How to change the language on the Chinese router Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Contents

• Why Xiaomi Router Shows Chinese and What to Do About It
• Method 1: Change language via web interface (if English is available)
• Method 2: Complete resetting of settings to factory
• Method 3: Installation of alternative firmware (for advanced)
• Method 4: Using the Mi WiFi mobile application
• Method 5: Manual editing of configuration files (for experts)
• Typical problems and their solutions
• Frequent questions about changing the language on Xiaomi routers

If you bought a Xiaomi router on AliExpress, in a Chinese store, or got it off your hands, chances are that the management interface is entirely in Chinese, and it's a lot of inconvenience, from not being able to set up Wi-Fi to the risk of accidentally resetting all the parameters, and fortunately, you can change your language to English or Russian in a number of ways, from simple to technical skills.

The main problem is that many models (Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition, Mi Router 4C, AX3600, etc.) come with Chinese firmware, where there is no option to choose the language in the standard menu. In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including hidden settings, reset and flashing, and give recommendations for avoiding typical errors.

⚠️ Important: Some methods (e.g. editing configuration files) can result in loss of warranty or device failure.If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to consult a specialist or use safer methods.

Method 1: Change language via web interface (if English is available)

Some models (Mi Router 3G, Mi Router 4 international) have English hidden in Chinese firmware to activate it:

1. Connect to the router via Wi-Fi or cable.
2. Open your browser and type 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Enter the login and password (by default – admin and password from the sticker on the router).
4. In the upper right corner, find the gear icon (⚙️) three-point (⋮) — it's a settings menu.
5. Scroll down to the point (language) and select English.

If English is not on the list, try:

• 🔍 Push. F12 in the browser, go to the Console tab and enter the command: document.cookie="lang=en"; window.location.reload; then update the page.
• 📱 Use a real-time translator (e.g. Google Translate with Page View feature").

⚠️ Attention: On routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM (for example, R3P, R4A) This method only works if the English localization package has been installed before.

💡

If the interface is displayed curved after changing the language (character instead of letters), clear the browser cache or try another one (for example, Firefox instead of Chrome).

Method 2: Complete resetting of settings to factory

The most reliable, but radical, method is hard reset, which will return the router to its original state, which sometimes allows you to choose the language when you first set up.

1. Find a small Reset button on the back of the router (usually in the recess).
2. Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
3. Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).
4. Connect to the network. Xiaomi_XXXX (without password and go to the web interface 192.168.31.1.

At the initial setup stage:

• 🌐 Try adding?lang in the browser address bar=en (example: 192.168.31.1/?lang=en).
• 🔄 If the language hasn’t changed, use Google Translate to navigate the menu and find the item with the UK or US flag.

⚠️ Warning: Reset will remove all settings, including Wi-Fi name, password and associated devices. save configuration in advance if possible (e.g., take a picture of the screen with the settings).

Take screenshots of current settings |Remember or write the password from Wi-Fi |Disable important devices from the network |Prepare a paper clip for the Reset |Check for a backup Internet connection (mobile 4G)

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Method 3: Installation of alternative firmware (for advanced)

If standard methods don't work, you have to flash the router with alternative software like OpenWRT or Padavan, which gives you full control of the device, but requires technical skills.

The following is a step-by-step guide for the Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition:

1. Download the Padavan firmware for your model from the official repository (for example, here).
2. Connect the router to the computer via cable and go to the web interface.
3. Move to the → (Systems management → Manual update).
4. Download the firmware file (.bin extension) and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
5. After the reboot, the router will be in English with advanced settings.

🔧 Technical nuances:

• 🛠️ For AX3600 and AX1800 The loader must be unlocked through SSH.
• 🔌 OpenWRT firmware supports Russian, but may deprive you of guarantees.
• ⚡ Some models (R4CM) have protection from flashing – you will need a soldering iron to unlock.

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn a router into a brick before the procedure:

• Check firmware compatibility with your board revision (written on the sticker).
• Use a power source (you can not turn off power during firmware).
• Back up your current firmware via SSH (command: dd if=/dev/mtdblock0 of=/tmp/fullflash.bin).

Method 4: Using the Mi WiFi mobile application

The official Mi WiFi app (available on Android and iOS) sometimes allows you to manage your router in English, even if the web interface is in Chinese.

1. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect your phone to the Wi-Fi router.
3. Start Mi WiFi and follow the instructions for adding the device.
4. In the application settings (cog in the upper right corner), select Language → English.

📌 Features:

• 📱 On iOS, the app may not show all the features – use Android.
• 🔄 If the app asks you to update your firmware, agree – sometimes it adds support for English.
• 🚫 On routers with firmware for the Chinese market (CN ROM) Application can block access.

⚠️ Note: Mi WiFi app can send data to China. If you are concerned, after setting up, turn off the app's internet access in your phone settings.

💡

The mobile app is the safest way to change language, but it doesn't work on all models. If Mi WiFi doesn't have a language choice option, try resetting your router through the app ("Advanced → Reset").

Method 5: Manual editing of configuration files (for experts)

For users with Linux experience, there is a way to change the language by editing configuration files via SSH. This method is suitable for routers based on OpenWRT or modified firmware.

Instructions:

1. Activate. SSH-Access on the router (in the web interface: → SSH).
2. Connect to SSH (e.g., via PuTTY or Terminal): ssh root@192.168.31.1 Password: admin (or password from sticker)
3. Open the configuration file: vi /etc/config/luci
4. Find the option lang'auto' and replace it with option lang'en'.
5. Save the changes (:wq in vi) and restart the router: reboot

🔧 Additional teams:

• 📂 View current localization: uci get luci.main.lang
• 🔄 Forced language change: uci set luci.main.lang=en && uci commit && reboot

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of configuration files may result in loss of access to the router.Before making changes, back up:

cp /etc/config/luci /etc/config/luci_backup

On routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM The language configuration file may be in the path /etc_init.d/rcS — Editing it requires caution, as it is responsible for loading the system.

Typical problems and their solutions

When changing languages on Xiaomi routers in China, users face a number of errors.

🔍 Diagnosis: If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 The router model - some (AX6000) require special firmware.
• 🔗 The firmware version - update it through →.
• 🔌 Purchase Region – Routers for Europe (EU ROM) usually support English.

Frequent questions about changing the language on Xiaomi routers