How to Switch Xiaomi TV into Russian: Official and Alternative Ways

Xiaomi TVs have gained popularity thanks to a combination of affordable prices and modern features, but many users face a problem: devices from global or Chinese lots often come with an English or Chinese interface. Russian firmware solves this problem, but requires care - wrong actions can lead to "bricking" the TV. In this guide, we will analyze all the proven methods of Russification, from official updates to alternative methods for models where Russian is not supported out of the box.

It is important to understand that the process differs depending on the TV series (Mi TV 4A/4S/5, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV), the firmware version and even the purchase region. For example, models for the European market (EEA) already contain Russian in the settings, but Asian versions (CN or IN) require complete firmware reflashing. We will consider both scenarios - when the language is simply hidden in the system and when it needs to be added through custom firmware.

Before you start, check the current version of your TV software. To do this, go to Settings → About TV → Software Version. If the firmware name has the letters EEA (for example, MSZ-43BA-1.0.117-EEA), Russian is already installed - it can be activated through the menu. If the version contains CN, IN or GLOBAL, you will need firmware.

1. Check the current firmware version and region

The first step is to determine which firmware is installed on your Xiaomi Mi TV, which depends on whether you can simply change the language in the settings or need a complete flashing.

1. Turn on the TV and go to the main menu.
2. Open Settings → About → System Information (or Settings → About TV).
3. Look at the Model line and the Software version, for example: 📺 L43M6-6ARU — The Russian language is already available (Russian language is already available). 📺 L55M5-5AIN — Model for India (firmware required). 📺 MDZ-24-AA — Chinese version (needs custom firmware).

Pay special attention to the latest symbols in the software version:

• 🌍 EEA — European firmware (Russian is available).
• 🇨🇳 CN — Chinese firmware (Chinese/English only).
• 🇮🇳 IN — Indian firmware (English) + local).
• 🌐 GLOBAL — International (probably without Russian).

If your model is Chinese or Indian, go to the section about firmware via USB or ADB. If the firmware is European (EEA), but the Russian language does not appear, try resetting to factory – sometimes this helps.

2.Official method: change of language in settings (for EEA-firmware)

If your TV has European firmware (EEA), Russian is already embedded in the system, but it can be hidden.

1. Open Settings → Preferences → Language (or Settings → Preferences → Language).
2. Scroll down the list - Russian should be on the list. If it is not, click Add language and select Russian (Russia).
3. After you choose, restart your TV (Settings → Device Preferences → Restart).

If the Russian is not on the list, but the firmware EEA, try to update the software via the Internet:

1. Go to Settings → About → System Update.
2. Click Check for updates and wait for the download.
3. After updating, re-check the list of languages.

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If after changing the language, some inscriptions remain in English (for example, in Smart TV-applications), this is normal – the applications themselves may not support Russification.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) TV 4S 55", Mi TV Q1E) After updating to the latest version of the software, the Russian language may disappear. In this case, only a rollback to the previous firmware through the USB.

3. Firmware through USB: step-by-step CN/IN-version

If your TV has Chinese (CN) or Indian (IN) firmware, there is no official way to add Russian, but you can install custom firmware from enthusiasts or a modified European version, which is suitable for most models, including the Mi TV 4A, 4S, 5 and Redmi Smart TV.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ USB-drive (flash drive) up to 8 GB, formatted in FAT32.
• 📁 Firmware for your model (you can download it on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
• ⚡ Stable power supply of the TV (do not disconnect from the socket during the process!).

Instructions:

1. Download the archive with firmware (for example, mi_tv_4s_55_ru.zip) And unpack it. There's got to be a file inside. update.zip.
2. Copy update.zip to the root of the flash drive (not to the folder!). You can't rename the file.
3. Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port (preferably to port) USB 2.0, if there is one).
4. Go to Settings → About → System Update.
5. Select Update via USB (Update through USB) and confirm installation.
6. Wait until the TV is finished (the TV will restart 2-3 times) and it takes 10-20 minutes.

Download the firmware for your model |

Format the flash drive in FAT32|

Put update.zip in the root of the flash drive |

Connect the flash drive to the TV |

Do not turn off the TV until the update is completed-->

After successful firmware, Russian will appear in the settings. If the TV does not turn on or hung on the Mi logo, then the firmware does not fit - you will need to restore the original version through the recovery mode (see section 5).

4. Firmware through ADB: for power users

If the firmware is through USB It didn’t work or your model doesn’t support this method (e.g. Mi). TV Q2 75"), may be used ADB-It's more complicated, but it gives you more control over the process:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.img or.zip format ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging Mode: Settings → About TV → Software Version → Click 7 times on Software Version before you see the message “You’re a developer.” Settings → Additional → Developers → Enable “Debugging on USB”.
2. Connect your TV to your computer via USB (use the USB 3.0 port on your TV if you have one).
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/Mac) and check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed (e.g. 192.168.x.x:5555), you can continue.
4. Download firmware to your TV: adb push update.zip /sdcard/ adb shell reboot update

After the restart, the TV will install the firmware automatically. If the process is stalled, try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d file:///sdcard/update.zip

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) TV 5 Pro) ADB-In this case, only unlocking the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website will help, but this will void the warranty.

5.Restore TV after failed firmware

If the TV stops turning on, freezes on the Mi logo or produces a No command error, don’t panic – in most cases it can be restored.

Ways to log in to Recovery:

• 🔄 Method 1: On the TV turned off, press the power button + Volume button down on the remote (or on the TV itself if there are physical buttons) and hold for 10-15 seconds.
• 🔄 Method 2: Connect the flash drive with the original firmware (update.zip) And press the power button. + Home button on the remote.

In the recovery menu, select:

1. Wipe data/factory reset – reset to factory settings (does not remove firmware, but clears user data).
2. Apply update from USB – install firmware from a flash drive.
3. Reboot system now – reboot after successful recovery.

If the TV doesn’t respond to buttons, try connecting the keyboard via USB – in Recovery Mode, it should work.

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If the TV doesn't turn on even after the reset, the bootloader is probably damaged, and then only flashing through the flashing machine will help. UART-port (requires disassembly of TV and soldering iron) or contacting a service center.

6. Alternative methods of Russification (without firmware)

If the firmware seems too risky, there are several alternative methods:

• 🌐 Using Google Translate on the remote: In some models (Mi) TV Q1E) You can connect the remote to Google Assistant and use voice translation to do this. To do this, you can press the microphone button on the remote. Say, OK Google, translate [screen text] into Russian".
• 📱 Control via Mi Remote: Install the official Mi Remote app on your smartphone, connect to your TV and use the Russian-language interface of the app for navigation.
• 🖥️ Connection through HDMI-CEC: If you connect to the TV device with a Russian interface (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box or Android console) TV), You can control your TV through your menu.