Changing the region on Xiaomi devices is a pressing task for users who are faced with geolocation restrictions, inaccessibility of services or incorrect firmware. The manufacturer links the functionality of the gadgets to the country of sale: from available languages and pre-installed applications to cellular frequencies and software updates. For example, Chinese versions of smartphones often lack Google services, and European models can block some functions in Russia.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of changing the region - from official settings to the most important ones. MIUI We will focus on the risks of loss of warranty when using unauthorized methods on devices with a locked bootloader, POCO, Mi, tablets (Pad 6, Pad 5) and TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi Smart TV) Android-based TV.
Why you should change the region to Xiaomi
The main reason is the discrepancy between the firmware and the real location, for example, if you bought a smartphone in China but use it in Russia, the following problems may occur:
- 📵 Lack of local frequency support 4G/5G (Like Band. 20 Europe or Band 7 Russia)
- 🌍 Incorrect operation of geolocation in maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps)
- 📱 Lack of Google services on Chinese firmware (MIUI China)
- 🔄 Delays in software updates (regional queues)
- 💳 Restrictions in payment systems (Google Pay, Mi Pay)
On Xiaomi TVs, changing the region can open access to additional streaming services (such as Netflix in 4K or Disney+), as well as remove restrictions on installing apps from Google Play. However, it is important to understand that some features (such as voice assistant) can work unstable after a region change.
⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, changing the region through informal methods will lead to loss of warranty and possible blocking of the Mi Account.
Official ways to change the region
The manufacturer provides legal methods for changing the region, but they don't work on all devices.
- 🔓 Requires an unlocked Mi Account (tied to the device)
- 📱 Only global firmware is supported (MIUI Global, MIUI EEA)
- 🚫 It doesn't work in the Chinese version (MIUI China) without prior firmware
The easiest way is through the settings menu:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
- Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Region.
- Select the country from the list (for example, Russia, India, Europe).
- Reset the device.
On Xiaomi TVs, the way is different:
Settings → Device → Preferences → Region⚠️ Note: After the official change of region, the device may request re-authorization in Mi Account. If the account was created in another region (for example, in China), you will need to create a new one or use it. VPN circumvention.
Change region through Mi Account (without unlocking)
If the official method didn't work, you can try to change the region through the linked Mi Account, which is suitable for devices with global firmware and does not require unlocking the bootloader.
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- In the Profile → Personal Data section, find the Region item.
- Click Change and select the right country.
- Confirm the change via SMS or email.
- On the device, reset settings (Settings → Additional → Reset).
After the reboot, the system must tighten the new region from the account, which does not work on all models – for example, on the POCO F5 and Redmi Note 12, additional binding may be required through Settings → Mi Account → Synchronization.
Check the connection of the device to the account
Make sure there is a global firmware
Make a backup copy of the data
Disable Two-Factor Authentication (Temporary)
Prepare VPNs to bypass regional locks (if necessary)
-->
Changing the region on the locked device (ADB method)
For devices with a locked bootloader and Chinese firmware, the only working way is to use the ADB-This method doesn't require unlocking, but it can cause service disruptions:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools and Xiaomi drivers
- 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original)
Step-by-step:
- Activate the developer mode (7 taps according to the MIUI version).
- Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect the device to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global region {country code } Examples of codes: RU (Russia), IN (India), EU (Europe).
- To apply the changes, do: adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.LOCALE_CHANGED
- Reset the device.
This method temporarily changes the region at the system level, but does not affect the firmware. After the MIUI update, the settings may reset.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Global version of MIUI (for experienced users)
The most reliable, but also the most risky way is to completely flash the device to a global version of MIUI, which is suitable for Chinese smartphones (Mi 11, Redmi K50) and requires an unlocked bootloader.
- 🌐 Full support for Google services
- 📡 Correct operation of local communication frequencies
- 🔄 Regular security updates
Algorithm of action:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-15 days).
- Download the global firmware for your model from en.miui.com.
- Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
- Transfer the device to Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
| Model of the device | Suitable global firmware | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | toco_global_images | Data loss, possible camera bugs |
| POCO F5 | marble_global_images | IMEI reset (solved by patch) |
| Mi 13 Ultra | ishtar_global_images | Lack of support for some camera modules |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | pippa_global_images | Problems with multimedia codecs |
⚠️ Note: Firmware of unofficial versions MIUI (For example, xiaomi.eu may result in the blocking of Mi Account due to violation of manufacturer policy.
Change of region to Xiaomi TV (Android TV)
On Xiaomi’s Android TVs, changing the region allows you to unlock additional apps and improve streaming services.
Method 1: Through the settings (official)
- Open Settings → Device → Preferences → Region.
- Select the country you want (e.g. United States for Netflix 4K).
- Reboot the TV.
Method 2: Through ADB (to unlock Google Play)
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → Device → About TV (tap 7 times on the Assembly Number).
- Connect to the ADB Adb shell settings put global region US adb shell settings put global country US
- Clear the cache of Google Play Services: adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms
After the region change to Xiaomi TV, you may need to re-authorize in streaming services, Disney+ and HBO Max will additionally require a VPN with servers in the United States.
💡
On Xiaomi TVs, changing the region does not affect hardware limitations (like Dolby Vision support); it only unlocks software features and access to app stores.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you change region, you often have some problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
- 🔄 "The region does not change after the reboot" → Check if the Chinese firmware is installed (MIUI Solution: run a global version.
- 📵 " Access to Google Play is blocked" → Clear the application data Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services → Warehouse → Clean up.
- 🔒 "Mi Account blocked after region change" → Use it. VPN For login (the server must correspond to the new region).
- 📱 "Mobile networks are not working after the change of the region" → Manually select the operator in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
If the device becomes unstable after changing the region (for example, notifications are lost or the camera stops working), reset to factory settings. Installation of the Google Installer patch (available on the 4PDA forum) can help on Chinese firmware (MIUI China).