How to set up and use a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone: a step-by-step guide to 2026

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones have long been popular due to their combination of powerful features, modern design and affordable prices, but even owners of these devices do not always use them at full capacity. Many features remain hidden in settings, and the basic features are unoptimized.This article will help you understand how to properly configure Xiaomi Redmi after purchase, improve performance, extend battery life and use unique chips. MIUI.

We will look not only at standard operations like setting up Wi-Fi or installing apps, but also at hidden possibilities, from customizing the interface to fine-tuning the camera. We will pay special attention to typical beginner errors – for example, why the battery goes down quickly on the new Redmi Note 13 models or how to fix connection problems with the new model. 5G. Ready to turn your smartphone into the perfect tool? Let's start with the most important thing.

Xiaomi Redmi’s initial setup after purchase

When you first turn on Xiaomi Redmi, the system offers a quick setup. Many users miss this step, but there are key parameters hidden here that will affect the future operation of the device. For example, choosing a region determines the services available (including Google Play), and setting up a Mi Account account will unlock cloud backup and search for the device when you lose.

Here’s what you need to do at the start:

• 📱 Select the language and region. For Russia, it is optimal to specify "Russia" - this ensures the correct operation of Google services and localized applications.
• 🔒 Create or log in to Mi Account. Without it, you can not use branded services like Mi Cloud or Find Device.
• 🔄 Recover data. If you had another Android smartphone, it will suggest you move your contacts, photos and apps over a Google account or cable. OTG.
• 🛡️ Set up the screen lock. We recommend using PIN-code or pattern lock – add a fingerprint later in the settings.

Note: If you missed a step, you can always return to it through Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings → Resetting the greeting settings. It won't delete your data, but it will reset the initial configuration.

Optimization of the interface MIUI: latent

Branded shell MIUI Xiaomi is known for its flexibility, but many of the features are hidden deep in the settings. For example, did you know that you can completely change the style of icons or add a second desktop with a different set of applications? MIUI 14 appeared the function of Super Wallpapers – animated wallpaper that respond to gestures.

Here's the top.-5 customization:

• 🎨 Themes and icons. Go to Settings → Themes where you can download free design packages. Try the Dark Mode 2.0 theme, which is not only beautiful, but also saves battery life. AMOLED-screen.
• 📱 Light mode. Includes in Settings. → Special facilities → Light mode: Simplifies the interface for older users or those who prefer minimalism.
• 🔄 Dual apps. Allows you to clone messengers (e.g., have two WhatsApp accounts). → Annexes → Dual annexes.
• 🖼️ Hidden albums in the Gallery. To hide personal photos, highlight them, click "More" → "Hide. Access to hidden files through PIN-gallery-code → Albums. → Hidden.
• 🔍 Screen search. Swipe down the home screen, and you'll see a search bar that looks not only for apps, but also for contacts, messages, and even settings.

Important: MIUI 14, you have the "Secure Confidential Folders" feature, which encrypts files at the system level. → Confidentiality → A secure folder is more reliable than just hiding in a gallery.

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After the update MIUI missing app icons on the desktop, try to hold your finger to an empty space on the screen → "Screen parameters" → "Resetting the mock-up".

Battery settings: how to extend autonomy

One of the most common complaints about Xiaomi Redmi is the rapid battery drain, which is usually due to background processes, unoptimized settings or a worn-out battery (especially on models older than 2 years). MIUI There are tools to diagnose and correct this problem.

The first thing you need to do is check which applications use the most power.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Use.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Usage Statistics".
3. Take a look at the charts of the last few 24 hourly applications with abnormal consumption (more than 10-15%) need to limit.

Then use these techniques to save:

For models with Ultra Battery Saver support (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Pro+) You can activate this mode manually - it disables all background processes, except calls and SMS, gives you extra 5-8 work-hours 5% charge.

Xiaomi Redmi camera: secrets of professional photos

Cameras in Xiaomi Redmi of the latest generations (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ With a 200 MP sensor, you can compete with the flagships, but only with the right settings. Many users shoot automatically and get average results, although the potential is much higher%.

One, turn off the unnecessary "improvements." MIUI aggressively smoothes the skin, overstates saturation and applies HDR even where it's not necessary, to get natural colors:

• 📸 Open the Camera app and tap on the gear (settings).
• 🔘 Turn off face enhancement, Auto.-HDR and AI-scene.
• 🎨 In the Color Style section, select Standard instead of Living.
• 🔍 Enable the Grid (Rule of Thirds) for the correct composition.

