Although it is based on the Android system, Xiaomi’s MIUI brand differs from its main platform to some extent. The design of its user interface is somewhat more reminiscent of iOS than Android, which may confuse new users. This extends to the operating system configuration design.
If you bought a Xiaomi phone or someone pranked you, you may need to change your language to make it readable (or you just don’t like British English, we understand). So if you are somehow struggling to change the default language on your MIUI device, this article will help you.
How to change the language on a Redmi phone
Redmi is a well-known subsidiary of Xiaomi that offers more affordable entry-level and mid-range versions of Xiaomi’s flagship devices. Its MIUI platform, regardless of the device, offers around 80 languages, and here is how to change the default language step by step:
- Open “Settings”, indicated by the gear icon.
- Scroll down to “Additional Settings,” which has an icon with three dots.
- Tap “Languages & input,” the second option on the menu.
- Tap the first option: “Languages”.
- Choose your language from the list and tap it to save.
The same steps apply to Redmi Note devices.
How to change the language on Mi Phone
The Mi line of devices is Xiaomi’s flagship series that competes with well-known rivals such as Samsung and Apple. Phones carrying the Mi label are considered higher quality, with better components and high-end specifications.
However, when it comes to changing the default English, the steps are similar or the same as on other MIUI devices:
- Open the “Settings” menu marked with a gear icon.
- Scroll down to the “Additional Settings” tab, an icon with three dots.
- There, tap “Languages & input” (second from the top).
- Tap the first option: “Languages.”
- Choose your language from the list.
- Confirm your choice by tapping the “OK” button.
How to change the language on a POCO phone
POCO, the most recent addition to the Xiaomi family, is another budget line similar to Redmi, more performance-oriented and designed for the gaming audience. The process to change the language on one of these phones is as follows:
- Open the “Settings” menu marked with a gear icon.
- Scroll down the menu and tap on the “Additional Settings” option (three dots icon).
- Tap “Languages & input,” the second option on the list.
- Tap the “Languages” option at the top of the list.
- Choose your language from the list.
How to change the language on a Mi Pad
In addition to the wide offering of phones of all price ranges and quality classes, both Xiaomi and Redmi launched a series of tablets simply called Pad for those who love larger screens, whether for work or entertainment.
Here’s what you need to do to change the language on any tablet running MIUI:
- Tap “Settings,” marked with a gear icon.
- Scroll down the menu and tap the “Additional Options” tab, which has a three-dot icon.
- In the “Additional Options” menu, tap “Languages & input,” which should be the second option on the list.
- Choose the “Languages” tab at the top.
- Search and select your language from the list.
How to change the language on a Xiaomi TV
Xiaomi joined the “device race” with a line of Smart TVs in 2013, and this allowed MIUI to go beyond laptops.
Depending on the age of your TV, it may come with a built-in Android-based MIUI or a proprietary system that may use some Android features. Newer TVs usually have easier language setting options and can use the system menu to change the device’s language. This is what you should do:
- Open the “Home Page” on your Mi TV by pressing the associated button on the remote control (usually the Home button with a house icon).
- Select and open the “Settings” menu marked with a gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
- In the settings bar, scroll down and choose “Device Preferences.” It has a monitor-shaped icon (without antennas).
- In that menu, scroll down to the fourth option, marked with a three-dot icon: “Language.”
- Choose your language from the list and press the “OK” button in the center of the remote control to confirm your choice.
On some devices, the language menu is a scrollable menu that can be accessed directly by going to Device Settings, and is the first option in the “System” tab (which should be the second group).
On some TVs, you may not be able to change the system language at all. A third-party Android app can translate most menu settings to make the TV at least somewhat navigable. However, jailbreaking the TV may be impossible if you can’t find the appropriate APK for the app. At the time of writing, there was no reliable download link available. The app is called Home Settings. If you manage to find the APK, here is a general guide on how to “install” it:
- Download the APK to a USB device.
- Connect the device to the TV.
- Open the TV settings via the remote control. You should be able to navigate through icons.
- Use the “up” button while in the menu to open the source menu.
- Select the “USB” icon, then the “Play” button, then open the folder with the USB icon to open your storage.
- Find and launch the APK file. It should have a gear icon.
- Once installed, the app should open automatically with an Android-like settings menu.
- Go to “Languages & inputs” (globe icon).
- Select the first option.
- Choose the language from the list.
Final notes
So whether a child accidentally set your device to a foreign language or someone played a prank on you, you should be able to get back on track in no time. Navigating MIUI is quite intuitive, so you shouldn’t have any problems changing settings or restoring them to defaults.
Have you had any problems navigating the MIUI settings? Or do you have any stories about changing the language on someone’s device? Tell us in the comments section below!
