Buying a new smartphone is always a pleasant experience, especially when it comes to the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, which even years later remains in demand thanks to its Helio G90T processor and excellent camera. However, immediately after turning on the device, many users face a long list of initial settings that can seem confusing for newcomers to the MIUI ecosystem. Proper system configuration at launch will avoid problems with autonomy, overheating and intrusive advertising in the future.
The initial initialization process takes 15 to 30 minutes if you plan to migrate all the data from your old phone. It's important to take your time and read each item carefully, as some default settings may not be optimal for your use case. In this article, we'll take a look at each step, from choosing a language to fine-tuning the interface, to make your gadget work as efficiently as possible.
Before you start to set up in detail, you need to make sure that the device has a sufficient battery charge, preferably more than 50%.Although modern Li-Po batteries are protected from voltage surges, interrupting the updating process or migrating data can lead to software failures.
Primary activation and language selection
After pressing the power button on the end of the case, the Redmi logo will appear on the screen, followed by a language selection menu. The MIUI system interface is based on Android, but has its own navigation features. Choose Russian or another preferred language from the list using the touch screen or volume buttons for scrolling.
Then the system will suggest connecting to a wireless network, which is a critical step, because without the Internet, you will not be able to log into your Mi Account and activate your device. If your router supports the 5 GHz standard, it is recommended to connect to it for faster downloading of system files.
During activation, a request for installation may appear. SIM-Some firmware versions require the presence of SIM-cards to complete activation, while others allow you to skip this step.If you use a two-sim option, make sure the tray is inserted on the correct side so as not to damage the contacts.
💡
Use a paper clip from the kit to extract the tray SIM-cards so as not to damage the mechanism of the hole.
Once connected, the system will prompt you to check for updates. Often, devices released earlier already have more recent Android versions and security patches. Accept an update, even if it takes time, as this fixes many known bugs.
Working with Mi and Google accounts
Xiaomi’s ecosystem is based on two major profiles: a Google account for Play Market access and a Mi Account for the manufacturer’s cloud services. Google account login is required for downloading apps, syncing contacts and using navigation. Without it, smartphone functionality will be severely limited.
Mi Account provides access to Find Device, cloud storage and the registration topic. When registering, it is important to provide the correct phone number and email, as they are used to restore access. The password must be complex, containing numbers and letters of different registers.
- 🔐 Enable two-factor authentication to protect personal data from hacking.
- ☁️ Set up automatic synchronization of gallery and cloud contacts.
- 📍 Activate geolocation for the search function for lost device.
It’s important to understand the difference between these profiles: If you change your phone to a different brand, your Google account will save your data, and your Mi Account will remain tied to Xiaomi devices, but you must register with Mi to integrate fully with the manufacturer’s smart home.
Security and biometrics setting
Data security on a modern smartphone comes first. Redmi Note 8 Pro features a fingerprint scanner located on the back of the brand logo. To get started, you need to register a fingerprint by putting your finger several times to the sensor in different angles.
The system allows you to add up to 5 fingerprints, which is convenient if the phone is used by different family members or if you want to unlock the device with your thumb in different grip positions. PIN-code, as biometrics do not work after the device is restarted.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use simple combinations like 1234 or 0000, as they're easy to pick up.
You also need to adjust the face unlock feature, which is less secure than a finger scanner because it uses a front camera, which makes it faster to access the system, and you can activate the "Accessive Accuracy" option in the security settings, but it will increase your energy consumption.
☑️ Security setting
Optimization of interface and management
MIUI offers flexible customization options, and once you turn on, you should go to the settings and switch navigation mode. By default, there may be buttons, but many users prefer gesture controls that free up space on the screen and make interaction more modern.
To switch to gestures, go to Settings → Screen → Navigation and select the appropriate option. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the side edges here to avoid random clicks when watching videos or games. This is especially true for the Note 8 Pro model with its rather large screen.
Themes can be downloaded from the ready-made packages that change the icons, fonts and sounds of the system, but be careful: some third-party themes may contain errors or incorrectly display system fonts, which will make it difficult to read the text.
- 🎨 Download the official theme to change the style of icons.
- 🔤 Install a readable font in the "Display" section».
- 🌙 Set up your vision protection mode for comfortable reading at night.
Don't forget to check the settings of the screen. 2340×1080 resolution and pixel density provide a clear picture. Turn on autobrightness so that the system itself adapts the lighting to the indoor lighting, which will positively affect battery life.
Notification and advertising management
One of the most common complaints users have is intrusive advertising in system applications. Fortunately, MIUI has the ability to disable most advertising recommendations, and you need to go to the settings of each system application, such as Music, Video or Explorer.
Inside the app settings, find Receive References or MSA and turn it off. Also in the general phone settings under Passwords and Security, there is an Authorization and Recovery option where you can revoke access for msa (MIUI System Ads), which requires confirmation and takes about 10 seconds.
| Annex | Where to find | What to turn off |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Settings → General | Receive recommendations |
| Downloads. | Three points → Settings | Show recommendations |
| Topics | Profile → Settings | Personal recommendations |
| Music. | Menu → Settings | Showing ads |
⚠️ Attention: After the service is disconnected MSA Advertising can disappear within 24 hours, not instantly.
Controlling notifications from third-party apps is also important. When you first install programs, the system will often ask permission to display notifications. Read these requests carefully: messengers need this, but games or calculators do not.
How to turn off ads in folders?
Camera and multimedia setup
The Redmi Note 8 Pro is known for its 64MP camera. To get the best shots, go to the camera settings and select the maximum resolution available. However, for everyday shooting, the default mode (usually 16MP using pixel binning) gives you better dynamic range and speed.
Turn on the framing grid in the viewfinder settings, which will help you follow the rule of thirds when making a frame, and you should also activate the "Portrait Improvements" mode with caution, since algorithms can unnecessarily smooth the skin, making the face unnatural.
Various resolutions are available for video shooting. 4K mode provides high detail, but quickly fills up memory and heavily loads the Helio G90T processor, causing heat. For long videos, you better choose 1080p at 60 fps, which will give a smooth picture without overheating.
- 📸 Activate the Night mode for low light shooting.
- 🎥 Use a tripod to shoot high-resolution video.
- 🧹 Regularly wipe the camera lens with a soft cloth.
Don't forget to set your sound settings. In the Sounds and Vibrations section, you can select different tones for notifications and calls, and you can also set your keyboard vibrations and system actions, which improves tactile return when typing.
Optimizing battery and performance
Autonomy is a key parameter for any smartphone. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro features a 4500 mAh battery, which is a great metric. To extend its life, activate charge optimization in battery settings that limits the charge to 100% before waking up the device.
In Battery and Performance, you can select the mode of operation. Balanced mode is enough for everyday tasks. Performance mode should only be turned on in games, since it increases the CPU frequency and energy consumption. Saving mode turns off background processes and synchronization.
💡
The optimal mode of operation for daily use is “Balanced”, it provides the best balance between speed and autonomy.
Check the list of apps that consume charge in the background. Social media and instant messengers often run all the time. Limit their background activity in battery settings unless you're critical to receive notifications instantly when the screen is off.
⚠️ Note: Do not use memory cleaners and third-party antiviruses, they often harm the system more than they help, creating an unnecessary load on the processor.
Reboot your device regularly, at least once a week, which helps clear RAM from accumulated errors and temporary files, which has a positive effect on the overall speed of the system.