After unpacking the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, many users are faced with the primary MIUI interface, which requires a competent configuration for comfortable use. The correct initial configuration allows not only personalizing the device, but also significantly extending the battery life, as well as protecting personal data from unauthorized access.
In this guide, we will discuss each step in detail, starting from the installation SIM-You'll learn how to get rid of intrusive advertising, optimize the processor and set up a camera to take professional shots.
It’s worth noting that standard default settings aren’t always optimal for power users, so we’ll focus on the hidden features and engineering menus available on this model.
Initial installation and activation of the account
The first step after turning on the device is to select a language and connect to a Wi-Fi network. MIUI 13 or newer Android version will require a stable Internet connection to activate Google services and check for security updates.
When you sign in to a Google account, your contacts, photos, and app data are synchronized with cloud storage, a critical step because it allows you to recover all your data from your old phone automatically if you have previously made a backup.
Next, the system will suggest creating or logging into Mi Account. This is the Xiaomi ecosystem account necessary for the operation of branded services such as Find a Device, the Mi Cloud cloud and the theme of registration.
⚠️ Note: When creating a password for Mi Account, be sure to use complex character combinations and enable two-factor authentication to eliminate the possibility of hacking an account by attackers.
Don’t miss the biometric protection adjustment step: The fingerprint scanner built into the power button works quickly and conveniently, and face unlocking provides an extra level of comfort in everyday use.
☑️ Primary activation of the smartphone
Optimizing the interface and removing advertising
One of the most common complaints about MIUI shells is the presence of ad integrations in system applications. Fortunately, most of them can be manually disabled, making smartphone use significantly more enjoyable.
First, you need to disable the MSA (MIUI System Ads) service, which is a system process responsible for advertising notifications, and its disabling does not affect the stability of the operating system, but requires confirmation of action.
You should also go through the built-in apps like Explorer, Downloads, Security, and Music, and each has a Receive Recommendations switch that is responsible for showing news feeds and banner ads.
- 📱 Open "Settings» → «Passwords and security» → «Accessing Personal Data" and find the msa process, then turn off the switchboard.
- 🚫 In the Security app, click on the gear in the corner and select Get Recommendations by unchecking the tick.
- 📂 In “Conductor” go to the settings and turn off the option “Recommendations».
After these steps are done, the interface will become cleaner and the consumption of RAM by system processes will decrease, which is especially important for models with less RAM.
Setting the screen and display parameters
The Redmi Note 12 display has a high refresh rate AMOLED matrix, which requires proper calibration for comfortable reading and viewing of content. Basic settings offer several color schemes, but for maximum color accuracy, it is worth taking advantage of advanced features.
In the Screen section, you can choose the color scheme “Saturated” or “Standard”; for most users, the best option is “Advanced”, where you can manually adjust the shade of white and the saturation level of each channel (RGB).
The important parameter is the refresh rate of the screen. The model supports 120 Hz, which provides smooth animations, but increases battery consumption. In the settings, the default mode is available, which dynamically changes the frequency depending on the content on the screen.
⚠️ Warning: Constant screen operation at a maximum frequency of 120 Hz in games or in bright sun can lead to increased heating of the case and accelerated wear of the battery.
To protect your eyesight in the evening, activate the Vision Protection or Reading Mode mode, which shifts the color temperature into the warm spectrum, reducing the strain on your eyes.
Fine calibration of flowers
Battery and performance management
The smartphone is equipped with a battery capacity of 5000 mAh and supports fast charging of 33 W. In order for the battery to last a long time, you need to properly configure energy saving modes and limit the background activity of unnecessary applications.
The Battery section provides a power graph that helps you identify voracious applications, and the system offers you to optimize settings automatically, but manual control gives you better results.
Game scenarios are designed to be a Game Turbo mode that aggregates CPU and GPU resources, blocks notifications and increases touchscreen sensitivity, and allows you to squeeze the most out of a Snapdragon or MediaTek processor depending on the modification.
| Mode of work | Description | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced | Optimal ratio of power and savings | Average. |
| Productive | Maximum processor frequency, without limitation | High. |
| Energy conservation | Limitation of background processes and brightness | Minimum |
| Ultra | Only calls and messages, disconnecting all services | Critically low. |
Use the Optimize at Night feature if you leave your phone charging while you sleep, and the algorithm will charge your device up to 80%, pause the process, and go up to 100% before you wake up, prolonging the cell’s chemical life.
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The use of the original charger and cable is mandatory to activate fast charging protocols and prevent the power controller from overheating.
Camera and shooting configuration
The Redmi Note 12 provides a wide range of tools for mobile photography. The standard Photo mode uses artificial intelligence algorithms to improve shots, but for creative shooting, it’s better to switch to Pro mode.
In Manual Mode (Pro), you have full control of shutter speed, ISO, white balance and focus, and this allows you to take pictures in difficult lighting conditions where automation can go wrong.
For maximum stabilization and quality, choose 4K at 30 frames per second or 1080p at 60 frames for a smoother picture. Electronic Stabilization (EIS) is available in both modes.
- 📸 Enable the framing grid in the camera settings to comply with the rule of thirds.
- 🌙 Use the Night mode to shoot in low light while holding your phone still 2-4 seconds.
- 🎞️ To record long events, activate Timelapse or Slow-Stop Mode».
It’s also worth checking the geolocation settings for the photo. If you don’t want the location coordinates to be stored in the file metadata, turn off this option in the camera settings menu.
Data security and confidentiality
In the era of digital threats, privacy is becoming a priority, with Xiaomi providing built-in tools to create a secure environment, including Second Space and app hiding.
Second Space creates an isolated environment on the phone, a virtually separate smartphone inside the main one, ideal for separating work and personal data or handing the phone to children without the risk of accessing sensitive information.
In the Privacy section, you can customize permissions for each application individually, and it is recommended to deny access to the microphone and camera for applications that do not need it, such as a calculator or flashlight.
⚠️ Attention: Check the list of applications with device administrator rights regularly, and the presence of an unknown application in this list may indicate malware.
Activate the “Device Search” function in the settings of your Mi Account. This will allow you to remotely lock your phone, erase data or play an audio signal in the event of loss or theft of a gadget.
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Check the Permissions Manager section in your security settings periodically to make sure no application has been granted excessive access rights after the update.