How to set up the new Xiaomi Redmi smartphone: a complete guide from first inclusion to fine optimization

You just unpacked the new Xiaomi Redmi and want to set it up as efficiently as possible? This article will help avoid typical errors and reveal the hidden features of your device. Today’s Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI offer hundreds of settings, but most users use only 20% of the functionality, we will show you how to properly activate the device, optimize performance and protect personal data before the first charge.

The Redmi series is a price-performance balance. However, even flagship features go unnoticed without the right setup. For example, the MIUI 14+ Ultra Battery Saver mode automatically disables background processes for 30% charge savings, but only activates manually through a hidden menu. In this article, you will find proven instructions from technicians who work with Xiaomi devices every day.

Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before activation

Before you press the power button, follow a few critical steps that will save time and prevent typical data synchronization issues.

First, prepare. SIM-Modern Redmi supports nano-SIM and microSD up to 1TB, but the slot can be hybrid (SIM + microSD or 2 SIM). Refine the configuration for your model in the documentation. Second, charge your smartphone to at least 20% – this is enough for the initial setup without the risk of turning off.

• 🔋 Use the original cable and adapter (charging power is indicated on the power supply unit)
• 📶 Check your carrier’s network coverage at the settings (for quick activation of eSIM)
• 🔐 Prepare data from your Mi Account or create a new one (without it, cloud backups are not available)
• 📱 Set a second smartphone or tablet next to you to scan QR-codes

Pay special attention to the choice of language system. Redmi for global markets, English and Chinese are available by default; Russian only appears after connecting to the Internet and updating language packages; If you bought the device in a Chinese store, you may need to manually install firmware with support for Russian.

First Enablement and Basic Configuration of MIUI

Press and hold the power button until the Redmi logo appears. The first turn on takes 1-2 minutes to check the hardware. Next, you will be met by the MIUI Setup Wizard setup wizard.

Follow the instructions on the screen, but pay attention to the key points:

1. Selection of the region: install "Russia" for the correct operation of Google services and local applications
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Use a 5GHz network to speed up update downloads (if the router supports)
3. Sign in to Mi Account: without it, theme, cloud storage and device search are not available when lost
4. Fingerprint setting: In the Redmi Note 13+, the scanner is built into the power button – add at least 2 fingerprints for reliability

In the “Personalization” phase, select the interface style MIUI Lite, if you want a simplified version without animations, it'll make you faster. 15-20% And that's because it turns off the visual effects. AMOLED-screen (e.g. Redmi) K60) Activate a dark theme right away – it will reduce the load on the battery.

Select the "Russia" region

Connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi

Create/Login in Mi Account

Add a fingerprint.

Activate a dark theme (for AMOLED)

Disable unnecessary system applications-->

Optimizing performance and battery

Even the new Redmis can slow down due to background processes. The first thing to do is turn off autoloading of unnecessary applications. Go to Settings → Apps → Autorun and leave only messengers and critical services.

For advanced optimization, use the hidden developer menu:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. 7 times click on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You are a developer")
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers
4. Activate Debugging over USB and Do not turn off the screen while charging (useful for calibrating the battery)
5. Set the limit of background processes to 2-3 at the same time

Pay special attention to battery settings. MIUI 14+ has an adaptive charging mode that analyzes your habits.

Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery settings → Adaptive Charging

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After fully discharged and charged to 100%, calibrate the battery: disconnect the smartphone from charging and let it discharge until it automatically shuts down. Then charge to 100% without interruption. This increases the accuracy of the charge indicator by 10-15%.

Security and privacy settings

Xiaomi collects anonymous device usage data to improve MIUI. To limit the collection of information, go to Settings → Privacy → Special Permits → Usage Data and disable all switches.

To protect against malware, activate the built-in Security Scanner:

1. Open the Security app
2. Select a Security Scanner
3. Run a full system check
4. Activate weekly automatic scanning

Pay special attention to application permissions. MIUI 14 has a "One-time Permissions" feature that automatically resets access to the microphone, camera and location after the application is closed, activate it for all social networks and instant messengers.

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable Google Play Services in your application settings, which will cause push notifications to fail and authorization issues in most apps.

Transferring data from an old smartphone

Xiaomi offers several ways to migrate data, and the most reliable is to use the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on both devices.

• 📱 Contacts and messages (including WhatsApp history)
• 📷 Photos and videos in original quality
• 🎵 Music and documents
• 📋 Wi-Fi settings and accounts

For cable transfer:

1. Connect both smartphones to charging
2. Put them together. OTG-cable (Type-C) → Type-C)
3. On the old phone, select Send Data, on the new phone, Receive
4. Confirm the transfer on both devices

Transfer speeds reach 10 GB/min when using USB 3.2 cable. For wireless transfer, both devices must be connected to the same 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. The data volume should not exceed 50 GB - otherwise synchronization errors may occur.

⚠️ Note: When transferring via iCloud (from iPhone), export contacts to vCard (.vcf) format first – Mi Mover does not support direct import from iCloud without an intermediate file.

Camera and multimedia setup

Redmi cameras are known for their software-based image enhancement, to get the best possible quality:

1. Open the Camera app
2. Go to Settings (cogs) → Photo resolution
3. Select 108 MP (if supported) for maximum resolution
4. Activate. HDR and AI-camera
5. In the video settings, set 4K@30fps or 1080p@60fps depending on the needs

For shooting in difficult conditions, use the manual Pro mode:

• 🌓 Night photography: exposure 2-4 seconds, ISO 800-1600
• 💨 Dynamic scenes: exposure 1/1000, ISO 100
• 🌅 Landscapes: exposure 1/125, ISO 100, White balance "Daylight"

To improve audio in video, activate Sound Amplification in the microphone settings. This feature uses Xiaomi's noise reduction algorithms, which have a background noise of 40%. Note that when you activate this option, the size of the final file increases slightly.

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Use HEIF for photos instead of JPEG — it takes up 50% less space at the same quality, but is not supported by all social networks. For compatibility, export your photos through the gallery to JPEG.

Additional features and hidden capabilities

MIUI hides dozens of useful features that most users don't know about, and here are the most valuable ones:

• 🔄 Double tap to wake up: activated in Settings → Screen. → Double touch to wake up
• 📱 Second Space Mode: Creates an isolated profile with separate applications (useful for work)
• 🔊 Amplification of sound in headphones: in Settings → Sound. → Amplification of sound in headphones (increases volume by 20%)
• 🌐 Global Search: Swipe down on the home screen to search in apps, contacts and settings
• 🔋 Fast charging: in Settings → Battery → Quick charging can be selected mode 33W/67W/120W model-wise

For models with IR-Port (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ And older, you can control the app through the Mi Remote, and it supports over 1,000 models of air conditioners, TVs and other equipment:

1.Open Mi Remote.


2. Press "+" → Select category




3. Follow the instructions on the screen




4. Test all remote buttons

Game Turbo is a useful feature for gamers, which optimizes performance during games. It automatically blocks notifications, activates Do Not Disturb mode and increases the CPU clock speed. To turn it on, swipe down the notification bar during the game and click on the controller icon.

Frequently asked questions