Changing the language on Xiaomi smart watches is a task that users face after buying a device with foreign firmware or switching to their native language if necessary. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can differ depending on the watch model (Mi Band 7, Watch S3, Redmi Watch 3) and the software version. In some cases, a couple of clicks in the mobile application are enough, and sometimes a full reset or even a manual firmware update is required.
The problem is that the interface of a watch in an unfamiliar language turns even the basic settings into a puzzle. 2 Pro displays characters, finding a menu item for changing a language without prompts is almost impossible. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change a language - from the standard settings in the Mi application. Fitness/Zepp Life to Hidden Methods for Chinese-based Firmware Devices, and you’ll learn how to avoid the typical errors that lead to the locking of watch functions after incorrectly changing the region.
Preparing for a Language Change: What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before you start changing the language, make sure your watch is compatible with the method you choose. For example, the budget models Mi Band 6 and Redmi Watch 2 Lite support language change only through the mobile application, whereas the flagship Watch S3 or Watch 2 Pro allow you to do this on the device.
Key points worth checking out:
- 📱 App Version: Install the latest version of Mi Fitness (for Mi Band) or Zepp Life (for Xiaomi Watch) from Google Play or App Store. Older versions may not display all available languages.
- 🌍 Region of the device: Watch with Chinese firmware (CN) Often block language change. Check the region in your phone settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (It should be in line with the clock region).
- 🔋 Battery charge: Make sure the clock is over 50%. Interrupting the firmware update process (if required) can cause the device to blink (inoperability.
- 📶 Internet connection: To download language packets will require a stable Wi-Fi connection or mobile Internet.
⚠️ Note: If your watch was purchased in China and has a firmware with a regional code CN, Attempting to change language through standard settings can result in a reset of all data, in which case it is recommended to use the method with manual firmware update (section 5).
Method 1: Change language through a mobile application (for most models)
This is the easiest and safest method that works for most Xiaomi devices, including the Mi Band 5/6/7/8, Redmi Watch 2/3 and Xiaomi Watch S1/S2.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app on your phone.
- Connect the watch to the app (if not already connected). To do this, go to Profile → My Devices → Add the device.
- Select your watch from the list of connected devices.
- Go to the Settings section of the device (the gear icon or three dots in the upper right corner).
- Find the language (or language if the application is in English).
- Select the language you want from the list (for example, Russian or Russian).
- Confirm the changes and wait for the synchronization (the clock will restart automatically).
If the list does not contain the language you want, update the firmware of the watch through the application: Device Settings → Software Update. After the update, try again.
Update Mi Fitness/Zepp Life to the latest version
Connect the clock to your phone via Bluetooth
Charge the watch to at least 50%
Connect to Wi-Fi to download language packs-->
⚠️ Note: Some models (Mi Band 6 with firmware 1.0.1.56 and below) may reset the link to the Xiaomi account after changing the language. → Cloud backups.
Method 2: Changing the language directly on the watch (for Xiaomi Watch and Redmi Watch)
The Xiaomi Watch S3, Watch 2 Pro and Redmi Watch 3 allow you to change the language without using a phone, a method that is convenient if you do not have access to a mobile application or the watch is disconnected from your smartphone.
Instructions for watches with touch screen:
- Swipe your finger down the main screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
- Then, touch the settings (cogs) icon.
- Scroll down and select System (or System).
- Find the language and input item.
- Slip in the current language and select the one you want from the list (for example, Russian).
- Confirm the choice and wait for the reboot (the watch may blink the screen).
For models without a touch screen (such as the Mi Band 7):
- Press the physical button to open the menu.
- Scroll to Settings (click the button 3 times).
- Select Language (4th press).
- Scroll through the list of languages and select the desired one (confirm with a long press).
What if the language on the menu is displayed in hieroglyphics?
| Model clock | Supported language change | Whether an application is required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 5/6/7/8 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes, Mi Fitness) | Language changes only through the phone. |
| Redmi Watch 2/3 | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (on the clock, please) | Redmi Watch 2 Lite requires firmware 1.2.0+ |
| Xiaomi Watch S1/S2/S3 | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Supports Russian, English, Spanish, etc. |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Menu in 20+ languages, including Ukrainian and Kazakh |
| Mi Band 4 | ⚠️ Partially. | ✅ Yes. | Only English and Chinese in old firmware |
Method 3: Resetting settings to unlock the language
If the clock freezes after a failed language change or the menu is missing the right language, hard reset can help. This method erases all data from the device, including the link to the Xiaomi account, so use it only as a last resort.
How to reset:
- 🔄 For the Mi Band. 5/6/7/8:
- 🔧 For the Xiaomi Watch S3/2 Pro:
For devices with Chinese firmware
The reset may result in the account being blocked due to the CN region being tied. In this case, manual stitching will be required (Section 5).
⚠️ Note: After reset, Mi Band 8 and later may require re-authorization through your Xiaomi account. If you forget your password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
💡
Before reset, take screenshots of the watch’s main screens – this will help you quickly configure them again after the reboot.
5. Method 4: Manual firmware updates for Chinese versions
If your watch was purchased in China (CN firmware), standard language change techniques may not work, and manual firmware on a global or European version of the software will help, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires working with a computer and special utilities.
Tools required:
- 💻 Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
- 🔌 Cable for connecting the watch (for Xiaomi Watch) S3 — magneto-connector).
- 📁 Firmware for your model (you can download on the official Xiaomi website or forums) 4PDA).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Amazfit Firmware Tool (depending on the model).