The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 (or Mi Smart Band 5) fitness bracelet is one of the most popular wearables on the market, but many users face a problem: once they buy or reset the settings, the interface is displayed in Chinese, English or another unfamiliar language. Unlike the newer models (Mi Band 6/7), where the language change occurs through the application, in the fifth version, this process has its own nuances.
In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to change the language to Mi Band 5, from official methods via Mi Fit or Zepp to alternative firmware solutions with limited localization, and learn why the language can be reset after an update and how to avoid it. If your bracelet is stuck in Chinese or refuses to show Russian, the following instructions will help you return the familiar interface.
Preparation: What to Know Before Changing Language
Before you start changing your language, make sure that the basic conditions are met:
- 📱 The official app is installed: Mi Fit (for older versions of the bracelet) or Zepp (for new firmware). Download it from Google Play or the App Store.
- 🔄 The bracelet is synced to your phone via Bluetooth.
- 📶 Stable Internet connection: to download language packs or update firmware.
- 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%. interruption of the process may cause failure.
Important: On the Mi Band 5, the interface language is tied to the firmware region. If your bracelet is purchased in China, the default language may not be Russian, in which case additional firmware will be required (for this, see the section on alternative methods).
⚠️ Note: If you use unofficial firmware (e.g. Notify & Fitness), changing the language may result in loss of functionality.Before experimenting, back up your data via the app.
Method 1: Change the language using the Mi Fit application
The official method for most users is to change the language through Mi Fit. This method works if your bracelet supports multitasking (firmware 1.0.3.54 and higher).
- Open the Mi Fit app and connect to the bracelet.
- Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 5.
- Select the Device Settings option → Language.
- In the list, find Russian (or another language you need) and confirm your choice.
- Wait for the synchronization – the bracelet will reboot, and the language will change.
If there is no Russian on the list, then your firmware does not support it. In this case, try updating the bracelet through Settings → Update the firmware in the application.
Bluetooth connected|The bracelet is charged at more than 50 times%|Mi Fit app updated to latest version|The device is synchronized with the phone-->
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No Russian on the list of languages | Older firmware or Chinese version of the bracelet | Update your firmware through Mi Fit or use alternative methods |
| Language resets after rebooting | Failure to sync with the phone | Reconnect the bracelet to Mi Fit and reset the settings |
| The app doesn't see the bracelet | Conflict with other Bluetooth devices | Reboot your phone and bracelet, then reconnect. |
Method 2: Use the Zepp app (for new firmware)
Since 2021, Xiaomi has been migrating some of the Mi Band 5 bracelets to the Zepp platform (formerly Amazfit), and if your device is running through this app, the algorithm for changing the language will be different:
- Open Zepp and select your bracelet at the top of the screen.
- Go to the Device Profile → Settings → Language.
- Select "Russian" from the list. If you don't have one, update your firmware through System Settings → Update.
- Confirm the change and wait for the bracelet to restart (it will take ~1 minute).
Note: If Zepp doesn’t have a Language option, your bracelet uses old firmware from Mi Fit. Try reconnecting the device via Mi Fit or using Method 3.
💡
If after changing the language in Zepp, the bracelet began to glitches (does not show notifications, does not synchronize steps), reset it to factory settings through Settings → Reset and configure again.
Method 3: Manually change language through firmware files (for advanced)
If the official methods don’t work (for example, you have a Chinese version of the bracelet without Russian), you can try hand-stitching the language pack, which requires technical skills and is only suitable for users who are willing to risk building the device.
You'll need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows or macOS.
- 🔌 Cable to connect the bracelet (usually Mi Band 5 synced over Bluetooth, but for firmware you need an adapter). USB-TTL).
- 📁 Firmware with the desired language (you can download on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
- 🛠 Firmware software, for example, MiBand5Tools NrfConnect.
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware archive and unpack it. Inside, there should be a file with the.fw or.bin extension.
- Connect the bracelet to your computer via an adapter (open the lid and connect the contacts to GND, TX, RX).
- Run the firmware program and select the downloaded file.
- Start the firmware process. Don't turn off the bracelet until you get a message of successful completion!
- After rebooting, check your tongue on the bracelet.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware can cause the bracelet to fail. If you are not sure about your actions, contact specialists or use official methods (method 1 or 2).
What if the bracelet stopped turning on after the firmware?
Method 4: Resetting the bracelet to factory settings
If the tongue is lost after the update or the bracelet starts to glitches, a complete reset will help, this method will return the device to its original state, but delete all data (steps, alarm settings, etc.).
How to Reset Mi Band 5:
- In the Mi Fit or Zepp app, go to Device Settings → Reset.
- Confirm the action - the bracelet vibrates and reboots.
- After reset, plug it back in and select the language when you first set it up.
If the reset via the application does not work, perform a hardware reset:
- Turn off the bracelet from your phone (forget the device in Bluetooth settings).
- On the bracelet itself, swipe your finger from the screen down to open the menu.
- Find the icon. ⚙️ Settings → Reset (or Reset).
- Confirm the choice - the bracelet will reboot.
💡
Factory reset is a universal way to bring the bracelet back to life if it's getting stuck or not responding to commands, but after resetting, you'll have to configure the device from scratch, including synchronizing with your Xiaomi account.
Why does the language change or not?
Mi Band 5 users often experience the language spontaneously returning to English or Chinese.
- 🔄 Automatic firmware update: The new version may reset if the language pack is incompatible.
- 📱 Application conflict: If both programs (Mi Fit and Zepp) are installed on the phone, they can “argue” over the bracelet’s management.
- 🌍 Regional restrictions: Chinese versions of bracelets (CN-Firmware often blocks language change.
- 🔋 Memory problems: If the bracelet often discharges to zero, it can damage system files.
How to avoid problems:
- Turn off automatic firmware updates in the application settings.
- Use only one app (Mi Fit or Zepp, but not both at the same time).
- Periodically reset the bracelet cache through Settings → Data Clearing.
Alternative solutions: if nothing helps
If all methods are exhausted and the language is still unchanged, consider the following options:
- Buying a new bracelet: If you have a Chinese version (CN) without Russian support, it is easier to buy a Mi Band 5 with global firmware (Global).
- Use of third-party firmware: For example, Notify & Fitness for Mi Band 5 supports Russian and additional features, you can install it through MiBandMaster (instructions are available on 4PDA).
- If the bracelet is warranty, specialists can reflash it with the official global version.
Warning: Third-party firmware can take away your warranty and cause synchronization problems. Install them only if you understand the risks.