Changing the interface language on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — you don’t get nuanced yet. Depending on the model, MIUI version and regional firmware, the process can be radically different: somewhere the language changes in two clicks, and somewhere you need to flash or even unlock the bootloader. This article will help you understand all the scenarios from basic language change in settings to solving problems with the lack of the right language in the list.
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices are often equipped with firmware for specific regions (Global, China, EEA, India, etc.) where the available language mix can be radically different, such as the Chinese version of MIUI does not have Russian by default, and the European version does not have Chinese. We will look at all possible situations, including cases where the desired language is completely absent from the system and additional localization packages are required.
Why Xiaomi doesn’t have the right language?
The lack of language on the list is one of the most common issues with Xiaomi owners, due to the company’s policies and technical limitations.
- 🌍 Regional firmware: Devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) Originally, they do not contain European languages, but global versions (Global) ROM) Asian languages may not be supported.
- 📦 Cut-down localization packages: Some firmwares do not fully install language packs (e.g., only English). + local).
- 🔄 Updates MIUI: After major system updates, additional languages installed manually sometimes fly off.
- 🛠️ Custom firmware: Informal builds (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) may have their own set of languages other than stock firmware.
If your smartphone is purchased in China or has Chinese firmware installed, the probability of not having Russian/English is close to 100%, in which case the standard path through the settings will not work – additional actions will be required, which we will discuss below.
Standard method: change the language through MIUI settings
If the desired language is present in the system, you can change it in a few steps. The instructions are relevant for all modern versions of MIUI 12/13/14 on Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5 and others:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the section Additional → Language and input (in some versions the path may be Settings → Language and Region).
- Slip on the first item - Language (or System Language in English).
- Select the language you want in the list. If you don't have one, see the next section.
- Confirm the change by pressing Ready or OK.
When the language is changed, the system will suggest restarting the device, so that all apps and menus are displayed in the new language, and note that some applications (such as Google Play Services or banking programs) may store the language separately from the system.
☑️ Preparation for language change
What if the language is not on the list?
If the language settings menu does not have the right option (for example, Russian is not in Chinese firmware), there are several ways to solve the problem. MIUI:
| Method | Suitable for | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation of the language package through MoreLocale 2 | MIUI Global/EEA, Android 8-12 | Low. | Some applications may be affected by the settings |
| Reflashing to Xiaomi.eu or Global ROM | Any model with an unlocked loader | Tall. | Data loss, possible brick |
| Using ADB to force localization | All versions of MIUI with USB debugging | Medium | Requires PC and command line knowledge |
| Manual language addition via MIUI Hidden Settings | MIUI 12-14 (not working on Chinese firmware) | Low. | Artifacts may appear in the interface |
The safest way is to use the MoreLocale 2 app (available on Google Play), which allows you to add any language to the system without root permissions, but on Chinese firmware (China ROM), this method may not work due to the limitations of MIUI, in which case only the firmware remains.
How to check the type of firmware on Xiaomi?
Reflashing as a radical solution
If none of the software methods worked, you have to reflash the device to the MIUI version with the right language, which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires unlocking the bootloader and working with Fastboot or Recovery.
Algorithm of action:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool (requires a Xiaomi account and device binding).
- Download the right firmware: 🌐 Global ROM — International version with support for most languages. 🇪🇺 Xiaomi.eu – unofficial firmware with extended localization. 🇷🇺 Russia ROM — If you need Russian language with local services.
Fastboot
Recovery
Wipe Data
⚠️ Warning: Flashing will knock all settings and delete data from internal memory. Before the procedure, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud.Also note that unlocking the bootloader may take away your warranty (in some markets).
For POCO models (e.g. POCO X3/X4/X5), the process is similar, but the firmware is downloaded from the official POCO website, not Xiaomi.
💡
Before you run the firmware, check the file compatibility with your model by device code (e.g., surya for POCO X3 NFC). The code can be found in Settings → About Phone → Model or through the fastboot getvar product command.
Hidden MIUI settings: an alternative method
Some versions of MIUI have hidden menus that allow you to add languages without third-party apps, which doesn’t work on all devices, but it’s worth trying:
- Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##6484## (some models may not work).
- If the combination worked, you will see the MTK Engineer Mode menu. Go to Hardware Testing → Device Information.
- Find Locale and enter the code of the desired language (for example, ru_RU Russian).
- Save the changes and restart the device.
Another way is to use the MIUI Hidden Settings app (available on Google Play), which reveals additional options, including advanced language settings.
- Open the application and go to the System section.
- Find the Locale or Language item.
- Enter the language code manually (see below for a list of codes) or select from the expanded list.
Codes of popular languages for manual input:
- 🇷🇺 Russian: ru_RU
- 🇺🇸 English (USA): en_US
- 🇬🇧 English (United Kingdom): en_GB
- 🇨🇳 Chinese (simplified): zh_CN
- 🇪🇸 Spanish: es_ES
- 🇩🇪 German: de_DE
Problems after language change and their solution
Sometimes, after a change in language, the system malfunctions, and the most common ones are the ways to fix them:
- 🔄 System applications left in old language: Clear the app cache through Settings → Annexes → Application management → [name] → Clear the cache.
- ⚙️ Date/time settings are lost: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Date and time and select automatic determination or set manually.
- 📱 Application icons have become standard: This is due to a launcher reset.Reboot the device or reset the launcher settings in Settings → Home screen.
- 🔊 Voice Assistant stopped working: Reinstall the Google Assistant language pack in the Play Store.
⚠️ Warning: If the device starts to brake or overheat after changing the language, this may indicate a conflict of language packs. In this case, return the old language or reset the settings through Settings → The phone. → Reset settings. On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Reset could bring the interface back to Chinese!
On models with HyperOS (a new shell from Xiaomi, which debuted in 2023), the process of changing the language is similar, but the path in the settings may be slightly different: → Personalization → Language and region. HyperOS also introduced the automatic language definition function. SIM-A card that can be turned off in the same menu.