How to set up Xiaomi Mi 9: the full guide

The flagship smartphone Xiaomi Mi 9 with its Snapdragon 855 processor is still able to surprise the speed of work, but only if you approach the original configuration correctly. Out of the box, the device operates in standard mode, which does not reveal the full potential of the “triple” camera or gaming capabilities of the display.

In this article, we will break down a step-by-step algorithm that will turn your gadget into a perfectly debugged tool for work and entertainment. You will learn how to activate hidden functions, optimize energy consumption and customize the interface to suit your habits.

Don’t ignore the initial setup steps, as they determine the stability of the MIUI operating system in the future, and properly exposed screen settings and notifications will save you hours of troubleshooting in the future.

Primary activation and configuration of the interface

Once the device is turned on and the language is selected, the system will suggest connecting to the Wi-Fi network, which is a critical step, since without the Internet, it will be impossible to log into the Mi Account and activate the device. It is recommended to use a stable 5 GHz connection, if the router supports this range, for fast data synchronization.

Then comes the screen tuning phase. Xiaomi Mi 9 features a gorgeous AMOLED matrix that can default to Auto or Standard. For the most natural color rendering, close to sRGB, switch to Standard, and for saturated colors to Saturated. It also adjusts the refresh rate, although it is fixed on this model, but color balance calibration is important.

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Use Read Mode in your screen settings by adding a turn-on schedule, which will reduce eye strain in the evening, automatically shifting the color reproduction to warm colors.

Pay special attention to navigation. In the Settings menu → Screen → Navigation, you can choose between classic buttons and gesture controls. Gestures allow you to use the usable display area more efficiently by removing the bottom panel.

• 📱 Gestures: swipe from bottom to top for returning to the desktop, swipe from the sides - back.
• 🔘 Buttons: a classic three navigation keys with the ability to change order.
• ⏱ Vibration response: setting the duration of vibration when you press virtual buttons.

The initial phase ends with the date, time and region setting, and it is important to choose the right region, as this determines the set of pre-installed applications and the availability of some services in the GetApps store.

Security and Mi and Google accounts

Integration with the ecosystem is the foundation of your device’s security, and not only is Mi Account logged in to find your phone in case of loss via Device Search, but it also helps cloud storage and sync contacts, and without account binding, many system features like Second Space or Hidden Album will be unavailable.

At the same time, you log in to your Google Play account, sync photos through Google Photos, and restore app backups. When logging in, make sure you have two-factor authorization enabled to maximize privacy protection.

Setup biometrics on Xiaomi Mi 9 requires special attention. The fingerprint scanner is built right into the display. For better unlock speed, it is recommended to add the same finger twice as different prints, slightly changing the angle of inclination when scanning.

• 👆 Addition: Press the scanner area with your finger several times to read the edges.
• 🔐 Face ID: Face unlock setting (less secure than a print).
• 🚀 Acceleration: Enable the “Unlock When Lifting” option for instant access.

⚠️ Note: Do not use simple graphic keys (such as the letter "L" or "Z"), as they are easy to peek from the side.

Optimizing the system and removing advertising

One of the most annoying features of the MIUI shell is the built-in advertising in system applications. Fortunately, it can be completely disabled through a single switch. To do this, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to personal data (or “System Services” in older versions) and find msa (MIUI System Ads).

In addition to advertising, check notification settings, and in Application Manager, you can prevent push notifications for unnecessary services that often overload the notification curtain, which will also have a positive impact on autonomy, since applications will not wake the processor unnecessarily.

An important step is to set up the battery. Go to Settings → Battery and select Balanced mode. In the Energy Consumption section, you can manually limit background activity for rarely used applications, preventing them from running in the background.

• 🔋 Energy saving: limits background processes and brightness.
• 🚀 Performance: Keeps the processor at high frequencies (consumes more power).
• ⚖️ Balanced: The Best Choice for Daily Use.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling MSA requires timer confirmation. Do not interrupt this process, otherwise the adverts may return.

Setup of the camera and (Photography) modes

Xiaomi Mi 9 is based on Sony IMX586 sensor with a resolution of 48 MP. By default, the camera shoots in 12 MP mode, using pixel binning technology (combining 4 in 1) for better light-sensitive result. For detailed pictures in good lighting, you can turn on 48 MP mode in the menu “More”.

For mobile photography enthusiasts, setting the down button is critical. In the camera settings (Settings → Volume button), you can set the shutter down or zoom action, and you should also turn on the framing grid to follow the rule of thirds when assembling the frame.

Night mode requires immobility. The algorithm takes a series of different exposures and glues them together. For best results, use a tripod or slam your phone against a stationary object, as shutter speed can last for several seconds.

Don't forget about video. The Mi 9 can write 4K video at 60 frames per second, but it takes up a lot of space. Social media is optimally 1080p at 60 fps, which gives you a smooth picture.

Game settings and performance

The Snapdragon 855 processor and the Adreno 640 graphics deliver great performance. Game Turbo is used to manage resources in games. It is added to the desktop automatically or through the Tools folder. You can add games manually here.

Performance profiles are available inside the Game Turbo. For shooters and racing, it is recommended to turn on the Accelerate mode, which prioritizes CPU time for the game and blocks notifications, and you can adjust the feedback vibrations when shots are fired (if the game supports) and improve sound through headphones.

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Game Turbo not only speeds up games, but also allows you to take screenshots, screen recordings and block calls from the comfort of the app.

It's important to monitor the temperature. During long game sessions, the system can tottl (reduce frequencies) to protect against overheating. Removing the case during play helps improve heat sink through the glass back panel.

• 🎮 Memory Clearing: Automatically Freeing RAM Before Starting the Game.
• 📶 Network: Prioritizing Gaming Traffic Over Background Downloads.
• 💡 Screen: ban on brightness reduction and autolock.

⚠️ Warning: Do not charge your phone during heavy games if it gets too hot, which accelerates battery degradation and can cause trottling.

Hidden features and opportunities for developers

For advanced users, the Xiaomi Mi 9 gives you access to the developer menu. To activate it, you need to quickly click 7 times on the build number in the About Phone menu, and then the “Developers” option will appear in additional settings.

You can find useful tools like interface scaling (DPI) here, and lowering the DPI allows you to fit more content on the screen, making fonts and icons smaller, and you can find a standard value in the specifications, but you have to be careful about experimenting.

Also available on this menu is the “Stay awake” feature, which keeps the screen from going out while charging, which is handy if you use your smartphone as a desktop clock or a dashboard.

Another hidden feature is control through the screen off, and in the special feature settings, you can set the launch of applications or functions (for example, a flashlight) by double tapping or drawing a letter on the screen off.