Xiaomi 1S Activation: Full Instruction with Photos and Advice

Xiaomi 1S is one of the first devices of the company, which is still in demand among collectors and fans of retro equipment. However, its activation can cause difficulties: an outdated version of MIUI, the lack of support for modern Google services, as well as the features of working with Chinese firmware require special attention. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard first-include procedure, but also nuances that will help to avoid errors in setting up.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi 1S (codename mione_plus) released 2012 It's not updated for a long time, which means that many modern applications (such as banking or instant messengers) may not work, but it can still be used for basic tasks such as calling, SMS, It's a simple game or a media player, and the key is to activate it properly.

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

Before you press the power button, make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi 1S is a non-removable battery device, so charging before first turning on is critical. If the battery is completely discharged, the smartphone may not respond to the press of the button or turn on in emergency mode.

Also check the package. The box should have:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone 1S (Check for a protective film on the screen).
• 🔌 Charger with Micro-USB connector (original adapter for 1A).
• 📄 Warranty card (if you buy used - check whether the device was in repair).
• 🎧 Headphones (optional, depending on the configuration).

If you have purchased the device from hand, be sure to reset to the factory settings. To do this, press Volume up. + Meals for food 10–15 Select the Wipe option until the Recovery menu appears. data/factory reset (control is carried out by volume buttons, confirmation - power button).

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone was linked to the previous owner's Mi Account, after reset, you will need to enter a login and password. Without this data, activation will be impossible - you will have to contact the service center to unlock.

First inclusion: step-by-step instructions with photo

When the smartphone is charged (at least 30%), you can start activating. the process is slightly different from modern Xiaomi devices, so follow the instructions carefully:

1. Press the power button for 3-5 seconds until the MI logo appears.
2. Choose a language. The list may not be Russian — look for English or (Chinese). Russian localization can be added later.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi. Xiaomi 1S only supports 2.4GHz networks. If the router is running on 5GHz, temporarily switch it to compatible mode.
4. Accept the Terms of Use. You may need to confirm it through your Mi Account (if your device has already been activated).
5. Set the date and time. Auto sync may not work, set the settings manually.

After completing the initial setup, the smartphone will suggest creating or logging into a Mi Account. If you do not have one, you can skip this step, but note: without binding, you will not be able to use branded services (for example, cloud storage or device search).

Logo booting MI|Language selection menu|Wi-Fi connection screen|Desktop MIUI (app-icon)-->

Set up MIUI on Xiaomi 1S: optimization for comfortable work

The standard firmware Xiaomi 1S is MIUI v4 or MIUI v5 (depending on the version).It is very outdated, so after activation, it is recommended to perform several actions to improve performance:

If you lack functionality, you can try installing custom firmware based on LineageOS or CyanogenMod. However, note that this will require unlocking the bootloader, and official support for Xiaomi for this model has long been discontinued.

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If your smartphone is slowing down, try turning off the widgets on your desktop. In MIUI v4, they consume a lot of resources. Just clamping the empty space on the screen and removing unnecessary elements.

Common activation errors and how to fix them

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔴 The smartphone does not turn on after charging the reason: a dead battery or a faulty power controller. Try to hold the power button for 20-30 seconds. If it does not help, connect to charging for 1-2 hours (even if the indicator does not burn).
• 🔴 Hanging on the logo. MI Reason: damaged firmware or failure after the update. Recovery (see Preparation) If it doesn't work, reflash the device via Fastboot.
• 🔴 Unconnected to Wi-Fi Reason: Outdated drivers or incompatible encryption type (e.g., Wi-Fi, WPA3). Turn the router to the router. WPA2-PSK Or use a mobile hotspot.
• 🔴 Requires an account of the previous owner Reason: activation of Mi Cloud Lock. Without a login and password, you can only unlock through the service center (a check or a sales contract is required).

⚠️ Note: If the activation error "This device is locked", it means that the bootloader is locked. en.miui.com/unlock. However, for Xiaomi 1S This procedure may not work due to an outdated model.

Install custom firmware: should I update MIUI?

Official updates for Xiaomi 1S have long been discontinued, but enthusiasts have developed unofficial firmware that can return the device to a second life.

• 📱 LineageOS 11/12.1 (Android-based 4.4–5.1) — Stable work, but without support for new applications.
• 📱 CyanogenMod 13 – better optimized for weak iron, but may not be Russian localization.
• 📱 MIUI 8/9 ported – looks similar to modern versions, but may contain bugs.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (version for the mione_plus).
3. Download firmware and GApps (Google service package).
4. Swipe through TWRP (instruction: Wipe → Install → Select ZIP → Swipe to confirm).

Important: After you run the custom OS, you will lose access to official Xiaomi updates and services (such as Mi Cloud), and there may be problems with the camera or GPS module – check the reviews about a particular build on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Google activation: without them, the smartphone is almost useless

By default, Xiaomi 1S may not have Google Play Services, making it impossible to install most apps.

1. Download the latest version of GApps for Android 4.4 (pico or nano package) from [opengapps.org](https://opengapps.org).
2. Move it. ZIP-memory-card.
3. Reboot to TWRP Recovery and swipe GApps (similar to firmware).
4. After rebooting, set up your Google account.

If the Google Play Market is not running or it is not running, try:

• 🔄 Update services manually through APK (jump off [apkmirror.com](https://www.apkmirror.com)).
• 🔧 Clear the application cache (Settings) → Annexes → Google Play Services → Clear the cache).
• 📡 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the errors are linked to a lock) IP).

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Without Google services, Xiaomi 1S will not work: YouTube, Gmail, Chrome, Google maps and most apps from the Play Market. Installing GApps is a must-have step after activation.

How to extend the life of Xiaomi 1S after activation: tips for operation

Given the age of the device, its resources are limited, so that the smartphone lasts longer:

• 🔋 Battery: Don't let the battery run out (charge at 20 to 30%). If the capacity drops below 60%, replace the battery (model fits) BL-T12).
• 📉 Performance: Use lightweight versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite) and avoid multitasking.
• 🛡️ Security: Don't install antiviruses, they only slow down the system. APK unverified.
• 🌡️ Overheating: Do not use your smartphone when charging for games or videos. the maximum temperature of the case should not exceed 45.°C.

If you plan to use the Xiaomi 1S as a backup phone, disable unnecessary features:

Settings → Wireless Networks → Disable:


- Bluetooth




- GPS (if not needed)




- Autosynchronization.




Mobile data (if you only use Wi-Fi)

This will reduce the load on the processor and increase the battery life to 1.5-2 days in standby mode.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about activation of Xiaomi 1S