Buying a new gadget from a Chinese manufacturer is always an exciting moment when you want to turn on the device as soon as possible and start exploring it. However, many users face the dilemma: should you immediately connect the cable to the network or should you completely discharge the device first?
Proper initial activation of the power supply chemical composition directly affects the accuracy of the display of percentages of charge and the overall durability of the device in the future. The current power controllers in Mi and Black Shark smartphones are smart enough, but they require correct calibration when they first start up. Ignoring simple rules can lead to the system not reading the residual capacity correctly.
In this article, we’ll break down a step-by-step algorithm that will help you avoid common mistakes and extend the life of your new gadget.We’ll look at the physical aspects of charging, temperature regimes, and software nuances that are often overlooked when unpacking a box.
Myths about the first charge and reality
There is a persistent misconception, which has come from the past, that any new phone should be discharged to a full shutdown and then charged continuously for 12 hours, a recommendation that was relevant to the older Ni-Cd and Ni-MH technologies, which had what is called the “memory effect.”
In the case of today’s Li-Pol and Li-Ion batteries, which are installed in Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12 devices, this approach is not only useless, but potentially harmful. Deep discharge below critical level creates excess stress on the cells, which can lead to irreversible chemical changes inside the battery even before active use.
Modern power controllers, such as those used in HyperCharge fast-charging flagships, are already factory calibrated, but to accurately perform the percentage of charge indicator in a MIUI or HyperOS operating system, the system needs to go through a full cycle from minimum to maximum once.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to artificially discharge a new Xiaomi smartphone to the point where it stops responding to the power button using power-hungry games or videos. This creates a deep discharge risk, after which the device may not turn on without special laboratory equipment.
It's also worth dispelling the myth that you only need to charge your phone with the original power supply for the first day, and while using certified accessories is really important for safety, there's no strict 24-hour time limit, but it's about voltage stability and not overheating.
Preparation for first inclusion
Before you connect the cable, you need to conduct a visual inspection of the equipment and the device itself, make sure that the contacts of the charging port are free of dust or protective film that could accidentally get inside during assembly, any foreign objects can disrupt contact and cause sparking.
Temperature is critical. If you bring your smartphone in the cold or leave it in a hot car, let it lie at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. Dramatic temperature changes can cause condensation inside the case, which will lead to short circuits when the current is applied.
Use only the original cable and power supply in the box to connect. Low-quality third-party cables may not support Quick Charge or Power Delivery fast charging protocols, which will slow the process or lead to unstable current.
- 🔌 Check integrity USB-cable and lack of insulation.
- 🌡️ Make sure that the temperature of the smartphone is in the range of +10°C +35°C.
- 🔋 Use the original power adapter that matches the power of the device (e.g, 33W, 67W or 120W).
- 🧹 Clean the charging port of possible production dust with compressed air or a dry soft brush.
Special attention should be paid to the state of the socket. Unstable voltage in the network can damage the smartphone power controller. If the voltage in your house jumps, it is better to use a network filter or stabilizer.
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If the original power supply is not included (this happens in new eco-packs), buy a certified adapter with support for the protocol specified in the specifications of your model, for example, Xiaomi Turbo Charge.
Step-by-step instructions for the first charge
The initial battery activation process requires a sequence of actions: first connect the cable to the device that is turned off, the screen should light up, signaling the start of the current supply, if the phone has been completely discharged in stock, the indicator may not appear immediately, but after 5-10 minutes.
You then have to wait until the charge reaches at least 20-30% before you try to turn the device on, which will create the necessary energy buffer to safely start the operating system and set up the initial setup, and trying to turn on the "dead" phone under load can cause a sharp surge in voltage.
Once turned on and initially set up, don't disconnect the device from the network until it reaches 100%.The system in the background will index files, update applications and calibrate sensors, which requires a lot of power.
☑️ Checklist of first charge
When the indicator is 100 percent, don't rush to take the cord out. Leave the phone on charge for another 30-60 minutes, which is necessary for the balancing of the battery cells and the final calibration of the controller, during which time the device can get slightly warmer — this is a normal physical process.
| Process phase | User action | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Inserting cable into a phone turned off | Charging indicator (orange or green) |
| Buffer kit | Waiting without inclusion | The charge reaches 20-30%, the screen responds to touch. |
| Activation. | Including and configuring with the connected cable | Successful system loading, start of calibration |
| Finish | Keep on charging after 100% for another 1 hour | Balancing of cells, accurate display 100% |
It is important to avoid running heavy games or augmented reality applications at this point, let the system safely complete the background processes. The BMS (Battery Management System) controller should record the maximum cell voltage as a reference point for 100%.
What is cell balancing?
Temperature and safety
Lithium polymer batteries are extremely sensitive to overheating. During the first charge, especially if you use SuperCharge or Turbo Charge technology, the body temperature can rise. This is normal, but it should not exceed comfortable values.
If you notice that the back cover of the smartphone gets so hot that it is unpleasant to hold in your hand, the process is better to stop. Remove the protective case if it is dense and poorly removes heat, and move the device to a cooler place, away from direct sunlight.
It is strictly forbidden to place a charging phone on soft surfaces, such as a sofa, pillow or blanket, which disrupts heat transfer and can lead to local overheating, which will cause battery bloating or even fire.
⚠️ Warning: If the device makes strange noises while charging, smells of burning or stops responding to commands, immediately disconnect it from the network.
The optimal ambient temperature for charging is 15°C to 25°C. In a room too cold, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, and the charge can take a very long time or not at all. In a hot room, the degradation of the electrolyte accelerates.
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Overheating is the main enemy of the lithium battery. The first charge should not turn into a test of strength: control the temperature of the case and remove the case if necessary.
Optimizing settings after the first charge
Once you have successfully charged and discharged the device for the first time, it is recommended to configure the battery protection features in the MIUI menu. Modern shells offer convenient tools to extend the life of the battery.
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Protection. You can activate the option “Optimized Charging” here. This feature learns your habits (for example, if you put your phone on overnight charging) and pauses charging at 80%, recharging to 100% just before you wake up.
Also, you should pay attention to the power saving settings, turn off animations and background activity of applications that you do not use, which will reduce the number of recharge cycles in the future.
- 🛡️ Activate "Battery Protection" in the settings to limit the charge to 80-90% day-to-day.
- 📉 Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi network search if they are not in use right now.
- 🌙 Set up the "Do Not Disturb" mode at night so that the background processes do not wake the screen.
- 🔄 Update your system software regularly, as newer versions often contain patches to improve the power controller.
Remember that the refresh rate of the screen also affects the flow rate. If you have a model with an AMOLED display and a frequency of 120 Hz, in the energy saving mode you can temporarily switch to 60 Hz, although this is not critical for the first calibration.
Frequent errors in the operation of new Xiaomi
Many users make the mistake of using the phone intensely while charging, running heavy games or shooting video in 4K creates a double load: the battery simultaneously gives power to the processor and takes it from the network, which causes severe heating and deformation of the internal structures of the battery.
Another common mistake is using cheap Chinese analogues of cables from markets, which often lack the necessary resistance on the contacts, which makes the smartphone unable to correctly determine the current strength and either charges very slowly or runs unstable.
You also don't have to leave your phone charging for days on end, just in case, although the controllers cut off the current when you reach the cell. 100%, The constant support of high voltage at terminals accelerates the aging of battery chemistry. 20-80% for everyday use.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use fast charging features continuously unless you need to urgently recharge your power.Standard charging with less current (e.g., low-current charging, 10-15 W) significantly less heats the battery and prolongs its life.
Remember, battery life is not measured by time, but by the number of full charge-discharge cycles. One cycle is 100% of the capacity spent on any number of power-ups. The right first charge helps the system count those cycles more accurately.