The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, but many users face a problem: once they buy or reset, the interface language is displayed in Chinese, English or another uncomfortable language. Unlike the newer models (Mi Band 6/7/8), where language change is integrated into the mobile application, the fifth version has its own nuances.
In this article, you will find three working methods for changing the language, from the official (via the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app) to alternative (using third-party utilities), and we will also discuss why the bracelet can “forget” language settings after an update, and what to do if the desired language is not on the list. All instructions are valid for firmware 1.0.3.54 and later (2026).
Preparation: What to Know Before Changing Language
Before you start changing your language, make sure your Mi Band 5 meets the following requirements:
- 🔋 Battery level – at least 50% (at low charge, the bracelet may turn off during the process).
- 📱 Smartphone with Mi Fit app installed (version 4.6.0)+) or Zepp Life (for users from Europe).
- 🌍 The bracelet is connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth (distance not more than 10 meters).
- 🔄 The bracelet has the latest firmware version installed (check in the Device Profile). → Update of the PO).
If you bought the bracelet in China or on AliExpress, chances are it's Chinese firmware with a limited set of languages, which may require manual firmware through third-party tools (see the alternative methods section).
⚠️ Note: After changing the language through third-party utilities (for example, Mi Band Master or Notify & Fitness), the bracelet may lose communication with the official application).
Method 1: Change the language through Mi Fit/Zepp Life
This is the safest method, but it doesn't work on all firmware.
- Open the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app on your smartphone.
- Go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Device settings.
- Find the Display Language (in some versions of the app it may be called Display Language).
- Select the language you want from the list and confirm the change.
- Wait for synchronization (the bracelet vibrates after successful application of the settings).
If you don't have a display language on the menu, your firmware doesn't support this function, in which case you'll move to Method 2 or Method 3.
Make sure the bracelet is connected to the phone.|Check the version of the application (update if necessary)|Bracelet charge of at least 50%|Turn it off. VPN (can block synchronization)-->
Method 2: Manually change language through firmware files (for advanced)
This method is suitable if the official method does not work and the list does not have the desired language.
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS.
- 🔌 USB-cable for bracelet connection (charger used).
- 🛠️ Mi Band 5 Tools or Gadgetbridge.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Gadgetbridge (a free alternative to Mi Fit).
- Connect the bracelet to your computer via the charger (the bracelet must be turned off).
- Start Gadgetbridge, select Mi Band 5 from the list of devices.
- Go to Settings → Language and select the desired option.
- Click Apply and wait for the bracelet to reboot.
If Gadgetbridge can’t see the bracelet, try it:
- 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
- 🔌 Use the other USB-port.
- 🛡️ Disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).
What if Gadgetbridge doesn’t see the Mi Band 5?
Method 3: Firmware bracelet with the desired language (extreme method)
If the first two fail, you have to completely reflash the bracelet, which is a risky method, and if you make a mistake, the bracelet can turn into a brick.
- 🔄 The bracelet is not synchronized with the Mi Fit.
- 🌐 The language is not on the list of available.
- 🛠️ You are ready for possible data loss (steps, settings).
Instructions:
- Download the firmware for Mi Band 5 with the right language (e.g, ru_RU Russian).
- Install Mi Band 5 Tools (available on 4PDA or GitHub).
- Connect the bracelet to the PC through the charger.
- In Mi Band 5 Tools, select the downloaded firmware file (.fw) and click Flash.
- Wait until the process is complete (the bracelet will reboot several times).
⚠️ Warning: Do not disconnect the bracelet from the PC during firmware! If the process is interrupted, you can only restore the work through a service center or soldering iron (you need to reflash the chip manually).
| Method | Difficulty | PC required | Risk of "bricking" | Data retained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through Mi Fit/Zepp Life | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Gadgetbridge | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Low. | ✅ Yes. |
| Hand-held firmware | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ High-pitched | ❌ No. |
Typical problems and their solutions
Even after successful language change, users are plagued by bugs, and these are the most common ones:
- 🔄 Language resets after update: This is due to firmware conflict.The solution is to roll back the software version via Mi Band 5 Tools or disable automatic updates in Mi Fit → Settings of the device → Update of the PO.
- ❓ No language required: Download modified firmware with an extended set of languages (e.g. Multilanguage) FW from XDA Developers).
- 📵 Bracelet does not sync after changing language: Remove it from Mi Fit, reset settings (Settings) → Reset on the bracelet) and reconnect.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge after firmware: This is normal for the first 2-3 charge cycles.If the problem persists, go back to the official firmware.
💡
If you have characters on your bracelet after changing your language, try changing the font in Gadgetbridge (Display Settings → Font).
How to avoid problems when changing the language: expert advice
To avoid errors, follow these recommendations:
- Backup data: Before any firmware manipulation, export your steps, sleep and workout data to Mi Fit → Profile → Data Export.
- Use stable versions of the software: Avoid beta firmware – they often contain bugs with display languages.
- Check Compatibility: Not all Mi Band 6 firmware is suitable for Mi Band 5 (even if it looks similar).
- Keep an eye out for updates: Xiaomi sometimes adds new languages to official firmware. Check the Software Update section once a month.
If you buy a bracelet with your hands, be sure to check:
- 🔍 Firmware version (Settings) → About the device).
- 🌍 Languages available (ask the seller to show the menu).
- 🔄 Resetting to factory settings (sometimes sellers block this feature).
💡
The most reliable way to avoid language problems is to buy the bracelet in official stores (for example, Mi Store or Amazon), where global firmware is guaranteed.