Buying a new gadget from the Chinese giant always evokes mixed feelings: delight with advanced features and a slight confusion before a specific interface MIUI or HyperOS. Unlike standard Android, the Xiaomi shell offers hundreds of additional features that can be hidden or disabled by default. The correct initial configuration of the device is not just installing applications, but the foundation of stable battery life and the security of your personal data.
Many users make the mistake of starting active use immediately after the screen is turned on, skipping the critical steps of calibrating and setting up accounts. Xiaomi requires special attention to app permissions and advertising identifiers to turn the device into a convenient tool rather than a source of annoying notifications. The initial setup process takes 15 to 30 minutes, but saves hours of troubleshooting in the future.
In this guide, we will take a look at each step of a smartphone’s run-in, from unpacking to fine-tuning the system, learn how to avoid the typical Mi Account errors, what privacy settings you need to change first, and how to properly migrate contacts and photos from your old device without losing quality.
Preparation for the first launch and inspection of the completeness
Before you press the power button, make sure the device has enough charge.The factory charging of new smartphones is usually around 50-60%, which is enough to start, but for the initial setup procedure and download updates, it's better to connect the gadget to the network.Use the original cable and power supply, as Quick Charge or Power Delivery fast charging protocols may not be activated with third-party adapters.
Mobile internet can be unstable during downloading heavy system updates, which often weigh several gigabytes. Check that the SIM card is properly installed in the tray, especially if you are using a hybrid slot where the memory card can conflict with the second SIM.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to remove the tray for SIM-card clip while the smartphone is running, if the model does not support a "hot" replacement, this can lead to a software failure of the communication module or physical damage to the contacts.
If you’re switching from another Android smartphone, make sure the old device logs in to Google and backs up the data to the cloud. iPhone owners will need the “Move to iOS” app or Xiaomi’s specialty software, which we’ll talk about below. Preparing the old device will cut data migration time by half.
☑️ Checklist before inclusion
Mi Account Registration and Entry to the Ecosystem
The centerpiece of Xiaomi’s ecosystem is Mi Account, which is not something that you can use to make full use of cloud services, Find Device and Sync (theme) when you first turn on, and when you do, you’ll insist on creating an account or logging in to an existing one, and you won’t ignore this step because it links your device to your digital profile.
The registration process requires a phone number or email address. Be careful when entering data: retrieving access to an account without a linked number can be difficult due to enhanced security measures. Once you enter the confirmation code, you will be prompted to configure Xiaomi Cloud storage.
- 📱 Device search: Allows you to remotely lock your smartphone, erase data, or play back sound if your gadget is lost.
- 🔄 Synchronization: Automatically save contacts, notes, voice recordings and screenshots to the cloud.
- 🎨 Topics and design: Access to the theme, font store and always-on display (AOD).
It is important to distinguish between Mi Account and Google Account: the first is responsible for the manufacturer’s services, the second is responsible for the Play Market store, YouTube and calendar synchronization. Both accounts must be active for maximum functionality. In some regions, registration may require a choice of country, which affects the set of services and content recommendations available.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
System Update and Basic Security Configuration
Once connected to the Internet, the smartphone will offer to check for updates. The firmware version in the box could have been released a few months ago, so installing the current MIUI or HyperOS package is critical. New versions contain security patches, fix autonomy errors and improve camera performance.
Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (or click on the version logo in the center of the screen). If the update is available, download and install it. The process can take from 10 to 40 minutes, at which time the phone will not be used. After the restart, the system will become more stable.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Screen refresh rate | 60 Hz or Auto | Settings → Screen |
| Screen resolution | Maximum. | Settings → Screen |
| Lock password | Complicated (6+ characters) | Settings → Passwords and security |
| Searching device | Included. | Settings → Mi Account |
Pay special attention to the setting of biometrics. The fingerprint scanner in modern Xiaomi models (underscreen or side) requires training to improve accuracy. Add prints of both hands, as well as adjust the unlock on the face. To improve security in the menu Passwords and security → Privacy is recommended to hide the contents of notifications on the locked screen.
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When setting your fingerprint, apply your finger to the scanner from different angles, not just the centerpiece, which will improve real-world recognition when you hold your phone imperfectly even.
Customize the MIUI/HyperOS interface and remove ads
MIUI is famous for its functionality, but it contains ad integrations by default. To turn a smartphone into a pure tool, you need to manually disable personalized recommendations. This won't remove all ads on the Internet, but will remove intrusive banners in system applications.
To disable ads, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Access to Personal Data (or “Authorization & Security”). Find the MSA (MIUI System Ads) switch and turn it off. The system will require you to wait 10 seconds before confirming. Also, go to the Security app, click on the settings gear and turn off “Receive recommendations.”
- 📺 Video and Music App: These apps also have “Online Content” or “Recommendations” options that should be deactivated.
- 📂 Explorer: Turn off receiving hot news in file settings.
- 🌐 Browser: In the browser settings from Xiaomi, it is better to immediately select the Google search engine and disable push notifications from news feeds.
Then set up your desktop. Unlike pure Android, there's an app menu or a classic grid mode. Choose Settings → Desktop. You can also set the grid size, hide the app names, and enable app hiding in the folder.
Data transfer and application cloning
Mi Mover (or “Mi Moving”) is a regular tool for data migration, which allows you to transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos, music and even desktop layout from an old Android or iPhone.
The process is simple: run the app on both devices, select a role ("I send"/"I receive") and scan. QR-The transmission speed depends on the Wi-Fi module, but is usually 10-20 MB/s. iPhone will require the creation of a temporary Wi-Fi network.
Special attention should be paid to the Dual Apps feature, which allows you to run two instances of the same application (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) with different accounts. This option is located in Settings → Apps → App Cloning. This is a unique feature of Xiaomi that eliminates the need to use third-party clones.
⚠️ Note: When transferring data from your iPhone over Mi Mover, some Wi-Fi passwords and alarm settings may not be oversold due to iOS limitations.
If you use Google cloud services, just log in to your account when you first set up, and contacts, calendar and photos will be automatically pulled up. It is better to check photos through the Google Photos app, making sure that sync is complete.
Battery Optimization and Memory Management
Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with aggressive energy saving algorithms that can prematurely close the background applications. If you are waiting for important notifications from messengers, you need to set up autorun. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Settings (or through the Security app).
In the AutoStart section, enable the applications you want. Also in the Battery menu, find the "Background Process Limits" option (if available in your version of the OS) and select "No Limits" for mission-critical programs, which will prevent messages from coming only after the application is opened.
Use a built-in cleaner to manage memory, but don’t abuse it. MIUI manages RAM efficiently by itself. However, it’s worth (periodically) clearing the cache of heavy apps like TikTok or Instagram through the Settings menu → Apps → Application Management.
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Aggressive battery saving in Xiaomi requires manual auto-start setup for instant messengers, otherwise notifications may come with a delay.