How to change settings on Xiaomi devices: from basic parameters to hidden features MIUI

Xiaomi devices based on the branded shell MIUI offer users flexible customization options, but not everyone knows how to change certain parameters correctly without risking disruption of the system. This article will help you understand the intricacies of setting up Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and smart devices – from basic options like changing wallpaper to deep modifications like activating hidden developer modes.

Feature MIUI Many of the features are hidden in non-obvious menu sections or require pre-activation. DPI screen-set DC Dimming to reduce flickering is only available after the developer mode is turned on. In this article, we will look at both standard and advanced methods of changing settings, taking into account the nuances for different versions of firmware (from the developers). MIUI 12 to MIUI 15) and device models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

It is important to understand that some changes can affect the performance, autonomy or even warranty of the device. Therefore, before experimenting with system parameters, we recommend backing up data through Settings. → The phone. → Backup.

1. Basic settings: what can be changed without risk

Let's start with the safest and most popular options that are available out of the box and don't require any special knowledge, and you can change them without worrying about disrupting the system.

One of the first things to do after buying a Xiaomi device is to change:

• 📱 Wallpaper and themes: go to Settings → Registration → Wallpaper or use Themes app to download new themes from the official store.Please note that some themes may require you to connect to your Mi Account.
• 🔔 Sound profiles: in Settings → Sound and vibration can be adjusted to the volume for each type of notification separately, and also activate the mode Do not disturb on schedule.
• 🔋 Energy saving: section Settings → The battery allows you to choose one of three modes (High performance, Balanced, Energy saving) or configure exceptions for individual applications.
• 🌐 Language and region: c Settings → Additionally. → You can change the language and input, add keyboards, or even change the region to access local services (e.g. Google Pay in some countries).

Special attention should be paid to the section Settings → Screen where possible:

• 📏 Change the screen resolution (not available on all models, for example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro you can choose between the two options). FHD+ and QHD+ charge-saving).
• 🔄 Set up the refresh rate (60/90/120/144 Hz depending on the model. On devices with AMOLED-displays (e.g., Xiaomi) 12T Pro) Adaptive frequency is also included here.
• 🌓 Activate a dark theme or set up automatic time/geolocation switching.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT) A change in resolution or screen refresh rate can cause the device to restart. That's normal system behavior -- wait until the process is complete.

2. Change system parameters through hidden menus

MIUI It hides some useful functions behind special combinations or codes, and these menus allow you to change parameters that are not available in the standard interface, but you need to be careful.

To access hidden settings, use the following methods:

• 📞 Engineering menu: dial the Phone code ##4636##. You can check battery, network, or data usage statistics here. Don't change the settings in this menu without understanding their purpose!
• 🛠️ Developer Mode: Activated after 7-fold press on Version MIUI In the Settings section → About the phone. → In addition, a new section for developers will appear, where you can turn on debugging by USB, Change window animation or activate GPU-acceleration.
• 📡 Network test menu: code ##4636## → Phone Information Allows You to Manually Select Network Type (2G/3G/4G/5G) It's useful if the device doesn't catch the network in a particular location.

In developer mode, especially useful options are available:

⚠️ Note: Change of the parameter Minimum width (DPI) In developer mode, some applications may not display the interface correctly, and the optimal values for most devices are 400-480.

3. Change the settings through ADB (for advanced users)

Android Debug Bridge Tool (ADB) It allows you to change system parameters that are not available through the GUI, and this method requires you to connect the device to the computer and have basic command line knowledge.

To get started:

1. Activate Debugging on USB Developer mode (see previous section).
2. Download ADB Tools to your computer and unpack the archive.
3. Connect the device to USB (Select File Transfer Mode when requested).
4. Open the command line in the adb.exe folder and execute the command:

adb devices

If the device is displayed in the list, you can proceed to change the parameters.

Examples of useful ADB-teaming:

• 🔊 Disable the high volume warning (useful for European firmware with limited sound): adb shell settings put global headset_safe_media_volume_enabled 0
• 📵 Remove the adverts in MIUI (Not all versions: Adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.joyose
• 🔄 Turn on the shift MAC-Wi-Fi addresses (for privacy): adb shell settings put global wifi_mac_randomization_enabled 1

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB For example, disabling com.miui.analytics may cause some Mi Account features to malfunction. Always check commands for compatibility with your version. MIUI.

4. firmware change: when standard settings are not enough

If you need to drastically change your device behavior, such as uninstalling pre-installed apps (bloatware), installing Google Camera, or activating features that are not available in your version MIUI — You may need to install custom firmware or modified recovery.

The most popular options for Xiaomi:

• 📦 Xiaomi.EU: unofficial firmware based on the MIUI, It supports most models, but requires unlocking the bootloader.
• 🤖 LineageOS or Pixel Experience: “pure” Android without a shell MIUI. Suitable for older devices (like the Redmi Note 7), but may deprive some branded features (like the Redmi Note 7, IR Blaster).
• 🔧 TWRP Recovery: Custom Recovery for Backups and Installation ZIP-Modified files, required for custom firmware installation.

The process of installing custom firmware includes several critical stages:

1. Unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool requires linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting 7-30 days (depending on the model).
2. Installation TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. Data reset (Wipe) via TWRP before installing the new firmware.
4. Installation of firmware ZIP-file and GApps (if required).

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Before unlocking the bootloader, back up your data via Mi Cloud or TWRP (If it's already installed, then all the data on the device will be erased after unlocking!

Installing custom firmware will void the official Xiaomi warranty and may cause the device to work unstable if the incorrect version is selected. Before the procedure, make sure that the firmware is compatible with your model (check the device code, for example, toco for Xiaomi 12 Pro).

5. Change settings for specific Xiaomi models

Some features are only available on certain Xiaomi devices, and let’s look at the most popular ones.

For smartphones with AMOLED-displays (Xiaomi) 13/14 series, Redmi K50 Pro):

• 🔦 Always-On Display (AOD): In Settings → Screen locking styles are available for displaying time, notifications and even animated wallpapers for the screen off.

For devices with IR Blaster (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5):

• 📺 Control: Mi Remote allows you to customize remotes for more than 1,000 models of TVs, air conditioners and other equipment. In the remote settings, you can change the location of buttons or add custom commands.

For gaming smartphones (POCO F4 GT, Black Shark 5 Pro):

• 🔥 Overclocking of the processor: on some models (for example, Black Shark) in the developer mode, the option High performance is available GPU, But activating it reduces battery life.

For supportive devices 5G (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K60):

• 📶 Network Selection: C Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → The type of network can be manually switched between 4G/5G or activate the mode only 5G (It can reduce battery life).

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Before changing specific settings (e.g. overclocking) GPU or setting 5G) Check compatibility with your model on the Xiaomi.EU forums or XDA Developers.

6 How to return standard settings if something went wrong

If the device is unstable after the changes (for example, the battery is quickly discharged, applications fly out or artifacts appear on the screen), you can return the standard settings in several ways.

Soft reset (without loss of data):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose Reset all settings (not to be confused with Reset to factory!).
3. Confirm action. The device will restart, but user data (photos, apps) will remain intact.

Hard reset (full reset to factory):

1. Create a backup copy of important data.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Delete all data.
3. Enter your password (if required) and confirm the reset.

Reset via Recovery (if the device is not turned on):

1. Press the Power button + Volume up until the MIUI Recovery logo appears.

If the reset didn’t help (for example, the device got stuck on the Xiaomi logo), you may need to flash it through Fastboot:

fastboot flash all [name firmware].zip

The official firmware for your model can be downloaded on the website MIUI Download.

7. Frequent errors when changing settings and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that cause the device to run in an unstable way, and let's look at some of the most common ones.

Error 1: Change settings without backup

before any manipulation of the system (especially through ADB or TWRP) You need to create a backup:

• 📱 Built-in backup: Settings → The phone. → Backup → Local backup.
• 💾 TWRP Backup: allows you to save a complete system image, including /data and /boot.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: syncs contacts, messages and some settings, but does not save apps.

Error 2: Installation of incompatible firmware

Custom firmware often has versions for specific regions or device modifications, such as the Xiaomi 12 firmware (Cupid code) will not work for the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Zeu code).

• 🔍 Device code (you can find out in Settings) → The phone. → Model or via adb shell getprop ro.product.device).
• 📋 Version MIUI (for example, V14.0.3.0.TLBCNXM — The last letter represents the region: C – China, R – Russia, E – Europe).

Error 3: Disabling system applications

Some users attempt to remove or disable system services (e.g., com.miui.securitycenter), which results in:

• 🚫 Loss of functionality (for example, Security or Optimization stops working).
• 🔄 Infinite Reboots (Bootloop).
• 📵 Problems with connecting to the mobile network.

If you have disabled an important application, you can return it:

• Through ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.securitycenter
• Or through resetting (see previous section).

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Before disabling the system application, check its purpose on the App Inspectors website or in thematic forums.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions