How to set up a Xiaomi phone: detailed instructions from A to Z

Introduction: Why Xiaomi is important to set up correctly

Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI offer users flexible customization options, but without the right initial setup, you risk slowing down, unnecessary notifications, or even security issues. Unlike the iPhone or “naked” Android, where most settings are set by default, Xiaomi requires a careful approach to configuration already at the stage of first switching on.

This article will help avoid the typical mistakes, from automatically installing unnecessary applications from regional packages to incorrectly configured permissions for background processes that eat up battery power. MIUI, which most users do not even know about – for example, how to turn off advertising in system applications or optimize the processor for games.

Important: the instruction is relevant for all modern models - from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. We will highlight some nuances for specific devices in the relevant sections.

First Including: What to Do Immediately After Unpacking

When you first turn on a Xiaomi smartphone, it offers you a quick setup master, where many users make the critical mistake of skipping steps or agreeing to all the default offers.

• 🌍 Region selection: Indicate the actual country of use. This depends on the pre-installed applications (for example, in Russia will be Yandex.Mail, in Europe – Google One). Settings → Additionally. → Region
• 🔄 Data portability: If you are switching from another Android device, use Mi Mover (the system will offer). iPhone will require Apple's Move to iOS app.
• 🔐 Xiaomi Account: Without it, cloud backups, themes, and some smart home features won’t work. Create it right away, even if you don’t plan to use it.
• 📱 Google services: In some regions (e.g. China) they are not by default. Install manually through Settings → Google.

⚠️ Note: If you missed creating a Xiaomi account during the setup phase, it may cause problems later with unlocking the bootloader or accessing some camera features (e.g., Pro Mode in Xiaomi). 13T Pro).

After completing the setup wizard, perform the mandatory actions:

Update the firmware to the latest version|Check if all drivers are available (especially for the NFC and IR-port)|Disable unnecessary system applications|Set up your fingerprint/face.|Create a backup in Mi Cloud-->

Set up Xiaomi account and synchronize data

Xiaomi account is not just a way to log in to the theme store, it connects all the devices of the ecosystem (smartphone, smart lamps, robot vacuum cleaner) and provides access to unique features:

• ☁️ Cloud Backups: Saves not only contacts, but also system settings, SMS, Call history can be restored on any other Xiaomi device.
• 🔄 Cross-device synchronization: For example, clipboard between phone and laptop via Mi PC Suite.
• 🎮 Achievements in the Black Shark model and POCO F synchronized graphics settings in games.

To link your account to your phone:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Enter the entry data or register.
3. Turn on synchronization for the desired categories (contacts, notes, photos).
4. Activate Find the device - this will allow you to block the phone remotely when lost.

⚠️ Note: If you buy a phone with your hands, be sure to check if the previous Xiaomi account is untied. Otherwise, the device may be blocked through Find Device by the former owner. → The phone. → Mi Account Status.

Optimization MIUI: How to remove advertising and speed up work

One of the main claims to MIUI And you can actually see that there's ads in your system applications. Thankfully, you can turn them off completely:

1. Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Synchronization → Advertising and turn off the slider.
2. In the Topics app, open a profile, then Settings → Advertising preferences → Personalized Advertising and Deactivate.
3. For Music, Video, Browser applications, disable ads in their individual settings.

To speed up the system:

• ⚡ Turn off animation: Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI In About Phone, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, install all animations on Animation disabled 0.5x.
• 🗑️ Cache Cleanup: Clean the cache regularly in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Clear the cache.
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: In Settings → Battery → Battery Mode Select Balanced (for most tasks) or Performance (for gaming).

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After the update MIUI phone started to slow down, try resetting the settings through Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Reset all settings (data will not be deleted, only system parameters will return to factory settings).

For models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), a hidden performance setting is available:

1. Activate Developer Mode.
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers → Optimization MIUI.
3. Enable Hold Background Processes and set the Background Process Limit to the Standard Limit.

Network and Internet settings: Wi-Fi, mobile data, 5G

Internet problems on Xiaomi are often associated with incorrect network settings.

• 📶 Network Priority: For maximum speed in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network select 5G/4G/3G/2G (If your tariff supports 5G).
• 🔄 Auto-switching Wi-Fi/Mobile data: Include in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Auto-Switching to Mobile Data.
• 🌐 DNS: Change the speed of the internet DNS at 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) in your Wi-Fi settings.

If you have Xiaomi with two support SIM-maps, for example, POCO X5 Pro, set priorities:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Name. SIM-map.
2. Assign each card a role: Primary for data, Primary for calls.
3. B Settings → SIM-map → Manually select the operator if the automatic search does not work.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) in active mode Traffic savings (in settings) SIM-Maps) may not work push notifications in messengers. Disable this option if you notice delays in receiving messages.

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For stable connection 5G Xiaomi 13/14 Be sure to update the modem module firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Modem update (appears after checking for updates).

Security: fingerprint, face unlock and encryption

Security system MIUI It offers multiple layers of protection, but by default, many of the features are disabled:

• 🔒 Screen lock: Install PIN-code or pattern lock in Settings → Lock screen → Avoid simple combinations (e.g. 1234 or 0000).
• 👆 Fingerprint: Add at least 2 fingerprints (such as thumb and index finger) to Settings → Lock screen → Fingerprint.
• 😊 Face unlock: Works fast but less secure than a print. Included in Settings → Lock screen → Face unlocking.

For increased security:

1. Enable Device Encryption in Settings → The phone. → Security and encryption. Attention: the process will take 30-60 The phone should be charged at least a minute. 80%.
2. Activate the Safe Folder in Settings → Confidentiality → Secure folder for storing sensitive files.
3. Set up Auto Cleanup in Settings → Confidentiality → Autoclean to delete unnecessary files automatically.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with IR-A blaster (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Your fingerprint may be in conflict with your remote control. If you notice the lags when you unlock them, turn them off. IR-ports in Settings → Connected devices → Infrared port.

Personalization: themes, wallpaper, always active screen (AOD)

MIUI It's famous for its customization capabilities, from dynamic wallpaper to system icon changes:

• 🎨 Topics: Install Themes app (if it's not the default) and select your favorite theme. Free themes are updated weekly.
• 🖼️ Wallpaper: In Settings → You can choose wallpaper static or live wallpaper. AMOLED-screen (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Available "super-wallpaper" with paralax effect.
• 🌙 Always On Display (AOD): Shows time, notifications and battery on the screen off. → Lock screen → Always On Display.

For advanced settings:

1. Change the style of icons in Settings → Wallpaper. → Style of icons (not available on all models).
2. Set up Unblock Animation in Settings → Lock screen → Unlock animation.
3. Enable Reading Mode in Settings → Screen. → Reading mode for warm screen glow in the evening.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with LCD-screens (e.g. Redmi) 9A) permanent AOD It reduces battery life significantly. Turn it off if you notice a quick discharge.

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To return standard icons after installing custom theme, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Additional settings: for games, photos and performance

Xiaomi smartphones offer unique features for gamers, photographers and users who care about performance.

• 🎮 Game Turbo Mode: Optimizes performance for games. Swipes down the right edge of the screen while playing or Settings. → Special facilities → Game turbo.
• 📸 Professional camera mode: Available on flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra). Allows manual tuning ISO, exposure, white balance.
• ⚡ Performance mode: C Settings → Battery → Battery mode select Performance for maximum power (reduces battery life).

For photographers:

1. Include Raw Photos (RAW) in the post-processing camera settings.
2. Set up Double Press on the Power button for a quick camera start in Settings → Buttons and gestures → Quick camera launch.
3. Use Movie Mode (available on Xiaomi) 12S Ultra and newer for professional video shooting.

For gamers:

• Activate Display FPS In Settings → Special facilities → Game turbo → Settings → display FPS.
• Set up Tactile Return for gaming triggers in the same settings.
• Use Gaming Spatial Sound for better sound perception in shooters.

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On models with a Snapdragon processor 8+ Gen 1 (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro) in turbo mode is available option Acceleration GPU, which increases productivity on 10-15% power-driven.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions