Buying a Xiaomi Mi TV is often a pleasant surprise due to its affordable price and rich functionality. However, many users face the trouble of turning on the menu in Chinese or English, and Russian is not on the list.
Don't panic or bring the hardware back to the store. Most of the time, the problem is solved by software without having to disassemble the case or solder the chips. Changing the language is the first step to fully exploiting the full capabilities of your Smart system.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to localize the interface, learn how to activate hidden settings, whether to update the firmware and what to do if standard methods do not help. Follow the instructions carefully to turn your TV into a convenient media center.
Features of localization of Xiaomi TVs
Xiaomi manufactures TVs for different markets, and the software varies greatly depending on the region. Global versions usually already have a built-in Russian language that you can choose from immediately, but the Chinese versions (CN Version) often lack this option out of the box, as they are designed for the local consumer.
Sometimes users buy hardware designed for other countries, hoping for the versatility of the Android TV system. Indeed, they have the same base, but the PatchWall shell or customized MIUI TV interface can block language change at the system level. Regional restrictions are the main barrier that you have to face.
It is important to understand that the absence of Russian from the menu does not mean that the TV does not support it. Often the desired language package is simply hidden or not activated by default, in some cases, you need to force the installation of applications or change the region in the account settings.
⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulation of settings, make sure the remote is in good working order and the batteries are charged.Accessal resetting of settings during the process can make navigation on the menu more difficult.
It’s also worth noting the difference between the interface language and the content language. Even if the menu stays in English, many apps, such as YouTube or Netflix, can automatically adjust to your preferences if the system is given the appropriate region.
Standard language change through settings
The first thing you need to do is check the standard settings menu, which is the basic method that works for global versions of firmware or devices where the language has just been randomly changed, and navigation may vary depending on the version of the operating system.
You need to find the gear icon, usually located in the upper right corner of the main screen or in the drop-down menu. Next, the path often looks like: Settings → Device Preferences → Language. If you see Russian or Russian on the list, just select it.
In some models, the path may be different. Try going to General Settings or System. If you don't have the language you want, but you can choose a region (Region), try installing Russia or Ukraine. After changing the region, the TV may suggest downloading a language pack.
If only English and Chinese are available on the list, the standard method won't work, which means that the firmware is tightly confined to a specific region, so move on to the next section, where we'll look at the upgrade methods.
Update the firmware to activate the language
Often the lack of Russian is due to an outdated version of the software, developers could add support for new languages in later builds, and checking updates is a safe and recommended step.
To do this, go to the settings menu and look for About or System Update. Select Check for updates. If the system finds a new version, agree to install. The TV downloads files and restarts.
☑️ Verification of updates
There is also a manual way to update through USB-You will need to download the current firmware from the official Xiaomi website for your particular model. The file is placed in the root of the flash drive, after which the Install from storage item is selected from the update menu.
The Risks of Hand-Firmware
Once a successful update is made, the system can automatically locate you and suggest you change your language. If that doesn't happen, check the language list in the settings again. Sometimes you need a full factory reset after the update to make sure the new language pacts are applied correctly.
Use of third-party launchers and applications
If the language is not changed by system methods, third-party launchers come to the rescue, special applications that replace the standard TV interface with a more convenient and understandable one, often with full support for the Russian language.
The most popular solution is to install a Flauncher launcher or ATV Launcher, which weighs little, is fast and allows you to Russify menus, app names and system messages, and can be installed through the built-in Google Play store or third-party file managers.
The installation process is as follows:
- 📱 Download. APK-launcher.
- 💾 Write the file down. USB-flash drive or use the application to transfer files (for example, Send Files to TV).
- 📺 Open the file manager on the TV and start the installer.
- ⚙️ After installation, press the Home button on the remote and select the new launcher as the main one.
Using a third-party launcher does not delete system files, so this method is safe. You can return to the standard interface at any time by selecting it in the application settings or removing the launcher.
💡
To install applications without Google Play, use the program "Send Files to" TV" On a smartphone and TV, this is the fastest way to transmit APK-wifi.
Compatibility table of methods and versions
Not all methods are suitable for every model, and below is a table that will help you navigate depending on your situation and the version of the device.
| Situation | Model TV | Recommended method | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global version | Mi TV Stick / Box S | Settings → Language | Low. |
| Chinese version | Mi TV 4A / 4X | Third-party launcher | Medium |
| Old firmware. | Any model. | Software Update (USB) | Medium |
| The lack of Google Play | Chinese versions | Installing APK manually | Tall. |
Note that for Chinese versions of TVs, full Russification of the system (including voice search and system notifications) is possible only when flashing to a global version, which requires skills and often paid services.
Setting up voice search and keyboard
Even if the interface is partially left in English, it's important to set up text input.A standard keyboard can be inconvenient.Installing the Google Keyboard (Gboard) or TV Keyboard app will solve this problem.
Once you have installed the keyboard, go to the input language settings. Make sure that the Russian layout is activated. This will allow you to comfortably search for movies, enter passwords from Wi-Fi and use voice search in Russian in applications.
Voice search in Xiaomi remotes is often tied to a Google account. If you have a Chinese version of the remote, the voice input button may not work in Russian, in which case it is more convenient to use the Google Home app or Xiaomi TV on your smartphone as a remote.
⚠️ Note: When installing unknown applications from APK-The system will alert you to the security of your files. Allow installation only from trusted sources, such as 4PDA or the official website of the launcher.
Solution (Frequent problems)
Sometimes, after installing the Russian language, fonts may be displayed incorrectly (squares or characters instead of letters), this is solved by installing a font package or changing the topic in the launcher.
Another problem is resetting the settings after turning off, and if the TV doesn't save the language, it may be full of internal memory, and cleaning up the cache or removing unused apps will help keep the settings.
💡
The main secret of successful Russification of Chinese versions is not to try to change the system language, but to block it with a high-quality third-party launcher with Russian localization.
If nothing works, you can consider a Factory Reset option, which is usually located in the Device Preferences → Reset section, and remember that this will delete all your data and installed applications.