How to set up a new Xiaomi smartphone from scratch: step-by-step instructions 2026

First Installing and Basic Setup

Buying a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment, but the right initial setup determines how comfortable you will be using the device in the future. Even if you switch from another Android smartphone, MIUI has its own features that are worth considering from the first minutes.

The first turn on triggers an initial setup wizard, where you'll be asked to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, log into your Mi Account and set up your basic settings. It's important to take your time here: for example, skipping a Xiaomi account sign-in will prevent you from using cloud backup, note synchronization, and other ecosystem features. On the other hand, if you're not planning to use Mi Cloud services, you can skip this step and return to it later in Settings → Accounts and Sync.

Pay attention to the choice of region: pre-installed set of services depends on this (for example, in the Chinese version of MIUI there are no Google services). For Russia and the CIS, it is optimal to choose the region "Russia" - this guarantees the correct operation of Google Play, localized weather widgets and support for Russian in all menus.

Set up Xiaomi account and synchronize data

Mi Account is the management center for all Xiaomi devices in your ecosystem.

• 🔄 Cloud Backup (Settings) → The phone. → Backup)
• 📱 Synchronize notes, contacts and calendars between devices
• 🔒 The function "Find the device" in case of loss of the smartphone
• 🎮 Access to branded services, such as Mi Video or Mi Fitness

To create an account, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account and follow the instructions. If you already have an account, log in. Importantly, link your valid email and phone number to your account, which is the only way to restore access if you forget your password.

After authorization, it is recommended to enable synchronization for key data:

Enable backup to the cloud |Sync contacts |Sync notes |Sync calendar

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⚠️ Warning: If you bought a smartphone with your hands, be sure to reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset your settings) and untie your accounts, otherwise the previous owner will be able to remotely lock the device through Find the Device".

MIUI Optimization: What to Disable and What to Leave

MIUI is known for its many features, but many of them only consume battery power and system resources.

Pay special attention to the section Settings → Battery and performance.

• 🔋 Enable charge saving mode for background applications
• ⚡ Turn off Adaptive Brightness (it often doesn’t work properly)
• 🛑 Prohibit auto-runs for energy-intensive applications (e.g. Facebook or TikTok)

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If your smartphone is slowing down after setting up, go to Settings → About Phone → Memory and click “Clear.” This will remove the system cache without losing data.

Security setting: print, PIN and encryption

Security on a smartphone isn't paranoia, it's a necessity. Start by setting up your lock screen:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen and password.
2. Select the type of lock: PIN-code (minimum 6 digits), pattern lock (at least 4 digits) or Password (the most reliable option).
3. Add your fingerprint to Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprint.
4. Enable the option "Erase data after 10 failed attempts" (ibid.).

For additional protection:

• 🔐 Enable device encryption in Settings → Password and security → Encrypting the phone (to borrow) 30-60 The phone should be charged for a minute. 80%+).
• 🛡️ Activate Google Find My Device in Settings → Google → Security.
• 🚫 Disable the installation of applications from unknown sources (Settings) → Password and security → Unknown sources).

⚠️ Note: If you have enabled encryption, do not interrupt the process and do not discharge the phone to 0% – this can lead to the loss of all data without the possibility of recovery.

Internet connection and network setting

Without a stable internet, your smartphone loses half of its functionality. Start by setting up your mobile network:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose your preferred network type: 4G (LTE) or 5G (if supported).
3. Turn on the option "VoLTE" for clearer calls.
4. Turn off Automatic Network Selection and manually select an operator (e.g. MTS, Beeline) if there are signal problems.

For Wi-Fi:

• 📶 Connect to the home network in Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Enable the Auto Connection option for known networks.
• 🛡️ Change the settings. DNS at 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) to speed up the Internet (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Settings IP → Static → DNS).
• ⚡ Turn off Wi-Fi Assist (automatic mobile internet switch) if you have a limited rate.

If you have Xiaomi with Dual SIM support, pay attention to the network priority settings:

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Dual mode. SIM One of the cards will only work in 2G, if the second 4G/5G. To have both cards work in 4G, Go to Settings. → SIM-map → Dual settings SIM and choose "4G+4G" (Not available on all models).

Personalization: Themes, Fonts and Gestures

MIUI offers some of the most flexible customization options of all Android shells. Start by changing the theme:

1. Open the "Themes" app (icon with brush).
2. Select the category "Wallpaper" or "Themes".
3. Download your favorite theme (free options are marked with a green tick).
4. Apply it by pressing "Apply".

Additional external settings:

• 🎨 Change the font to Settings → Screen. → Font (available Mi Sans, Roboto and others).
• 🖥️ Set up gestures in Settings → Screen. → Navigation buttons (we recommend gestures) MIUI" instead of the classic buttons).
• 🌙 Include a dark theme in Settings → Screen. → Dark theme and set up a schedule (for example, from 22:00 to 7:00).
• 🔔 Change the notification sounds in Settings → Sounds and vibrations.

If you want to go further, you can install a third-party launcher (like a Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) for even more customization, but remember that some MIUI features (like gestures or weather widgets) may not work properly with alternative launchers.

Installation of necessary applications and cleaning from Bloatware

Even after the initial setup, there are still a lot of pre-installed apps (bloatware) on the smartphone that just take up space.

First, remove or disable unnecessary system applications:

• 🗑️ Mi Browser (can be replaced with Chrome or Firefox)
• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video (if you use YouTube Music or Spotify)
• 📦 GetApps (alternative app store, useless with Google Play)
• 📊 Mi Pay and Mi Credit (not available in Russia)

To disable system applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click "Disable" (not "Delete", as this may disrupt the system).

Now, install the applications you need. Here's the minimum set for comfortable work:

⚠️ Note: Do not remove system applications marked "Android" or "MIUI" In the name, this can cause the smartphone to work unstable, and instead, turn them off as described above.

FAQ: Frequent questions when setting up Xiaomi