Changing the interface to the native language is a top priority for every smartphone owner, especially for users who purchase devices of the Chinese version, where initially only English or Chinese is available. The process of adapting Xiaomi to their needs does not require deep technical knowledge, but attention to detail plays a key role here.
Depending on the firmware version, the algorithm of actions can vary significantly. Global models, as a rule, already contain a full localization package, while Chinese versions require manual activation or installation of additional software. Understanding which operating system is installed on your gadget will help to avoid unnecessary errors.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible configuration scenarios: you will learn how to activate the Russian language with standard means, what to do if the desired item is not on the menu, and what are the risks when using third-party methods of changing the region.
Determination of firmware version and region
Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand what modification of the operating system MIUI or HyperOS you are dealing with, depending on the set of available tools and the ability to change the language standard without flashing the device.
Global versions, labeled with the Global code, are international-oriented and contain all the necessary language packages by default; Chinese versions, designated as China, are initially devoid of most European languages, as they are exclusively intended for the domestic market of China.
You can check the current version by going to the settings and selecting About Phone. The "MIUI Version" or "OS Version" bar will indicate the corresponding code. The Chinese versions are characterized by the absence of Google services by default and the presence of specific Chinese applications.
⚠️ Caution: Trying to install Russian into the Chinese version through a region change may lead to incorrect translation of the interface, as some system strings will remain in English or Chinese.
Owners of Chinese versions often have to choose between a world with partial translations or a complex flashing procedure, and the global versions are much friendlier, allowing them to change the language in a couple of touches.
Standard Activation of the Russian Language
If your device is a global version, but for some reason the interface is still in English, the change procedure is extremely simple.
To start, open the settings menu, which is usually represented by the gear icon. Find the Additional settings section and go to the Languages & Input subsection.
In the list that opens, select Languages. Here you will see a list of available localizations. Search Russian and drag it to the first position or just click to activate.
☑️ Language change algorithm
Once the choice is confirmed, the smartphone interface will be instantly rebuilt, all system notifications, menus and standard applications will be transferred to Russian, and if Russian is not on the list of available languages, then your firmware does not officially support it.
In some cases, especially after major updates, the system may reset language settings to default sales for the region, in which case it is enough to simply repeat the procedure described above.
Set up the Chinese version of Xiaomi
Owners of CN-labeled devices have a harder time because Russian is not available in their firmware at the system level, but there are ways to partially Russify the interface.
One method is to change the region in settings. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Region and select any European country, such as Germany or the UK. This action will not add Russian, but can change the format of the dates and some system settings.
A more radical method involves installing third-party launchers or using localization applications such as MoreLocale 2. This application allows you to force the installation of any language if it is in the system, but hidden.
| Method | Efficiency | Risks. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change of region | Low. | Minimum | Low. |
| MoreLocale 2 | Medium | Average. | Medium |
| Flip-flashing | Tall. | Tall. | Tall. |
Using MoreLocale 2 requires you to connect to your computer and execute a command via ADB to provide the necessary permissions. Without this step, the application will not be able to change the system language.
ADB Team for MoreLocale 2
Using ADB for hidden settings
For advanced users who want to activate Russian on Chinese firmware without flashing it, there is a method of using the Android Debug Bridge debugging bridge.
First, activate the developer mode. To do this, quickly click on the build number in the About phone section seven times. Then turn on the USB Debugging option in the developer menu.
Connect your smartphone to your computer and launch the ADB console. Enter a command to grant localization application rights:
adb shell pm grant jp.co.c_lis.ccl.morelocale android.permission.CHANGE_CONFIGURATIONAfter you run the command, launch the app on your phone, select Russian and press Set. The interface should update. However, it is worth remembering that the translation may not be complete.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of commands ADB This can cause the system to be unstable. Always check the syntax of the commands before entering them.
The good thing about this method is that it doesn't require unlocking the bootloader, which keeps the device guaranteed, but once you reset the settings to the factory, you'll have to repeat the procedure.
Reflashing to the global version
The most reliable, but also the most difficult way to get a full-fledged Russian language is to replace Chinese firmware with a global one, a process called firmware reflashing, which requires unlocking the bootloader.
Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step that takes 7 to 168 hours to wait after submitting an application via MI Unlock.
Once unlocked, you can use the MI Flash Tool to install the official global firmware in Clean All mode.This will completely delete all data and replace the system partition.
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Flashing from China to Globalka is the only way to get 100% translation and operation of all Google services without crutches, but this voids the warranty.
It is important to choose firmware strictly for your device model. Using an inappropriate file can make it impossible to turn on the phone, the so-called "brick".
The process takes about 10-15 minutes. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart, and the initial setup will be in Russian if you choose the appropriate version of the software.
Solving localization problems
Even after a successful language installation, users may encounter artifacts, such as some apps may remain in English, or dates may not be formatted correctly.
Often the problem lies in the cache of system applications. Clearing the data of the Settings or System interface application can help to apply the changes correctly.
It’s also worth checking your keyboard settings. Sometimes the system keyboard doesn’t switch to Russian automatically. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Language and input and make sure that the Russian layout is activated in the current keyboard.
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If after changing the language, the application icons disappeared, try restarting the device or clearing the launcher cache through the application settings.
In rare cases, language problems can be related to bugs of a particular version of MIUI. In such a situation, waiting for an update or, conversely, rolling back on the previous version can be a solution.