For shooting in difficult conditions, use these modes:

• 🌃 Ncho Mode: Hold your phone as still as possible or use a tripod. in Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Night mode works even on the front camera.
• 🎥 Video 4K@30fps: For stable video, enable Ultra High Stabilization in the video settings.
• 🔍 Macromode: Get closer to the object on the 2-4 See, wait for the focus. On models with a separate macro lens (e.g., Redmi). 12 Pro, the quality will be better.
• 📸 Professional mode: here you can manually configure ISO, White Balance and shutter speed, and for beginners, we recommend starting with ISO 100-400 and excerpts 1/100s.

If your photos are blurry, check:

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with multiple cameras (main) + wide-angle + The macro switch sometimes picks the wrong lens. Make sure the main camera is active before shooting (usually marked as 1x). Wide-angle (0.6x) It distorts the edges, and the macro (usually no separate icon) works only at close range.

Communications and networks: 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and Hidden Features

Modern Xiaomi Redmi supports advanced communication standards: 5G before Wi-Fi 6, but by default many features are disabled to save power. 5G, Even if the network is available, or if you use an outdated Wi-Fi protocol.

First, check the mobile network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network settings.
2. Choose. 5G (preferably 4G/3G/2G (vehicle) if the cover 5G unstable.
3. Activate VoLTE and VoWiFi (internet calls) – this will improve the quality of communication.

For Wi-Fi, we recommend:

• 📶 Use Wi-Fi 6 to use (802.11ax), If your router supports it, it turns on automatically, but you can prioritize it to Settings. → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Wi-Fi standard.
• 🔄 Enable Auto Connection to Open Networks (but be careful with public points!).
• 🔒 Activate the Smart Switch Wi-Fi/Mobile — The smartphone will automatically switch to mobile Internet if Wi-Fi is unstable.

If you have problems connecting to 5G, check:

For owners of Redmi Note 12/13 Dual-enabled 5G (Simultaneous operation of two SIM cards in 5G) Check that the function is activated in Settings → SIM-map → Dual 5G. This is useful if you use two different carriers.

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If the smartphone does not see the network 5G, First check the settings. APN Your operator's settings are wrong. APN — frequent cause of connection problems.

Performance and cleaning: how to speed up Xiaomi Redmi

Over time, even the powerful Xiaomi Redmi smartphones start to slow down, because of the clogged memory, fragmented files and background processes. MIUI There are built-in optimization tools, as well as a few secret tricks.

Start with basic cleaning:

1. Open Security. → Clean up and run a deep check. Delete the cache, residual files and unnecessary ones. APK.
2. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications and sort by size. Delete or clear data from heavy applications (like games or social media).
3. Enable Light Mode in Settings → Special features – it disables animations and simplifies the interface.

For advanced optimization:

• 🚀 Turn off animations. Turn on developer mode (7 times tap the version) MIUI in the phone settings, then in the settings → Additionally. → For developers, install all animations on Animation disabled 0.5x.
• 🔄 Limit background activity. In the same developer settings, turn off background processes for unnecessary applications.
• 🗑️ Use "Deep Cleanup." Use "Deep Cleanup." → Cleanup → Deep cleaning can remove system debris that a routine cleaning does not affect.
• 🔋 Reset the cache of the partition. → Memory. → Cleanup → Clearing partition cache – this helps with heavy lags (but does not delete personal data).

If the smartphone is very warm and slow, check:

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with Snapdragon processors 7xx/8xx (Like Redmi. K60) Overheating can be caused by the on mode Performance in the battery settings. Switch to Balanced or Saving Charge if you are not playing heavy games.

Security and privacy: protection against hacking

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are often targeted by scammers because of the brand's popularity. MIUI There are built-in security tools, but many users don't use them, and the right settings can keep your data from being stolen and your device from being malware.

Minimum set of safety measures:

• 🔐 Set a strong password. Avoid simple combinations like "1234" or date of birth — PIN 6+ Numbers or Alphabetical Digital Password.
• 👆 Set up the biometrics. Add the fingerprint (Settings) → Password and security → Fingerprint and facial recognition (but remember it’s less reliable).
• 🛡️ Turn on Find Device. This will allow you to find the phone when you lose it or block it remotely. → Mi Account → Find Device.
• 🔍 Check the permissions of the applications. → Confidentiality → Permissions disable contact, location and microphone access for suspicious applications.

To protect against viruses and fraud:

• 🦠 Install Google Play Protect (included in the Play Store) → Settings → Play Protect).
• 📱 Use Security MIUI (Security application) for scanning for viruses and blocking spam calls.
• 🔗 Disable the installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Confidentiality → Special permits → Installation of unknown applications).

If you sell or transfer a smartphone to another person, be sure to reset to factory settings:

1. Make a backup of the data in Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Erase all data.
3. After reset, load into Fastboot (clip the power supply). + Volume down) and select Clean All for full cleanup.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with an unlocked bootloader, a factory reset can result in an Anti-Rollback device being locked. If you have installed custom firmware, return the official software before selling it!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions