How to set up a Xiaomi phone: the complete guide from A to Z

Buying a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting event, but the first inclusion often raises questions even among experienced users.The manufacturer offers extensive customization options, but without the right setup, the device will not reach its full potential.

We're going to look not only at the basic steps like connecting to Wi-Fi or creating a Mi Account, but also at the hidden features that make Xiaomi's customization unique, like how to set up app permissions to avoid data breaches, or why you should turn off some system services to save battery life.

If you're moving from an iPhone or other Android device, you'll find adapted portability guidelines here, and for those who've already used Xiaomi smartphones, here's a look at the latest updates. MIUI 14/15, All instructions are tested on Redmi Note models. 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Preparation for the first inclusion: what to do before

Many users include a new Xiaomi phone right after unpacking, but a few simple steps ahead of time and nerves will save you.First, fully charge the device - even if the indicator shows 50%, the first run with a discharged battery can cause crashes when you upgrade the system.

Second, prepare the data for transfer:

• 📱 Backup from an old phone (via Mi Mover or Google Drive)
• 🔑 Logins and passwords from key accounts: Mi Account, Google, social networks
• 📡 Wi-Fi network settings (name and password) if the connection is hidden
• 📞 SIM-The correct format card (nano-SIM for most modern models)

The third important thing is to check the firmware region, and if you've bought a phone in China or through unofficial channels, you're at risk of getting a device with a Chinese phone. MIUI, If you don't have Google services, you'll need to unlock the bootloader and run the global firmware before you first turn on, EEA (Europe) or CN (China).

⚠️ Note: If the box is indicated CN, But you plan to use Google Play, don't turn the phone on before the firmware! Activating the Chinese version anchors the device to a region, and there may be problems with updates afterwards.

First Installing and Basic Setup

Press and hold the power button to turn the device on. MIUI It's going to start the initial setup process, and it's important to take your time and choose your settings carefully:

1. Language choice: regional options (such as Ukrainian or Kazakh) are available in addition to Russian, and choose the one you will use to communicate with support.
2. Network Connection: It is better to use Wi-Fi, as downloading updates via the mobile internet can exhaust traffic.
3. License Agreement: Read the data collection clauses carefully, and you can turn off the sending of diagnostic information and personalized advertising.
4. Sign in to Mi Account: If you don't have an account, register it right away, without it, cloud storage, device search, and some system features won't work.

In the "Personalization" phase, the system will suggest selecting a theme for the design.

• 🎨 Dark theme mode - we recommend to turn on immediately to save charge on AMOLED-screen
• 📏 The size of the font and scale - adjust to your vision (optimum) 100-110% mostly)
• 🔍 Search engine default – it is better to choose Google instead of the standard Mi Search

After completing the setup wizard, check the version MIUI In the Settings section → If the version is outdated, the system will suggest updating. Don't delay it! The first firmware often has critical bugs fixed in subsequent updates.

Security setting: data protection and devices

Xiaomi smartphones offer a wide range of protections, but by default many are disabled.

1. Screen lock: - We recommend using a Pin code (minimum 6 characters) or a pattern lock (complex pattern). - Fingerprint and facial recognition are convenient, but less reliable - they are better added as additional methods.
2. Encryption of the device: - Activated in Settings → Additionally. → - Encryption will take place. 30-60 minutes, but protects data in case of theft.
3. Application Permits: - In Settings → Annexes → Permissions disable contact, location and camera access for unnecessary programs.

Pay special attention to the Mi Account settings:

• 🔒 Two-factor authentication – enable in your account settings
• 📍 Device Search – activate Find Device to remotely lock when lost
• 🔄 Synchronize data – choose which data (contacts, notes, photos) to reserve in the cloud

For advanced users, it is useful to configure the Developer Mode (activated by 7-fold pressing on the Version). MIUI You can turn off the debugging here. USB (if not used, and limit background activity to save battery life.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought your phone with your hands, be sure to reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Reset) and link it to your Mi Account, where the previous owner may have left an account in the system, giving them access to your data!

Optimizing performance and battery

Xiaomi’s performance on the MIUI It's often a problem with excessive background processes. Here are the key settings to speed things up:

To adjust animation and hidden parameters:

1. Activate Developer Mode (as described above)
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For Developers
3. Find the items Window animation scale, transition animation scale and animator duration - set the value 0.5x or Otklaz.

To save battery power:

• 🔋 Adaptive charging - turn on the Settings → Battery to extend battery life
• 🌙 Dark topic – reduces energy consumption by AMOLED-screen 15-20%
• 📴 Limiting Mobile Data – Set up background traffic in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks

On models with support for Ultra Battery Saver (for example, Xiaomi) 13T Pro) this mode allows for the extension of autonomy to 2-3 Days by turning off background processes. Activated at a charge level below 15%.

💡

If the phone is slower after the update MIUI, Try to clear the system cache: go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean up and select "Clear App Cache" to delete temporary files without losing data.

Network and connection settings

Proper network settings critical to Xiaomi's stable performance.Start by checking supported ranges 4G/5G:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network settings
2. Select the preferred network type: - For 5G-model: 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto) - To save battery life: 4G/3G/2G
3. Activate VoLTE and VoWiFi for better call quality

For Wi-Fi, we recommend:

• 📶 Automatic Connection – Disable for Unknown Networks in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally.
• 🔒 Hiding MAC-Addresses – Enable to protect against tracking
• 🔄 Auto Update over Wi-Fi - Configure in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system

If you have connection problems:

• No network. 4G/5G: Check if your operator supports the selected ranges (e.g. Megaphone and Telephone)2 use different frequencies)
• Wi-Fi is connected, but there is no internet: try changing it. DNS 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
• Slow mobile internet: Turn off IPv6 customized SIM-map

For models with IR-Port (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Don't forget to set up the remote control in the Mi Remote app, which will allow you to control TVs, air conditioners and other appliances.

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Use of the two SIM-The cards can simultaneously reduce the time of autonomous operation on the 10-15%. If the second SIM rarely needed, it is better to turn it off in the settings or use a slot for a memory card.

Personalization of the interface MIUI

MIUI It's famous for its flexibility in the way it looks:

• 📱 Changing icons: Set a theme from the theme → My themes or use icon packs from Google Play
• 🗂️ Ordering applications: Create folders for frequently used programs (click and hold the icon, then drag and drop to another one)
• 🔄 Navigation gestures: choose between classic buttons and swipes in Settings → Display. → Navigation through the system

For advanced customization:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play for additional features (like resizing icons)
2. Enable Full Screen Mode in Settings → Display. → Full screen mode to hide the camera cutout
3. Always on Display (for example, for AMOLED-displays of time, notifications or personalized text

Unusual chips MIUI:

• 🎵 Dynamic wallpaper: respond to music or time of day (available in Wallpaper) → Dynamic)
• 🖼️ Super wallpaper: 3D-Effects of Scrolling Desktops (Requires a Lot of Resources)
• 🔦 Hidden applications: you can hide programs from prying eyes in Settings → Annexes → Hidden applications

If you want to return "old" app icons (for example, as in the "old" app icons). MIUI 12), download the archive with icons from Xiaomi themes and apply through Themes → My subjects. → Local.

Camera and multimedia setup

Xiaomi cameras are known for their software with many modes. Optimal settings for most scenarios:

Hidden camera capabilities:

• 🎥 Double video: recording from the main and front camera at the same time (available on flagships)
• 🌃 Night mode: works not only for photos, but also for video (on manually)
• 🔍 Macro Mode: Use a lens marked "macro" to shoot small objects
• 🎬 Professional mode: allows you to manually adjust ISO, white-balance

To improve the quality of the video:

1. Turn it off. AI-Video enhancement – it often spoils the detail
2. Use an external microphone (connects via Type-C or Bluetooth)
3. Put the record on. HDR10+ for a wider dynamic range

If the camera starts to "lag" or gives an error, clear its cache in Settings. → Annexes → Camera. → Storage. Also check if the device overheats -- above 45.°C camera automatically shuts down.

⚠️ Note: When shooting a video in 8K or 4K@60fps The phone gets very hot. Use these modes only when necessary and monitor the temperature through the app. CPU Monitor.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions