How to set up Android on Xiaomi: the complete guide

After unpacking a new Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone, users often encounter a welcome screen followed by a standard initial setup procedure. However, to make the device work as efficiently, safely and conveniently as possible, basic actions alone are not enough. The MIUI shell or its new version of HyperOS offers hundreds of options that can be hidden or disabled by default.

The system’s well-configured configuration not only removes intrusive advertising, but also significantly extends battery life, as well as protects personal data. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to set up Android on Xiaomi, turning a standard device into a personalized gadget.

You don't have to be a technician to do this, you do this through a standard settings menu that's available to every user, and you do this in a consistent manner to avoid problems in the future.

Initial activation and login to accounts

The very first step after turning on is to select a language and connect to a Wi-Fi network. Without the Internet, activation is impossible, since the system needs to check for mandatory security updates and check the serial number of the device with the manufacturer's server.

Then it will suggest you sign in to your Google account, which is a critical step, because it's where you recover your contacts, your photos, your installed apps, and if you've previously had an Android phone, just type in your data, and the system will prompt you to copy the data.

Special attention should be paid to creating or logging into Mi Account. This is Xiaomi’s internal ecosystem that allows you to use Find Device features, cloud storage and theme synchronization.

⚠️ Note: When logging into a Mi Account, be sure to write down your password or attach a phone number.Recovering access to a blocked Mi Account without a binding can take weeks and require the provision of purchase checks.

After logging into accounts, the system will offer you to configure the lock screen and biometrics. Face ID on Xiaomi works quite quickly, but for maximum security, it is better to use a fingerprint scanner built into the screen or the on button.

Optimizing the interface and removing advertising

One of the biggest complaints users have about ads in system apps, and fortunately, in modern firmware versions, it can be almost completely turned off without the need for sophisticated methods, making it comfortable to use a smartphone.

First, you need to disable the MSA (MIUI System Ads) service, which is responsible for displaying banner ads in standard applications such as Explorer, Music and Themes, and you can find it in the password and security settings menu.

Click on Access to Data and find it in the msa list. Put the switch inactive. The system will try to dissuade you by offering to wait 10 seconds — that's standard behavior, just click "Disable" again.

• 📱 Go to "Settings» → «Passwords and security» → «Access to data».
• 📱 Find the msa and turn off the slider, confirming the action.
• 📱 In the Security app, go to settings and turn off “Receive recommendations».
• 📱 In the “Themes” app, click on the profile and remove the “Show Advertising” tick».

You also need to set up your desktop. Xiaomi allows you to change the widget grid, font sizes and animations. In the Advanced Settings menu, you can turn on Quick Access (shaking your phone for a flashlight) or one-handed control, making the interface more ergonomic.

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To hide the names of applications on the desktop, press the empty space on the screen, go to Settings and select No Signature mode. This will make the interface cleaner and more minimal.

System and speed setting

To make the smartphone work quickly and does not slow down after six months of use, you need to properly configure the parameters of memory and applications. Android based on Xiaomi has an aggressive energy saving system, which sometimes needs to be adjusted.

In the About Phone section, find the MIUI version and quickly click on it 7-10 times, which activates the hidden Developer Menu, and you can find useful tools for fine-tuning.

But don't be too quick to change everything. The most important thing is to set up animations, and reducing the scale of the animation of windows and transitions visually speeds up the interface, making the system's response more instantaneous.

Another important aspect is the management of the boot» → «Autoboot: disable programs you don't need immediately after you turn on your phone, free up RAM and reduce battery consumption.

Data privacy and security

In the era of digital threats, privacy protection is coming to the forefront: Xiaomi provides flexible tools to control apps accessing your data, camera and microphone.

In the Privacy Protection section, you can see which apps have requested access to sensitive data in the past 24 hours, which helps identify suspicious activity and restrict the rights of unwanted programs.

The second space feature, which allows you to create an isolated environment on your phone with a separate set of applications and a password, is ideal for separating work and personal data or transferring the phone to children.

⚠️ Attention: Second Space takes up extra storage space. If you have a 64GB or 128GB model, use it carefully to avoid overloading the storage.

Also remember to enable Device Search: In the event of a smartphone being stolen or lost, you can track its location, lock the screen, or remotely erase all data through mi.com.

For payments and important transactions, use built-in protection. Xiaomi allows you to hide the content of notifications on a locked screen so that outsiders do not see the codes from SMS or messages from messengers.

Battery and energy management

Autonomy is a key parameter of any smartphone, and setting it right helps the battery hold on longer, especially in conditions of active use during the day.

The system offers several power saving modes. Standard mode optimizes background processes, and Ultra mode limits the network and bright elements of the screen, turning the smartphone into a simple caller.

It is important to set up Battery and Performance for each application individually. For instant messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, select No Limits mode so that messages arrive instantly.

• 🔋 Go to "Settings» → «Battery» → «Energy conservation».
• 🔋 Turn on the “Adaptive Battery” so that the system learns your habits.
• 🔋 Turn off the screen lift if you often carry your phone in your hand.
• 🔋 Set a schedule for turning on and off night mode.

Use the Charging Optimization feature, which analyzes your charging habits and slows down charging after 80% at night so that up to 100% of the phone is charged just in time for you to wake up, which extends the life of the lithium-ion battery.

Camera and multimedia setup

Xiaomi cameras are famous for their capabilities, but by default they are often set to automatic mode, which does not always give the best result.

Turn on the framing grid and horizon level, which will help you take even pictures. Also activate the AI Improvements mode, but use it wisely, as it can make colors unnaturally saturated.

It’s important to choose the right resolution for video shooting. Shooting in 4K requires a lot of space and resource intensive, so 1080p at 60 fps is better for recording, which will give a smooth picture.

Don't forget to set the sound settings. From the Sound and Vibration menu, you can select a sound profile (Standard, Movie, Music) and adjust the equalizer. For headphones, Xiaomi will automatically offer a calibration of the sound.

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Proper camera and sound profiles can unlock the multimedia potential of the smartphone by 100%, making viewing content and shooting much more enjoyable.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions