Changing the interface language on Android is a seemingly simple task, but many users encounter difficulties: they cannot find the desired menu item, the language is not in the list, or the system automatically returns the previous settings. This is especially true for owners of devices with custom firmware (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS), where the path to the settings may differ from the standard Android.

In this article we will examine all possible ways changing the language - from the basic method through settings to using ADB to force installation of missing localizations. We’ll also tell you why sometimes the language resets after an update and how to fix it. If you bought a used smartphone with Chinese firmware or just want to return Russian after an accidental change, you will find a solution here.

First, determine what your situation is:

  • 🔹 The language is in list, but you don’t know where to turn it on
  • 🔹 The required language is not available in the settings (for example, Ukrainian or Kazkh)
  • 🔹 The system automatically returns English/Chinese after reboot
  • 🔹 You need to change the language for individual applications (for example, Telegram or Google Play)
📊 What is the brand of your Android device?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Google
Huawei
Realme/Oppo
Other

1. Standard method: changing the language through the Android settings

This is the simplest method, which works on 90% of devices. data-i="56">Open the application with clean Android or shells like One UI (Samsung) and OxygenOS (OnePlus). The instructions are valid for versions Android 10–14.

Open the application Settings (gear on the main screen or in the application menu). Then the path may be slightly different:

  • 📱 On Samsung Galaxy: General settings → System management → Language and input → Language
  • 📱 On Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Settings → Advanced → Language and region → Language
  • 📱 On Google Pixel or pure Android: System → Language and input → Languages
  • 📱 On Huawei/Honor: Settings → System and updates → Language and region → Language

In the list of available languages, tap on the one you need (for example, "Russian" or "Ukrainian"). The system will prompt you to confirm the change - click Change or Apply. On some devices (for example, Xiaomi with global firmware), a reboot may be required after changing the language.

☑️ Preparing to change the language

Done: 0 / 4

2. What to do if the required language is not available. in the list?

The situation when the settings are missing, for example, Belarusian, Kazkh or even Ukrainian, is typical for:

  • 📦 Devices with Chinese firmware (for example, Xiaomi for the Chinese market)
  • 📦 Smartphones with trimmed shells (some models Realme or Oppo)
  • 📦 Outdated versions Android (below 8.0)

Solutions here are several:

Method 1: Installing a language pack via MoreLocale 2

The application MoreLocale 2 (available in Google Play) allows you to add missing localizations without root access. Download it, open it and:

  1. Select the desired language from the list (for example, be_BY for Belarusian).
  2. Click Set - the language will appear in the system settings.
  3. Return to Settings → Language and select added option.
💡

If MoreLocale 2 does not work, check whether the option is enabled in the developer settings USB debugging (sometimes required for the application to work correctly).

Method 2: Manually adding a language via ADB

For advanced users. You will need a computer with ADB drivers installed and enabled USB debugging on your smartphone. command:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.LanguageSettings

If the language is still not displayed, you can force install it by changing the system files (requires root):

adb shell

su


setprop persist.sys.locale ru-RU # for Russian


setprop ctl.restart zygote

What is ADB and why do you need it?

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool for debugging Android devices via the command line. It allows you to perform operations that are not available through the standard interface, for example, installing languages that the manufacturer has hidden in the firmware.

3. Why does Android itself change the language back?

Frequent problem: you installed Russian, but after rebooting or updating applications the system again shows English or Chinese Reasons:

Reason How to fix
Firmware with region binding (for example, Chinese MIUI) Install global firmware via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool
Auto-update of system applications (for example, Google Play Services) Disable auto-update in Settings → Applications → Google Play Store → Auto-update
Reset settings after OTA update Before updating, make a backup copy of language settings via Titanium Backup (root required)
Conflict with launcher applications (for example, Nova Launcher) Reset the launcher settings or return to standard

The most reliable solution for devices with Chinese firmware - reflash your smartphone to the global version. For example, for Xiaomi this is the firmware marked Global or EEA. Look for instructions on the firmware on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.

💡

If the language is reset after each update, the problem is in the firmware. The only radical solution: flashing to a global or European version of the software.

4. How to change the language for individual applications

Starting with Android 13, Google has added the ability to set different languages for each application. This is useful if you need, for example, Telegram to be in English, but the system is in Russian.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → System → Language and input → Application languages.
  2. In the list, find the desired application (for example, YouTube or Chrome).
  3. Select a language from the drop-down menu. If the one you need is not available, the application does not support it.

On Android 12 and below, this function can be emulated through the app App Language Changer (requires root or ADB).

💡

Some applications (for example Netflix or TikTok) ignore system language settings and determine it by account region. In this case, change the region in the service profile.

Manufacturers often modify the standard interface Android, so the path to language settings may differ. Let's look at the nuances for top brands.

Samsung (One UI)

On devices Galaxy S23, A54 and others with One UI 5/6:

  1. Go to Settings → General settings → System management → Language and input → Language.
  2. Click Add language and select the one you want from the list.
  3. Drag it to the first position to make it the main one.

