Buying a new gadget from Xiaomi is always an exciting moment, especially given the rich functionality and affordable price of the Redmi line. However, after removing the device from the box, the user often encounters the MIUI interface or the new HyperOS, which requires initial adaptation to individual needs. Standard factory settings are not always ideal for comfortable use in our latitudes.
That's why there's a clear algorithm that will turn a boxed version of a smartphone into a powerful and convenient tool, and ignoring the initial optimization can lead to quick battery discharge, intrusive advertising in system applications, and even data security issues, and we'll look at each step in detail.
You're going to go from activating basic functions to deep customization, and take your time: setting up the right setup in the first 30 minutes of use will save you hours of troubleshooting in the future. Let's figure out where to start diving into the ecosystem.
Initial activation and configuration check
Before you go to software settings, you need to make sure that the physical integrity of the device and the basic modules are correct. Turn on your smartphone and carefully examine the screen for broken pixels, especially on a white background. Also check the vibrator and speakers, running a test sound.
The critical step is the installation SIM-cards and memory cards if the tray is combined. Make sure the tray is inserted on the correct side so that the contacts are not damaged. After switching on, check if the device sees the operator's network and if the battery is correctly displayed.
The system will prompt you to connect to Wi-Fi immediately, which is a must-do step for further activation of your account and checking for updates. If you use a public network, be careful about transferring personal data, it is better to use a home router or a mobile hotspot.
⚠️ Note: Do not miss the verification phase IMEI. Type *#06# in the caller and check the numbers on the screen against those on the box and back cover (or in the SIM card tray.
Mi and Google accounts: Sign in and sync
Xiaomi’s ecosystem is tied to two main profiles: a Google account and its own Mi Account. Sign in to a Google account is necessary for the Play Market store, synchronizing contacts, calendar and photos through Google Photos. Without it, the smartphone loses the lion’s share of its functionality.
Creating or signing in to Mi Account gives you access to Xiaomi’s cloud storage, Find My iPhone, and synchronize notes and voice recorders, and allows you to use the theme and some system services to their fullest capacity.
When registering for a Mi Account, be sure to include the real phone number and email you have access to.This is the only way to restore access to the device in the event of a lock or loss.
It’s important to understand the difference between these profiles: Google is responsible for content and apps, and Mi Account is responsible for hardware and cloud services, and ignoring one of them will limit the smartphone’s capabilities.
- 📲 Google: Contacts, Play Store, YouTube, Drive, Maps.
- ☁️ Mi Account: Device Search, Mi Cloud, Mi Themes, Mi Video.
- 🔒 Two-factor authentication is required for both accounts.
System and security updates
Smartphones in storage may have a version of the software released months ago, during which time critical vulnerabilities or bugs that have already been patched by developers could be found, so the first thing to do after logging in is to check for updates.
Go to Settings → About your phone and click on MIUI or HyperOS. The system will check for the new firmware itself. If the update is available, download and install it by connecting the device to the charger.
☑️ Checklist for updates
The system is also frequently updated with critical security modules such as Google Play Protect, and make sure that the security settings are marked, that the device is secure and that all services are working correctly.
What to do if the update does not come?
The upgrade process can take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes, and you can't use the phone at that time, and after you restart, the system will optimize the applications, which will take time.
Customization of the interface and removal of advertising
One of the main complaints against Xiaomi is that it is in system applications, which can be manually disabled, and this must be done primarily for comfortable use, and is displayed in the Explorer, Music, Video and Cleanup apps.
To disable ads in the Security app, go to the settings (cog in the corner) and find Get recommendations by turning it off. A similar procedure should be repeated in the Music, Video and Explorer apps through their internal settings.
⚠️ Attention: Complete disabling of advertising ID (MSA) Sometimes requires disconnection from the Internet during the setup or use phase ADB-Disabling recommendations in each application is effective in 95% of cases.
You should also set up your desktop. MIUI and HyperOS have two modes: classic (like Android) and application drawers. You can switch to Settings → Desktop → Desktop Mode.
- 🎨 Topics: Go to the Themes app to change icons, fonts and wallpaper.
- 📱 Font: Increase font size for better reading in Settings menu → Screen.
- 🚫 Advertising: Turn off personalization of ads in Google and Mi Account settings.
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For quick access to frequently used features (flashlight, screenshot, voice recorder), set up the Sidebar, which is called by swipe from the edge of the screen in any application.
Optimizing battery and performance
Redmi smartphones have capacious batteries, but aggressive system optimization can close the applications you want in the background, which causes notifications to come in, and to avoid this, you need to set up auto-start and work in the background.
Go to the Security app → Permissions → Auto Start. Here, allow instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber) to start, or they won’t work when the screen is off. Also, in the battery settings for each important app, select No Limits mode.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of update | 60 Hz or Auto | Savings of charge vs Smoothness |
| Dark subject. | Included. | Reduces the cost of AMOLED |
| Animation. | 0.5x (in developer mode) | Visual acceleration |
| 5G | Turned off (if not necessary) | Saves a lot of battery. |
Remember to turn on energy saving mode if you plan a long trip. Newer versions of HyperOS have profiles that automatically change settings depending on time of day or location.
Control the heating. In the first days of use, the system indexes files and learns how to use algorithms, so heating and quickly discharging in the first week is normal. If the phone warms up in idle after a month, this is cause for concern.
Installation of necessary applications and services
After basic setup, it's the software installer. Unlike pure Android, MIUI has a built-in GetApps store, but Google Play should remain the main source of applications.
For Russian users, the issue of installing Google services on new models, where they may be absent from the box (although this is rare for Redmi, more often than not for Huawei), remains relevant. If there is a Play Market, bet only from there. This guarantees security.
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Install banking applications only from official sources or through RuStore, as direct download APK-Files from dubious sites carry the risk of data theft.
It’s also worth installing a file manager if you don’t like the standard one (like Total Commander or X-plore), and an antivirus, although the built-in Defender from Xiaomi and Google usually does well.
Don't forget about your apps for a comfortable life: navigators, subway maps, your bank and government apps, and set up biometric authorization (fingerprint or Face ID) to avoid entering passwords every time.
Security and backup settings
The final step is to keep the data safe. Enable encryption (usually enabled by default) and set up a screen lock. Using a simple pattern lock is less secure than a combination. PIN-code and fingerprint.
Be sure to set up backup. In Xiaomi, you can do this in the Mi Cloud (5 GB for free) or locally on your computer/external drive. Local copy is preferable, since it contains absolutely all the settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and icon placement.
To create a local copy, go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Restore. Create a full copy of the system and save it to a memory card or computer. This will save you if you reset to the factory.
⚠️ Attention: Check the Find Device feature regularly, and if you lose your phone, it will allow you to remotely lock it or erase data.
Now your Redmi is fully operational and the right start-up setup will ensure stable operation throughout the life of the device.