Buying a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is often a pleasant surprise because of the excellent price-performance ratio, but the initial inclusion of the device can cloud the lack of a familiar interface. The Redmi 9A model, being one of the most popular budget players, often comes with preinstalled Chinese (CN) or global (Global) firmware, where the default language of the system can be English or Chinese. For many users, this becomes a serious barrier to the full operation of the gadget.
The process of activating the desired locale depends on which version of the software is installed on your device. In some cases, it is enough to simply select the desired item on the menu, in others it will require a change of region or even a flashing of the device. Chinese versions of Redmi 9A often do not contain Russian in the basic MIUI firmware, requiring the installation of Global ROM. Understanding the type of your system is the first and most important step to successful localization.
In this guide, we will go into detail all possible scenarios, from simple setup to complex manipulation of the engineering menu.We will look at safe methods that will not lead to loss of warranty or locking the device.It is important to read each step carefully, as the interface may differ depending on the version of MIUI.
Determination of firmware version and device type
Before you start any action, you need to clearly identify which version of the software you are dealing with. The Global Version is designed for the international market and usually already contains a full package of languages, including Russian, which you just need to activate. The Chinese version is focused on the domestic market of China and often lacks the necessary localizations out of the box.
To find out the version, look at the packaging and sticker on the back of the device. Global versions are labeled Global Version and Certification Logos (CE, FCC), and an adapter with a European fork comes bundled with. Chinese versions are labeled as Mi Mobile Phone or have only Chinese characters on the box, and the charger has a flat fork.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to install global firmware on a device with a Chinese type of bootloader without unlocking can result in software locking (Hard Brick).Always check the device type before flashing.
You can also check the version in the menu itself if you're a little bit oriented in the icons, usually in the Settings section, then in the About phone section, the first icon on top, and in the MIUI Version bar you'll find the type: the presence of the letter "G" at the end or the word "Global" indicates the international version, the absence of the Chinese version.
Change the language to the Global version of the firmware
If you have an international version, but the phone is speaking English or another language, the problem is solved in a few minutes. MIUI interface is logical, and even without knowledge of the language, you can find the desired section, focusing on the icons and order of the elements.
You need to find a settings icon that looks like a gear, and in most versions of MIUI, it's on the home screen or in the notification curtain, and after you log in, you'll scroll through the list to the section that's usually at the bottom or in the second half of the list, which is "Additional Settings" or "System."
The algorithm for changing the language is as follows:
- 📱 Click on the Settings icon (cog) on the home screen.
- 🌍 Find the Additional Settings section (often a three-dot or slider icon) or immediately System.
- 🗣️ Select Language & Input (first or second in the list, icon with the letter "A" or globe).
- 🇷🇺 Click Add Language and select Russian from the list.
- 🔄 Move Russian to the top of the list, dragging it with your finger to make it the main language.
Once you have selected the language, the interface will instantly redesign, and if Russian is not available, it is a sure sign that you have a specific regional version (for example, Indonesia or India) or Chinese firmware installed, and you can not do with a simple change of settings.
☑️ Localization verification
The solution to the problem with Chinese firmware (CN Version)
Owners of the Chinese versions of Redmi 9A are less fortunate: the system does not have any localization files for the Russian language, attempts to download language packages from the Internet and install them as applications in this case will not succeed, since the system language is set at the kernel and resource level of ROM.
The only working solution for full-fledged Russification is to flash the device to the global version (Global). ROM). It's a complicated process, it requires preparation, and it carries certain risks, USB-You will also need to unlock the bootloader, which can take from 7 to 168 hours of waiting after submitting an application.
The process of flashing is as follows:
- Registration of Mi Account and device binding via the engineering menu.
- Application for unblocking via Mi Unlock Status.
- Waiting for permission from Xiaomi.
- Download a global firmware image for Redmi 9A (codename dandelion).
- Install firmware in Fastboot mode via Mi Flash Tool.
⚠️ Note: Reflashing from Chinese version to global (CN to Global) is only possible with complete data cleanup. All photos, contacts and applications will be deleted without recovery, unless backup is made.
There is also an option to install Custom firmware or modified global, but for beginners this can be dangerous due to the possible loss of NFC function (if you have one in your modification) or banking applications.
What is Fastboot and how to get in?
Setting up the region for the correct operation of services
Once the language is changed, it is important to set up the region correctly, which affects the performance of many system applications, the voice assistant Google Assistant, and the display of time, date and weather widgets. The wrong region can lead to the MIUI theme store offering content to another country.
To change your region, go to Settings → Settings → Region. You need to choose Russia or your country of residence. This action activates local services such as Yandex, if they are integrated into firmware, and configures the correct time zones.
It is also worth checking the date and time settings. It is recommended to enable automatic timing over the network to avoid desynchronization, which can interfere with the work of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and browsers. → Additional settings → Date and time.
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After changing region, reboot your phone, which is necessary for system services to re-index content and update the lists of available widgets and services for the selected locale.
Resolving Typical Localization Problems
Even after successful installation of Russian, users may encounter a number of unpleasant artifacts, often when part of the menu remains in English, or there are untranslated lines in applications, which is normal for some versions of MIUI, where the translation is not brought to 100%, but sometimes indicates a failure.
One common problem is that the language is "snapped" after the system update. If the phone speaks English again after the automatic MIUI update, check the settings again. Sometimes the update resets the priority of languages, and Russian moves down the list.
Comparison of symptoms and solutions:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No Russian on the list of languages | Chinese version of firmware | Reflashing on Global ROM |
| Part of the menu in English | Incomplete translation of MIUI | Update the language package in "Themes" |
| Keyboard in Chinese | Not tuned in. | Settings → Language and input → Keyboard management |
| Date in GYYYG-MM-DD format | The wrong region | Replace the region with Russia |
If you find that the Gboard or MIUI Keyboard keyboard is typing in characters, go to the keyboard settings. Usually there is a "Languages" button (globus) there. Add Russian and remove unnecessary ones so that they do not interfere with typing.
Optimization of the system after Russification
After successfully installing the language and setting up the region, it is recommended to perform basic optimization of the system. Chinese and even global firmware Xiaomi contains many pre-installed applications that may not be necessary for the Russian-speaking user, their removal or disabling will make room and speed up the work of the Redmi 9A.
Note the Security section (green shield icon) which is a system application that manages permissions, memory cleanups and antivirus. Make sure that the security settings do not restrict the installation of applications from unknown sources if you plan to install software not from Google Play.
It is also worth disabling advertising in system applications, which is a frequent complaint of MIUI users.
- 🛑 Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Access to personal data.
- 🔍 Find the msa process (MIUI System Ads and disable it.
- 📺 In each system application (Music, Explorer, Cleanup) find the settings and disable the item "Receive recommendations".
⚠️ Note: Do not remove system applications through third-party programs unless you are sure of their purpose.This can lead to unstable interface operation or cyclic restart (bootloop).
The right language and region setting is the foundation of a comfortable smartphone experience, and by spending 15-20 minutes on the initial configuration, you’ll be able to save yourself a lot of problems in the future.
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Full Russification is only possible on the Global version of the firmware, and the Chinese versions require complex firmware reflashing, which voids the warranty and carries risks for inexperienced users.