How to activate the new Xiaomi Redmi phone: a full guide

Buying a new gadget is always a pleasant thrill, especially when you have a fresh Xiaomi Redmi with its huge screen and powerful stuffing. However, to turn the device from just a beautiful box into a full-fledged working tool, you need to get the initial setup right. This process takes only 10-15 minutes, but its quality depends on the stability of the system in the future.

The modern MIUI shell or the new HyperOS offer many personalization options that are often overlooked when rushed. It’s important not just to click “Next”, but to consciously choose the right sync and security options. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step so that you can immediately start enjoying the full capabilities of your smartphone.

Preparation for the first start of the device

Before you press the power button, make sure that the smartphone battery is at least 50-60% charged.Initial activation, network setup and cloud data synchronization can require significant energy resources. If you charge the Redmi fully before start, you will avoid a sudden shutdown at the most critical moment.

You will also need a stable Wi-Fi connection. Mobile internet can be unstable or slow, leading to errors when downloading system updates or restoring backup. Know your home network password in advance to enter it without delay.

Don't forget to prepare. SIM-In newer models, the SIM tray is often paired with a memory card holder or located on the end of the case. Use a special clip from the kit to remove the tray. Make sure the cutouts on the plastic frame match the shape of your body. SIM-cards so as not to damage contacts.

⚠️ Warning: Do not insert the tray back until you turn off the phone completely or until it asks you to install it. SIM-The card is in the process of setting up if the device has already been turned on before.

If you are switching from another Android device, make sure that the old phone is logged in to your Google account, which will allow you to instantly restore contacts, photos and a list of installed apps after you enter a password on the new gadget.

Initial inclusion and language selection

Press and hold the power button, usually on the right side of the case, until the Mi or Redmi logo appears. Once you have finished downloading, you will see the welcome screen. The first step will be to choose the interface language. The system offers dozens of options, but for comfortable use in our region you should choose Russian or Ukrainian.

Once the language is selected, the system will suggest connecting to an available Wi-Fi network. Select your network from the list and enter a password. At this stage, a notification may appear about the availability of system updates. It is strongly recommended to agree to the update right now, as the version of the software may contain critical bugs or not have the latest security patches.

The upgrade process can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the speed of the internet and the size of the data packet.The phone can reboot once or more.Don't panic, this is a standard situation for Android devices.

• 📶 Make sure the router is in line of sight for the best signal.
• 🔋 Connect the charger if the battery is under 30% during the wait.
• ⏳ Do not interrupt the update process even if the screen is out – install components.

If you don't need an update or you decide to skip it, the system will immediately move on to the next step, which is to set the date and time, and these settings are usually automatically pulled up from the network, but you can manually set them if necessary.

Log in to your Mi and Google account

Xiaomi's ecosystem is based on the Mi Account, which is your digital passport, which allows you to use cloud storage, Find a Device and sync notes, and you'll be asked to log in to an existing account or register for a new one, and it takes a couple of minutes to sign up and only requires a phone number or email.

And in parallel, you sign in to your Google account, which is a critical step for Android users, because it's through the Google Play Market that you're going to install apps, and if you pre-installed an older version of the services on your device, you can request an update to Google Play Services, allow that.

When you sign in to Mi Account, enable contact and gallery sync, which will save your data in the future if your phone is lost or broken, and activate Find Device, which requires an SMS or call confirmation.

Some users prefer to skip the Mi Account login right away to do so later, however, without an account binding, a number of features, such as theme-based theme-based application or using Mi Cloud, will not be available until authorization.

Security and biometrics setting

Data security is a priority, and the system will suggest setting a locking method: a pattern lock, PIN-A pattern lock is convenient, but less reliable than a digital password of 6 or more characters.

Then comes the biometric protection adjustment step, which can be a fingerprint scanner (located in the power button or under the screen) or a face unlock. The finger scan takes a few seconds: put your finger on different sides so that the system counts all the faces.

For Face ID, budget models use front-facing software recognition, which works fast but less reliably in the dark or when the phone is on the table, and the scanner in the power button works instantly and allows you to quickly check payments.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use simple combinations like “1234” or “0000” as your unlock password, which makes your personal photos and correspondence vulnerable to attackers in the event of a device being stolen.

Once the biometrics are set up, the system can suggest enabling Advanced Unlock, a feature that allows you to open apps and folders using your fingerprint, which adds another layer of protection for sensitive data.

Transferring data from an old phone

One of the most exciting things about changing gadgets is how to move contacts, photos and apps. Xiaomi uses the built-in Mi Mover (or Data Transfer) app, which runs on Wi-Fi Direct and doesn't require internet access. Launch the app on a new and old phone.

Select the new device to "I'm the recipient" and the old one to "I'm the sender." Scan. QR-code that appears on the screen of the new smartphone, the camera of the old device. After connecting, select the types of data to transmit: contacts, messages, call history, images, videos and installed applications.

The speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data and the power of both devices. Large video files can be copied longer, and it is important not to leave the application and not to lock the screens of the phones until the process is complete.

If you have an iPhone, use the “Move to iOS” app or cloud services to transfer contacts and photos, as direct migration of apps between iOS and Android is not possible due to differences in the system architecture.

Basic configuration of the interface and gestures

After transferring the data, you will be taken to the desktop. MIUI is different from pure Android in the presence of additional features. The first thing you need to master gesture management. Go to Settings → Desktop → Navigation system and select Full-screen control.

This will remove the three buttons at the bottom of the screen, and now swipe from the bottom up will lead to the desktop, late swipe will open the menu of running applications, and swipe to the left or right of the edge will return back, which frees up useful screen space and makes using Redmi more modern.

Xiaomi is famous for aggressive energy saving that can block the arrival of messages from instant messengers.Look in the list of WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber apps and set the “No Limits” mode for background activity.

Remember to set up Second Space if you need to separate personal and work contacts or hide some apps with a password, which creates a second phone inside the same device with a separate set of apps and files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Proper initial setting of access rights and energy saving is critical for stable operation of notifications in messengers on the MIUI shell.