Congratulations on getting a new smartphone! Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a popular model that offers a great balance of price and functionality, but the first inclusion can raise questions for inexperienced users. The initial setup process, known as activation, is a critical step on which the stable operation of the device in the future depends. Properly completing all the steps will avoid typical errors such as account lock or network problems.
Immediately after unpacking, many owners rush to insert SIM-You can start using your phone without any system updates or security checks, but it's in the first few minutes that the operating system is running. MIUI It does basic diagnostics and suggests installing the necessary patches, and skipping these steps can lead to some applications not working properly or the battery will run out faster than it should. In this article, we will analyze each step in detail to make your gadget work perfectly.
Initial on and checking of hardware
Before the screen lights up with the welcome logo, you need to perform basic physical manipulations. Make sure that the battery is charged at least 20-30%, as the initial setup process can require significant CPU resources. If the device has been in stock for a long time, the charge could go to zero, so it is recommended to put the phone on charge for 15-20 minutes before activation.
To turn on, press and hold the power button located on the right side of the case for 3-5 seconds. You will feel a slight vibration, and the Redmi logo will appear on the display. After that, the Android operating system will start loading, at which point the system conducts a self-test of key components, including memory modules and touch screen.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone does not respond to a long press of the power button, do not try to disassemble the case.Perhaps the mode of transportation is turned on or the battery has gone into a deep discharge - leave the device on charge. 1-2 hour.
It's important to check the integrity of the screen and the absence of broken pixels right now. Swipe your finger across the entire display surface during boot time to make sure the touchscreen is working correctly. Touch input should respond instantly and without delay. If you notice dead zones or sticking, this is an excuse to go to the store before the activation process is complete.
Language selection and Wi-Fi connection
The first interface element you'll see is a choice of language, and the system will offer a list of dozens of options, but the default is often English or Chinese if the phone is for the global or Chinese market, respectively. For users from the CIS, you need to choose Russian or another native language from the list, which will set the locale for all system applications and keyboards.
The next critical step is to connect to the Internet. Without network access, activation of Xiaomi Redmi 9 is impossible, since the device needs to contact the manufacturer's servers to check the status and download profiles. It is recommended to use a Wi-Fi network, as it provides high data transfer speeds, which is especially important when downloading security updates.
- 📶 Find the name of your home router in the list of available networks.
- 🔑 Enter the password from Wi-Fi, observing the register of letters (capital and lowercase).
- ✅ Wait for the connection icon to appear in the status bar.
Sometimes the system may suggest updating the software immediately after you connect. Don't skip this step if the update is marked as critical, as it may contain security vulnerabilities fixes. Installing a fresh firmware version at the setup stage ensures that you start using the phone with the most stable software.
Setting up SIM-maps and mobile networks
Redmi 9 is equipped with a hybrid slot, which means the possibility of installing two SIM-Nano-SIM or one-size-fits-all cards SIM-microSD cards and memory cards. Use a special paper clip included in the kit or a thin needle to extract the tray. Insert the tool into a round hole next to the tray on the bottom end of the device and press before clicking.
Notice the shape of the card cutout: it should match perfectly with the tray contour. Don't put too much effort into the installation so as not to damage the contacts. Once the cards are installed and the phone is turned on, the system will suggest setting up the mobile network. SIM-Default call cards and mobile internet.
| Parameter | Recommended setting | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | The basic SIM | Call fare card |
| Slot 2 | Second SIM/SD | Additional number or memory |
| Type of network | Preferably 4G/LTE | Provides maximum speed |
| Data roaming | Off. | To avoid unnecessary costs |
If the automatic setting of the Internet has not occurred, you may need to enter the settings. APN They usually come in handy. SMS from the operator or available on its official website. SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) Create a new point by entering data from the operator.
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Use a microSD card up to 512GB to expand storage for photos and videos, as internal storage may not be enough.
Registration and login to Mi Account
Xiaomi’s ecosystem is built around a single user ID, Mi Account, which allows you to access cloud storage, Find Device, and synchronize contacts and notes, and when you first activate, you’ll be asked to log in to an existing account or create a new one.
The sign-up process is simple: click "Create an account," enter a mobile phone number or email address, and the contact will receive a confirmation code that you need to enter in the appropriate field, and come up with a complex password that contains letters and numbers, because this account will be the key to your data.
⚠️ Warning: Write down or save your Mi Account password in a safe place. Without it, you won't be able to unlock your phone after resetting, as the theft protection will work.
Also, at this stage, you may need to log in to your Google account, which is necessary to download apps from the Play Market, sync Gmail and YouTube emails. If you already have an Android smartphone, just type in your Google login and password, and the system will prompt you to restore a backup.
☑️ Account security check
Permissions, privacy settings and services
Modern versions of MIUI place a lot of emphasis on data security, and during the setup process, the system will request permission to use geolocation, diagnostic data and advertising identifiers, and the user decides what data to transfer to the manufacturer, but for some functions to work properly, a minimum set of permissions is required.
Special attention should be paid to the settings of Google Play Protection and virus scanner from Avast or AVG, built into the system, it is recommended to enable automatic verification of installed applications, this will create an additional barrier to malware that can try to penetrate the phone when installing third-party programs.
- 🔒 Allow access to location for maps and weather.
- 📊 Sending diagnostic data can be turned off to save traffic.
- 🛡️ Activate security scans when installed from unknown sources.
Also at this point, biometrics are configured. Redmi 9 has a fingerprint scanner on the back, register all the fingerprints you normally use to make unlocking as easy as possible, and add up to 5 fingerprints.
Data transfer and activation completion
The final stage of the setup is to migrate data from the old device. Xiaomi offers a built-in "Mi Mover" app that allows you to flip contacts, photos, apps and settings over Wi-Fi Direct. This is much faster and more convenient than manually installing each application again.
Run Mi Mover on both devices. Select "I'm the recipient" on the new phone and "I'm the sender" on the old one. Scan. QR-The copying process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data.
What to do if the Mi Mover is frozen?
Once the transfer is complete, the phone can restart, you'll be on the desktop, and you'll have to check the basic functions: make a test call, take a photo, check the sound, and if everything works correctly, the activation is considered successful.
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Successful activation is completed only after checking the operation of calls and the Internet, and not just after the appearance of the desktop.