Activation Xiaomi Redmi 10: full instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Redmi 10 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, combining performance, a 50 MP camera and a capacious battery, but even with such a device, users often have questions at the stage of first switching on. SIM-Why does the phone need to be connected to Wi-Fi? What to do if the activation is hung on the logo? MIUI?

In this article, we will take the entire activation process through steps, from unpacking the box to completing the system setup, focusing on common errors (such as Couldn’t sign in a Xiaomi account) and how to fix them, and if you bought a used device, we will tell you how to reset the binding to the previous owner without losing functionality.

All instructions are relevant to Redmi 10 (model 21061119AG, 21061119DG etc.) on the base MIUI 14/15 Android 12/13. If your firmware version is different, check compatibility in the Frequent Problems section».

Preparation 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 problems like suddenly turning off your phone during setup or not being able to connect to the network.

It's important to check:

• 🔋 Battery charge, minimum level — 20%, But it's better to charge up to 50-60%. Use the original cable and power supply (Swift Charge supported) 3.0).
• 📶 Presence SIM-Redmi 10 supports Nano-SIM (or Micro-SIM with an adapter). SIM, The second card will take a slot for the microSD.
• 🌐 Wi-Fi access. Activation requires an internet connection. If you don't have a router, prepare a mobile hotspot on another device.
• 🔐 Xiaomi account information. If you already have a profile, remember your username and password. You can create a new account directly on your phone.

Tip: If you bought the phone with your hands, be sure to check the status of your Mi Account through account.xiaomi.com - the device can be linked to the previous owner, in which case you will need to reset via Fastboot (instruction in section 6).

2. Insert. SIM-card and memory card: slots scheme

Redmi 10 uses a hybrid tray for two Nano-SIMs or one SIM + microSD to open it:

1. Turn off the phone (if it was turned on).
2. Find the hole for the clip on the left end of the case (near the volume button).
3. Insert a paperclip from the kit and press before clicking.
4. Take out the tray and place the cards according to the scheme:

⚠️ Note: If you are using a microSD class A1 or lower, the speed of file recording will be limited. 4K class A2 or UHS-I.

After installing the cards, gently insert the tray back before clicking. Don't make any effort - if the tray doesn't enter, check if the cards are correctly placed.

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If the phone can't see SIM-Once installed, try restarting it or cleaning the contacts with a soft cloth. Sometimes it helps to move the card to another slot.

3. First inclusion: step-by-step instruction with photo

Now, to the activation process itself, follow the instructions carefully, and skipping the steps can lead to errors like not being able to log in to your Mi Account.

Step 1. Turning the phone on

Press the power button (located on the right end) on 3-5 It takes seconds until the Redmi logo appears. 2-3 minutes, that's normal.

Step 2: Choosing a language and region

On the welcome screen, select:

• 🌍 Language: Russian (or English if you need an English firmware).
• 📍 Region: Russia (important for the correct operation of Xiaomi services).

If the wrong region is selected, you may have problems with Google Play updates or performance later.

Step 3: Connect to Wi-Fi

The phone will suggest you connect to the network. Select your Wi-Fi network, enter your password and click Connect. If you don't have a network, click Miss, but note: without the Internet, you can't activate your Mi Account.

Step 4: Set up accounts

The system will propose:

1. Sign in to your Xiaomi account (create a new one or use an existing one).
2. Add a Google account (required to access the Play Market)

If you miss this step, you will later have to manually enter the data in the settings.

Step 5: Completion of the setup

Follow the system's hints:

• 🔒 Set up unlock (PIN, graphical key).
• ☁️ Enable or disable backup in Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Personalize the main screen (choice of wallpaper, location of icons).

The last screen is done. Press it, and the phone will go to the home screen.

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If the activation stage requires the phone to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, then the device was not untied from the old owner.

4.Tune in. MIUI After activation: what to do first

Now the phone is activated, but for a comfortable work, we recommend you to perform a few additional adjustments, which will take no more than 10 minutes, but will save you problems in the future.

Updating the system

Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and check for new versions MIUI. If you have an update, install it, and it will fix any bugs and improve performance.

Optimizing the battery

By default, MIUI Features that quickly drain the battery are enabled. Open: Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery mode and select Balanced.

Set-up of notifications

To avoid missing important messages:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar.
2. Turn on Floating Notifications for Messengers.
3. Disable unnecessary notifications from system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser).

Removing unnecessary applications

Xiaomi installs a lot of pre-loaded apps to remove them:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find an unneeded app (such as Mi Pay or Mi Credit).
3. Click Remove or Disable (if deletion is blocked).

Root rights will be required to completely remove system applications.

5. Frequent activation errors and their solutions

Even if you follow instructions correctly, users face problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Coldn't sign in. There's a problem with the server.

Reasons:

• 🔌 Internet connection problems (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• ⏳ Xiaomi servers are overloaded (often with mass updates).
• 🔒 Mi Account password incorrectly entered.

Decisions:

1. Restart your phone and try again.
2. Check your internet connection (open your browser and visit any website).
3. If the error repeats, create a new Xiaomi account at account.xiaomi.com and log in.

Mistake: The phone hangs on the Redmi logo

If the phone does not load beyond the logo after turning on, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Battery discharge (even if the indicator shows charge).
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔌 Faulty power button or plume.

Decisions:

1. Connect your phone to charging for 30 minutes, then try turning it on again.
2. Press the power button. + Volume increase by 10 seconds for forced reboot.
3. If it doesn’t work, reset it through Recovery (Section 6).

Error: "This device is locked" (device locked)

This error occurs if the phone was linked to a Mi Account by the previous owner, and there are two ways to solve the problem:

1. Official way: contact the previous owner and ask him to untie the device through his personal account.
2. Unofficial way: Unlock via Fastboot (instructions in the next section).

⚠️ Attention: unlocking through Fastboot resets all data on your phone, including photos and contacts. If your device had important files, try extracting them first through the phone. TWRP (if established).

Reset and unlock Redmi 10: if activation is not possible

If the phone requires a password from a previous account or freezes during the setup stage, a complete reset may be required. Consider two methods: Recovery and Fastboot.

Method 1: Recovery reset

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, but does not pass activation.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button + increase volume for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

The phone will reboot and offer to reset.

Method 2: Unlocking via Fastboot (for locked devices)

If your phone is blocked by Mi, you will need a computer and Mi Flash Unlock.

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the power + volume reduction.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Xiaomi account and follow the program instructions.

The process can take up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi's unblocking restrictions).

⚠️ Warning: Once unlocked via Fastboot, the phone may lose its warranty, and this method does not work if the device is enabled Find Device (phone search function).

7. Additional Tips for Using Redmi 10

Now that the phone is activated, here are some tips to help improve its performance:

How to speed up work MIUI

• 🚀 Turn off animation: go to Settings → About the phone, tap 7 times on the version MIUI, Then open the developer settings and install window animation. = 0.5x.
• 🧹 Clean the cache regularly: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Turn off auto-run of unnecessary apps: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.

How to extend the life of the battery

• 🔋 Don't unload the phone before 0% — charge-range 20-80%.
• ⚡ Use the original power supply (Quick Charge 3.0 is supported).
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating – do not play heavy games while charging.

How to improve the quality of photos

Redmi 10 is equipped with a 50 MP main camera, but by default, photos are saved to 12.5 MP (pixel binning).

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Slip on the 50 MP icon in the top menu.
3. Choose 50 MP instead of 12 MP.

Please note that the photos will take up more space (about the same time). 15-20 MBT each).

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To quickly open the camera, double-press the volume button – even if the phone is locked.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions