How to use a Xiaomi smartphone: from basic settings to hidden features

Xiaomi smartphones are among the most popular in the world due to a combination of powerful features, innovative features and affordable price. MIUI Often raises questions from new users: where to find a particular setting, how to turn off annoying advertising, why the battery goes down quickly or how to transfer data from an old phone. This article will help you understand all the nuances - from the first inclusion to hidden features, which are silent even official instructions.

We're not going to list the obvious things like "how to make a call" or "how to install an app," but instead focus on the unique features Xiaomi has that make these smartphones stand out from the competition: duplicate apps for two accounts, hidden camera modes, optimized performance through an engineering menu, and more. And if you switched from an iPhone or Samsung, you'll find a comparison of the usual gestures and new features.

Important: The instructions in the article are relevant to MIUI 14/15 (including the global and Chinese versions, but most features work on older versions of the shell. POCO Redmi and the differences are minimal - we will point them out separately.

First inclusion and basic setting of the Xiaomi smartphone

When you first turn on a Xiaomi smartphone, the system offers you to go through the initial setup wizard, where many users make mistakes that you then have to manually fix.

• 📱 Language and region choice: Specify Russia or Europe if you bought a global version. ROM) You will need to change the region through the settings → Additionally. → Region.
• 🔄 Data portability: Use Mi Mover (the system will offer) to copy contacts, photos and apps from an old phone. Works even with iPhone via Lightning-to-USB-C cable.
• 🔒 Mi Account: Without it, you can't use cloud storage, find your phone when you lose it, or update your firmware. Sign up via Google or your phone number.
• 🛡️ Data Protection: Enable Device Encryption (in the security menu) – this will protect files when stolen, but slow down the work on weak models (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31).

After completing the setup wizard, check for system updates: go to Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI. If a new version is available, install it right away, which will fix any bugs and improve performance.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a smartphone with Chinese firmware (China) ROM), You can't use Google Play and many services without a Mi Account. Unlocking the bootloader will require you to unlock the device.

Gesture management and navigation in MIUI

Xiaomi offers three ways to navigate: classic buttons, gestures MIUI And the last two are often confused, although they're very different, and we'll figure out which option to choose and how to set up:

The most controversial thing is the gesture of going back. MIUI It works differently than on pure Android:

• 👉 In gestures. MIUI — swipe from right to left from the edge of the screen.
• 👉 In Android gestures – swipe from the bottom up and hold (like on iPhone).

If gestures are not working smoothly, check your touch sensitivity in Settings. → Display. → For games, you can turn off gestures during the session via Game Turbo.

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To return the accidentally closed application, swipe up and hold your finger - a list of recent tasks will open. MIUI 15 added the function "Freeze" applications (double tap on the icon in multitasking), which saves battery.

Battery Optimization: How to Extend Your Time

One of the main complaints against Xiaomi is the fast discharge of the battery. the reason is not the weak batteries (in the Redmi Note 13 Pro).+ It costs a battery of 5000 mAh, and in aggressive optimization MIUI. Let’s figure out how to configure the phone so that it holds the charge longer:

1. Power regimens

• 🔋 Balanced – Optimal for most (on by default).
• ⚡ Productivity – speeds up work, but reduces the time of autonomy 20-30%.
• 🌿 Saving charge – restricts background activity, darkens the screen, turns off vibration.
• 🛡️ Ultra mode (available at 5% charge) - leaves only calls and SMS.

Switch to Settings → Battery → Power regimen.

2. Background activity of applications

Many programs (especially messengers and social networks) continue to work in the background, even when you are not using them, to limit them:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook or TikTok).
3. Press the Battery. → Limit background activity.

3. Automatic tasks

V MIUI There's a built-in scheduler that can turn off Wi-Fi or mobile data at night, clear the cache, or put the phone into sleep mode. → Battery → Automatic tasks.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling Adaptive Brightness (in Settings) → The display can increase the operating time on 10-15%, But the screen will always glow at maximum brightness, which is harmful to the screen. AMOLED-matrix.

