15 mandatory steps after buying a Xiaomi phone: from setup to optimization

You just unpacked Xiaomi's new smartphone -- a shiny body, a bright screen and the promise of performance for years to come. But before you dive into use, it's worth spending. 30-60 It's not just about the comfort of the battery, it's about how long the battery can be autonomous. 15-20% longer than standard values, security of personal data and even system speed after a year of operation.

The manufacturer pays a lot of attention out of the box to the experience, but some default settings are far from ideal for Russian users. For example, the default region in firmware can be set to China or India, which affects the operation of Google Services, and pre-installed applications (bloatware) are eaten up by the Internet. 3-5 GB of memory and background consume charge. In this article, a step-by-step algorithm from experts that will help avoid typical errors and unlock the potential of your Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi 100%.

1. Checking of equipment and external condition

Before you turn on your phone, make sure everything is in the box. Xiaomi's standard trim in 2026 includes:

• 📱 Smartphone in protective film (on the screen and back panel)
• 🔌 Cable USB-C → USB-A (For models up to Redmi Note 12, it can be a micro-USB)
• ⚡ Charger (power depends on the model: 18W, 33W, 67W or 120W)
• 📄 Short guide and warranty card
• 🔑 Scrambler for SIM-cards (in some models replaced by a needle)

Pay particular attention to:

• 🔍 Screen: Check for broken pixels (turn on white background in display settings) and oleophobic coating (finger must slide without resistance).
• 📶 SIM-tray: insert the card and make sure the phone recognizes it (some models) POCO have a hybrid slot under 2 SIM 1 SIM + microSD).
• 🔋 Battery: when first switched on, the charge level must be at least 30-40%. If less, it may indicate long-term storage in a warehouse.

⚠️ Note: If the box or documents indicate a region "CN" (China, and you bought a phone in Russia, which can be a "gray" import, often without official warranty and have restrictions on the operation of Google Play.

First inclusion and selection of language/region

When you first start up, you'll have to choose a language and a region, and that's where the first pitfall is, the wrong region can lead to problems with:

• 📱 The lack of Russian in some system applications
• 🌍 Incorrect Google Play (some apps may not show up)
• 📡 Mobile network limitations (e.g. lack of band support) 4G/5G for Russian operators)

Optimal settings for Russia:

If you made a mistake with the region when you first set up, you can fix this later in the Settings menu. → Additionally. → Language and region: However, some parameters (e.g. pre-installed applications) are tied to the original selection and will require factory resets to completely change the settings.

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If Russia is not on the list of regions, choose India, which will ensure maximum compatibility with Russian operators and Google services.

3. Update the firmware to the latest version

The first thing to do after connecting to Wi-Fi is to check for firmware updates. Xiaomi regularly releases security and optimization patches that:

• 🛡️ Closing vulnerabilities (critical updates are issued monthly)
• 🔋 Improved autonomy (in new versions) MIUI Optimized background processes)
• 📱 Corrects camera, network and sensor bugs

How to update:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update
2. Click "Check Updates"
3. If a new version is available, download and install (Wi-Fi is recommended)
4. After installation, restart the device

⚠️ Warning: If the phone offers to upgrade to a version marked "Stable Beta" - refuse if you are not an experienced user. Beta versions may contain critical bugs that affect the performance of the device.

For models POCO Redmi with global firmware (Global) ROM) updates come once in a while 1-2 If you want to get patches faster, you can switch to weekly firmware (but this requires unlocking the bootloader and can void the warranty).

4. Removal of Unnecessary Applications (Debloat)

Xiaomi is known for pre-installing a lot of apps that most users don't need.

• 📱 They're up. 3-5 GB memory
• 🔋 Battery charge is used in the background
• 📊 Can collect usage data (especially Chinese apps)

List of apps that can be safely removed (for most models):

How to delete:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Select the unnecessary application and click "Delete"
3. If there is no "Delete" button, click "Disable" (this will stop the background work)

Perform data backup|Check the list of applications for need|Remove only those that are not system-specific|Reboot your phone after cleaning|Check the main functions (calls, internet)-->

Root rights will be required to completely remove system applications, but this voids the warranty and can lead to unstable operation. ADB Deactivating unnecessary services without root.

5. Set up Mi Account and synchronize data

Mi Account is not just a way to back up, but also the key to additional features:

• 🔐 Remotely lock your phone when you steal
• 📱 Synchronize notes, contacts and photos between devices
• 🔧 Access to cloud storage (5GB for free)
• 🛡️ Two-factor authentication for security

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Sign in to an existing account or create a new one
2. Enable synchronization for: Contacts, Notes, Photos, Call Records
3. Activate "Find the Device" in the security settings
4. Set up backup in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset

⚠️ Warning: If you bought your phone with your hands, be sure to reset to factory settings before linking your account.The previous owner could leave a tied Mi Account, which gives them access to your data and the ability to block the device remotely.

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Linking your Mi Account to your phone allows you to restore access to your device even after resetting your settings (if you forget your screen lock password).

For additional security, enable two-step authentication in your account settings, which will protect your data even if someone learns the password from Mi Account.

6. Battery optimization for maximum autonomy

The battery is one of the most vulnerable spots in Xiaomi smartphones. If the settings are wrong, even flagship models can discharge for a long time. 4-5 To extend the working hours:

• 🔋 Turn on the settings. → Battery → Energy saving mode (select "Balanced" or "Energy saving")
• ⚡ Turn off Automatic Charging Optimization (it limits charge to 80%, but is only useful for long-term storage)
• 📵 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization
• 🌙 Adjust Dark Mode and Adaptive Brightness (saves up to 15% charge)

For models with AMOLED-screen (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or X-ray) POCO F5) Turn on the always-on display mode (AOD) Only for important notifications, this adds to the ~3% per hour, but convenient for fast time viewing.

For battery calibration (if the phone shows an incorrect percentage of charge):

1. Discharge your phone before automatically shutting down
2. Charge up to 100% without interruptions (use the original adapter)
3. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times

7. Security and privacy setting

MIUI It collects more data than most users would like to, to minimize leaks and protect personal information:

• 🔒 Turn off personalized recommendations in Settings → Confidentiality → Advertising
• 📍 Limit location access for unnecessary applications in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits → Location
• 🛡️ Include malware protection in Settings → Security
• 🔑 Set up Blocking of applications for instant messengers and banking applications

To protect against theft or loss:

1. Activate Find the device in the Mi Account settings
2. Set a strong password or pattern lock (at least 6 points)
3. Enable Remote Lock and Data Clearance in Security Settings
4. Write it down. IMEI phone (click *#06#) and save it in a safe place

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (China) ROM), Many Google services may not work properly. Global firmware will be required to work properly. ROM or EEA ROM (Europe).

For additional protection, install Google Play Protect and regularly check your device for malware through Settings. → Security → Scanning.

8 Additional settings for comfortable work

Now that the basic settings are complete, you can optimize the phone for your needs:

• 🎵 Customize the sound: Enable Dynamic sound in Settings → Sound for better music perception
• 📸 Optimize the camera: Turn off Watermarks and turn on HDR+ camera-setting
• 📲 Activate navigation gestures in Settings → Display. → Navigation panel for convenience
• 🌐 Set up dual apps (for two WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. accounts.)

For gamers:

• 🎮 Enable Game Mode in Settings → Special facilities → Game mode
• 🔊 Set up. 4D-vibration
• 📊 Turn off notifications while playing Settings → Notifications → Don't disturb.

If you use headphones frequently, activate Mi Audio Effects in your sound settings – this will improve your perception of bass and vocals.

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Regularly clean the app cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning, it'll free up until 1-3 GB of memory and speed up the system.

For users POCO Additional settings are available in the application POCO Launcher, such as changing animations and hiding unnecessary icons.

FAQ: Frequent Questions After Buying Xiaomi