 minutes).
If Russian is not on the list, go to the following ways: On models with Google TV firmware (for example, Mi TV Q2 2023), Russian can be hidden under the name "Russian (Russia)" - look for this line.
☑️ Preparation for language change
2. Alternative method: reset to factory settings
If Russian is not on the menu but you are sure that it should be supported by your model (for example, Mi TV 4S 55 for the Russian market), a complete reset will help, which also solves problems with broken localization settings after updates.
Warning: Reset will delete all installed apps, accounts and personal data! pre-record the username/password from Mi Account if you have tied the TV.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi models TV 2018-2019 reset via menus can lead to a reboot cycle if the firmware is damaged. USB.
Resetting instructions:
- Open Settings → About TV → Settings → Device Preferences → Reset for Google TV.
- Select Factory Data Reset (Reset to Factory Settings).
- Confirm the action by entering PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).
- After rebooting at the initial setup stage, select Russian.
| Model TV set | Supports Russian? | Is a reset required for activation? |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S (2018–2020) | Yes. | Sometimes (if you bought it for China) |
| Mi TV 5 / 5X | Yes. | No (available on the menu) |
| Mi TV Q1 / Q2 (Google TV) | Yes. | No. |
| Mi TV P1 (2021+) | Yes. | Only if the firmware is for EU/Asia |
3. Installation of Russian through firmware update
Some models (especially those released for the Asian market) do not have Russian initially, but appear after a firmware update, which is true for Mi TV 4A or early versions of Mi TV 4S.
The update can be done in two ways:
- 🔄 By air (OTA): Settings → On TV. → System upgrade. Requires a stable Internet connection.
- 💾 Through USB: Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (support section) and download it through Settings → On TV. → Update through USB.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use firmware from third-party resources! this can lead to a TV lock or loss of warranty.The official files are.zip extension and weigh 1-1.5 GB.
After the update:
- Reboot the TV.
- Check the list of languages in Settings → Preferences → Language.
- If the Russian never appeared, try resetting (see section 2).
What to do if the update is suspended?
4. Russification via the "Mi Home" app (for older models)
If your Xiaomi TV is released before 2019 (such as Mi TV 3S or Mi TV 4A) and none of the above methods worked, try using the Mi Home app for Android/iOS. This method is suitable for Android TV 8.0 and lower firmware devices.
Algorithm of action:
- Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone and log in to your Xiaomi account.
- Connect your TV and phone to the same Wi-Fi network.
- In the app, click + → Add Device → TV and follow the instructions on the screen.
- After connecting, go to the TV settings via Mi Home and select Russian in the Language section.
If the app can't see the TV:
- 🔌 Check if Mi Home is enabled in your TV settings (Settings) → Communications and networks → Mi Home).
- 📶 Reconnect both devices to the network (sometimes switching Wi-Fi to a mobile hotspot helps).
- 🔄 Restart the TV and smartphone.
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If Mi Home doesn’t have a language change option, try updating your TV firmware first through the same app. Newer versions often add support for additional languages.
5. Manual addition of Russian through ADB (for advanced)
This is a tool that works for power users if all the other methods don't work, and it involves connecting to a TV via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and manually installing a language pack. Risk! Incorrect commands can cause a system to crash.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB (Type-A → Type-A or Type-A → Micro-USB depending on the TV model).
- 📦 Utility. ADB Tools.
- 📄 The language package file ru-rRU.ldpi (can be extracted from firmware or downloaded from forums, for example, 4PDA).
Step-by-step:
- Put the debugging on. USB on TV: Settings → On TV. → Build number (click 7 times in a row) Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB (insert)
- Connect the TV to the PC cable and execute in the terminal: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
- Copy the language pack to the system folder: adb push ru-rRU.ldpi /system/usr/locale/
- Reboot the TV: adb reboot
⚠️ Attention: On TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV Q2) This method may not work because of manufacturer limitations, and once the firmware update is updated, the language pack will have to be re-installed.
6 Problems and Solutions: Why Russian is not installed
Even following the instructions, you may encounter difficulties, and consider common mistakes and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Russian is on the list, but after choosing the menu remains in English. | System cache failure | Perform cache reset: Settings → Apps → All apps → Settings → Clear cache |
| There is no “language” item in the settings | Firmware for the domestic market of China | Update to the global version (see Section 3) |
| After resetting, the tongue is again strayed into Chinese. | Damaged memory section with settings | Perform a complete flashing through USB |
| Applications (Netflix, YouTube) remain in English | Application language is linked to the account | Change the language in the settings of the service account |
If none of these methods worked, it’s possible that your Xiaomi Mi TV model doesn’t support Russian at the outset, leaving you with two options:
- 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi service center for flashing on the global version of the software.
- 🛒 Acquire external TV-boxing (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box S) with a Russian interface and connect it to the TV through the HDMI.
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Before buying a Xiaomi TV, ask the seller what region the model is intended for. Devices labeled CN (China) often do not support Russian, while the RU or Global versions have full localization.