Disable auto-update apps in Google Play|

Set a dark topic (AMOLED-screen)|

Turn off vibration when typing|

Reduce the screen refresh rate to 60 Hz|

Enable charge saving mode with 20% battery-->

Hidden Camera Features: How to Shoot Like a Pro

Xiaomi cameras are often underrated, with users complaining about mediocre image quality, unaware that they are simply not using hidden modes and settings. 12C:

1. Shooting modes you didn't know about

• 🌃 Night Mode for Video: Turns on manually in the Camera → Video → Night.Works even on the Redmi Note 11, but requires a steady hand or tripod.
• 🔍 Macro with manual focus: In Macro mode, touch the subject on the screen and hold your finger – a slider will appear to fine-tune the focus.
• 🎭 Double Exposure: In Portrait Mode, click on the icon ⋯ → Double exposure: Allows you to overlay two frames (e.g., your face against the background of a cityscape).
• 📽️ Slow-motion sound: Slow-mode, turn on the option With sound – the video will be with the original audio, but in slow-motion.

2. Manual settings (Pro Mode)

In Pro mode, you can manually configure:

• Excerpt (from) 1/4000down 32(c) for the photographing of stars or light paths.
• ISO (Sensitivity – raise in dark conditions, but not above 3200 or there will be noise.
• White Balance – Choose an incandescent lamp for warm tones or Cloudy for cold.

3. Secret commands for the camera

Enter the following codes in the Camera app (not all models work):

#4636## → Testing → Camera (hardware capability check)
#34971539## → Camera information (sensor models, supported resolutions)

Duplicate applications and two accounts WhatsApp/VK

Dual Apps (or Dual Apps) allows you to create a second account in messengers, social networks or games without using additional programs.

• 💼 Separation of personal and work accounts in WhatsApp/Telegram.
• 🎮 Playing games on two accounts at the same time (e.g., Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
• 🔄 Testing new features on social networks without risk to the main profile.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Select the application from the list (for example, VK Instagram).
3. Click Create a Double App – a second icon with an icon will appear on the home screen ➕.
4. Sign in under another account.

Limitations:

• Not all applications are supported (for example, SberBank Online or Public Services block duplication for security reasons).
• Dual applications take up extra memory (each copy weighs as much as the original).
• Notifications can be duplicated – disable them for one of the copies in Settings → Notifications.

⚠️ Note: In some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) Double Apps are hidden. To enable it, type ##6484## in the dialer and activate the option in the Hidden Settings menu.

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Dual applications work independently: you can use different themes, notification settings, and even software versions for each copy.

How to remove advertising in MIUI once and for all

Advertising in MIUI — One of the most annoying features of firmware is that it appears in the settings menu, on the lock screen, in standard apps (Music, Weather, Themes), and even in notification panels. Fortunately, it can be turned off without root rights:

Method 1: Through the MIUI settings

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Advertising.
2. Disable Options: Personalized Recommendations Advertising Notices

Settings → Memory → Cleaning

Recommendations

Method 2: For individual applications

Some programs (Music, Video) have their own advertising settings:

• Open the app (such as Music).
• Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Advertising.
• Turn off all switches.

Method 3: Blocking through DNS (advanced)

If the advertisement continues to appear, change it. DNS-server in Wi-Fi or mobile network settings:

• 🌍 AdGuard DNS: 176.103.130.130 and 176.103.130.131
• 🛡️ Cloudflare Family: 1.1.1.3 and 1.0.0.3

This will not only block advertising in the MIUI, but also in the browser.

⚠️ Note: In Chinese firmware (China) ROM) There's a lot more advertising, and it doesn't turn off in the standard way.

Unlocking the loader and installing custom firmware

If you want to install Google Camera (GCam), uninstall system apps, or reflash your phone on LineageOS, you will need to unlock the bootloader.

What unlocking does:

• 🔓 The ability to install custom firmware (Pixel Experience, ArrowOS).
• 🗑️ Delete embedded applications (Mi Video, Mi Music).
• 📸 Installation of modified versions of GCam with improved photo processing.
• 🔧 Full access to system files via Magisk or TWRP.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Press 7 times on the version MIUI, To activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
2. Connect your phone to your PC: Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi). Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone. Put your phone in Fastboot mode (turn it off, then press Volume Down). + Nutrition).
3. Unlock the bootloader: In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. Wait 72-168 hours (Xiaomi imposes a mandatory wait for new accounts). After the deadline, repeat the procedure - the bootloader will be unlocked.

Risks and warnings:

• ❌ The phone warranty burns immediately after unlocking.
• ❌ Some functions (Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD, Google Pay may not work.
• ❌ If you make a mistake during firmware, the phone can turn into a “brick).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions