How to set up a new Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone from scratch: the full guide 2026

Buying a new smartphone is always exciting, especially when it comes to a budget but functional device like Xiaomi Redmi. 9. This machine, released in 2020 The processor is still popular due to its balanced characteristics: MediaTek Helio processor. G80, 4/64 GB of memory, battery on 5020 mAh and resolution camera 13 MP: However, “out of the box” even the most advanced gadget does not work at full capacity – it needs to be properly configured.

Many users make critical mistakes when they first turn on, skip updates, fail to optimize power consumption, or leave factory security settings, as a result, the smartphone starts to brake after a month, quickly discharges or becomes vulnerable to viruses. This article will help avoid such problems and reveal hidden features of Redmi 9, which are not written in the official instructions.

We’ll take a look at not only the basic setup (language, Wi-Fi, Mi Account), but also advanced tricks: how to turn off unnecessary Xiaomi services, customize gestures, increase battery life, and even speed up the system without root rights. If you want your Redmi 9 to work as a flagship, read on.

Preparing for the first inclusion: what to do before setting up

Before you press the power button, prepare everything you need, which will save time and eliminate unnecessary actions in the process.

First, fully charge your smartphone.Redmi 9 comes with a battery capacity 5020 mAh, but the factory charge rarely exceeds 40-50%. Connect the original cable and power supply (preferably on the 10W or 18W) and wait 100%. The use of non-original chargers at first can lead to incorrect calibration of the battery controller - in the future this will affect the accuracy of the display of percentages of charge.

Second, prepare the data for authorization:

• 📧 Email address (preferably Gmail or Mi Account)
• 🔑 Password from Wi-Fi network (write in advance if it is complex)
• 📱 Backup of contacts (if transferring from another phone)
• 🆔 Data from social media accounts (VK, Telegram, WhatsApp)

Without this data, you will not be able to complete the initial setup or restore backups.

Also check the package. In the box with Redmi 9 should be:

• 📱 The smartphone
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (black or white)
• 🔌 Charger on the 10W (model MDY-08-EP)
• 📄 Warranty pass and instructions
• 🔑 Paperclip for the tray SIM-map

If something is not available, contact the store before the first switch on, otherwise the exchange under warranty will be difficult.

⚠️ Attention: Don't insert SIM-card or memory card until the initial setup is completed. MIUI It can automatically mount external drives as internal memory, which is difficult to cancel.

First Entry and Basic Configuration: Step-by-step Instructions

Now, to the process itself, press and hold the power button (located on the right end) for a period of time. 2-3 It takes seconds until the Redmi logo appears. 5 Minutes is normal because the system checks the hardware.

After downloading, you will see a welcome screen with a choice of language.

1. Select language and region Install Russian (Russia) or Ukrainian (Ukraine) if you are in Ukraine. Choose the region that suits your country - this will affect the available services (for example, Google Pay or Mi Pay).
2. Wi-Fi Connection Choose your network from a list. If it's not available, click Other Networks and type the name manually. 9 Supports Wi-Fi standards 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz 5 GHz. To speed up the setup, you can connect to the mobile Internet later.
3. Setting up a Mi Account here are two options: 🆕 Create a new account if you don’t already have a Xiaomi profile. 🔄 Sign in to the existing one – if you have already used Xiaomi or Poco smartphones.

Mi Account is mandatory

Mi Cloud

Find Device

Data recovery

If you are transferring data from an old phone, select Restore from backup. MIUI supports recovery:

• 📱 Another Xiaomi device (by Bluetooth or cable)
• ☁️ Mi Cloud or Google Drive
• 💾 Local file (if there is a backup on the PC)
• Set up the protection setup PIN-The last option is the most convenient one: the sensor on Redmi 9 is located on the back and it works in 0.3 seconds. Don't miss this step: without locking the screen, you can't use banking applications.

List of safe applications to disable:

• 🎵 Mi Music (if you use Spotify or YouTube Music)
• 🎬 Mi Video (replace by Mi Video) MX Player or VLC)
• 🌐 Mi Browser (use Chrome or Firefox)
• 📊 Mi Security (if you have another antivirus installed)
• 🎮 Game Turbo (if you don't play mobile games)

These changes will make the interface 1.5-2 more responsive, especially when opening apps or returning to the home screen.

Disable unnecessary system applications|Limit background activity for most programs|Reduce the scale of animations|Enable the developer mode|Update MIUI last-minute-->

Security settings: how to protect data and prevent hacking

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a popular model, so it is often a target for scammers.In 2023, researchers discovered vulnerabilities in the system. MIUI, You can steal data via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and to minimize the risk, follow these steps:

1. Screen lock setting

The factory settings offer only PIN Or a pattern lock, but there are more reliable options:

• 🔐 Fingerprint is the fastest and safest way. Add at least 2 fingerprints (for example, index and thumb).
• 👤 Facial recognition is convenient, but less reliable (you can fool a photo). PIN-code.
• 🔢 Password – if you store important data on your phone, set a password at least 8 characters long with numbers and letters.

To set up:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Screen Lock.
2. Choose the right method and follow the instructions.
3. Turn on the option to Show notifications on a locked screen only for selected applications (such as WhatsApp or Mail).

2.Securing Mi Account

Xiaomi account tied to IMEI If the phone is hacked, the attackers will be able to:

• 📍 Track your location through Find Device.
• 🔄 Remotely reset your phone to factory settings.
• 💳 Access payment data if the card is tied.

To protect yourself:

1. Enable two-factor authentication in your Mi Account settings.
2. Attach your phone number to restore your password.
3. Set a unique password (do not use it again on other sites).

3. Setup of permissions for applications

Many programs request access to contacts, locations, or cameras unnecessarily, to limit them:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Application permissions.
2. Look at the list of applications and disable unnecessary permissions: 📸 Facebook doesn't need access to the microphone. 📍 Games don’t need your location. 📇 The flashlight doesn't need contact.

Special access → Auto-start permits

⚠️ Warning: Never install APK-In 2023, hackers spread the FluBot virus through pirated versions of WhatsApp, which steals bank data. Use only Google Play or the official Mi App Store.

Battery setting: how to extend the operating time to 2 days

Redmi 9 is famous for its 5020mAh battery, but without the right settings, it sits down in a day.

• 📶 Continuous network search (if the signal is weak)
• 🔍 Background activity of applications
• 📱 Screen brightness above 60%
• 🌡️ Processor overheating

The following settings will help to increase the operating time to 48 hours with moderate use.

1. Optimization of battery mode

MIUI It offers three energy saving modes:

• 🔋 Balanced – Standard mode, balance between performance and time.
• 🌿 Energy saving – limits background activity but reduces productivity by 20%.
• ⚡ Super energy saving – disables most functions, leaving only calls and SMS. Suitable for emergency cases.

Recommendation:

Balanced

Energy conservation

30%

2. setting autobrightness and waiting time

Redmi screen 9 diagonally 6.53 inch and resolution 2340×1080 It uses a lot of energy:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Brightness.
2. Turn off Auto Brightness and set the value 50-60% manually.
3. Set screen timeout for **15 or 30 seconds.
4. Enable Dark Theme (in Settings) → Display. → Dark subject. AMOLED-It saves screens up to 30% charge, but even on IPS (like Redmi. 9) add 10-15%.

3. Connection management

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth modules, GPS And mobile data is very energy-consuming, even if you're not using it:

• 📶 Mobile data: turn off 4G, If you are in a low-coating area (the phone will be constantly looking for the network). 3G or 2G In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network.
• 📡 Wi-Fi: Turn off the option to Connect to open networks automatically in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally.
• 📍 GPS: Set Device Only (without Internet) in Settings → Location → Mode if you do not use navigation.

Additional tip: if you leave your phone without recharging for a long time (for example, overnight), turn on Airplane Mode. This will stop all background processes and reduce charge consumption to the maximum of two hours. 1-2% post 8 hours.

💡

To quickly turn on the power saving mode, add its shortcut to the notification panel. To do this, swipe down from the top edge of the screen, click on the ⚡ → "Edit" → Add "Energy Saving" to Active Switches.

Customization of the interface: gestures, themes and hidden functions

MIUI It allows you to deeply customize the look and feel of your smartphone. Here are some useful changes that will make using the Redmi 9 more convenient:

1. Customization of gestures

By default, the Redmi 9 has classic navigation buttons enabled, but you can switch to gestures:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen display.
2. Choose Gestures MIUI.
3. Set up the sensitivity of swipes (average value is recommended).

Pros of gestures:

• ✅ More screen space (no button panels).
• ✅ Quick return to the main screen swipe up.
• ✅ The ability to open Google Assistant swipe from the corner.

Cons:

Installation of themes and fonts

MIUI It supports dynamic themes that change the color of the interface depending on the wallpaper:

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on the home screen).
2. Select the Wallpaper or Themes section.
3. Download your favorite theme (free options are marked with a green tick).
4. To change the font, go to Settings → Display. → Font and select one of the preinstalled or download a new one.

3. Hidden functions MIUI

Xiaomi hides some useful options deep in the settings. Here are the most interesting:

• 🔊 Monosound: If you have difficulty hearing in one ear, turn this mode on in Settings → Special facilities → Rumor → monosound.
• 📱 Double tap to wake up: Twice tap the screen to wake up the phone (includes in Settings) → Display. → Double touch to wake up).
• 🔋 Charging indicator: shows the percentage of charge when connected to charging (included in Settings) → Battery → Charging indicator).
• 🎵 Sound equalizer: adjust the sound of the speakers to your preferences in Settings → Sound and vibration → equalizer.

Bonus: If you take a lot of pictures, turn on Document Mode in the Camera app, which automatically straightens perspective and improves text clarity.

Camera setup: how to make a photo better without third-party apps

The Redmi 9 has modest performance (13 MP core module, 8 MP frontal), but with the right settings, you can achieve acceptable results. MIUI.

1. Optimal shooting settings

By default, the camera is running in mode. AI, It automatically adjusts colors and contrast, but sometimes it overdoes it, making the pictures look unnatural:

• 📸 Resolution: 13 MP (4:3) - gives maximum quality.
• 🔄 HDR: Auto - only switched on at high contrast.
• 🌃 Night mode: only turn on in very low light (at dusk it can degrade quality).
• 🎯 Focus: Touch the subject on the screen to capture the focus.

2. Videotaping.

Redmi 9 supports video recording in resolution 1080p 30 or 60 frames per second, for better results:

• 🎥 Use a tripod or stable surface – stabilization on budget smartphones is weak.
• 🔊 Turn off noise reduction in the microphone settings if you record in a quiet room.
• ☀️ Shooting in the street against the sun to avoid the lights.

Additional regimes

The Camera app has hidden modes that rarely use:

• 📄 Document Mode: Improves Text Clarity and Removes Shadows.
• 🌌 Starry Sky: a special algorithm for shooting the night sky (requires a tripod).
• 👥 Group portrait: Takes a picture with a blurred background for several people.
• 🎨 Color focus: leaves one color in the photo, and the rest makes black and white.

Selfie tip: The 8MP front camera gives acceptable quality in good lighting. Turn on background blur and face correction (but don't overdo it - the effect may look unnatural).

⚠️ Warning: Do not clean the Camera app cache manually through Settings → Apps. It can recalibrate the modules, and the photos will get worse. If the camera is buggy, you better restart the phone.

Update and Reset: When and How to Do It Right

Over time, even a well-tuned Redmi 9 can start to slow down, in which case a firmware update or factory reset will help, but both processes have nuances that are important to know.

1. Update