The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in the Asian market) remains one of the most attractive mid-range devices due to its bezel-free design and lack of screen cutouts. However, like any device running a MIUI shell, it requires a competent initial configuration for stable operation. Many users immediately after purchase face intrusive advertising, excessive notifications and unoptimized battery settings, which reduces the enjoyment of using the gadget.
The Xiaomi Mi 9T setup in the first minutes after turning on can dramatically change the user experience. You don’t need to be an IT expert to perform basic optimization, but it’s important to know which switches to activate and which to turn off. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of preparing the device for everyday use, paying attention to hidden features and important security aspects.
Ignoring fine-tuning can lead to battery life and junk apps, and we can help you avoid the typical bugs and turn a standard feature set into a personalized tool for work and entertainment, starting at the beginning of the device and initial registration.
Initial activation and Mi Account account
The initial setup process for the Xiaomi Mi 9T starts immediately after you press the power button. The system will suggest you select an interface language and connect to the Wi-Fi network. At this stage, it is critical not to miss the Mi Account login. This is not just a formality, but a key element of the ecosystem that ensures contact synchronization, device search in case of loss and cloud storage. Without an attached account, many functions such as Find a device will not be available.
When creating or entering account data, the system may strongly suggest enabling various recommendation and user experience services. Experienced users recommend turning off these options during the initial setup stage to minimize telemetry collection. Pay attention to screens offering to activate Mi Cloud: free 5 GB is often not enough, so it makes sense to immediately configure synchronization of only the most important data, such as contacts and notes.
⚠️ Warning: Be sure to remember the Mi Account password and the phone number associated with it. When resetting to the factory settings (Hard Reset), the phone will require you to enter this data to unlock. Without them, the device will turn into a “brick”, and it will be extremely difficult to restore access even through the service center.
Once logged in, the system will suggest recovering data from a Google backup or from a previous phone. If you are switching from another Android device, this step will save time by automatically installing apps and saving Wi-Fi passwords. However, if you want the cleanest system possible without unnecessary junk, you better choose the option “Configure as a new device”.
☑️ Primary activation
The final step in activation is to adjust the biometrics. Xiaomi Mi 9T is equipped with an optical fingerprint scanner built right into the screen. The system will offer several times to apply your finger to create a reference. It is recommended to add fingerprints of both thumbs, as the smartphone is large and it is difficult to hold it with one hand.
Optimization of the display and the MIUI interface
The screen is the main advantage of the Mi 9T. Samsung’s AMOLED panel provides deep black and saturated shades. To get started with the display, go to the Settings → Screen menu. Here, the first thing to do is activate the Vision Protection or Antiblik mode, which reduces eye strain when working in dim light by removing PWM flicker (although this is implemented on AMOLED software).
While the Mi 9T runs on a standard 60Hz, you can find the option of Classic or Saturated in the screen settings. For most users, Standard looks preferable because it matches the color reproduction that most people are used to when looking at content on social networks.
The MIUI interface offers flexible desktop settings. You can use the standard app grid or switch to an iOS-style menu where all programs are on the desktop and the app menu displays only the ones you use frequently. To change this setting, go to Settings → Desktop → Desktop Mode.
The Xiaomi Mi 9T supports both the classic three buttons at the bottom of the screen and full-screen gesture control. Gestures allow you to free up useful display space, but require addiction. You can switch under Settings → Full-screen mode.
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Use the One-Handed Convenience feature (swipe down the lower bar of navigation) to reach for items at the top of the Mi 9T large screen without intercepting the device.
Remember to configure Always On Display if it is not automatically activated, which allows you to see time and notifications without turning the screen on completely, saving battery power compared to the constant ignition of the matrix.
Set up performance and battery
The Snapdragon 730 processor installed in the Xiaomi Mi 9T has enough power for most tasks, but requires proper power management. The default system has Balanced mode, which is the optimal choice for everyday use. However, if you are an avid gamer, in the Security section you can find Accelerate Games, which redistributes resources in favor of the running application.
Application control is key to autonomy. MIUI aggressively unloads background processes, which sometimes interferes with messengers. To get important notifications on time, go to Settings → Apps → Settings → Autorun Management and allow back-up for required programs (Telegram, WhatsApp, mail). Without this step, messages can arrive with a delay.
The 4,000mAh battery in the Mi 9T supports fast 18W charging. To extend battery life, avoiding full discharge to zero and overheating is recommended.The system has built-in charging optimization that slows the process after reaching 80% if the phone is connected overnight.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Energy saving regime | Balanced | Optimal balance of speed and working time |
| Auto-launching applications | Only the necessary | Reduces battery consumption in the background |
| Window animation | 0.5x or 1x | Visual acceleration of the interface |
| Background activity | Limited. | Prevents the discharge of a sleeping phone |
Also worth mentioning is the Game Turbo feature, which not only blocks notifications during play, but also allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the touchscreen and amplify the sound in the headphones. It is a software add-on that makes it more comfortable without real overclocking of the processor.
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Proper auto-start and background settings are the most effective way to increase the Xiaomi Mi 9T’s life without using external powerbanks.
Camera: Secrets of high-quality pictures
The main camera module Xiaomi Mi 9T is based on the sensor Sony IMX582 with a resolution of 48 MP. By default, the camera shoots in 12 MP mode, using the technology of combining pixels (binning) to improve sensitivity. For most scenarios, this mode is preferred, as it gives less noise in insufficient light.
However, if you plan to print large-format photos or crop, switch to 48MP mode via the camera settings menu. Also note Pro mode, which allows you to manually set ISO, shutter speed and white balance. This is especially true for shooting night city or starry sky, where automation can go wrong.
⚠️ Attention: In camera settings, turn off the "Improving Portraits" or "Butification" option if you want to get natural skin colors. Xiaomi's standard algorithms tend to heavily whiten the face and blur textures, which looks unnatural.
The front-facing pop-up camera mechanically exits the body. This is an engineering solution that protects the matrix from dust when the phone is in your pocket with the screen down, but requires care. The camera settings have a drop-proof feature: if the accelerometer detects a free fall, the motor removes the lens inward. Check the operation of this mechanism by tilting the phone carefully over the soft surface.
Hidden Camera Functions
For video, the Mi 9T can write 4K at 30 frames per second. Image stabilization is software-based and efficient enough for static walking, but it's better to use additional gimbal stabilizers when running.
Data security and confidentiality
Security in Xiaomi Mi 9T It's implemented on multiple levels, in addition to the fingerprint scanner and the face unlock (which only works on the face). 2D-There's a "Second Space" feature that creates an isolated environment in the phone with a separate set of apps and passwords, which is ideal for separating work and personal life or handing the phone to children.
Built-in antivirus from Avast or Tencent (depending on the firmware version) automatically scans installed applications. Although third-party antiviruses on Android are often redundant, the built-in scanner is useful for checking. APK-Files downloaded from unverified sources. Run a full check regularly through the Security app».
Pay special attention to permission settings. Android 10/11 (which updates the Mi 9T) allows you to only grant permissions to access geolocation “While using the app”, which prevents social media and marketplaces from tracking your movement in the background.
- 🔒 Enable device encryption (active by default) to protect data when stolen.
- 📍 Set up “Device Search” via Mi Cloud to remotely block.
- 🛑 Disable the installation of applications from unknown sources for all programs except the browser.
Regular security updates are a key to peace of mind. Xiaomi releases security patches monthly or quarterly. Don't ignore update notifications, even if they don't carry new features, as they often close vulnerabilities.