How to add Russian language on Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to TVs

Modern Xiaomi devices support dozens of interface languages, but sometimes Russian is not on the default list — especially on models for the Asian market or after a reset. This problem is relevant for smartphones on MIUI, Mi TVs, Pad tablets and even smartwatches. 90% of the time, the solution takes less than 5 minutes, but requires accurate follow-up of the instructions for your particular model.

Many users mistakenly believe that the absence of Russian is a “marriage” or “unofficial firmware”. In fact, all global Xiaomi models (with the Global mark) initially support Russian, and its absence is most often due to regional settings or reset parameters. CN), where Russian has to be installed manually through a hidden menu or firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible scenarios, from basic language setup on the menu to manual localization via ADB or custom firmware. Separately, we’ll focus on the nuances for Mi TVs (where the process is different from smartphones) and smart devices like Mi Band or Mi Home. If you bought Xiaomi abroad or got it with a clean Android without MIUI, here too, you’ll find a solution.

1. Check the current language settings on Xiaomi

Before you start to make complex manipulations, make sure that Russian is not hidden in the settings. On smartphones with MIUI 12-14, the path to the language menu may differ depending on the version of the shell, but the general logic remains.

Open Settings → Additional → Language and input → Languages. If there is Russian (Russia) or Russian (Ukraine) on the list but it is not activated, just drag it to the first position. If there is no Russian at all, check:

• 📱 Device Region: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and click 7 times on the line with the version. → Region: Choose Russia or Ukraine.
• 🌍 Language of the system: sometimes Russian is hidden under the name Russian (in English.
• 🔄 Update MIUI: go into Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest firmware. New builds often add missing localizations.

On Mi TVs, the path is different: Settings → Preferences → Language. If Russian is not on the list, try changing region to Russia in the Settings menu → Account and Security → Region.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (CN ROM) Changing the region through the menu can block access to certain features (such as Google Play), in which case it is better to use the methods from the following sections.

2. Adding Russian through hidden settings (without root)

If Russian is not on the standard menu, but the device supports it by default (for example, the global model of Redmi Note 12 with firmware for Asia), you can activate the language through the engineering menu. This method works on MIUI 11-14 and does not require superuser rights.

Follow the steps:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##564636## (for new models) or ##6484## (for old ones).
2. Choose Region Select or Country Select.
3. Find Russia or Ukraine and confirm your choice.
4. Restart the device. Once turned on, Russian should appear in the language settings.

For the TVs Mi TV with firmware for China:

1. Press the Menu button on the remote and hold for 5 seconds until the service menu appears.
2. Select Factory Settings → Region.
3. Set the value of RU or UA.
4. Save settings and restart the TV through Settings → Reboot.

If Russian never appeared after this, then your firmware does not contain localization, in which case only manual installation of the language package (see next section) or flashing on the global version of MIUI will help.

3. Installation of Russian through ADB (for experienced users)

The method is suitable for devices where Russian is not in firmware, but it can be added through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), an official tool from Google that allows you to send commands to an Android device from a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press the line; then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Language package ru-rRU.ldpi.v21.zip (can be downloaded from the forum 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the smartphone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Download the language pack and place it in the platform-res folder on your device: adb push ru-rRU.ldpi.v21.zip /sdcard/ adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/ru-rRU.ldpi.v21.zip /system/framework/chmod 644 /system/framework/ru-rRU.ldpi.v21.zip reboot

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB If you are not sure about your actions, use alternative methods (for example, flashing through the Mi Flash Tool, POCO F5) Requires unlocking of the loader.

For Mi TVs, the process is similar, but instead of ADB, Telnet is used. Detailed instructions for a particular model can be found on profile forums (for example, Mi Community).

4.Reflashing to the global version of MIUI with Russian language

If previous methods have failed, the radical solution is to reflash the device to a global version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI Global or MIUI EU), which is guaranteed to add Russian, but requires unlocking the bootloader and can cancel the warranty.

Suitable firmware:

Instructions for firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock app (requires linking your Xiaomi account to your device).
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (for example, tissot_global_images_... For the Redmi Note 7).
3. Connect the off smartphone to your computer, holding Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.

For Mi TVs, TV The process is more complicated: you need to run through USB-file-storage update.zip. Detailed guides for specific models (e.g. Mi) TV 4S 55") look 4PDA sectionally TV-prefix.

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Before firmware check the compatibility of the model with the selected version MIUI. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 (mojito) is not suitable for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet). ADB-Adb shell getprop ro.product.device

5. Russian language on Xiaomi smart devices (Mi Band, Mi Home)

The Mi Band smartwatch, Mi Smart Band fitness bracelets, and Mi Home smartwatches are set up differently than smartphones, and the interface language varies depending on the Xiaomi account region and app version.

For the Mi Band 6/7/8 and Mi Smart Band Pro:

• 📱 Install Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life) from Google Play or App Store.
• 🌐 When registering, select the region of Russia or Ukraine.
• 🔄 If you have already created an account, go to the Profile. → Settings → Region and change it.
• 📲 Reconnect the bracelet to the application - the language changes automatically.

For Mi Home devices (such as Mi Robot Vacuum):

• 📱 Install the Mi Home app and select the Russia server when you log in.
• 🏠 If the device is already added, remove it from the application, change the account region and add again.
• 🔧 For some devices (e.g. Mi Air Purifier), the language changes in their own app (e.g. Mi Home Air).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (e.g. Mi Band) CN-The change of region in the application may not work, in which case only the flashing through Mi Band Master or Notify & Fitness (requires root on the smartphone) will help).

6. Alternative methods: translators and custom launchers

If none of the methods worked (for example, on very old models or devices with disabilities), workarounds can be used:

• 🌐 Google Translate: Android Settings has Screen Translate (Settings) → System system → Language and input → It overlays translation over the interface, but it's unstable.
• 📱 Custom launchers: install Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher – they support Russian regardless of the system language.
• 🔤 Keyboards with translation: Gboard or SwiftKey can translate text input in real time.
• 📺 For Mi. TV: plug in the Fire TV Stick or Android TV-box with Russian interface instead of built-in system.

These methods will not replace full localization, but will help to temporarily solve the problem, for example, on Mi TV Stick (where Russian is often absent), you can install Aptoide TV and download Russian-language applications through it.

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Bypasses are only suitable for basic tasks, and to fully use the device (for example, setting up Wi-Fi or updates) you will still need Russian at the system level.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users face typical problems when adding Russian, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If you bought Xiaomi in China or on AliExpress marked "CN Version", be prepared for the fact that Russian will require firmware. In some cases, sellers offer a pre-location service - check this before buying.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions