Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users a huge customization opportunities that are often hidden by default. Immediately after unpacking the device, it is important not only to log in to the account, but to correctly configure system parameters to ensure stable operation and protect personal data. Many owners face intrusive advertising or quick discharge precisely because they miss the stage of the initial deep configuration of the system.
In this guide, we’ll look at the key steps that will turn your gadget from a standard device into a personalized tool with maximum efficiency. You’ll learn where to turn off unnecessary processes, how to set up notifications correctly, and what hidden features to activate first. A competent initial setup will save you hours of troubleshooting in the future.
Consider the action algorithm that is relevant to most modern models, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and Xiaomi series. Regardless of the shell version, the logic of the configuration remains similar, although the names of menu items may differ slightly, and the willingness to devote 15-20 minutes to this process will pay off with the comfort of daily use.
Primary activation and security of the account
The setup process begins immediately after the device is turned on and the interface language is selected, at which point the system will offer to connect to the Wi-Fi network, which is a prerequisite for activating most services from Google and Xiaomi. Android requires an Internet connection to check the status of the device and synchronize time.
Signing in to Mi Account is critical, not just a formality, but a necessity for Find Device and cloud storage. Without an account link, you risk losing access to your phone if you lock or lose it, as Xiaomi’s security system tightly ties the device to the owner.
⚠️ Warning: Never sign in to a Mi Account purchased with hands or on dubious sites.This can result in a smartphone being completely blocked by a remote account holder, and it will be almost impossible to unlock it without access to the source mail.
Once authorized, the system will offer to configure biometric protection. Using Face ID or fingerprint scanner significantly speeds up access to the device and protects payment data. It is recommended to configure both methods for redundancy, especially if the scanner in the screen is not working properly at low temperature.
- Enter the unlock password (at least 6 characters).
- Add your fingerprint to the Passwords and Security menu.
- Set up facial recognition for quick access.
Basic system optimization and removal of advertising
One of the main complaints of users is the presence of advertising in system applications. Fortunately, in modern versions of firmware, advertising modules can be manually disabled, which will significantly improve the purity of the interface. MSA (MIUI System Ads).
To do this, go to the settings section "Passwords and security" → "Access to personal data." Find the "msa" application in the list and turn off the slider. The system will try to dissuade you by running a countdown timer of 10 seconds - you need to wait for it to end and click "Cancel." This procedure sometimes has to be repeated 2-3 times, since the server may not respond the first time.
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If the “Cancel” button is not pressed the first time, turn off the Internet, revoke access, turn on the Internet and repeat the procedure – this often helps to bypass server delays.
Next, you go through the built-in apps and remove the personalized ads in each one, and it takes a couple of minutes, but the result is worth it. The Mi Browser, the Security, Music, Themes and Explorer app, have their own separate ad switches in the settings.
- 📱 Security Appendix: Settings → General. → «Receive recommendations” (offline).
- 🎵 Music appendix: Profile → Settings → «Show advertising blocks" (turn off).
- 📂 Conductor: Settings → «About the annex» → «Receive recommendations” (offline).
- 🌐 Browser: Three dots → Settings → Confidentiality and security → «Personal recommendations” (offline).
Set up notifications and power management
The aggressive MIUI/HyperOS energy saving system often causes instant messaging notifications to arrive late or not at all, and to fix this, you need to manually adjust the behavior of background processes for important applications such as Telegram, WhatsApp or email clients.
Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Select the messenger you want and go to Battery, and set No Limits mode, which will allow the app to run in the background all the time without being “sedated” by the system to save power.
☑️ Checklist of notification settings
Also worth paying attention to is Notifications and Status Bar, which allows you to flexibly configure which apps can display banners and which ones can only quietly update the counter, while for work chats it is better to leave sound notifications, and for news aggregators it is better to turn off sound and vibration, leaving only the icon.
An important aspect is setting up the Do Not Disturb mode, so you can schedule it to turn on at night so that your phone doesn't wake you up with calls other than the contacts on the Favorite list, and this is done through the Sound and Vibration menu → Do Not Disturb → Scheduled.
Screen, interface and usability
The display is the main element of interaction, and its correct calibration affects eye fatigue. DC Dimming or "Anti-stress", which reduces the flicker of the screen at low brightness, you can turn this feature on in the menu "Screen» → «Protection of vision».
The refresh rate is another option that needs attention. If you have a 90Hz or 120Hz model, you'd better choose "Default" or "Maximum" from the Update menu. A forced 60Hz limit will save you battery, but it will deprive you of the smoothness of animations that you often buy these phones for.
⚠️ Attention: Constant screen operation at maximum refresh rate (120 Hz) may reduce the battery life on 15-20%. If autonomy is a priority, use the default mode, where the system itself lowers the hertz on static content.
For ease of one-handed operation, you can set up One-Hand Mode or gesture control. Switching to gesture control (swipes instead of buttons) frees up useful screen space and makes navigation more intuitive. You can adjust the sensitivity of swipes in the "Additional" → "Full-screen mode".
Memory, storage and work with files
The Android file system on Xiaomi devices has its own features. To expand the functionality often requires access to hidden folders, which requires the activation of the developer mode. SD-card.
If you use a memory card, it is recommended to format it as “Internal Storage” (if the application allows) or as “Portable Storage” for media files. In the second case, the system will automatically save photos and videos from the camera there if you turn on the appropriate option in the settings of the Camera application.
To clean up your system debris, use the built-in Security → Cleanup app. However, don’t overuse the memory acceleration features, as Android itself effectively manages RAM. Frequently forced applications to be unloaded from memory (conversely) increases battery consumption as the system has to restart processes.
Below is a table of file types that can be safely deleted and those that should not be touched:
| File type/Folder | Can I remove it? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Download folder / Downloads | Yes. | You can lose downloaded documents. |
| DCIM/Camera folder | No (no backup) | Loss of all photos and videos |
| App cache (in settings) | Yes. | Applications will be downloaded longer for the first time |
| Files.android (root) | No. | Failure of Google System Services |
Advanced settings and hidden functions
For advanced users, the door is open to the world of hidden settings through the Developer Menu. To activate this section, you need to quickly click on Version 7 times. MIUI» or "Version" OS» You'll see a new item in the About Phone menu when you say "You're a developer" in the settings.
In the developer menu, you should look at animation scales. Changing the scale of window, transition and animation duration from 1x to 0.5x visually speeds up the interface. The phone starts flying, responding to touch instantly, and this is one of the most effective ways to subjectively speed up an old device.
Dangerous settings in the developer menu
Another useful feature is the Floating Windows, which allows you to run applications in a floating window or a second screen» → «Sidebar. From there, you can drag and drop pictures, text, and even run videos on top of other apps.
And remember, Second Space, which allows you to create an isolated environment on your phone, like you have two different smartphones in one, which is perfect for separating work and personal life, or for handing your phone to your kids without fearing about your data.
Backup and final touches
After all the settings, it is crucial to back up the system. Xiaomi offers its own backup tool that saves not only contacts and photos, but also the placement of desktop icons, Wi-Fi passwords and alarm settings.
You can find it by going to: Settings → About Phone → Backup and Restore → Data Backup. It is recommended to save a copy to your computer or external drive, as cloud-only storage can be paid or limited in scope.
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Regularly creating a local backup to your computer is the only way to guarantee data retention in the event of a critical firmware failure or motherboard breakdown.
As the final touch, check for system updates. Often the first settings require a "filtration" that the manufacturer issues as patches. Go to About Phone and click on the OS version logo to check for updates manually.
Now your smartphone is fully operational, and Xiaomi is able to run fast and stable for years without requiring constant interference with system processes.