How to set up the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone: a complete guide from unpacking to fine optimization

Buying a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 9.This device, released in 2020, is still a topical choice thanks to the balanced characteristics: the MediaTek Helio processor. G85, screen FHD+ 60Hz, and a capacious 5020mAh battery, but even the most powerful iron won't reach its potential without the right setup.

Many users make common mistakes when they first turn on, skip a firmware update, fail to optimize screen resolutions, or leave factory security settings, resulting in the smartphone starting to brake after a week of use, and the battery settings in half a day. This article will help you avoid such problems – from basic settings MIUI to hidden functions not mentioned in official instructions.

Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before pressing the power button

Before you turn on the Redmi Note 9, make sure you have:

• 🔌 The charger (better original on the 18W or 22.5W — The model supports fast charging)
• 📶 SIM-Nano-format card (or eSIM if your carrier supports it)
• 🔐 Xiaomi account (you can create in advance at account.xiaomi.com)
• 📡 Stable Wi-Fi connection (for downloading updates)

If you’re transferring data from an old phone, prepare it in advance: update the firmware, clear the cache in the apps and make sure it has enough charge. To transfer it through Mi Mover (the built-in Xiaomi app), both devices must be charged at least 50%.

⚠️ Attention: Don't insert SIM-card or memory card until the initial setup is complete, in rare cases this may cause the activation module to fail, especially if the card is damaged.

If you bought a smartphone with your hands, be sure to complete a full reset to factory settings through the Recovery menu (click Volume).+ This will delete all data from the previous owner, including the linked Google and Mi Account accounts.

First Enablement and Basic Configuration of MIUI

When you first turn on the Redmi Note 9, you will see a welcome screen with a choice of language, and it is important to take your time and carefully follow all the steps:

1. Choose a language (Russian or English – other languages can cause problems with localization of system applications).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. If you don't have a network, you can skip this step, but then you can't update the firmware right away.
3. Accept the terms of use MIUI and Xiaomi’s privacy policy.
4. Sign in to your Mi Account or create a new one. Without this account, you won’t be able to use branded services like Mi Cloud or Find Device.
5. Set up Google services: sign in or create a new account. This is a must to access the Play Market.

In the “Personalization” phase, the system will suggest selecting a design theme. For the Redmi Note 9, you’d better choose the “No-bezel” option, which will increase the usable screen area by hiding the bottom navigation bar. Also disable the “Home Screen Recommendations” option if you don’t want to see Xiaomi’s banner ads.

Once you've completed the initial setup, the system will suggest you update the firmware. Never put it off until later. MIUI Includes battery-optimization and vulnerability patches. If the update weighs more than 1.5GB, connect the phone to charge to avoid discharge during installation.

Optimization of screen and interface

Redmi Note 9 fitted IPS-resolution-screen 2340×1080 support HDR10. However, by default, many of the display settings are far from optimal. To get the maximum image quality and save battery power, follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → Display.
2. Set the screen resolution on FHD+ (2340×1080). Lower values will save charge but will impair clarity.
3. Turn on "Adaptive Brightness" and calibrate the light sensor, lightly covering it with your finger in bright light.
4. In the Colors section, select the “Saturated” profile for bright colors or “Standard” for natural color reproduction.
5. Activate Reading for the blue light filter and set a schedule from 21:00 to 7:00.

For ease of control, turn on navigation gestures:

1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures.
2. Select "Full-screen gestures."
3. Turn on the option "Sensitivity to random touch" to avoid false positives when playing.

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If the screen seems too warm in color, go to Settings → Display. → Additionally. → Color correction and move the slider towards cold shades on 10-15%.

Setting up security and data protection

MIUI offers a wide range of privacy protection tools, but many are disabled by default:

• 🔒 Install. PIN-code or pattern lock in Settings → Screen lock and password: Avoid simple combinations like 1234 or 0000.
• 👆 Turn on Face Unlock, but turn off the Unlock with Eyes Closed option – this will prevent your phone from unlocking while sleeping.
• 🛡️ Activate "Application Protection" in Settings → Annexes → Protection of applications for critical programs (banks, instant messengers).
• 📍 Turn off Google Location History in your account settings if you don’t use it.

