Changing the system language on a smartphone often becomes a necessity not only for those who decide to learn English, but also for advanced users seeking to access functions hidden in localized firmware versions. Sometimes the Russian-language interface may not display correctly, or you need to set up the device for a colleague or relative living abroad.
In modern versions Android this process is as simplified and intuitive as possible, however, the menu layout may differ significantly depending on the manufacturer of your gadget. Shells from Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei have their own unique navigation features, which we will examine in detail in this article.
Before you start making changes, make sure that you know the location of the main icons on your screen, since after changing the language all the inscriptions will change, and you will have to navigate by icons and visual images.
Standard algorithm for changing the language in pure Android
In devices with a “clean” interface, such as line Google Pixel or smartphones Moto, the procedure for changing language settings is performed through a single control center for system parameters. You need to find the gear-shaped icon, which traditionally denotes the settings section.
After entering the menu, scroll down the list to the item System (System). This is where the global parameters of the device are concentrated, including information about the phone, navigation gestures and, of course, language preferences.
Next you need to select the section Languages & input (Language and input). In the window that opens you will see a list of available languages. If English is not in the “Preferred languages” list, click on the button Add a language (Add language), find English (United States) or English (United Kingdom) and select the desired option.
⚠️ Attention: When you drag English to the first position of the list, all system notifications and application menus instantly switch to a new language. Make sure you are ready for this change.
To make English your primary language, simply pinch the lines with three horizontal lines to the right of the language name and drag it to the very top of the list. The system will automatically apply the changes without the need to reboot the device.
If you accidentally selected the wrong dialect (for example, Australian instead of American), simply repeat the drag-and-drop procedure, moving the desired option higher in the list of priorities.
Interface features in Samsung One UI shells
Smartphone users Samsung face a slightly different menu structure, since the company uses its own add-on One UI. Here, the language settings are placed in a separate category of general management, which makes finding them a little more confusing for beginners.
You need to open the settings and find the section General management (General management), which is usually indicated by an icon with three vertical dots or sliders. Inside this section, tap on the item Language (Language).
Interface Samsung allows you to add several languages at the same time and quickly switch between them through the notification panel, which is very convenient for multilingual users. Select English from the list and click the Apply (Apply) button or drag it to the top of the list.
- 📱 The settings icon in Samsung always looks like a gear and is located at the top of the notification shade or on the main screen.
- 🌐 Simultaneous use of several keyboard layouts for different languages is supported without additional switching.
- ⚙️ In some firmware regions Samsung there may be no default dialects of the English language.
It is important to note that in the latest versions One UI a function has appeared to automatically switch the language depending on the location, which can be activated in the same menu. This is useful for travelers, but can be confusing if you want to lock in one language all the time.
Setting the language on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones (MIUI/HyperOS)
Shells MIUI and new HyperOS from the company Xiaomi have their own specifics: here the language settings are often hidden in the “Advanced settings” section. This may confuse users who are accustomed to standard logic Android.
Go to settings and scroll down to the section Additional settings (Advanced). Inside you will find the item Languages & input (Language and input). Click on the first sub-item Languages (Languages).
If the desired option is not in the list, click on the plus sign + or the add button, find English and confirm your choice. The system will offer to make it the main one - agree with this action.
⚠️ Attention: In global firmware versions Xiaomi sometimes there are advertisements in system applications. Changing the language to English may change the nature of the displayed advertising offers.
Device owners Redmi and Poco should be aware that in Chinese versions of firmware (CN ROM), the choice of languages may be limited only to Chinese and English. In such cases, full Russification is possible only after unlocking the bootloader and installing global firmware.
Hidden language packs
In some older versions of MIUI, the full list of languages could be activated through the engineering menu by entering a code ##6484##, however, in modern versions of Android this feature is closed for security reasons.
Solving problems with the lack of English language
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where there is simply no English option in the list of available languages. This is typical for devices intended for the domestic market of some countries, for example, China or Japan, where manufacturers save memory space by deleting unnecessary localizations.
In this case, standard methods through the settings menu will not be able to solve the problem. You will need to either install third-party locker applications that replace the system interface, or reflash the device.
The most reliable way is to install GSI (Generic System Image) or custom firmware, such as LineageOS, which by default contain a full set of language packs. However, this method requires skills in working with Fastboot and an unlocked bootloader.
| Solution method | Difficulty | Risk of data loss | Required rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard menu | Low | No | Absent |
| Locker applications | Medium | No | Access to special features |
| Change region (via ADB) | High | Minimum | USB debugging |
| Installing custom firmware | Very high | Full cleaning | Root / Unlocked BL |
For advanced users, it is possible to add a language pack via a computer using the utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge). The command adb shell pm grant can grant the translator application rights to change system settings, but this is unstable on new versions. Android 13-14.
If English is not listed, there is a 99% chance that your firmware is regional (Chinese/Japanese).
Factory reset as radical method
If the phone interface is entirely in an unfamiliar language (for example, Chinese or Arabic), and you cannot find the menu item you need, the easiest solution may be to completely reset the device. This will return the phone to its out-of-the-box state, where the first time you turn it on you will be asked to select a language.
You can use a combination of physical buttons to perform a reset without accessing the menu. Usually this is holding down the power button and the volume up button simultaneously until the logo or recovery menu appears (Recovery Mode).
In the recovery menu, navigation is carried out with the volume buttons, and selection is done with the power button. You need to find the item Wipe data/factory reset, confirm the action (Yes or Factory data reset) and after completion select Reboot system now.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting to factory settings will permanently delete all your photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Be sure to back up your important data before starting the procedure.
After rebooting, the phone will launch the initial setup wizard On the first screen, you can select English from the proposed list and. then configure the device in a language that you understand.
☑️ Preparing to reset the settings
The influence of the system language on the operation of applications and the voice assistant
Many users wonder whether changing the system language affects the operation of individual apps. In most cases, modern applications, such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram, automatically adjust to the system language.
However, some apps have their own internal language settings that take precedence over system ones. For example, in Microsoft Office or games, the interface language may remain Russian, even if the phone is translated into English, until you change this in the settings of the application itself.
The voice assistant Google Assistant is also sensitive to language changes. When switching the system to English, the assistant may suggest changing the voice input language to better recognize commands. This opens up access to functions that are not available in the Russian-language mode, for example, a more accurate search for local information in the US or UK.
It is worth considering that some banking applications and government services may not work correctly or display data when the system language is changed to English, since their developers focus primarily on the local user.
To check the compatibility of critical applications (bank, taxi) test their operation for 10-15 minutes after changing the language before leaving the phone in the new mode permanently.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the language in installed applications change automatically?
In most cases, yes, if the application developer has provided support for multiple languages and did not block this function. However, applications such as YouTube or VKontaktemay have their own language settings inside their menu, which need to be changed separately.
Is it possible to set the English language if the phone was purchased in China?
Yes, In most Chinese smartphones, English is present in the system by default. If it is not there (Chinese only), you will have to reflash the device to the global version or use special utilities to add a language pack.
How to return the Russian language if I am confused in the English settings?
You need to go to Settings (gear) again, find the section System (the "i" icon or sliders), then Languages & input (the globe or letter A icon). Drag Russian to the top of the list.
Does the system language affect battery consumption?
No, the interface language does not have any effect on the power consumption of the processor or screen. The difference in energy consumption will be invisible and is caused only by background processes and not by text on the screen.
Why did the language reset to English after updating Android?
Sometimes with major system updates (for example, from Android 12 to 13), the priority of languages may be lost, especially if a beta version of the software was used. Just return the Russian language to first place in the settings, as described in the instructions above.