You just unpacked Xiaomiβs new smartphone β whether itβs the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra model, the budget Redmi Note 13, or the gaming one. POCO F6 β You want to keep the battery as long as you can, and the first charge of a new device often raises questions like, do you have to drain the battery completely before you connect to the grid? Can you use an old phone to charge? How long does it take to cycle? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of proper charging, based on the official recommendations of Xiaomi and the experience of service centers.
Modern smartphones are equipped with lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries that do not require βpumpingβ (as it was with nickel-cadmium batteries in the 2000s). However, the first 3-5 charging cycles still affect battery durability. We will explain how to avoid typical errors that reduce battery life by 20-30%, and share life hacks to speed up the process without harming the device.
Preparing for the first charge: what to do before connecting to the network
Before you plug the cable into the socket, follow a few simple steps that will help avoid problems with firmware, overheating or incorrect charging level determination.
First, turn on your smartphone and wait until the system is fully loaded. Even if the battery level is critically low (1-5%), give the device at least 2-3 minutes to initialize.
- π System system MIUI Can update battery configuration in the background.
- π± Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) calibrate the charge sensor at first turn on.
- β‘ If you immediately connect the charging, the process can be interrupted, which will lead to failures in the display of battery percentage.
Second, check the completeness. In the box with the new Xiaomi should be:
- π± The smartphone.
- π Charger (if the model supports fast charging, the unit will be marked, for example, 67W or 120W HyperCharge).
- π Cable USB-C (For models up to 2022 could be Micro-USB in the budget series).
- π Guarantee card and instructions (in some countries may not be available).
β οΈ Note: If there is no charger in the kit (as in some models) POCO or Redmi for the European market, use only certified power supplies with Quick Charge 3.0 support+ or PD (Power Delivery: Charging without fast charging protocols can damage the power controller.
Finally, update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (If it's available, it'll help you avoid power management bugs:
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings β About the phone β System update.
- If an update is available, install it before the first charge.
Choosing a charger: what to use for the new Xiaomi
The type of charger not only affects the rate of battery replenishment, but also the safety of the battery. Using uncertified or overly powerful power supplies can lead to overheating, battery bloating or even fire.
The table below shows the recommended charger options for different Xiaomi series:
| Smartphone series | Max. Charging power. | Recommended protocol | Can I use a charger from an old phone? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12/13/14, MIX Fold | 67Wβ120W | HyperCharge, PD 3.0 | Only if the block supports PD or QC 4.0+ |
| Redmi Note 11/12/13 | 33Wβ67W | Quick Charge 3.0+ | Yeah, but the speed will be lower. |
| POCO F4/F5/F6 | 67Wβ90W | PD, QC 4.0 | Not if the block is weaker. 30W |
| Black Shark 5/6 | 120W | HyperCharge | Only the original block |
If you have lost the original charger or want to use a universal charger, pay attention to:
- π Power: must be not lower than the table, but not higher by 30% (for example, for Redmi Note 13 s) 33W don't take 100W-charging).
- π Cable: You need fast charging USB-C supportive 5A (usually marked as USB 2.0 High-speed or USB 3.1).
- π‘οΈ Certification: Look for the labeling CE, UL MFi (for Apple devices, if you use charging them).
β οΈ Warning: Chargers without a voltage controller (cheap no-name units) can deliver unstable current, leading to battery degradation by 10-15% in 6 months. 120W HyperCharge.
π‘
If you travel frequently, buy a compact charger with support PD 3.0 (e.g. Xiaomi GaN Charger) 65W). It is suitable for a phone, laptop and even a tablet, taking up a minimum of space.
Next articleHow to Charge a New Xiaomi for the First Time
Now, let's get to the process. Follow this instruction to properly charge your smartphone from scratch:
- Connect the charger to the outlet, and then the cable to the phone, and order is important: first the unit to the network, then the cable to the device, and this prevents power surges.
- Wait for the charging indicator to appear on the screen. Most Xiaomi models have a battery animation with percentages. If the indicator doesn't appear, check the cable or port.
- Do not interrupt until the charge reaches 100%. The first charge must be full so that the battery controller calibrates the capacity.
- Turn off the charge after reaching 100% and let the phone run for 10-15 minutes on the battery, then plug it back in for 10-20 minutes.
