How to start using the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: a guide to setup

Buying a new smartphone is always an event, especially when it comes to the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S model. However, out of the box the device often comes with factory settings that don't reveal its real potential and can even annoy with intrusive advertising.The correct initial configuration of the MIUI system will take no more than 20 minutes, but will save you hours of nerves in the future.

In this detailed guide, we will break down all the steps: from unpacking and installation SIM-maps to deep interface and security optimization, and you'll learn which features to turn on immediately and which ones to disable for better performance and autonomy.

So don't rush to install apps, you need to set up the operating system to work like a Swiss watch, and we'll look at the nuances of working with your Mi Account, setting up notifications, and energy management secrets that not everyone knows about.

Primary preparation and activation of the device

The first step after turning on the Redmi Note 10S smartphone is to choose the language and connect to the Wi-Fi network. This is a critical point, since the system will require updating security components and checking the activation of the device on the manufacturer's servers. If you miss this step or interrupt the connection, the phone may lock or malfunction.

Next is the installation phase SIM-In the Redmi Note card tray. 10S There is room for two nano-SIMs and a microSD card. Note that the tray is protected by a moisture-protective pad, so open it carefully using the original clip or a thin tool so as not to damage the case.

After insertion cards, the system will offer to adjust biometric protection. the fingerprint scanner in the Redmi Note 10S is integrated into the side button on which is very convenient. It is recommended to add fingerprints of both thumbs, and also adjust the unlock on the face, although the latter method is less safe in bright sunlight.

⚠️ Note: When setting your fingerprint, try to touch the sensor with different parts of the pad, not just the center, which will significantly improve the speed and accuracy of unlocking in the future when the finger is wet or dirty.

An important step is to log into a Google account and create a Mi Account, the first is necessary for the Play Market store and synchronize contacts, the second is for the operation of the Xiaomi cloud, search for a device and use the theme of design.

Optimizing the MIUI interface and removing advertising

MIUI is known for its functionality, but also for the ad integrations in system applications, so to start using a smartphone comfortably, you need to immediately disable personalized recommendations, this is done through the settings of your Mi Account and system services.

Go to the Settings menu β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Access to personal data. Here is the Recommendation switch (or MSA β€” MIUI Disabling this item removes most of the intrusive advertising in standard applications such as Music, Explorer and Downloads".

You also need to set up your desktop. Redmi Note 10S has folder mode by default, which turns icons into mini-apps. The classic look, where icons just zoom in, is found to be more familiar. You can change that by tapping over a blank space on the screen and selecting System Navigation Buttons.

πŸ“Š What kind of desktop style is closer to you?
Classic (Android)
With folders (MIUI)
Minimalism
Never mind.

Don't forget to check the notification settings. In MIUI, they're divided into "Important" and "Unimportant." It's important not to confuse these categories, otherwise you may miss the message from the messenger. Go to Settings β†’ Notifications and status bar and make sure that the right applications are prioritized "Important".

⚠️ Note: After the system update, some ad settings may reset. Check the "Recommendations" section of the security settings periodically to stay in the digital space.

Battery setting and energy saving mode

The Redmi Note 10S has a 5,000mAh battery, which is a great indicator, but to keep the battery running for a long time and keep the charge as efficient as possible, you need to adjust the processor and screen modes correctly.

There are several profiles available in Settings β†’ Battery. Balanced mode is optimal for everyday use. Energy Saving mode limits background activity and synchronization, which is useful when there is no charge at hand, but can be delayed to flick notifications in this mode.

The screen is a big focus, and the Super AMOLED display is very high-quality, but bright, so you can turn on Adaptive Brightness to make the phone adjust to the light, or you can use automatic brightness with manual adjustment by the slider to make the system remember your preferences.

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Use a dark theme of design. AMOLED-screens black pixels do not glow, which really saves battery power and reduces the load on the eyes in the evening.

And there's Charging Optimization in the battery settings, too. If you charge your phone overnight, turn on this option. It studies your sleep patterns and pauses charging at 80 percent, recharging to 100 percent just before you wake up, which extends battery chemistry life.

