Full setup Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: from the first inclusion to the master class

Meeting with a new device from the line of Redmi always begins with excitement and anticipation, but immediately after turning on the user meets a lot of system requests and settings by default. Competent primary configuration Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro can dramatically change the experience, turning the standard gadget into a powerful tool for work and entertainment. Many owners miss critical milestones, faced subsequently with intrusive advertising or rapid battery discharge.

This guide is designed to help you avoid the typical bugs and get the most out of your device right away. We'll look at not only the basic activation steps, but also the hidden developer menus, MIUI optimization and camera fine-tuning. Getting the device right is key to its stable service over the years without having to flash it back.

Before we get to specific actions, we need to understand the architecture of the Android operating system in the shell from the Chinese manufacturer. The interface offers hundreds of options that are hidden from the eyes of the average user, but are available for fine-tuning. Ignoring these parameters can lead to the fact that the smartphone will not work as efficiently as it could.

Initial activation and configuration of accounts

The initial launch of the Redmi Note 9 Pro starts with language selection and Wi-Fi connectivity. At this point, the system will offer to upgrade to the current version of MIUI, and it is important to be patient. Installing fresh security patches and bug fixes is a critical step that ensures the stability of all components of the device in the future.

This will be followed by logging into a Google account and creating or logging into Mi Account. The second point is often controversial, but for users of the Xiaomi ecosystem it is a necessary step. Having Mi Account allows you to use the Find Device feature, synchronize gallery and cloud notes, and also protects against blocking when you accidentally reset your settings.

⚠️ Note: When creating a password for Mi Account, make sure to write it down or save it in a secure location.Recovering access to an account without a linked phone number or backup mail can be extremely difficult or impossible.

Apps can request permission to use geolocation, microphone and contacts during access rights settings, and it is recommended to immediately select the “Allow only when used” option so that the background processes do not drain the battery life, especially for social networks and instant messengers, which are prone to constant background updates.

📊 Do I need to create a Mi Account on the first run?
Yes, it is necessary for full functionality.
No, it's superfluous and just takes up space.
I'll do it later when I figure it out.
I'm not gonna make it.

Optimizing the interface and removing advertising

One of the main features of the MIUI shell is that it has built-in ads in system applications, which can annoy a new user. Fortunately, there is a proven algorithm for disabling intrusive banners in standard utilities like Conductor, Music and Security. First, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Authorization and Review.

The list that opens will include finding the MIUI System Ads service and disabling the slider, warning you several times about the consequences and prompting you to wait 10 seconds for confirmation of action, and after disabling the service, the number of ads offered in the interface will decrease by 90%, which will significantly improve visual perception.

In addition, you should set up personalized recommendations, which are often mistaken by users for viruses or errors. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Advertising services and turn off ad personalization. This action will not remove ads completely, but will make them less intrusive and tied to your actions.

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After disabling ads in MIUI 12 and above, it is recommended to restart the device so that changes take effect for all system processes.

To fully control the interface, you can activate the developer's advanced capabilities, where you hide the animation speed settings. Reducing the scale of window animation and transitions from 1x to 0.5x will visually speed up the smartphone, making the response more instantaneous, especially on devices with a 60Hz refresh rate.

Battery setting and energy saving

Redmi Note 9 Pro is equipped with a capacious battery, but the right setting of energy saving allows you to squeeze the maximum out of it. In the Settings → Battery menu, there are several modes of operation, but the most interesting is the Full mode or manual setting of restrictions for specific applications. The system by default aggressively “kills” background processes, which can interfere with receiving notifications.

To make important messages from Telegram, WhatsApp or emails arrive on time, you need to go to the settings of each application through the "Applications" item and select the energy saving strategy "No restrictions", which will give instant messengers the right to work in the background without restrictions, imposed by MIUI.

Setup parameterRecommended valueImpact on the system
Window animation0.5xVisual acceleration of the interface
Frequency of update60 Hz (standard)Balance between smoothness and charge
Standby regimeSonReduced consumption in the pocket
Optimizing memoryIncluded.Automatic cache cleaning

Also worth paying attention to is the Memory Optimization feature, which automatically clears the cache when there is little free memory. While it is useful, in some cases it is better to adjust this setting manually or use third-party, softer cleaning tools to avoid overloading the processor with constant cleaning cycles.

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The main secret of the autonomy of the Redmi Note 9 Pro is not in the power saving mode, but in the correct distribution of access rights to background work for each application separately.

Camera: hidden features and settings

The camera module in the Redmi Note 9 Pro, based on the 64 MP sensor, is capable of taking great pictures, but only when set up correctly. By default, the “Beautify” function is turned on, which often overly smoothes the skin and adds unnatural artifacts. For realistic photos, it is recommended to turn off all beauty filters and set white balance in automatic mode.

Special attention deserves the mode “Pro” (Manual), which allows you to control exposure, ISO Using a tripod and long exposure at night, you can get images that are better than many flagship devices in automatic mode. ISO Helps to control the level of digital noise.

⚠️ Note: When shooting in format RAW (DNG) Files take up much more space and require post-processing in editors like Lightroom, and don't use this format for everyday shooting unless you're planning to edit your photos.

Electronic stabilization can create a “jelly” effect when moving abruptly, so it is better to use optical (if available in the selected resolution) or stabilization through Google Camera software algorithms for dynamic scenes.

How to install Google Camera on Redmi Note 9 Pro?
To install a ported version of Google Camera (GCam) you need to download APK-file compatible with Snapdragon processor 730G. After installation in the application settings, you often need to select a specific XML-Configurator for your model to work all modes of shooting and HDR+.

Working with memory and file system

File management in MIUI is implemented through a built-in Explorer, which has a fairly wide functionality. However, for an advanced user, it is recommended to install a file manager with access to system folders, such as Total Commander or FX File Explorer, which will allow you to see the real structure of Android directories and clean up the “junk” that the standard utility does not see.

Special attention should be paid to the Android/obb and Android/data folder, which stores the caches of heavy games and applications. Periodic checking of these partitions helps to free up gigabytes of space. In new versions of Android, access to these folders is limited, but file managers with special rights can open them.

  • 📂 Check the Downloads folder regularly, as browsers and instant messengers often save duplicate documents there.
  • 🗑️ Use the Cleanup feature in the Security app only for temporary files, avoiding cache cleaning of frequently used applications.
  • 💾 Set up an automatic photo upload to the cloud to free up the device’s internal memory.

Also worth considering is the possibility of using a microSD card if the free space runs out, and in the storage settings, you can choose to format the card as an internal storage, which will allow you to install applications on it, although the speed may be lower than that of the internal memory.

☑️ Weekly memory cleaning

Done: 0 / 4

Security and additional functions

Data security on the Redmi Note 9 Pro is provided by a combination of biometric sensors and software protection. The fingerprint scanner built into the power button works quickly, but for maximum protection, it is recommended to configure facial recognition with a PIN requirement to access payment systems. This will prevent unauthorized access if someone tries to unlock the phone with your photo.

The Second Space feature creates an isolated environment on your smartphone, effectively splitting it into two independent devices, and is the perfect tool to separate work and personal life, or to hand over your phone to your children so they don’t have access to your personal data and payment apps.

Remember to back up regularly. Unlike pure Android, MIUI allows you to create full backups of the system, including the location of icons and alarm settings, on the computer or in the cloud. Recovery from such a copy takes minutes and returns the phone to the “as it was”.

⚠️ Attention: Find the device must be activated permanently, and in the event of theft, it allows not only to track geolocation, but also to remotely lock the phone or erase all data, making the device useless for the attacker.

To finish the setup, we'll mention the hidden gestures, which are the gestures that you use instead of the buttons, which free up the usable area of the screen and make the control more modern, and it takes a couple of days to adapt to this method, but you don't want to go back to the buttons afterwards.

Do I need to install antivirus on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro?
In most cases, installing a third-party antivirus is unnecessary and even harmful to performance. The system already has a powerful scanner from Avast or Tencent (depending on the firmware region) built in, which checks applications when installed and scans files. Third-party antiviruses often work in the background, consuming battery life and creating a false sense of security.
Why does the phone get hot when charging?
Heating the case while charging is a normal physical phenomenon, especially when using fast charging 33W. The processor and power controller are actively working to convert energy. However, if the heating is accompanied by braking the interface, it is worth removing the case and checking whether the heavy application is working in the background.
How to disable advertising in Mi (Music, Video, Explorer) applications?
Ads in each application need to be turned off separately in their settings. Usually the path is: open the application → click on three dots or menus → Settings → About the application → turn off “Receive recommendations” or “Show ads”.
Can I unlock the bootloader without waiting 168 hours?
Officially, the bootloader unlocking procedure on Xiaomi devices requires a wait of 7 to 168 hours after filing an application, and workarounds exist, but they often require paid services or vulnerabilities in specific versions of the software, which carries risks to the security and stability of the system.