How to activate the new Xiaomi smartphone: the full guide

Buying a new gadget is always a pleasant thrill, especially if it is a powerful device from Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco. However, in order for the device to work stably and provide access to all ecosystem services, you need to properly go through the initial setup. Many users make mistakes at the start, skipping important synchronization steps or choosing the wrong region, which leads to inconvenience in use.

The process of activating a modern smartphone is not just powering on, but a set of actions to create a digital identity of the owner. MIUI and the new HyperOS offer many options for personalization, but without a competent initial configuration, the potential of the device remains not fully disclosed. In this article, we will examine every step in detail, from unpacking to customizing biometrics.

It's worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system installed in the factory. However, the logic of action remains the same for all current models. The first activation of a new Xiaomi device should be made with a charged battery of at least 50% to avoid resetting at a critical moment. Let's get to the step-by-step guide.

Preparation of the device and first launch

Before you press the power button, you need to do a few physical actions: remove the smartphone from the box and carefully remove the protective film from the screen. SIM-The card usually has a special film with the inscription "Please peel off this mask", which must be removed for normal operation of the sensor and brightness.

Put it in. SIM-If you're planning to expand storage, note the orientation of the contacts: the tray in modern models often has a moisture sealer, so you need to insert it smoothly, without distortion. After installing the cards, press the side button on the right end of the case.

The brand logo will appear on the screen, followed by boot animations. The system can suggest choosing the interface language. At this stage, it is important to choose Russian so that all further hints are clear. If the device was previously turned on, you may need to reset to factory settings through the Recovery menu, but for a new device this is not relevant.

• 📱 Make sure the screen protector film is completely removed before switching on.
• 🔋 Charge the device before 50-60% before the start of a long-term adjustment.
• 🌐 Prepare data from your Wi-Fi router (login and password).
• 📧 Remember the password from the Google account you use.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to turn on your smartphone if it's brought in from the cold. Let it lie at room temperature. 30-40 minutes so that the condensation inside the housing does not cause a short circuit.

Network connection and system update

Once you have selected a language, you'll be prompted to connect to a wireless network, which is a critical step, because without the Internet, you can't activate Mi Account and verify the Google Play license. You can select your network from the list and enter your password. If the router supports the 5GHz standard, you'd better connect to it for faster downloads.

Once the internet connection is successful, the smartphone will contact Xiaomi and Google servers to check the status of the device. If the phone has a more recent firmware version than the one in the factory, the system will offer to perform an update. It is strongly recommended to agree to this action, even if it takes time.

The update process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the speed of the Internet and the amount of data being downloaded, and the screen can go out and turn on several times, which is normal behavior, and it is absolutely impossible to interrupt this process, as this can damage system files.

In some cases, the update may not come immediately. It depends on the regional version of the firmware (Global, EEA, China).If you see a message that the system is up to date, but you are sure that there is a new version, you can manually check it later in the settings menu.

Registration and login to Mi Account

Xiaomi’s ecosystem is built around Mi Account, a single identifier that synchronizes contacts, notes, voice recordings and locates a device in the event of a loss, and when a new smartphone is activated, the system urges you to log in to an existing account or create a new one.

If you already have an account, just enter your phone number or email and password. For new users, the sign-up process takes a couple of minutes. It is important to provide the current mobile number, as it will receive SMS for confirmation. MIUI and HyperOS are closely integrated with cloud services, so having an account opens up access to Find Device and cloud storage.

Signing in to Mi Account is also required for some pre-installed applications, such as Themes, Mi Video and Mi Browser, which may be limited without authorization, and the account serves as a key to unlock the bootloader in the future if you want to install custom firmware.

• 🔐 Use a complex password you won’t forget, or connect two-factor authentication.
• ☁️ Turn on gallery and contact sync immediately after entering.
• 📍 Check that Find Device is active in the security settings.

⚠️ Warning: Never buy a Xiaomi smartphone with an already activated Mi Account. Such devices can be blocked remotely by the owner, and it will be impossible to legally unlock them.

Setting up Google Services and Security

For global firmware devices, the next step is to sign in to a Google account, which is to access the Google Play Store, YouTube, Gmail, and back up your settings, enter your details, or create a new account if you don't have one.

Google Play Protect will automatically check the installed applications for malicious code, and at this stage, the smartphone will offer to configure biometric protection. Modern Xiaomi models are equipped with fingerprint scanners (in-screen or on the side button) and facial recognition modules.

It is recommended to add a fingerprint right away, as this will speed up unlocking and allow fingerprinting to be used for authorization in banking apps and Google Pay. Face ID settings work faster but are less secure than a print, especially in bright outside lighting.

Once you have set up the biometrics, the system will suggest turning on Google Assistant and setting up voice control, and you can opt out of these features if you don't need them, so you don't waste battery life on constantly tapping the microphone.

Transferring data from an old device

One of the most exciting things is to move contacts, photos and apps from an old phone, and Xiaomi offers a number of ways to do that, and the most convenient is to use the MI Mover app, which is often preinstalled or offered to download during the setup process.

It needs to be installed on both devices, an old phone can be Android or iOS, an app creates a local Wi-Fi network that transmits data at high speed without using Internet traffic, and you can choose what to carry: contacts, messages, call logs, apps, pictures, videos, music and documents.

Alternatively, if the old phone was synced, then when you log in to the same Google account on the new Xiaomi, the system will offer to restore the list of applications and some settings, but photos and heavy files are better transferred via Mi Mover or manually.

Primary calibration and personalization

After the data transfer is completed and the desktop is loaded first, the system may suggest that the screen be calibrated. AMOLED-displays so that the sensor responds to touch as accurately as possible throughout the area.

Also at this point, you should go into the display settings and select the appropriate color mode (standard, saturated, improved) and refresh rate. Many new models support adaptive frequency 120 Hz or 144 Hz, which makes the interface smoother, but consumes more energy.

Don't forget to set up the controls. MIUI and HyperOS can have the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen active by default. Switching to full-screen gestures makes smartphone use more modern and frees up useful screen area.

• 🎨 Set up the theme and font in the application "Themes".
• ⚡ Optimize battery life by disabling auto-run of unnecessary apps.
• 🔔 Check notification settings to cut spam from pre-installed programs.

⚠️ Attention: In the first days of use, the system will actively learn your habits. 2-3 The battery discharges faster than usual - the process of optimization of background processes is underway.

Resolving Typical Problems During Activation

Sometimes the activation process can go awry, and the most common problem is the problem of connecting to the activation server, which is often due to unstable Internet or blocking by the provider, in which case you can switch from Wi-Fi to mobile Internet or vice versa.

Another common situation is that a smartphone requires you to enter a password from a Mi Account you forgot, and you can restore access through i.mi.com, but this requires access to a linked phone number or mail, and if the number is lost, the recovery procedure can take a long time and require a call for support.

If the phone is hanging on the logo after the update, try to force the reboot. To do this, press the on button and one of the volume buttons (usually "Loudness up") at the same time and hold for about 10-15 seconds until the device vibrates.

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If activation is suspended during the verification phase SIM-You can take the cards out, you can remove the tray, you can erase the contacts of the card with a pin and you can put them back in. PIN-Card code, inserted into another phone.

In rare cases, you may need to reset your settings via Recovery mode. To do this, turn off your phone, then press the power button and "Loud up." In the menu that appears, select "Wipe Data" -> "Wipe All Data." Attention: this will delete all data from the device.

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Successful activation is the key to stable operation of the smartphone. Do not miss updates and use original accessories for charging in the first cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)