Critical: if your Xiaomi supports adaptive charging (Mi Smart Charge feature in the app) MIUI 14+), Turn it on in the settings. It automatically limits the charge to 80 percent at night, extending battery life.
The first charge time depends on the model:
- β‘ Xiaomi 14 Pro (120W) β ~20 minutes to 100%.
- β‘ Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (67W) β ~40 minutes.
- β‘ POCO M6 (18W) β ~1.5 hours.
The phone does not overheat (max. 40)Β°C)
Charging indicator flashes or shows percentages
Charging is stable (without jumps %)
After 100%, the phone does not automatically shut down.-->
What to do after the first charge: calibration and optimization
Many users think that once you reach 100%, you can use your phone as normal, but for maximum battery life, you should follow a few more steps:
- Discharge your phone to 10-15% in normal mode (do not force the discharge with a game or video).
- Charge again to 100% without interruption.
- Repeat the cycle 2-3 times, which helps the controller to more accurately determine the actual capacity of the battery.
After that, you can switch to the optimal charging mode:
- π Keep your charge level in the range of 20-80% in everyday use.
- π At night, turn on the Mi Smart Charge (limited to 80%).
- βοΈ Avoid charging at temperatures below 0Β°C or higher than 35Β°C.
To check the status of the battery after calibration:
- Enter the combination in the app: ##4636##
- Go to Battery Information.
- Check the health level (should be) >95%).
β οΈ Note: If after calibration the phone shows an incorrect percentage of charge (for example, jumps from 50% to 20%), reset the battery settings through the engineering menu or contact the service.
How to Reset Battery Statistics in MIUI?
Typical errors in the first charge and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that shorten battery life.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of non-original cable | Overheating, slow charging, port damage | Use a cable from the kit or certified USB-C marked 5A |
| Charging at extreme temperatures | Battery degradation by 30-40% per year | Charge at 10 to 30.Β°Do not leave your phone in the sun or near a heater |
| Interruption of the first charge | Incorrect calibration of the controller, percentage jumps | Wait for the full cycle (0β100%) without interruption |
| Using charging from a laptop (5V/2A) | Charging takes 2-3 times more time | For fast charging, you need a block with support PD or QC |
Another common problem is using wireless charging for the first charge, although Xiaomi supports Qi charging (for example, in the Xiaomi 13 Pro or the Xiaomi 13 Pro). MIX 4), for the first cycle, it is better to use a wired connection. Wireless charging heats the battery more strongly, which can adversely affect its life.
If you notice that your phone is warming heavily while charging (over 40)Β°C), follow the following steps:
- π Turn it off the grid and let it cool.
- π Check if the charging port is closed with dust or debris.
- π Try another cable or power supply.
- π If the heating is repeated, take the device to the service - it may be a defect of the battery or motherboard.
π‘
The first charge is not a ritual, it's a technical necessity, and the rule is, don't interrupt the process and use original accessories, which ensures that the controller of the battery correctly determines its capacity and prolongs its life.
How to Care for Xiaomi Battery After First Charging
The right first charge is just the beginning, so that the battery lasts 3-4 years without noticeable degradation, follow these recommendations:
1. Optimize charging cycles:
- π Try not to drain the phone to 0%. Optimal range is 20-80%.
- π΅ If the phone is dead, connect it to charging in a maximum of 2-3 hours.
2. Configure the energy saving functions:
- π Enable Energy Saving Mode in Settings β Battery.
- π Activate Mi Smart Charge (Limiting Charge at Night).
- π Turn off Auto-Update apps in the background.
Watch the temperature:
- βοΈ Do not leave your phone in direct sunlight (for example, on a torpedo in a car).
- βοΈ Do not charge the device in the cold (for example, on the balcony in winter).
- π₯ If the phone gets hot during the game, let it cool before charging.
Update the firmware:
Xiaomi regularly releases updates MIUI, They're going to optimize food management. MIUI 14 there is an intelligent charging mode that analyzes your habits and adjusts cycles to them.
To check the battery status after one year of use:
- Install the AccuBattery app (available on Google Play).
- Check out the battery health schedule (should be >80% after 12 months).
- If the capacity has fallen below 70%, contact the service to replace the battery.