To protect against malware:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to turn on the developer mode).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable "Application Installation Check".
3. Install Malwarebytes or Bitdefender from Play Market for regular scanning.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI By default, the "Use Data Transfer" feature is enabled, which sends anonymous statistics to Xiaomi. → The phone. → Send an error report → Transfer of usage data if you value confidentiality.

Optimizing battery and performance

The 5020mAh battery in the Redmi Note 9 can last up to 2 days in moderate use, but you need to adjust the power consumption correctly.

1. Charge your phone with a 100% original charger.
2. Disconnect from the network and discharge to automatic shutdown (0%).
3. Connect to charging and wait 100% without interruption.
4. Repeat the cycle 2-3 time to accurately calibrate the controller.

Next, optimize the battery settings:

• ⚡ Enable "Adaptive Battery" in Settings → Battery → Battery settings.
• 🔄 Install “Optimize charging” by 90% to reduce battery wear.
• ⏳ Limit background activity for social media in Settings → Annexes → Battery management.
• 🌙 Activate "Sleep Mode" from 23:00 to 7:00 to save charge at night.

To improve productivity:

1. Turn off the interface animation: in Settings → For developers, set all three animation parameters on 0.5x.
2. Clean the cache once a week through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
3. Use Lite versions of apps (like Facebook Lite or Messenger Lite) if you don’t need all the features.

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Disabling background synchronization for unnecessary applications (such as games or news services) can increase battery life on the Internet. 15-20%.

Communication and Internet setting

Redmi Note 9 supports Dual 4G (simultaneous SIM-map 4G), But stable communication requires the right configuration:

• 📶 For a better signal, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network settings and select "Only" 4G (recommended)".
• 🔄 Enable Automatic Network Selection if you move frequently between regions.
• 📞 To save traffic, turn off "VoLTE" if you do not use Internet calls.
• 🌐 B Settings → Wi-Fi → In addition, turn on "Autoconnection to open networks" only if you are sure of their security.

To speed up the Internet:

1. B Settings → SIM-map → [yours SIM] → Access point (APN) Check that the correct parameters of your operator are indicated. For MTS this is Internet.mts.ru, for Beeline - Internet.beeline.ru.
2. If the speed 4G Low, try manually selecting the network: Settings → Mobile network → Network operators → Networking.
3. For stable Wi-Fi, turn off Smart Switch in Wi-Fi settings if the router supports 5 GHz.

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware lost mobile Internet, reset the network settings: → System system → Resetting settings → Reset network settings.This will delete all stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth passwords.

Hidden functions and chips MIUI For the Redmi Note 9

MIUI It hides a lot of useful features that even experienced users don't know about:

• 🎵 Double touch to wake up: turn on Settings → Display. → Double touch to wake up.
• 🔍 Screen Search: Swipe down the home screen for quick search for apps and contacts.
• 📸 Quick camera start: double-press the Volume Down button (set in Settings) → Camera. → Quick launch).
• 🔋 Supersaving mode: activated at 5% charge, but can be manually enabled in Settings → Battery → Super-saving regime.
• 🔊 Amplify the sound in the headphones: turn on Settings → Sound. → Headphone booster for better bass.

For customization enthusiasts:

1. Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) to flexibly customize the interface.
2. Use the settings. → Wallpaper. → Super wallpaper for dynamic 3D-Wallpaper (only on the main screen).
3. B Settings → Display. → Font style download additional fonts from Mi Community.

If you use Google Assistant frequently, set up your startup by holding the Home button long:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → By default → Assistant and voice input.
2. Choose Google instead of Mi Assistant.
3. Turn on the “OK Google” option for voice launch.

Installation of necessary applications and removal of bloatware

By default. MIUI It contains many pre-installed applications (bloatware) that cannot be removed by standard means:

To disable unnecessary applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click "Disable" (this will remove all updates and hide the icon).
4. To completely remove some system applications will be required ADB.

List of (mandatory) applications for installation:

• 🛡️ Security: Malwarebytes or Bitdefender Mobile Security.
• 📷 Photo: Google Photos for Automatic Backup.
• 🎮 Games: Game Turbo (built-in) MIUI, but requires adjustment).
• 📡 Network: NetGuard to monitor traffic on applications.
• 🔧 Tools: Solid Explorer for file management.

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To return disabled system applications, go to Settings → Annexes → Show all applications (three dots at the top) → Show off and select the desired.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Redmi Note 9