First inclusion of the smartphone Xiaomi: full instructions for activation

You just unpacked a new Xiaomi smartphone and want to start using it as quickly as possible? The activation process may seem simple, but beginners often wonder why the phone asks you to enter the data of the old device, how to skip the binding to the Mi Account, or what to do if the system is frozen during the setup stage. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of activation from the first on to the completion of the initial setup, and also consider the typical errors and how to solve them.

Xiaomi’s smartphone features include the MIUI, which adds unique steps to the activation process, such as linking to a Mi Account can become mandatory if you want to use cloud services or Find a Device, while some models (especially in the Chinese market) require additional manipulations that the manufacturer does not mention, and we will explain how to properly activate the phone to avoid locks and restrictions.

Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before activation

Before you press the power button, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps, which will save you from unpleasant surprises like a dead battery or no Internet connection at a critical moment.

First, check the package. In the box with Xiaomi should be:

• 📱 Smartphone in protective film
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (or Micro-USB) for older models)
• ⚡ Charger (if the model supports fast charging, the unit will indicate power, for example, 33W or 67W)
• 📄 Short instructions and warranty card
• 🔑 Paperclip for tray extraction SIM-maps (in some models)

If you bought your phone with your hands or from an unofficial store, be sure to check if it has been activated before. SIM-If you have a password request from a previous Mi Account, it's a locked device, and you can't activate it without the data from the previous owner.

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If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, ask the seller to do a full reset in your presence and make sure the phone is turned on without being tied to your account.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 for the Chinese market) may require a Chinese phone number when activated for the first time. MIUI.

The first inclusion process: step-by-step instructions

Now, to the most important thing, the first switch, follow the instructions carefully so you don't miss the critical steps.

1. Charge before turning on. Connect your phone to the charger for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator shows a charge, which will prevent a sudden shutdown during settings.
2. Turn on. Press the power button (usually located on the right side) for 2-3 seconds until the MI logo appears.
3. Select a language. On the first screen, scroll through the list and select Russian (or any other language you want), and if you don't have a language, it could be Chinese firmware.
4. Connect to the network. Select your Wi-Fi network or paste it in. SIM-Mobile Internet card. Without a network connection, activation will be incomplete.
5. Acceptance of the Terms: Please read the user agreement and privacy policy (you can skip reading, but you must check the boxes).
6. Setting up your Mi Account. There are options here: 🔑 Sign in to an existing account (if you have one) 📱 Create a new account (recommended for full functionality) ❌ Skip (some models allow, but this will limit the possibilities)

Inserted. SIM-Card (if you plan to use mobile communication)

Wi-Fi connected with stable signal

Battery charge of at least 30%

Paperclip to remove the SIM tray at hand (in case of error)

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Once you have your account tied, the system will suggest setting up biometric authentication, like a fingerprint or facial recognition, which you can skip, but we recommend setting it up right away, which will speed up unlocking and improve security. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the fingerprint scanner is built into the screen and takes less than a minute to set up.

Activation without Mi Account: possible risks and workarounds

Many users want to skip the Mi Account link for fear of privacy or simply not wanting to sign up.

If you do decide to skip the binding, click Skip on the account registration screen (usually this button appears after a few seconds of waiting or is located at the bottom of the screen in fine print). On some firmware, this item may be hidden, in which case try to connect to the Internet via mobile data instead of Wi-Fi, sometimes this works.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Missing a Mi Account can result in a phone lock in 24 to 72 hours, requiring a global firmware or reset.

Yeah, always.

Only if it's necessary.

No, I'm not.

I don't know what that is.-->

Frequent activation errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 The phone hangs on the logo. MI. The reason is a firmware failure or a flawed update. Solution: press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds to force a reboot. If it doesn't work, you need to flash it over the Fastboot.
• 📶 It does not connect to Wi-Fi. Check if your router supports the standard. 802.11ac (5GHz Some Xiaomi budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) It only works at 2.4GHz. Also try rebooting your router.
• 🔒 Requires a password from the previous account, which means that the phone was not correctly reset, the solution: contact the seller to unlock or use the official service Xiaomi (you will need a purchase check).

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your phone to factory settings via Recovery mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset and restart the device.

Configuring after activation: what to do in the first hours

After successful activation, take your time to install games or social networks immediately.Spend 10-15 minutes on basic system optimization:

1. Update firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update system and check for updates. This will fix possible bugs and improve performance.
2. Bloat cleanup. MIUI has many preinstalled apps. Remove unnecessary ones through Settings → Apps → Delete (some can only be turned off).
3. Set up notifications. Open Settings → Notifications and disable spam from system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser).
4. Activate gestures. In Settings → Display → Navigate the system, select MIUI Gestures for easy control.

We also recommend enabling battery optimization for important applications. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization and select applications that should not close in the background (such as messengers or navigators).

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The first day after activation, the smartphone can warm up and discharge quickly — that's normal. The system indexes the files and optimizes the work, after 24 to 48 hours, the energy consumption stabilizes.

Features of activation for different models Xiaomi

The activation process may vary depending on the series and regional firmware.

For devices with China ROM, activation may be complicated by having to link to a Chinese phone number.

1. Use virtual number services (e.g. SMS-Activate).
2. Swipe the global version of MIUI through Fastboot (requires unlocking the bootloader).

If you are not sure about the firmware of your device, check its version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Global firmware is designated Global, European – EEA, Chinese – China.

How to activate Xiaomi without SIM-map

Not everyone has a handy one. SIM-The card is activated, but that's not a problem. You can fully configure the phone using only Wi-Fi. Here's how to do it:

1. When you first turn on, select the language and skip the step with SIM-map (click to skip or set later).
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network. Make sure the Internet is stable (you can check by opening your browser).
3. Sign up for a Mi Account (or skip if you are ready for restrictions).
4. At the mobile network setup stage, select Setup later.

Once activated, you can use your phone in Wi-Fi mode, install apps through Google Play and make calls via messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram). SIM-You can insert the card later - no reboot is required.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) without SIM-The Wi-Fi Calling feature may not be available, even if the operator supports it. SIM at least once to activate the service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Activation