First Including: What to Know Before Activation
You just bought Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro – a powerful smartphone with a 64-MP camera and Snapdragon processor 720G, But you don't know how to activate it correctly? This article will help you avoid the typical errors of the first start and set the device optimally the first time. MIUI, Checking the performance of key functions: from recognition SIM-maps before sensors work.
Many users face problems already at the turn-on stage: the smartphone does not see SIM-The card hangs on the Redmi logo, or doesn't connect to Wi-Fi. The reasons may lie in the wrong installation of cards, outdated firmware or even factory defects. We will take every step from unpacking to first sync with your Xiaomi account so that your familiarity with the device goes smoothly.
Pay special attention to the firmware region: Redmi Note 9 Pro comes with different versions of MIUI for the global (Global), Chinese (China) and Indian (India) markets. If you bought a device "gray" import, you may have to manually change the region, we will also talk about this.
Preparation for activation: what to check before activation
Before you press the power button, make sure you have everything you need on hand.
Charger (original 30W or Quick Charge 4+ compatible)
SIM-Nano-format card (or adapter for micro-SIM)
Wi-Fi with a password (or mobile Internet to another) SIM-map)
Xiaomi account (you can create in advance at account.xiaomi.com)
Backup of data from your old phone (if you plan to transfer)
-->
Note charging: Redmi Note 9 Pro supports fast charging 30W, but some versions come with an 18W adapter. If you want to use the top speed, check the markings on the power supply. We also recommend charging the smartphone to at least 20% before first turning on - this will prevent a sudden shutdown during settings.
If you're transferring data from an old phone, install Mi Mover (available on Google Play) on it, which will allow you to transfer contacts, photos, and even some settings over Wi-Fi Direct without using a cable, and the alternative is cloud services like Google Drive or Mi Cloud, but they will take longer.
💡
If you bought your smartphone with your hands, reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Reset) before activation, which will delete the previous owner’s data and prevent account linking problems.
Step-by-step: how to turn on and activate the smartphone
Now, let's get to the activation process itself, and follow the instructions carefully, because every step is important for the device to work properly.
- Installation SIM-Cards and memory cards Use a paper clip (comes with) to retrieve the tray. Redmi Note 9 Pro supports: 📱 Two nano-SIM (tray for 2 cards) 📱 One nano-SIM + microSD (up to 512GB, hybrid tray) Make sure contacts are available SIM-The cards are downwards, and the angle is bevelled and the tray is shaped, and the wrong installation can cause the contacts to be damaged!
- First turn on Press the power button (on the right side) for 3-5 seconds until the Redmi logo appears. The first load can take up to 2-3 minutes - this is normal. If the screen does not respond for longer than 5 minutes, try to pinch the power button for 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.
- Select a language and region on the welcome screen (we recommend Russian), then a region. Here it is important to specify the real country of residence - this depends on the available services (for example, Google Pay or Mi Pay). If you see unfamiliar characters, then you have Chinese firmware - it will have to change (for this in the section "Problems and Solutions").
- Network Connection Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter a password. If Wi-Fi is not available, you can use mobile data (insert the password). SIM-If you don't have an active card, you can't complete your Xiaomi account without an internet connection. What if you don't have Wi-Fi? Check if your router supports the standard. 802.11ac (5GHz. Some older routers only work at 2.4GHz. Try rebooting the router or connecting to another network. If the problem persists, reset the network settings on your phone: Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Resetting Wi-Fi settings.
- The system will offer to log into an existing account or create a new one. Xiaomi account is needed for the purpose of creating a new one: 🔑 Unlock the bootloader (if you plan to install custom firmware) ☁️ Sync contacts, notes and photos through Mi Cloud 🛒 Buying at the Mi Store and getting a guarantee
If you already have an account, enter your email and password. For a new account, use a valid email (not temporary!) and you will have to confirm it.
