How to set up the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a complete guide from A to Z

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to balanced performance and flexible firmware MIUI. However, even experienced users often miss key points when first setting up, which leads to performance, autonomy or security issues.This article will help avoid typical errors and reveal the hidden features of the device.

We’ll not only explore the basic steps (language, Wi-Fi, Mi Account), but also advanced settings: how to turn off unnecessary services, optimize the battery, configure gestures, and even activate hidden functions through the Developer Settings.

The instructions are relevant for all versions of the series: Redmi Note 9, Note 9S, Note 9 Pro and Note 9 Pro Max MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions) If you have other firmware, check the compatibility of the settings in the relevant sections.

Preparation for the first inclusion: what to do before

Many users turn on the smartphone right after unpacking, but a few simple steps before the first run will save time and nerves:

• 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 30% — This is critical for the power controller to be calibrated correctly (18W note 9/9S or 33W for Pro versions) and wait for the green indicator on the screen.
• 📶 Prepare. SIM-Wi-Fi and maps: if you use nano-SIM + microSD, set them up before they turn on. The slot is hybrid, so if you change the memory cards, you'll have to restart the device.
• 🔐 Back up your previous phone (if you’re planning to move) and Xiaomi is more comfortable using Mi Mover (built into the system) or the Mi Cloud.
• 🛠️ Check the package: there should be a cable in the box USB-C, power adapter, paperclip for tray SIM And documentation, not having at least one element is a reason to go to the store.

Important: If you bought the Redmi Note 9 from hand, be sure to reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Previous owner may have linked the device to their Mi Account, which will block access to the features after you log in.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use fast charging from other manufacturers (such as Samsung or OnePlus) when you first turn on.The Redmi Note 9 power controller is sensitive to non-standard protocols, which can cause overheating or battery damage.

First Enablement and Basic Configuration of MIUI

After pressing the power button, you'll see the Redmi logo, then the initial setup wizard. Let's take a look at the key steps in detail:

1. Language and region choice: Enter Russian (Russia) or English (USA) and the region affects the services available (e.g. Google Pay only works with some countries).
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Choose your network. If Wi-Fi is not available, you can skip this step and use mobile internet (but this will slow down the download of updates).
3. Mi Account Authorization: Create a new account or sign in to an existing one. Without a Mi Account, you won’t be able to use the cloud backup, theme, and some system features.
4. Setting up the lock screen: Select PIN-A face scanner is also available for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (but it is less reliable).
5. Data portability: If you have a backup, select a source (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or other device via Mi Mover).
6. License Agreement: Accept the Terms (you can read them later in Settings) → The phone. → Licenses).

Once the wizard is done, the system will suggest updating the firmware. Don't put it off -- the latest versions. MIUI fix critical vulnerabilities (e.g. Redmi Note 9 before version 12.0.3 had a battery idle error) Update will take 10-20 minutes depending on Internet speed.

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If the setup wizard is stuck in the "Prepare Device" phase, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force reboot. After activation, repeat the process - this is normal for first launches.

Optimizing performance and battery

Redmi Note 9 on the MediaTek Helio processor G85 (or Snapdragon 720G Pro versions are prone to overheating and quick discharge when suboptimal settings. The next steps will help to extend the life of the device:

1. Set-up of performance mode

Go to Settings. → Battery and performance → Performance mode and select:

• 🔄 Balanced – Optimal for most users (balance between speed and autonomy).
• ⚡ High performance – only for games or resource-intensive tasks (reduces battery life by 15-20%).
• 🌿 Charge savings – limits background activity and processor clock speed (useful if left) <20% charge).

2. Disconnect unnecessary background processes

By default. MIUI It keeps a lot of apps in mind, even if you're not using them, to limit that:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook or Mi Video).
3. Click Limit Background Activity and Turn Off Autostart.

For mass shutdown, use Settings → Battery and performance → Battery management → Select applications and set for unnecessary programs Limited mode.

3. Solving the problem of overheating during charging

Redmi Note 9 (especially MediaTek models) is hotter than 40°C with fast charging, which shortens battery life:

• 🔌 Use the original adapter (18W or 33W). Charges from other brands may mismanage current.
• ☀️ Do not charge your phone in direct sunlight or in a stuffy room.
• ❄️ Enable the Settings option → Battery and performance → Fast charging. → Turn off at high temperature.
• 📴 Avoid simultaneous charging and video calls – this is the maximum loading processor.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is heated above 45°C without charging (for example, in simple applications), this may indicate a malfunction of the battery or thermopaste.

Screen and gesture settings

Redmi Note Display 9 (6.53" IPS, 1080×2340) It supports adaptive refresh rates, but by default many of the features are disabled:

1. Screen refresh rate

Note 9 Pro and Note models 9S Support 60Hz and 120Hz (in games) to enable high frequency:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Screen refresh rate.
2. Choose 120Hz (available only for supported applications).
3. To save battery, install Automatically – the system will switch between 60Hz and 120Hz depending on the task.

2. Customization of gestures

MIUI Offers three options for navigation:

To change the navigation type, go to Settings → Display. → Full-screen display → Navigation style.

Calibration of colour and temperature

The Redmi Note 9 screen has a cool color temperature by default.

1. Open the settings → Display → Color scheme.
2. Choose warm (for comfort of eyes) or saturated (for bright colors).
3. Activate Reading Mode to reduce blue light in the evening.

Security and confidentiality

Xiaomi is often criticized for collecting data, but most of the telemetry can be turned off, and there are risks associated with leaking personal information through cloud services.

1. Disconnection of telemetry collection

By default. MIUI sends anonymous usage data to limit this:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Cleaning and disabling Recommendations.
2. Open the Settings. → Confidentiality → Special permits → Use data and deactivate all switches.
3. B Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Turn off unnecessary items (such as Notes or Calendar if you are not using them).

2. Protection against malicious applications

MIUI It has an antivirus built in, but it's not enough:

• 🛡️ Install a reliable antivirus (such as Bitdefender or Kaspersky) from Google Play.
• 🔒 Don't download. APK From unknown sources, use only Google Play or Mi App Store.
• 📱 Regularly check the permissions of applications in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits.
• 🔄 Update your firmware and applications immediately after security patches are released.

3. Setup application locking

If you give your phone to other people, hide your personal data:

1. Open the Settings. → Confidentiality → Application lockdown.
2. Set a password (other than locking the screen).
3. Select the applications you want to hide (e.g. Gallery, Messages, Banking Apps).

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi Note 9 to handle sensitive data (such as corporate email access), turn off Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup: There were instances of backup leaks through vulnerabilities in Xiaomi cloud storage in 2022.

Network and communication setting

Problems with mobile Internet or Wi-Fi are a frequent complaint of owners of Redmi Note 9.

1. Optimization of the mobile Internet

If the speed 4G low or frequent communication:

• 📶 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile network settings.
• Select the preferred type of network: 4G (recommended).
• Activate Improved Call Quality (VoLTE) – this will improve the sound when calling.
• If problems persist, try manually selecting the operator in Settings. → SIM-map → Network selection (automatic search is sometimes wrong).

2. Wi-Fi acceleration

Redmi Note 9 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), But by default, it can run in slow mode:

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your network and select Change the network.
3. In the Settings field IP Set up a static and indicate DNS 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
4. Turn on the settings. → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Wi-Fi mode: 5GHz (if your router supports this frequency).

3. Solving Bluetooth problems

If Redmi Note 9 does not find the device or the sound is interrupted:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone and device you are connecting to.
• 📱 Remove the saved device in Settings → Bluetooth and connect it again.
• 🔧 Turn on the settings. → Developer → Debugging over Bluetooth (if you connect to a PC).
• 🎵 For headphones: in Settings → Sound. → Bluetooth Sound Quality Select HD-audio (AAC).

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If the mobile internet is slow, try to turn it off. IPv6 customized SIM-This option sometimes conflicts with the equipment of Russian operators.

Additional features and hidden capabilities

The Redmi Note 9 hides a lot of useful features that most users don’t know about, and here are the most interesting ones:

Second Space Mode

This feature allows you to create a separate work profile with your own applications and data (similar to the Work Profile in Samsung Knox) to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a password for the second profile.
3. Set up applications and data that will be isolated (e.g. workmail or instant messengers).

Switch between spaces can swipe by fingerprint (if the biometrics are configured).

2. Game Turbo for Games

The built-in game accelerator optimizes performance and blocks notifications.

• Open Settings → Special features → Game Turbo
• Add games to the list (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
• Activate the options Improved touch response and Block notifications.

3. Hidden codes for diagnosis

These commands will help to check the status of the phone:

#4636## - Information about battery and network
#6484## - Sensor test (gyroscope, accelerometer)
#64663## - Display and camera test
##232338## — MAC- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth address

Enter the codes in the Phone app as a number.

4. Setting up the Google Assistant button

The Google Assistant button (called by long pressing on Home) often gets in the way of reassigning it:

1. Install the Button Mapper app from Google Play.
2. Give him permission to special options in settings.
3. Reassign a long press on Home to another action (such as launching a camera or flashlight).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Redmi Note 9