Buying a new smartphone is always an exciting process, especially if you choose a popular model like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro. This device, released on the basis of the powerful MediaTek Helio G90T processor, is still one of the most balanced devices in its price segment. However, to unlock its potential and avoid the typical problems faced by newcomers to the MIUI ecosystem, you need to competently conduct the initial configuration of the system.
Immediately after turning on, you will be greeted with a branded interface that is significantly different from pure Android. Many users make the mistake of blindly agreeing with all the system's proposals, which subsequently leads to intrusive advertising and unnecessary garbage in memory. Correctly configuring the Redmi Note 8 Pro involves not just logging into an account, but deep optimization of parameters for a particular model.
In this article, we will discuss each stage in detail: from unpacking and installation SIM-You will learn how to activate hidden functions, extend the life of the battery and adjust the camera so that the pictures look professional. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your gadget works quickly and consistently for many years.
Primary activation and preparation of the device
Start with the physical condition of the device. Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a hybrid tray, so it is important to install correctly. SIM-Do not turn your phone on until the cards are fully installed, as the system may not correctly recognize the drive when hot-swapping. Use only the original paper clip or a thin needle to retrieve the tray.
After switching on, press the power button and select the interface language, at which point the system will suggest connecting to the Wi-Fi network. It is strongly recommended to use a wireless connection, since the initial synchronization of accounts and updating system components may require significant traffic, and Wi-Fi loading is faster and more stable.
βοΈ Primary activation
This is a critical step for the Xiaomi ecosystem: If you already have an account, enter your data; if you don't, register a new one; if you have a Mi Account, you can use cloud storage, device search and contact sync, and without it, your smartphone will be severely limited.
β οΈ Warning: When logging into a Mi Account, be sure to write down or securely save your password. Restoring access to a locked device without knowing your credentials is impossible due to the theft protection system.
The system will also offer to restore data from a Google backup or Mi Cloud. If you move from another Android smartphone, this step will make it easier to migrate contacts and applications. However, you should not restore all applications at once, it is better to install only the most necessary ones manually to avoid downloading potentially incompatible or outdated software.
Firmware Update and Basic Security
Immediately after activation, you need to check for system updates. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro came out with a specific version of MIUI, but during its lifetime there have been many security patches and stability improvements. Go to Settings β About phone and click on the version of MIUI to check for updates.
The upgrade process can take 15 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the package and the speed of the Internet.During installation, the phone will reboot several times.It is critical not to interrupt the upgrade process and keep the battery above 50% or connect the device to the charger.System file recording interruption can lead to software failure.
What to do if the update is suspended?
Once you update, you can set up security. From the Settings menu β Passwords and security, set up fingerprint unlock. The scanner in the Redmi Note 8 Pro is on the back and works fast enough. Add both hands for convenience. It's also recommended that you set up facial unlock, although this method is less secure than biometrics.
Remember to activate Find Device, which allows you to remotely lock your smartphone, erase data, or locate it in case of loss, and it's tied to your Mi account2un and requires you to turn on the Internet to work.
Optimizing the MIUI interface and removing advertising
One of the main features of the MIUI shell is the availability of ad integrations in system applications. Fortunately, in the Redmi Note 8 Pro, most advertising mechanisms can be manually disabled, which will make smartphone use much more enjoyable and speed up the interface.
To start, turn off MSA (MIUI System Ads). Go to Settings β Passwords and Security β Access to Personal Data. Find the msa service in the list and turn off the switch. The system will ask you to wait 10 seconds before confirming, which is a security mechanism. If you fail the first time, repeat the procedure several times.
- π± Turn off the ads in the Security app: open the app, click on the settings gear and find the "Receive recommendations" item by turning it off.
- π Clean the desktop from excess: remove the Tools folder or move unnecessary system widgets that take up space on the home screen.
- π Set up notifications: in Settings β Notifications and status bar disable notifications from system applications you donβt need (such as Mi Video or Mi Music if you donβt use them).
You should also set up navigation. By default, MIUI uses three buttons. Many users prefer gestures, like in pure Android. You can switch to Settings β Screen β System Navigation. Select Full-screen Mode to hide the bottom bar and control the phone with swipes.
To improve performance, you can enable animation acceleration. To do this, activate the developer menu: go to About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI version 7 times. Then in Advanced Settings β For developers, find animation scales and reduce their value from 1x to 0.5x.
Camera and multimedia setup
The camera is one of the strengths of the Redmi Note 8 Pro. The 64MP core module is capable of taking detailed images, but you need to set the app correctly. Go to the camera settings and turn on the "AI Improvements" mode. It automatically selects settings for different scenes: food, landscapes, documents.
Note the format of the photo saver. By default, the camera can save high-resolution images, which takes up a lot of space. If you don't need to print large-format photos, you can use standard resolution or enable compression in the settings. It is also recommended to turn on the framing grid to build the composition according to the rule of thirds.
| Mode of shooting | Permission | Recommendation for use |
|---|---|---|
| Photo (64 MP) | 9280 Γ 6960 | Landscapes, architecture, daytime photography |
| Photo (16 MP) | 4640 Γ 3480 | Everyday shooting, social media |
| Portrait | Depends on the zoom. | Filming people, blurring backgrounds |
| Night. | High. | Low light shooting (a tripod is needed) |
For video shooting, the Redmi Note 8 Pro supports 4K recording, but only at 30 frames per second. For smoother social media video, opt for 1080p mode at 60 frames per second. Image stabilization works well, but when walking actively, it's better to use a gimbal or tripod.
β οΈ Note: When shooting a video in 4K If the device overheats, the recording will automatically stop. Take breaks or remove the case for better heat sink.
Memory and autonomy management
Energy efficiency is a key parameter for any smartphone. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a 4,500 mAh battery, which is a great indicator. However, the Helio G90T processor can be quite voracious at high loads. Use built-in optimization tools to extend your running time.
In the Safety app, there's a Battery section, where you can select the power saving mode, and for everyday use, Balanced mode is appropriate. If you want to maximize the life of your device on a trip, turn on the Energy Saving mode, which will limit the background activity and brightness of the screen.
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Use a dark theme in the screen settings. AMOLED-screens (although here) IPS, But black still saves backlight in some modes, or just to reduce eye strain at night, it's a useful option. In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, turning on a dark theme can also slightly reduce CPU heat.
Memory management also requires attention. MIUI aggressively unloads background applications to save resources. If you want instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) to work without delay, fix them in memory. Open the menu of running applications, pinch the desired application and select the lock icon.
Clean the app cache regularly. Security has a Cleanup feature that finds temporary files. Don't be afraid to delete the cache, it won't affect your personal data, logins or passwords, but it will free up gigabytes of space.
Installation of essential applications and final touches
The final stage of the setup is to install the necessary software. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has GetApps by default, but the main source of applications should remain the Google Play Store. Go to your Google account and start installing the basic set: instant messengers, banking applications, navigators.
For data protection, it is recommended to install a reliable antivirus, although a built-in MIUI scanner is usually enough for most users. Also set up a photo backup in Google Photos or Yandex.Disk so that if your phone is lost, your pictures are saved to the cloud.
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The main goal of the setup is to balance functionality and cleanliness. Don't install questionable accelerators and cleaners from third-party sources, they often harm more than they help.
Check all sensors and communication modules. Call someone, check Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi. Make sure the sound in the headphones and through the speaker is played correctly. If everything is stable, your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is fully ready for active use.