Created a new Xiaomi account
Log in to an existing account
Missed account binding
Used a Google account instead of Xiaomi-->
Configure MIUI after activation: what to turn off and what to leave
After successful activation, you will be greeted by the MIUI desktop, but before using your smartphone, we recommend optimizing the settings for comfortable work.
| Setting up | Recommendation | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-update of applications | Shut down. | Save traffic and battery, and upgrade manually over Wi-Fi. |
| Advertising in MIUI | Shut down. | Remove banners in settings and system applications. |
| Quick launch of applications | Turn on | It speeds up the opening of frequently used programs. |
| Synchronization with Mi Cloud | Set up selectively | It is useful for backups, but takes up space in the cloud. |
| Navigation gestures | Turn on (if you're used to it) | Frees up space on the screen by removing virtual buttons. |
To disable ads in MIUI, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Advertisements and deactivate all sliders. Also check Settings → Additional → Special Features → Advertising – there may be additional options.
If you notice that the smartphone is warming for no reason, check the background activity of the applications.
- Open Settings → Battery and Performance.
- Choose Battery Use and see which apps consume the most power.
- Limit background activity for unnecessary programs (such as social media).
💡
Disabling unnecessary services (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) through Settings → Applications → Application management will free up to 500 MB of memory and reduce battery consumption.
Activation problems and their solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be difficulties, and let's look at the most common ones and how to eliminate them.
⚠️ Note: If after switching on the smartphone requires you to enter a password from the previous Xiaomi account (for example, when buying a used phone), this means that the device is tied to someone else’s Mi Account. The only legal way to unlock is to contact the previous owner. Otherwise, you will have to contact the service center with proof of purchase.
Problem 1: The smartphone can’t see SIM-map
Possible causes and solutions:
- 🔧 Incorrect installation SIM — remove the tray and reinstall the card, making sure the contacts are clean.
- 📶 Incompatible operator – some Chinese versions of Redmi Note 9 Pro do not support Russian frequencies 4G. Check compatibility on the operator’s website.
- 🔄 Failure IMEI — If the smartphone does not determine IMEI (Checked in *#06#, you will need to flash or repair.
Problem 2: Hanging on the Redmi logo
This may indicate:
- 🔋 Battery discharge – connect the charger and wait 10-15 minutes.
- 🔄 Damaged firmware - try to enter Recovery Mode (clamp Power) + Volume up and reset (Wipe Data).
- 🛠️ Hardware malfunction - if the reset did not help, contact the service.
Problem 3: The touch screen is not working
It's usually a temporary failure.
- Reboot your smartphone (Power + Volume down for 10 seconds).
- Remove the protective film - sometimes it interferes with the recognition of touch.
- Update the firmware through Settings → Update the system.
What to do if your smartphone asks for a password after resetting?
How to check if your smartphone is activated correctly
Once you have completed the setup, make sure that all the features are working correctly.
- 📞 Calls and SMS — Call another number and check the quality of the connection.
- 🌐 Internet – Open your browser and download any page.
- 📷 Camera – Take a test photo on the main and front cameras.
- 🔊 Sound – listen to music through speakers and headphones.
- 📍 GPS — Enable geolocation and check the work in Google Maps.
- 🔋 Charging – connect the charger and make sure that charging is underway (the indicator should burn orange).
Pay special attention to the sensors:
- 🧲 Magnetic sensor (compass) - check in the Compass app.
- 👆 Approximation sensor – during the call, the screen should go out when lifted to the ear.
- 🌡️ Gyroscope – Open a tilt control game (e.g. Asphalt 9).
If any of these items fail, go back to the Problems and Solutions section or call Xiaomi for support. A smartphone with a faulty proximity sensor may accidentally press buttons during a call, and GPS problems will make it impossible for the navigator to work.
Additional settings for experienced users
If you want to make the most of the Redmi Note 9 Pro, consider these options:
1. Unlock the loader
You need custom firmware installations (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) and the process includes:
- Linking your Xiaomi account to your device (requires a wait of 7-14 days).
- Use the Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down).
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data and may take away warranties, and it also disables encryption of user data, which reduces security.
2. Change of the firmware region
If you have a Chinese version of MIUI, you will not be able to use Google’s Play Market, Gmail, etc. to change region:
- Download global firmware for Redmi Note 9 Pro (codename joyeuse) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- Use the Mi Flash Tool to run through Fastboot.
- After the firmware, reset the settings.
3. Optimization of productivity
To improve the speed of work:
- 🚀 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Battery → Regimes.
- 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🔄 Turn off animation: Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI in About Phone), then in Developer Settings, install Windows Animation = 0.5x.