You just unpacked the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F6 Or Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and you're faced with the eternal question of how to charge your smartphone for the first time? There's a lot of conflicting advice on the Internet, from "discharge to 0%" to "keep charging for 12 hours." Many of them are obsolete 10 years ago, when lithium-ion batteries were just coming into use. Today, technology has stepped forward, and Xiaomi manufacturers dictate rules that are often ignored.
But why is first charging so important?The fact is that modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with intelligent battery management systems (for example, for example, the battery, MIUI Battery Optimization or Adaptive Charging in flagships, which “learn” the user’s behavior from the first minutes. 15-20% In this article, we will analyze the official recommendations of Xiaomi for the first year. 2026 Separate myths from facts and give a checklist for different models – from budget Redmi to premium Xiaomi MIX Fold 3.
Spoiler: No more battery training with full discharge-charging cycles, but there are nuances that are not even mentioned in the instructions.
Myths about the first charge: what is true of this in 2026?
Let’s start by debunking a popular misconception that has been around for a decade now, many of which were relevant to nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, but are completely meaningless to today’s Li-Po batteries at Xiaomi.
🔋 Myth 1: “You need to completely discharge your smartphone before you first charge"
This is the most harmful thing you can do: Lithium-ion batteries have no memory effect, and a deep discharge (below 3%) leads to irreversible chemical changes. Xiaomi manufacturers even software block full discharge: the smartphone will turn off when the smartphone shuts down. ~5% charge to save the battery.
⚡ Myth 2: "First charge must be held. 8-12 hours"
This is a relic of the era of "stupid" chargers without controllers. Today's Xiaomi automatically turn off power when it reaches 100%, and then maintain the charge level with micropulses. You can't recharge — the maximum you get is heating the battery, which reduces its life.
📱 Myth 3: “You only need to use the original cable and power supply"
There is a grain of truth here, but it’s not so clear. Xiaomi does recommend original accessories for fast charging (for example, for the first time, 33W/67W/120W in flagships), but for the first charge, any certified cable with support will suit USB-PD Or Quick Charge. The key is to avoid cheap no-name adapters without protection from voltage surges.
🔄 Myth 4: "First-time 3 The charging cycle must be complete (0-100%)"
It’s half-truth. For calibrating the charge controller (not to be confused with “training” the battery!) it’s really helpful to charge your smartphone once before you can. 100% and let him discharge before 10-15% It's a mistake to do that every time you charge, optimal range for everyday use: 20-80%.
Why doesn’t Xiaomi write about it in the manual?
Xiaomi's Official Recommendations for First Charging (2026)
Unlike many brands, Xiaomi periodically updates its battery care manuals.The latest data for 2026 is based on research from the Xiaomi Power Lab and applies to all models Released after 2020 (including the Redmi Note 13, POCO F5, Xiaomi 14 and others.).
Here is what the manufacturer himself advises:
- 🔌 Use original charging (or certified with Quick Charge support) 3.0+/USB-PD). For models with Turbo Charging (120W) This is critical – unoriginal adapters can burn the power controller.
- 📊 First charge to 100% - but don't keep your smartphone charging after reaching maximum.Switch off power immediately after notifying you of a full charge.
- 🔄 Avoid complete discharge in the first 7 Try to recharge the device when the charge drops to 15-20%.
- 🌡️ Control the temperature if the body is heated above 35.°C (warm but not hot), remove the case and let the smartphone cool.
- ⚡ Activate Adaptive Charging (if any in your model).This feature analyzes your habits and optimizes charging cycles. → Battery → Battery settings.
Pay special attention to models with dual batteries (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or the other two). MIX Fold 3: Two cells run in parallel and the first charge must be done without the active use of the smartphone (do not run games or benchmark tests).
Unpack your smartphone and let it heat up to room temperature (if brought from the cold)
Connect the original cable to your native power adapter
Charge to 100% without interruptions (do not disconnect / connect the cable)
After 100% Let me stay on the charge again. 10-15 minutes (for balancing the cells)
Turn off the power and use the smartphone in normal mode before 15-20% charge
Repeat the charging cycle until 100% still 1-2 first-time 3 day-day-->
Next articleHow to Charge a New Xiaomi for the First Time
Now let's get to the practice. Below is a universal instruction, suitable for all modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO. If your model supports wireless charging (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Pro), the rules are the same, but use the original Qi 2.0 station or Mi Wireless Charging Pad.
📌 Step 1: Preparing your smartphone
Take your smartphone out of the box and let it acclimatize. 10-15 If you bring it from the street in cold weather (below) +5°C) Turn on the device and go through the initial setup without connecting to the charge. This is important that the system properly initializes the battery controller.
🔌 Step 2: Connecting to the charger
- Use a complete cable and adapter. USB-C (Xiaomi after 2021, any high-quality cable with support will be suitable USB 2.0 or higher.
- Connect the charging to a grounded outlet (especially important for fast charging) 67W/120W).
- Don't use it. USB-Computer ports or power bank for the first charge – they may not provide enough current.
⚡ Step 3: The charging process
When you connect, you'll see a charging indicator on the screen. 10-15 The current may be increased (up to a minute) 3A In models with Turbo Charging, the system will automatically lower it to protect the battery. Do not interrupt the process, even if the smartphone is heated - this is normal for the first charge.
📊 Step 4: After reaching 100%
- Turn off the cable from your smartphone immediately after notifying you of a full charge.
- Let the device work. 5-10 minutes offline (you can turn on Wi-Fi and update applications).
- Connect charging for another 10 minutes – this will help balance the cells (relevant to dual batteries).
🔄 Step 5: First cycle of discharge
Now use your smartphone in normal mode until the charge drops to 15-20%. Don't try to empty it to zero, it's bad for the battery. 100% still 1-2 once in the first three days, so that the controller accurately determines the capacity.
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If your Xiaomi supports reverse charging (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro, do not use it in the first 7 days, this feature puts additional stress on the battery, which can affect its run-in".
What to do when you first charge (and why)
Some actions can not only shorten the life of the battery, but also damage the power controller or even cause the battery to bloat.
⚠️ WARNING: If you use a Xiaomi smartphone with fast charging support (30W+), Never connect it to charging immediately after heavy use (games, video shooting) 4K). Let the device cool until 30-35°C, otherwise you risk overheating the battery.
- 🔥 Charge your smartphone under direct sunlight – the temperature is higher 40°C leads to degradation of the electrolyte and a decrease in the capacity of the 30-40% yearly.
- ❄️ Charge below 0 temperature°C – Lithium-ion batteries lose their ability to take charge, and when frozen, the electrolyte can crystallize.
- 🔌 Use damaged cable – bare wires can cause short circuit and damage the port USB-C.
- 📵 Interrupt the charge on 80-90% first 3 cycle – this prevents the controller from accurately determining the actual battery capacity.
- 🎮 Playing heavy games while charging - simultaneous high load on the CPU And the heat will lead to overheating and accelerated wear.
Especially careful should be the owners of smartphones with graphene batteries (for example, Xiaomi). 11T Pro) They can withstand higher currents but are sensitive to voltage drops. Always use the original adapter with Xiaomi HyperCharge support.
| Action. | Effects of consequences | Risk to the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Charging at temperatures above 40°C | Electrolyte degradation, battery bloating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (critical) |
| Use of uncertified cable | Overheating, short circuit, damage to the port | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high-end) |
| Interrupting the first charge on 50-80% | Incorrect calibration of the charge controller | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-class) |
| Charging through USB-port | Slow charging, possible voltage surges | ⭐⭐ (low-key) |
| Ignoring Adaptive Charging | Accelerated battery wear due to constant charging up to 100% | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-class) |
Features of the first charger for different models Xiaomi
Not all Xiaomi smartphones are the same – budget Redmi and flagship Xiaomi/POCO They have different types of batteries and power management systems. Below are key differences that you should consider.
📱 Budget models (Redmi Note 13, POCO M6, Redmi 12C)
- Use single-cell batteries with capacity 5000-5030 mic.
- Supports Quick Charge 3.0 or 33W Pro (depending on the model).
- Recommendation: the first charge is carried out in the off state - this will reduce heating.
⚡ Mid-segment (POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 Lite, Redmi K60)
- Equipped with dual batteries (two cells each) 2500-2700 mic).
- Supporting. 67W Turbo Charging or 44W.
- Recommend: Activate Adaptive Charging in the settings and charge your smartphone in a horizontal position for better cooling.
🔋 Flagships (Xiaomi 14, 14 Pro, MIX Fold 3, Black Shark 6)
- Use graphene or silicone anodes for accelerated charging (120W+).
- They have liquid cooling (in some models).
- Recommendation: First charge is carried out with switched off 5G and background processes (translate the smartphone to aircraft mode).
🌍 Global and Chinese versions
Please note that the Chinese versions of Xiaomi smartphones (for example, with the console) CN In models, there may be other charging protocols, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro (CN) supportive 210W HyperCharge, while the global version is limited 120W. Always check the specifications for your area!
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For models with wireless charging (Xiaomi 14, 13 Pro, MIX 4) the first charge must be wired, this involves calibrating the controller, which first "learns" to work with the cable and then adapts to the Qi stations.
Frequent Questions and Problems During First Charge
Even if you follow all the rules, users are faced with unexpected situations, and let's look at the most common cases and their solutions.
❓ "Smartphone Charges Too Slowly When First Charging – This Is Normal?"
Yeah, first. 10-15 The system can limit the current to diagnose the battery if the speed has not increased through the 20 minutes, check it out:
- Do you use the original cable and adapter?
- Is the energy saving mode enabled (Settings) → Battery → Battery mode).
- Does the smartphone overheat (if yes, remove the case).
⚡ "Can I use a power bank for the first charge?"
Most external batteries do not provide the stable voltage needed to calibrate the controller, except for Xiaomi's original Quick Charge power bank.
🔥 "Smartphone is very hot - what to do?"
Light heating (up to) 35-40°C. The first charge is normal, but if the body is hot (unpleasant to hold in your hand), follow these steps:
- Turn off the smartphone from charging and let it cool down 15-20 minute.
- Check if background processes are enabled (e.g. software updates).
- Charge the device in aircraft mode.
- If the heating is repeated, contact the service center (possible battery defect).
📉 "After the first charge, the battery discharges quickly - this is normal?"
First. 2-3 The autonomy of the day may be lower than the declared one - this is due to the background optimization of the system (MIUI Optimization. 3-5 Full charge-discharge cycles stabilize the operating time. If the problem persists, check the settings. → Battery → Using the battery for the presence of “gluttonous” applications.
Why Xiaomi does not recommend to discharge the smartphone to 0%?
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
🔋 Should you “rock” the battery of the new Xiaomi, as it was done before?
⚡ Can I use wireless charging for the first cycle?
📱 What to do if the smartphone comes with a charge 40-60%?
🔌 Can I use a charger from another smartphone (for example, Samsung or iPhone)?
🌡️ How to check the battery temperature during charging?
If your question is not covered in the article, check the official documentation for your model on the Xiaomi Support website or contact the service center with the model and problem.
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Remember, the right first charge is not magic, it's prevention. Even with a perfect start, the battery degrades over time, but the right actions in the first days can extend its life. 20-30%.