How to change the language to Xiaomi Redmi 4X: all ways (including Chinese firmware)

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are faced with the problem of incorrect language system — especially if the device is purchased with Chinese firmware or after resetting. Unlike modern Xiaomi models, where changing the language takes a couple of clicks, on Redmi 4X (codename santoni), the process can be complicated by the lack of the desired region in the list or blocking options.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the language, from the standard path through settings to bypassing restrictions on the Chinese versions of MIUI. You will learn how to add Russian / English if it is not on the list, what to do when you fail to “No SIM” and how to avoid data loss when resetting to factory settings. Instructions are suitable for MIUI 8-12 firmware, including global and Chinese builds.

Why is Redmi 4X not using the right language?

The main reason for the problem lies in the regional firmware binding: Xiaomi Redmi 4X smartphones sold in China often come with MIUI China firmware, where the list of languages is limited to Chinese and English. Even if you choose English, some system notifications and applications (for example, Mi Store or Security) will remain in Chinese.

Other common causes:

• 📱 Resetting settings without binding to the Mi Account – can reset the region to Chinese.
• 🔄 Unofficial firmware (castom or ported) with stripped-down language packs.
• 📡 Absence SIM-maps - some versions MIUI Blocking language change without active language SIM.
• 🔒 Factory locking on devices that are intended for a specific market (e.g. India or Indonesia).

Before you start changing the language, check the current version of MIUI: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If there is a CN at the end of the firmware name (for example, V12.5.1.0.NCFCNXM) – you have a Chinese version, and the standard method may not work.

Method 1: Standard language change through settings (for global firmware)

If your Redmi 4X is running on global firmware (the name has Global or EEA), the process is as simple as possible:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select Additional Settings (or Additional Settings).
3. Slip on Language and Input (Language and Input).
4. Click on the first item - Language.
5. In the list, find the language you want (such as Russian or English (United States)) and select it.

If the language you want isn't on the list, but the firmware is global, try updating your system: go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Sometimes, after the update, additional language packs appear.

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On some versions of MIUI, the language option may be hidden behind the region tab. If you change the language, you can also change the region to Russia or the United States on the same menu.

Method 2: Bypassing restrictions on Chinese firmware (MIUI China)

On Chinese firmware (MIUI CN) The list of languages is artificially trimmed, and to add Russian or English, you'd need to change the region temporarily through the SIM-map or manual installation of a language packet.

Method 1: Use of the SIM-maps of another region

Some versions MIUI Unlock additional languages when detected SIM-maps from a supported region, for example, to add Russian:

1. Put it in. SIM-card of the Russian operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon).
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Try to open Settings → Additional → Language and input → Language.

If a language appears, select it and extract it. SIM-It doesn't work on all firmware, but it often helps with the MIUI 9–11.

Method 2: Manually Installation of Language Packages through Recovery

For advanced users, there is a way to manually install the language package through TWRP Recovery.

• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 🔧 Established custom recovery (TWRP).
• 📁 Language packet file (e.g., language packet file, ru_RU.zip Russian).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the appropriate language package for your version of MIUI (see 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).
2. Reboot the phone to Recovery mode (clip Power + Volume up).
3. In TWRP, select Install and specify the path to the downloaded.zip file.
4. Swipe to confirm the installation.
5. After the reboot, the language should appear in the settings.

Make a backup copy of the data|Unlock bootloader|Install TWRP Recovery|Download the language package for your version MIUI|Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

Method 3: Resetting to region-specific factory settings

If previous methods didn't work, you can try resetting the phone with a region-specific link, which will delete all the data, but often solves the language problem.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Factory Reset (Factory Reset).
3. At the initial setup stage (after resetting), connect to Wi-Fi and paste SIM-operator card from the desired region (for example, Russian for Russian language).
4. Follow the instructions of the customization wizard – at one stage, the system may suggest selecting a language from an extended list.

Warning! Resetting to factory settings removes:

• 📸 All photos and videos (unless saved) SD-map).
• 📱 Installed applications and their data.
• 📞 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Account).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords.

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Before reset, be sure to back up through Settings → Additional → Backup or manually copy important files to your computer.

Method 4: Reflashing to the global version of MIUI

If none of these methods work, it’s a complete reflash to the global version of MIUI, a radical method, but it’s guaranteed to solve the language problem and add support for Google Services (if there weren’t any).

The firmware will require:

Step-by-step instructions for firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi’s validation).
2. Download the Global Stable firmware for Redmi 4X (file with the.tgz extension).
3. Unpack the archive and place the firmware folder in the root of the C:\ disk.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
5. In the program, select the firmware folder and press Refresh → Flash.
6. Wait for the finish (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

Attention! Incorrect firmware can lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) device. If you are not sure about your actions, contact a specialist.

After firmware, the language can be changed in a standard way through settings.

Solving Common Mistakes When Changing Language

When trying to change the language to Redmi 4X, users often encounter errors, and let’s analyze the most common ways to solve them:

Error 1: “No SIM card” blocks language change

On some firmware MIUI Language change option becomes inactive if no phone is available SIM-Solutions:

• 📶 Insert any active SIM-map (even without the internet).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone from SIM-card.
• 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi and try again.

Mistake 2: The language has changed, but part of the interface is still in Chinese

This is because some system applications (Mi Store, Security, Themes) have their own language packages.

• 🔄 Update these apps through the App Store.
• 📥 Install global versions of applications manually (download) APK APKCombo).
• 🔧 Disable updates for problematic apps in Settings → Annexes.

Mistake 3: After resetting, the tongue is strayed back into Chinese

So that means that the firmware is tightly tied to the Chinese region.

• 🔄 Reflash the phone to the global version (see Method 4).
• 📱 Install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔒 Use a launcher with multi-language support (e.g. Nova Launcher).

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If after all the manipulations in the interface there are Chinese characters, install the Google Translate app and use the function "Translation from the camera" - it will help to understand the meaning of unknown menu items.

More tips for working with Redmi 4X

After a successful language change, we recommend performing several actions to optimize the smartphone:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version available: Settings → About Phone → System Update. This will fix any bugs that display text.
2. Remove unnecessary Chinese apps (if they are leftover): use ADB or Titanium Backup (root rights required).
3. Set up sync with Google Account or Mi Account to avoid data loss in future resets.
4. Install an alternative keyboard (such as Gboard or SwiftKey) for easy input.

If you plan to use the Redmi 4X for a long time, consider installing custom firmware. LineageOS 16 (based on Android 9) offers:

• 🚀 More smooth work.
• 🌍 Full support for all languages.
• 🔒 Regular security updates.
• 📱 No extra applications from Xiaomi.

For custom firmware installation instructions, look for themed forums such as 4PDA (Redmi 4X theme).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing language to Redmi 4X