Buying a branded smartphone Honor, especially one brought from foreign regions or ordered on popular trading platforms, often puts the user in front of an unexpected obstacle. When you turn on the device for the first time, you may find that the system interface consists entirely of incomprehensible hieroglyphs, Arabic script or Latin characters that are impossible to read. The situation looks scary, but in reality it is just a matter of setting system localewhich by default can be set to Chinese or English.
You can change the configuration in several ways depending on the version of the operating system Magic UI or EMUIinstalled on your gadget. Modern shells provide intuitive icons that help you navigate the menu even without knowing the language, but in older versions of the software navigation can be difficult. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the options for solving the problem, from standard settings to the use of special codes and third-party utilities, so that you can comfortably use your smartphone.
Do not panic if, after turning on, you see a screen with a foreign language. The Android system has a flexible architecture that allows you to switch language packs at any time during device operation without losing data. The main thing is to correctly identify the necessary menu items by their graphical arrangement and icons, following the step-by-step guide that we have prepared below.
Determination of the shell version and visual navigation
Before taking active steps, you need to understand which version of the software you are dealing with. Smartphones can run on pure Android, the old shell, or the new shell. The visual difference lies in the location of the settings and the design of the icons. In new models, such as Honor can run on pure Android, old shell EMUI or new Magic UI. The visual difference lies in the location of the settings and the design of the icons. In new models such as Honor Magic 5 or Honor 90, the interface is as close as possible to stock Android, while older models, for example, Honor 10 or Honor 20use a more closed menu structure Huawei.
The first step is always to find the settings icon. On your home screen or application menu, look for a gear icon. This is a universal symbol for entering Settings (Settings). If the menu is entirely in Chinese, focus on the position of the icons. Typically, the language change item is located in the lower third of the list of main settings or inside the section indicated by the letter "A" or an icon with several dots/lines, which symbolizes the system.
It is important to note that in some firmware for the domestic Chinese market, the language change item may be hidden or absent from the standard menu. This is done by manufacturers to prevent users within the country from changing the locale by mistake. However, this feature is available for global versions and most exported models. If you don't see an obvious switch, you may need to dive deeper into System System.
If you can't find the settings icon, try swiping down the notification shade - there's often a quick gear-shaped button that will immediately open the desired menu.
Blind navigation requires care. Remember the sequence of keystrokes or take screenshots of the screen before changing parameters, so that if you make a mistake you can go back. In modern versions Magic UI the menu structure is logical: from top to bottom there are sections for wireless networks, connected devices, and then system settings.
Standard algorithm for changing the language through the settings menu
The most reliable and safe way to change the interface language is to use the built-in settings menu. This method is suitable for 95% of cases when the device does not have strict regional restrictions. The algorithm of actions is almost identical for all versions of Android, differing only in the names of the sections in different languages. Your task is to find the section responsible for the general parameters of the phone.
First, open the settings application by clicking on the gear icon. Scroll down to the bottom of the list. You need to find the section, which in the Russian version is called “System and updates” or simply “System”. In the English interface this is System, in Chinese - hieroglyphs, often located at the very bottom of the list with an icon resembling a smartphone or a set of tools. Inside this section, look for the “Language and input” item.
☑️ Language search algorithm
After entering the languages section, you will see the currently active language highlighted in bold or at the top of the list. Click on it or the plus icon +to add a new language. In the list that opens, find “Russian” or “Russian”. If the list is very long, use the search function if available, or scroll down to the letter "R". Having selected Russian, drag it to the first position in the list or confirm your choice with the "Apply" button.
⚠️ Attention: In some Chinese versions of firmware, the "Language" item may not be located in the "System" section, but in the "Additional Settings" section, which is often indicated by an icon with three dots or the letter "i" in a circle.
If after switching the language has only partially changed, for example, in the menu, but remains old in some applications, this is normal. System applications will pick up the new locale immediately, but third-party apps may require a restart or separate settings within themselves. Make sure that you select the Russian language, and not the “Russian (Ukraine)” option or another regional standard, if the correct operation of the keyboard and layout is important to you.
The main rule: the language that is first in the list of priorities becomes the main interface language for the entire system and most applications.
Using the MoreLocale 2 application for hidden settings
Sometimes it happens that in the standard settings menu there is simply no option to select the Russian language, or the “Language” item is blocked by the manufacturer. This is typical for devices intended exclusively for sale within China. In such a situation, third-party software comes to the rescue, which can forcefully activate hidden system functions. One of the most effective tools is the utility MoreLocale 2.
To use this method, you will first need to install the application itself. Since Google Play may not be available or may not have the correct version, download the APK file MoreLocale 2 from a trusted source and install it manually by allowing installation from unknown sources in your security settings. Once launched, the application will show a list of available languages, but trying to switch without additional rights will not work.
The key here is to grant the application special rights through USB debugging. You will need a computer and ADB drivers installed on it. Connect the phone to the PC with a cable, enable developer mode (usually 7 clicks on the build number in the "About phone" section) and activate USB debugging. Then, through the command line on your computer, enter a special command that will give the application rights to change the configuration.
adb shell pm grant jp.co.c_lis.ccl.morelocale android.permission.CHANGE_CONFIGURATIONAfter successfully completing the command, return to the application MoreLocale 2 on your phone. Now you can select Russian from a complete list of all possible Android locales. Clicking on "Russian" will instantly switch the interface. This method is a powerful tool, but requires minimal technical knowledge to set up communication with the computer.
What to do if the ADB command does not work?
Make sure the correct drivers for your Honor device are installed on your computer. Try using a different USB cable or a different USB port. Also check whether debugging connection confirmation is allowed on the phone screen; sometimes you need to click the “Always Allow” checkbox.
It is worth remembering that using third-party utilities to change system parameters always carries minimal risks. Although MoreLocale 2 time-tested and safe, incorrect interference with system files can lead to unstable operation of some applications that do not support the selected locale. Use this method only if the standard settings do not help.
Changing the language during initial setup (Wizard)
If you have just unpacked the box and are turning on the phone for the first time, you have a unique chance to set the correct language before you get into the workspace. The initial setup screen, often called the Setup Wizard or Setup Wizardalways prompts you to select a language as the very first step. However, if you accidentally skipped this step or clicked "Next" without looking, the system may have automatically selected the language of the region in which the phone was manufactured.
On the welcome screen, which usually shows the logo Honor or the words "Hello", look for a globe icon or the letter "A" with an underline. Often this control is located in the bottom corner of the screen or pops up when you click on the input line. By clicking on it, you will open a list of available languages specifically for the setup stage. Select Russian, and all subsequent steps - connecting to Wi-Fi, logging into your account, setting up a fingerprint - will take place in a language you understand.
It is important to take your time at this stage. Often, users ignore choosing a language, thinking they can easily change it later. Although this is true, it is much easier to configure all the parameters correctly at once than to later deal with the hieroglyphs in the menu. If you have already completed this step and are on the desktop, you cannot return to the setup wizard without resetting your data; you will have to use the methods described in the previous sections.
In some cases, if the phone was reset to factory settings, the setup wizard can automatically detect the SIM card language or regional network settings. If you have a Russian SIM card installed, there is a chance that the system itself will offer Russian. If this does not happen, manual selection through the globe icon remains the only option at the start.
Interface features Magic UI and EMUI
The shells from Honor and Huawei have their own specifics that distinguish them from pure Android. In versions EMUI (relevant for older Honor models), language settings are often hidden deep in the menu. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Advanced settings → Language and region. The "Advanced Settings" icon may look like three horizontal lines or a gear with a dot inside.
In more recent versions Magic UI (starting from 4.0 and higher) the developers have simplified the structure. The "Language and Region" item is often placed directly in the main settings menu or is located in the "System and Updates" section. The visual style has become lighter, and the icons have become clearer. However, the logic of the arrangement of elements may vary depending on the specific model, for example, the differences between Honor X8 and the flagship Honor Magic 4 can be significant.
| Model / Shell | Menu item location | Section icon | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honor 10 / EMUI 8 | Additional. settings → Language | Three dots / Letter i | Often hidden in the submenu |
| Honor 20 / EMUI 9 | System → Language | Gear with the letter A | Standard path |
| Honor 50 / Magic 4 | System and updates → Language | Green Android / Globe | Looks like pure Android |
| Honor Magic 5 / Magic 6 | Settings → System → Language | Gear | Maximumly simplified |
Particular attention should be paid to models with curved screens and specific control gestures. In such devices, settings can be accessed not only through the icon, but also through the search at the top of the settings screen. If you see a search bar with a magnifying glass, try entering the word "Language" or "Language" in Latin, even if the interface is in Chinese. The system often understands search queries in different languages and immediately redirects to the desired item.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu location may vary depending on the firmware version. The manufacturer has the right to change the structure of settings in security updates, so focus primarily on icons and layout logic.
Resetting settings as a last resort measure to solve the problem
If none of the above methods helped, and you are stuck in a labyrinth of incomprehensible menus, there remains a radical but effective method - a complete reset of the device to factory settings. This procedure will delete all data from the phone's internal memory, including photos, contacts and installed applications, so it should be used only as a last resort or on a new device that does not yet have important information.
To perform a reset without accessing the settings menu, use the Recovery Modemode. Turn off your phone completely. Then hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo Honorappears, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume down until the recovery menu appears. In this menu, control is carried out using the volume buttons (up and down) and the power button (select).
You need to find the item that sounds like Wipe data/factory reset. On a Chinese menu, these may be characters, usually the second or third item from the top. Confirm your selection by pressing the Power button. Next, the system will ask for confirmation, often requiring you to enter the word “yes” or select a confirmation item. After the process is completed, select Reboot system now. The phone will reboot and you will again see the initial setup screen, where you can correctly select the Russian language.
Before performing the reset, be sure to remove the microSD memory card, if installed, so as not to accidentally format it along with the phone memory.
This method guarantees a return to the factory state, where the default language may be set correctly depending on the region of sale or allow you to choose it manually at the start. Remember that after the reset you will have to reconfigure Wi-Fi, log into accounts and install applications, but you will get a clean system with a clear interface.
Common problems and ways to fix them
Even after successfully changing the language, users may encounter a number of nuances. For example, the keyboard may continue to type in English or Chinese, despite the Russian interface. This can be solved in the settings of the keyboard itself: go to Settings → System → Language and input → Management keyboards and make sure that the Russian layout is enabled and active.
Another common problem is a mismatch between the date and time format. After changing the language, check your region settings. Sometimes the language changes to Russian, but the region remains "China", which causes the date format to appear as YYYY-MM-DD. Change the region to "Russia" or your country of residence in the same settings section to bring all standards into compliance.
Some pre-installed Chinese applications may not support the Russian language even after changing the system locale. In this case, only removing them or replacing them with global analogues from the application store can help. Fortunately, most system services Honor are correctly localized when configured correctly.
Why, after changing the language, some applications remained in English?
This happens because the developers of specific applications did not add support for the Russian language to their app. System language changes only affect those applications that have the appropriate language packs. Try updating the application in the store or find its Russian-language equivalent.
Is it possible to change the language if the phone screen is broken and the sensor does not work?
Yes, it is possible, but difficult. You will need to connect your USB mouse to your phone via an OTG adapter. The mouse cursor will allow you to navigate around the screen and get to settings. If the screen does not show an image at all, you will need to connect to the monitor via a USB-C to HDMI adapter if your Honor model supports video output.
Will the warranty disappear after changing the language via ADB?
No, changing the language settings via ADB software commands is not a violation of the warranty terms. You do not unlock the bootloader and do not get root access, but only change the system configuration file. The warranty remains in full.
What to do if the phone itself changes the language back to Chinese?
This behavior may indicate the work of third-party optimizer applications or viruses that reset settings. Check your phone with an antivirus, remove recently installed dubious apps. Also make sure that Russian is in first place in the list of languages, not second.
Does changing the language affect the operation of banking applications?
Changing the interface language does not affect the operation of banking applications and the security of transactions. Banking apps work regardless of the system locale. However, for ease of use, it is recommended that the language of the system and application be the same.