Searching for the right parameter in a modern smartphone often turns into a real quest, especially if you just moved from a different operating system or updated the firmware. The interface of MIUI and the new HyperOS from Xiaomi is highly customized, which sometimes hides standard functions deep in the menu. Users often ask where the basic switches are located, as the logic of the grouping of items can vary from version to version.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the structure of the system menu so you can instantly find the options you need, look at not only standard access paths, but also hidden engineering menus, and explain the differences between the global and Chinese versions of firmware. Understanding the settings architecture will help you adapt your device to your needs more quickly.
Don't be alarmed by the abundance of items, as most of them are grouped into logical blocks. System settings are at the heart of your smartphone, managing everything from network connectivity to CPU operation. Let's start with the simplest and most obvious way to access device management.
The main ways to enter the control menu
The most obvious way is to use a desktop icon that looks like a gear by default. However, there are several levels of access to options in the Xiaomi ecosystem, and each is designed for solving problems. Standard sign-in is via the Settings shortcut, which is usually located in the Tools folder or on the home page.
If the icon has been removed or hidden, there is an alternative and often faster method: swipe down from top to bottom to open the notification curtain, and tap the gear icon in the top corner, which works even if the launcher of the system temporarily does not respond.
⚠️ Note: If you use the “Simple Mode” mode for older people, the settings interface will be greatly simplified. To access the full list of parameters, you need to switch to the standard mode through the corresponding menu item.
The third way that not everyone knows about is to use the Google Assistant or Xiao AI voice assistant, and just say "Open Settings," and the system will run the partition itself, which is especially convenient when the screen is contaminated or you're on the move.
Main menu structure and parameter search
Within the app, settings are divided into several key categories, which can vary depending on the regional version of the firmware. In global versions (Global ROM), the menu often has a search bar at the top, which is a powerful navigation tool. Instead of flipping through endless lists, just type in a keyword, such as "Bluetooth" or "Screen."
The main menu is usually divided into blocks: “Network and Internet”, “Notifications and Status”, “Sound and Vibration”, “Screen”. It is important to understand that in Chinese versions of firmware (China ROM), some items may be called differently or hidden. For example, notification management in the Chinese version is often in the “Notifications and Control Center” section, whereas in the global one it is a separate large block.
To quickly access frequently used features, a search bar is often located at the top of the settings screen. Searching by settings indexes not only the names of items, but also their description, allowing you to find features that you might not have known existed.
- 🔍 Search bar: Located at the top of the menu, allows you to search for keywords in Russian or English.
- ⚙️ Categorization: All parameters are divided into logical groups for easy navigation.
- 🌐 Regional differences: The menu structure may vary depending on the country for which the smartphone is released.
It’s worth noting that in recent versions of HyperOS, the company has begun to implement a flatter menu structure, removing unnecessary sub-items, which makes navigation more intuitive, but requires users of older versions of MIUI to get used to.
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Use a search inside the settings by entering words in English (e.g., "developer", "wifi") if you can't find a item in Russian, which often helps with Chinese firmware.
Advanced settings and special features
For advanced users who need deep customization, there are advanced settings. Unlike the basic menu, there are parameters that affect the work of hardware and system processes. You can access this section through the About Phone section, where you need to quickly click on the MIUI or OS version several times to activate the developer mode.
Once activated, a new option will appear on the menu, "Advanced" or "Advanced Settings", which contains critical features such as debugging over USB, selecting an animation window selector and managing the refresh rate of the screen. Be careful: changing some parameters can lead to unstable operation of the device.
| Parameter | Location. | Function |
|---|---|---|
| USB debugging | For developers | Communication with PC via ADB |
| Window animation | For developers | Interface acceleration |
| Keep the screen down. | For developers | The screen burns when charging |
| Limitation of background processes | For developers | Savings in RAM |
The special features section (Settings → Advanced Settings → Special features) contains tools for people with limited functions, but they are also useful for ordinary users. Here you can find screen zoom, color correction and voice control.
⚠️ Note: Do not turn on the “Debugging by” function USB», If you don't plan to connect your phone to your computer for complex operations, it creates a potential security vulnerability when you connect to someone else's charger in public.
Display and interface settings
The visual section is one of the most visited. On Xiaomi smartphones, screen settings (Settings → Screen) allow you to control not only brightness but also color reproduction. You can choose a color scheme (saturated, standard, improved) and adjust the color temperature to your preferences.
Special attention should be paid to the refresh rate of the screen. On models with AMOLED-matrixes, the Adaptive Frequency function is available, which automatically changes the hertz from 1 Hz to 120 Hz depending on the content, which significantly saves battery power without losing smoothness of the interface.
Also, you can set up Always On Display settings if your model supports this technology, and you can choose the style of the watch, add widgets, or adjust the switch schedule to keep the screen on only at certain times of the day.
Hidden screen settings
Don’t forget to check the dark theme settings. In MIUI and HyperOS, it works not just as a color inversion, but also adapts the interfaces of supported applications, making reading in the dark more comfortable for the eyes.
Memory and application management
Control of installed programs and their space is through the section "Applications", where you will find a list of all installed programs, including system ones. By clicking on a particular application, you will be taken to its detailed menu, where you can clear the cache, stop the process or remove updates.
A key feature is permission management. Unlike many other systems, Xiaomi allows you to flexibly configure your applications' access to microphone, camera, and geolocation, and it is recommended that you check this list regularly to make sure that the flashlight does not have access to your contacts.
- 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Helps to free up space if the app is not working properly.
- 🔒 Permissions: Control what data installed programs can receive.
- 🚀 Auto-Start: Manage programs that run with the system.
To manage memory in modern versions of firmware, a separate section is dedicated to memory or storage, where the system analyzes files and suggests removing duplicates, large videos or unused applications. The storage system analyzer in Xiaomi is quite aggressive and can suggest removing files you planned to save, so always check the list before cleaning.
☑️ Memory check
Security and confidentiality
Xiaomi’s smartphone security is a complex, central hub is located in the Passwords and Security section, where you can set up face unlock, fingerprint and pin code, and the Privacy section, where you can see which apps accessed your data and how often.
The second space feature, which allows you to create an isolated environment on your phone, protected by a separate password, is ideal for separating work and personal data, or for transferring the phone to children without fear for your files.
Don't forget to keep your security updates up to date. Google and Xiaomi release patches to fix vulnerabilities. You can check for updates in the About Phone section by clicking on the system version. Automatic updates are best kept on to get fixes for critical bugs as soon as they are released.
⚠️ Note: Find the device should always be enabled, and in the event of a phone theft, it will allow you to remotely lock the gadget or erase all data, but only if this option was activated in advance.