The table below shows the main parameters affecting the autonomy of the Redmi Note 10S:

ParameterRecommended valueImpact on the battery
Frequency of update60 Hz (for savings)High (reduces consumption to 15%)
Always On DisplayScheduled.Average (consumes about 1-2% per hour)
5G networkOff (if not necessary)Very high (5G network search)
Keyboard vibrationOffLow (but noticeable in sum)

Managing applications and access rights

Once turned on, Redmi Note 10S begins to actively request permissions to access the microphone, camera and geolocation. Android system in conjunction with MIUI allows you to flexibly manage these rights, which is critical for the security of your data.

When you first install apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, or bank clients, read pop-ups carefully. Don't give contacts or a gallery to programs that don't need it to work. For example, a flashlight doesn't need Internet access, and a calculator doesn't need to access your geo-location.

β˜‘οΈ Access rights verification

Done: 0 / 1

MIUI has a unique feature called Permission Manager, where you can see which applications have accessed the data in the background, and if you notice that a simple calculator was trying to locate you at 3 a.m., that's an excuse to delete the application or restrict its rights.

To install applications not from Google Play (for example, banking applications of Russian banks that are not in the store), you must allow installation from unknown sources. Allow installation only for the specific browser or file manager you are downloading from. APK-file, not all applications at once.

⚠️ Warning: Never download modified versions of popular apps (mods, hacked games) from questionable sites. 10S With its security system, this can lead to account locking or password theft.

Camera and multimedia capabilities

The main camera module in the Redmi Note 10S has a resolution of 64 MP, but by default shoots in 16 MP mode (using pixel binning technology for better quality in low light). For everyday shooting, this is enough, but for landscapes you can turn on 64 MP mode in the β€œMore” menu.

An interesting feature is the Long Shutter Mode, which allows you to take pictures of light traces of cars or silky water without a tripod using shutter speeds of up to a few seconds. The stabilization algorithms in the Redmi Note 10S work well enough to hold the phone in your hands.

You can record a video with FullHD at 60 frames per second or 4K at 30 frames. Remember, when shooting in 4K, electronic stabilization may work less efficiently and the picture will be more jerky when walking. For video blogging, you better use 1080p 60fps.

Secret camera mode
In the Camera app, click three dots in the corner β†’ Settings β†’ Turn on "Save Settings." Now, when switching between modes (for example, from Photo to Video), settings like flash or timer will not be reset.

Don't forget to adjust the volume and equalizer. In the sound settings, Sound and vibration β†’ Sound effects can be selected profile (Hearphones, Speaker) and adjust the frequencies. For the Redmi Note 10S with its stereo speakers, this is especially true for watching videos.

System Updates and Security

The first thing to do after setting up is to check for updates. Xiaomi regularly releases security patches and system stability improvements. Go to Settings β†’ About phone and click on the MIUI version logo.

Updating can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. It is important that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi and charged at least 50%. Interrupting the upgrade process can lead to software errors, although modern Redmi Note 10S recovery system usually copes with such situations.

It's also worth turning on the "Device Search" feature, which allows you to remotely lock your phone, erase data, or locate it through i.mi.com in case of a theft, and without your Mi Account and Internet enabled, it doesn't work.

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Regular system updates are not just about new features, but also about closing security vulnerabilities. Don't ignore notifications of new MIUI releases.

The security section has built-in antivirus from Avast or AVG (depending on the firmware region), and periodic scans of the system will not be superfluous, especially if you are actively installing applications from third-party sources.

How to disable advertising in the "Security" application?
Open the Security app, click on the settings gear in the corner, find the "Receive recommendations" item and turn it off. Also, each module (Clean up, Antivirus) has its own ad settings, which you need to disable separately.
Why does the phone warm up when you first set it up?
During the first hours of use, the Redmi Note 10S actively indexes files, updates applications and adjusts sync. This is a normal process. After 1-2 days of active operation, the heating should stop.
Can I unlock the bootloader?
Yes, Xiaomi lets you unlock the bootloader officially through the Mi Unlock website, but this will void the warranty in many regions and reset all the data from the phone.
How to increase the font on the screen?
Go to Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Text size and display, where you can select a large font and zoom in on the interface elements, which is especially convenient for people with visual impairment.
What to do if the sound in the headphones is missing?
Check your Bluetooth settings, make sure your device profile includes Multimedia. Also try to turn off the absolute volume in the Developer Menu if the sound is too quiet or distorted.