Attention: on some models for Bixby and Samsung Pay the language can be changed separately in the settings of these applications.

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI)

In MIUI 14 the path is: Settings → Advanced → Language and region → Language. Features: Settings → Advanced → Language and region → Language language, some system applications (for example

  • 🔴 On Chinese firmware (CN) Russian may be missing even after installation via MoreLocale 2.
  • 🔴 After changing the language, some system applications (for example, Mi Video) may remain in Chinese.
  • 🔴 For complete Russification, firmware is required Global or EEA.

Google Pixel

On Pixel 7/8 with clean Android 14:

  1. Settings → System → Language and input → Languages.
  2. Click Add language and select from the list (here is one of the most complete sets of localizations).

Advantage Pixel: support language packs for applications without root.

Huawei/Honor (EMUI/Magic UI)

On Huawei P60 or Honor 90:

  1. Settings → System and updates → Language and region → Language.
  2. Select a language and confirm the change.

Important: on devices without Google Services (for example, Huawei Mate 60), some applications may not Russify due to lack Google Play.

How to find the firmware version on Xiaomi?

Go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version. If at the end of the name there is CN - this is Chinese firmware, Global - international, RU - Russian.

6. Solving problems after changing the language

Sometimes after changing the language, bugs arise: settings get lost, icons disappear, or the system starts to slow down. Let's look at typical cases and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Part of the interface remains in the same language

This is typical for devices with custom shells (MIUI, ColorOS). Solutions:

  • 🔄 Restart the device - sometimes it helps.
  • 🔄 Clear the system application cache: Settings → Applications → Show system → Settings/Launcher → Storage → Clear cache.
  • 🔄 Install the language pack manually via MoreLocale 2 or ADB.

Problem 2: Keyboard settings are lost

After changing the language, the keyboard (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard) may begin to suggest words in a different language. Fix:

  1. Open the keyboard settings (long press on the space bar → gear).
  2. Go to Languages → Remove unnecessary ones.
  3. Add the desired language and download packages autofill.

Problem 3: The system slows down after changing the language

This can happen due to:

  • 🐢 Cache rebuilding (wait 10-15 minutes - the brakes will go away).
  • 🐢 Font conflict (if the language uses a non-Latin script, for example, Arabic or Hindi). Solution: return to the Latin alphabet or reset the fonts to Settings → Screen → Font.
💡

If after changing the language the device began to slow down a lot, check if interface animation for the visually impaired is enabled by default (can be activated when you select some languages). Disabled in Settings → Accessibility.

7. Resetting the language to factory settings

If all attempts to change the language have failed, the last option is to reset the device to factory settings. Attention: this will delete all data from the internal memory (photos, contacts, messages), so make a backup copy first.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → System → Reset settings → Delete all data.
  2. Enter the PIN code or pattern.
  3. Confirm the reset. The device will reboot.
  4. When setting up for the first time, select the desired language.

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi with a locked bootloader), resetting may not help if the firmware does not initially support the language. In this case, all that remains is flashing.

💡

If you reset your smartphone before selling, do not forget to log out of your account Google and Mi/Xiaomi (if applicable), otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the device!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the language to Android

Is it possible to change the language without rebooting the device?

On most devices, a reboot is not required, but on some models Xiaomi and Realme changes are applied only after a reboot. Also, a reboot may be necessary if the language has not changed for system applications (for example, Settings or Phone).

Why are there only English and Chinese in the list of languages?

This is a sign that your The device has firmware for the Chinese market (CN). Solutions:

  1. Install global firmware via Fastboot or Recovery.
  2. Use MoreLocale 2 to add languages manually.
  3. Buy a device with official support for your region (check the model before purchasing!).
How to return the Russian language after an update if it is missing?

OTA updates sometimes reset the language settings Try:

  1. Manually select Russian in the language settings.
  2. Clear application cache Settings (Settings → Applications → Settings → Storage → Clear cache).
  3. Roll back to the previous firmware version (if the update brought bugs).

If all else fails, contact the manufacturer's support service indicating the device model and firmware version.

Is it possible to change the voice language of Google Assistant separately from the system?

Yes. Open Google Assistant, click on the profile icon. → Settings → Assistant → Languages. Here you can select the language for voice commands, regardless of the system one. Please note: not all languages support voice input (for example, Ukrainian may only be available for text mode).

Why do some applications ignore the system language?

It depends on the application developer. Some apps (for example, TikTok or AliExpress) determine the language by:

  • 📍 Account region (change in settings profile).
  • 📍 Google Play language (settings Google Play Market → General → Application language).
  • 📍 IP address (use VPN for the required region).

If the application is not officially Russified, try alternative clients (for example, AliExpress in the browser instead of the application).

📊 Have you encountered with problems when changing the language on Android?
Yes, the language was reset after a reboot
Yes, the required language was not in the list
No, everything went smoothly
Other