Xiaomi smart bracelets have gained popularity due to the combination of functionality and affordable price. However, after purchase, many users face a problem: the device interface is displayed in Chinese, English or another unfamiliar language. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the language on the Mi Band fitness bracelets (from the 3rd to the 8th version), Smart Band Pro and other models – both through the official Mi Fitness app and directly through the device menu.
Xiaomi bracelets are not all Russian-friendly out of the box. For example, the Mi Band 7 Pro and Smart Band 8 Pro have a multitasking interface with a wide variety of languages, while budget versions like the Mi Band 6 NFC may require additional manipulation. We will look at universal methods, and also point out hidden settings that are not written in the official instructions.
1.Preparation: What to do before changing the language
Before you start setting up, make sure that the basic conditions are met:
- 📱 The official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) is installed, and you can download it from Google Play or the App Store.
- 🔗 The bracelet is paired to your smartphone via Bluetooth. If the connection is lost, try rebooting both devices.
- 🔋 The charge level of the bracelet is not lower than 20.
- 🌍 On the smartphone in the settings of the system installed Russian language (this affects the display of the interface of the application Mi Fitness).
If you are using the Mi Band 5 or older bracelet, check the firmware version in the app (Device Profile → Software Update). Outdated versions may not support Russian even if it is on the list, in which case an update will be required.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi bracelets with NFC-module (e.g. Mi Band 6) NFC) Changing the language through the device menu can reset contactless payment settings.We recommend saving card data in the Mi Pay app beforehand.
2. Method 1: Change the language through the Mi Fitness app
This is the most reliable method that works on all bracelet models, and the instructions are relevant for the Mi Fitness 5.0+ version of the app:
- Open Mi Fitness and select your bracelet at the top of the screen.
- Go to the Device Profile (Bracelet Icon) section.
- Slip on Device Settings (or Additional Settings on some versions).
- Find the Language option (may be in the General or Display submenu).
- In the list, select Russian (or other language you need) and confirm the choice.
After the changes are applied, the bracelet will reset automatically, and if Russian is not on the list, this means that:
- 📦 Your bracelet model does not support Russian out of the box (relevant for some Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 games).
- 🔄 Firmware updates are required (see Section 4).
- 🌐 Mi Fitness is not for your region (e.g. global version instead of Russian version).
☑️ Checking before changing language through Mi Fitness
Method 2: Manually changing the tongue through the bracelet menu
If the app doesn’t offer the right language or the bracelet has disconnected from the phone, you can try changing the settings directly.This method is suitable for the Mi Band 6/7/8 and Smart Band Pro, but may vary depending on the firmware version.
Instructions for most models:
- On the bracelet, swipe up the screen to open the main menu.
- Find the icon. ⚙️ Settings (usually at the end of the list) and tap it.
- Scroll down to Language (or the icon with the letter "A").
- In the list of languages, select Russian (or Russian). If there is no Russian, try English as a temporary solution.
- Confirm the selection and wait for the bracelet to restart (it can take up to 30 seconds).
On the Mi Band 5 and older models, the path may look different:
Main screen → Swipe right → Settings (⚙️) → General → LanguageWhat to do if the menu of the bracelet does not include the item "Language"?
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro bracelets, changing the language through the device menu can cause widgets to reset on the home screen.
4. Update firmware to add Russian
If there is no Russian in the list of available languages, it is likely that the bracelet has outdated or regional firmware installed, and the update via Mi Fitness solves the problem in 90% of cases:
| Model bracelet | Minimum firmware version for Russian language | Where to download |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 6 | 1.0.6.54 | Automatically via Mi Fitness |
| Mi Band 7 | 1.1.0.70 | Automatically or manually via Xiaomi website |
| Smart Band 8 Pro | 1.0.1.82 | Only through Mi Fitness. |
| Mi Band 5 | 1.0.1.56 (for Russia) | Requires a change of region in the annex |
How to update firmware:
- Open your Mi Fitness and select your bracelet.
- Go to the Device Profile → Software Update.
- If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to be completed (the bracelet will reboot several times).
- After updating, check the list of languages again.
If the update doesn’t help, you may be looking for a different region, and changing your region in your Xiaomi account settings will help:
- Open Mi Fitness → Profile (your avatar) → Settings → Region.
- Choose Russia or Global and save the changes.
- Reload the bracelet and check the available languages.
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If the bracelet hangs on the logo after the update, wait 5-10 minutes. If the problem does not disappear, reset to factory settings through Settings → Reset on the device itself.
5. Alternative methods: third-party applications and firmware
If the standard methods fail, informal tools can be used, which is suitable for power users and can lead to loss of warranty.
The most popular tools are:
- 🛠️ Mi Band Tools (Android) - allows you to install custom firmware with support for Russian.
- 📱 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (Android/iOS) — Alternative application for bracelet management with advanced settings.
- 💻 Gadgetbridge (Android) – open source software for working with fitness bracelets, supports manual installation of language packages.
Instructions for Mi Band Tools:
- Install the application and provide all necessary permissions.
- Connect the bracelet via Mi Band Tools (not Mi Fitness).
- Go to the firmware section and select the version marked RU or Multilanguage.
- Follow the instructions on the screen. Don't turn off the bracelet while you're firmware.
⚠️ Attention: The use of third-party firmware can lead to unstable operation of sensors (pulse, SpO₂) or refuse NFC on the Mi Band 6 bracelets NFC 7 Pro. Before the firmware, back up the data via Mi Fitness.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after a successful language change, users are faced with common errors, and we'll look at the most common ones.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The language changed, but some of the inscriptions remained in English/Chinese. | Incomplete firmware or bracelet cache | Reset through Settings → Reset on the bracelet |
| After the update, the bracelet does not turn on. | Firmware failure | Connect to charging for 30+ minutes, then hold the 10 second button |
| There is no "language" clause in Mi Fitness. | Outdated version of the application or regional restrictions | Update the application or change the region to "Russia" in the account settings |
| The bracelet does not retain the selected language after restarting. | Damaged device memory | Reset to factory settings and repeat the setting |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🔍 Fraudsters often have stripped down functionality. Compare the serial number on the box and in the settings (Device profile) → Information).
- 📡 Communication with Xiaomi servers. VPN or ad blocker, temporarily disable them – they may interfere with the loading of language packets.
- 🔄 Register a new Xiaomi account with the Russia region and link the bracelet to it.
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If the bracelet is purchased in China (the domestic version), Russian may not be available even after all the manipulations, in which case only the firmware through Mi Band Tools or the purchase of an international version remains.