How to set up a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 12: a complete guide from A to Z

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 12 is one of the most popular budget devices of 2023-2026, combining modern design, productive chipset MediaTek Helio G88 and shell MIUI 14 is based on Android 13. However, even with this set out of the box, the device requires the right setup to unleash the full potential, from basic activation to fine optimization for your tasks.

This article will help avoid common novice errors (such as misconfiguring application permissions, which causes the battery to die in 4-5 hours), and teach you how to use hidden features of Redmi 12, which are not written about in the official instructions.

Preparation for the first inclusion: what to do before

Before you press the power button, follow a few simple but important steps that will save you time and nerves in the future.

First, fully charge your smartphone. Redmi 12 comes with a 5,000mAh battery, and the first charge cycle is better spent from the original power supply (included) to 100%. This will help calibrate the power controller and extend the battery life. If you are in a hurry, wait at least 50% - this is enough for the initial setup.

Secondly, prepare:

• 📱 SIM-Nano-format card (or eSIM if your carrier supports). Redmi 12 has a hybrid slot: either 2 SIM, 1 SIM + microSD.
• 🔌 Cable USB-C (It comes with a power adapter, and only use certified accessories, because cheap cables can damage the port.
• 📶 Wi-Fi with a password. Setup without the Internet is possible, but many features (such as software updates) will not be available.
• 🔐 Xiaomi account (you can create in advance on account.xiaomi.com) It is needed to synchronize data and unlock some functions.

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring data from your old phone, make sure that it has disabled Find My Device (on Android) or Find My iPhone (on iOS.

You should also download in advance to a computer or other phone:

• 📁 Backup of contacts (export to.vcf file).
• 📸 Photos and videos you want to transfer (e.g. via Google Photos or locally via cable).
• 🎮 APK-Application files if you plan to install software outside of Google Play.

First Enablement and Basic Configuration of MIUI

Press and hold the power button (on the right side) for 2-3 seconds until the Redmi logo appears.The first turn on can take up to 1-2 minutes – this is normal, since the system performs the initial initialization.

Next you will be met by the master of settings MIUI. Follow the instructions on the screen, but pay attention to the key points:

1. Language selection: Set Russian (Russia). If this option is not available, select English (United States) and change the settings later.
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Select your network and enter your password. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you can skip it, but then you'll have to do some steps (like updating) later.
3. Xiaomi account login: Why do you need a Xiaomi account?Without it, you will not be able to use cloud storage, themes MIUI, Some system features (e.g. Second Space) also link your account to a theft protection device. If you don't have one, click Create an account and follow the instructions. Use a valid email (not temporary)!
4. Lock screen setting: Select Pin or pattern lock. Fingerprint and facial recognition can be added later in Settings → Lock screen and password.
5. Data portability: If you want to move data from your old phone, choose Data Migration and follow the hints. for Android, use Mi Mover, for iPhone, Move to iOS (but it doesn’t work well).

Once you've completed the customization wizard, you'll be on the home screen, and you can now start fine-tuning.

Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

Xiaomi Redmi 12 comes with pre-installed version MIUI 14 is based on Android 13, but by the time you bought, updates may have come out.They fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features (like supporting new gestures or optimizing for games).

To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi, as the file can weigh 2-3 GB).
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the update process (do not turn off the phone, do not remove the phone). SIM-If the battery is under 30%, connect the charger. Interrupted update can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes corporate networks block Xiaomi servers).
• ⏳ Wait 1-2 days – updates are coming out gradually for different regions.

You can also install the update manually:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (select the Global version for international firmware).
2. Place the file in the root folder of internal memory (not in the folder!).
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots (menu) → Select a firmware file.

💡

Update your firmware only through official channels. Installation of custom (unofficial) firmware is unwarranted and can lead to unstable work.

Battery Optimization: How to Extend Your Time

The Redmi 12 has a 5,000mAh battery, but without the right settings, it can run out too quickly.

Performance mode:

• Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Performance Mode.
• Choose Balanced for everyday use or Charge Saving if you need to extend your running time.
• High performance mode only for games or resource-intensive tasks.

Background optimization:

• B Settings → Annexes → Application management → Autorun disable autorun for unnecessary applications (such as games or rarely used instant messengers).
• B Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery Optimization: enable optimization for all applications except critical ones (like WhatsApp or Telegram).

Screen settings:

• Set Adaptive Update Frequency in Settings → Display. → Screen refresh rate: This automatically switches 90Hz (for scrolling) and 60Hz (for saving).
• Reduce the brightness to a comfortable level and turn on Adaptive Brightness.
• Set screen timeouts for 30 seconds or less in Settings → Display. → Sleeping mode.

It is also worth turning off Constant Network Search in mobile settings and the Wi-Fi Scanner in sleep mode (unless you use smart devices that require constant connection).

💡

If the battery drains too quickly even after optimization, check Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery use. You'll see which apps consume the most power. Common culprits are Facebook, TikTok and games.

Security setting: protection against hacking and data leaks

The Xiaomi Redmi 12, like any Android smartphone, is vulnerable to attacks if you don’t configure the protection correctly.

Screen lock:

• Set a Pin code at least 6 digits long or a complex shaped pattern lock.
• Add a fingerprint: Settings → Lock screen and password → Fingerprints: Register at least 2 fingers (e.g., index fingers of both hands).
• Enable Face Recognition (but remember that it’s less reliable than a fingerprint or pin).

2. Protection of Xiaomi account:

• Link your phone number and email to your account.
• Enable Two-Step Authentication in your Xiaomi account settings (on the site or in the Mi Account app).
• Never give your Xiaomi account password to a third party – it gives you full access to your phone!

Annex permissions:

• Check the permissions for each application in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Permits.
• Disable access to Contacts, Location and Microphone for unnecessary applications.
• B Settings → Confidentiality → Special access disable Overlay on other applications for unknown programs.

⚠️ Note: If you are installing APK-files from unknown sources, pre-check them through VirusTotal. → Confidentiality → Special access → Install unknown applications only allow installation for trusted sources (e.g. File Manager).

4. Data encryption:

• Enable device encryption: Settings → Confidentiality → Encrypting your phone, it'll protect your data if it falls into the wrong hands.
• Set a strong password for archives and notes (if you use standard Notes or Files applications).

Fine tuning MIUI: quirks

MIUI 14 on Redmi 12 offers a lot of hidden features that most users don't know about:

1. Second Desktop (Second Space):

• Allows you to create a separate profile with other apps and settings (useful for work or privacy).
• Activated in Settings → Special facilities → Second Space.
• You can set up different wallpapers, applications and even a password to log in.

Gestures and hot keys:

• Double touch to wake up: turn on Settings → Display. → Screen awakening.
• Screenshot gesture: swipe three fingers down the screen (configurated in Settings) → Additionally. → Button gestures).
• Quick camera opening: double-press the power button (configured there).

3. Optimization for games:

• Enable Game Mode in Settings → Special facilities → Game mode. This turns off notifications and optimizes performance.
• Activate. 4D-Vibration for games in Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration in play.

Configuring notifications:

• Turn off unnecessary notifications in Settings → Notifications and status bar → Management of notifications.
• Turn on the LED indicator (if it is in your model) in Settings → Display. → LED indicator.

Themes and design:

• Download new topics in the Topic app (preset).
• Set up System Animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times on the logo MIUI (The developer menu will open, where you can change the animation speed).

Communications setup: mobile network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Correct network configuration on Redmi 12 ensures stable Internet and battery savings.

Mobile network:

• Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• Select Preferred Network Type: For Better Coverage, Set Up 4G (preferably, if you have a support 5G, But the connection is unstable, pick one. 4G.
• Enable VoLTE (voice communication via voice) 4G) clear-cut.
• Turn off the auto connection to 2G, If you don’t want your phone to switch to slow networks.

2. Wi-Fi:

• B Settings → Wi-Fi enable Smart Connection – the phone will automatically switch to the best network.
• Disable Open Network Connection to avoid connecting to insecure access points.
• In the Additional Wi-Fi settings, enable Public Network Notification for alerts about potentially dangerous networks.

3. Bluetooth:

• B Settings → Bluetooth enable dual connectivity if you use two devices at the same time (e.g. headphones and smartwatches).
• To save charge, turn off Bluetooth when it is not needed.
• If you are connecting the device for the first time, make sure it is in pairing mode (usually hold the power button on the device for 5-10 seconds).

Access point and modem:

• To distribute the Internet, go to Settings → Access Point and modem → Portable access point.
• Set a strong password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
• In the Access Point Settings, select the 2.4GHz Gang for better compatibility or 5GHz for faster (but shorter range) speed.

⚠️ Note: If mobile internet is slow, check your settings APN. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) And compare the parameters to the ones on your operator's website. APN default.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions