Xiaomi Mi 10S setup: a complete guide from first-on to subtle optimizations

Xiaomi Mi 10S is the flagship smartphone of 2021, which still remains relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and flexible firmware MIUI. But even experienced Xiaomi users sometimes miss key points when first setting up, which Later leads to problems with performance, autonomy or security. This article will not just list the basic steps – we will break down the hidden features, optimize the system for your tasks and show how to avoid typical errors.

It's important to understand that the Mi 10S runs MIUI 12/13/14 (depending on the firmware version), and many of the settings are hidden deep in the menu. For example, performance mode for games or battery charging optimization are not activated automatically. We'll go all the way from unpacking the box to fine-tuning the interface, focusing on the very parameters that affect the user experience.

Preparing for the first inclusion: what to do before setting up

Before you press the power button, do a few simple but critical actions that will save you hours in the future:

• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 30% – this will prevent a sudden shutdown during the system update. 10S supports fast charging 33W, It is best to use the original adapter for the first time.
• 📶 Prepare. SIM-map and Wi-Fi - without a network connection, you can't activate your device and download updates. If you use eSIM, check your carrier's support.
• 🔐 Back up your data from your old phone. Mi Mover (the built-in Xiaomi app) will move your contacts, SMS and even some settings, but it is better to save the photo to the cloud.
• 🛠️ Prepare the tools: paperclip for the tray SIM-cards and soft fabric for screen cleaning (on Mi) 10S Gorilla Glass 5 is installed, but it is still afraid of scratches).

Important nuance: if you bought a smartphone with your hands, be sure to reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings, even if the seller claims to have cleaned everything. MIUI Account traces and app cache that may conflict with your data.

⚠️ Note: Do not use microSD cards in the class below A2/UHS-I — They can't handle the speed of reading/writeing Mi. 10S The best option is SanDisk Extreme or Samsung. EVO Plus.

First Initiation and Basic Activation

Press and hold the power button (located on the right) until the Xiaomi logo appears.

1. Language and region choices – Set up Russian (Russia) or another region that is relevant to you, and this will affect the services available (e.g. Google Pay or Mi Pay).
2. Wi-Fi Connection - Choose your network. If the router supports 5GHz, prefer it for faster downloads of updates.
3. Signing in to your Mi Account – without it, you won’t be able to use cloud storage, device search, and some MIUI features. If you don’t have an account, sign up right now.
4. Screen lock settings – we recommend you choose a Pin code (minimum 6 characters) or a pattern lock. Fingerprint and facial recognition set later in Settings → Screen lock.

Once the customization wizard is complete, the smartphone will suggest updating the firmware. Don't delay it! The latest versions of MIUI fix critical vulnerabilities and optimized power consumption. To check for manual updates, go to:

Settings → About the phone → System update

Install all available software updates

Set up backup in Mi Cloud

Check the operation of sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer)

Disable unnecessary system applications-->

Optimizing productivity and autonomy

Xiaomi Mi 10S is equipped with a Snapdragon processor 870 and 8 GB of RAM, but even such “iron” can slow down due to background processes.

1. Set-up of performance mode

For games and resource-intensive tasks, activate the high performance mode:

Settings → Special features → Performance mode → High productivity

This will turn off background optimization and give apps top priority, but keep in mind that this mode will warm up the smartphone more, especially when charging.

2. Background process management

MIUI aggressively shuts down background apps to save power, so that important messengers (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) work steadily:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Battery → Without Limitations

3. Optimization of battery charging

The 4780mAh Mi 10S battery supports Mi Turbo Charge technology, but for durability it is better to limit the maximum charge level:

Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery settings → Optimized charging

Turn on the option and set a limit of 80-90% – this will extend the battery life by 20-30%.

⚠️ Note: If after updating to MIUI 14 smartphone began to overheat, check the settings → Battery → Temperature control. Sometimes the system resets the heating limits for the processor.

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To quickly switch between performance modes, add the Battery Mode widget to the home screen. To do this, click and hold the blank space on the screen → “Widgets” → find “Battery Mode”.

Screen and multimedia setting

The Mi 10S screen is one of its main advantages: AMOLED-matrix with support for HDR10+ and refresh rate of 120 Hz. But by default, many parameters are set suboptimal.

1. Calibration of flowers

Factory settings often overstate saturation.

Settings → Screen → Color Mode → Saturated (or “Standard” for accurate color reproduction)

For professional photo work, select sRGB – this is the most accurate profile.

2. Always-On Display (AOD) setup

The function of displaying time and notifications on the off screen is useful, but reduces autonomy.

Settings → Always-on display and lock → Style: “Digital clock” → Schedule: from 8:00 to 22:00

Turn off the wake-up lift if you carry your phone in your pocket – this will prevent accidental activation.

3. Sound optimization

The Mi 10S has stereo speakers, but their potential is only revealed with the right settings:

• 🎵 Turn on the settings. → Sound and vibration → Sound quality → Hi-Fi audio for improved playback through headphones.
• 🔊 Activate Volume Amplifier in the Engineering menu (enter in the phone application ##36446337## → Hardware Testing → Audio → LoudSpeaker Mode).
• 🎧 For Bluetooth headphones, select the aptX Adaptive codec or LDAC device settings.

Security and confidentiality

MIUI collects a lot of data by default, from usage statistics to location, and disable unnecessary options to protect your privacy:

1. Limitation of data collection

Settings → Privacy → Improve MIUI → Disable all options


Settings → Privacy → Advertising → Personalized recommendations → Disable

2. Unlocking setup

For maximum safety, combine:

• 🔐 Fingerprint (up to 5 fingerprints) + Pin code (minimum 6 characters).
• 👤 Facial recognition is convenient, but less reliable (you can fool a photo).
• 🔑 Smart Lock – Unlock in trusted locations (such as home) via Settings → Screen locking → Smart Lock.

3. Protection against malware

MIUI has Security Scanner built in, but it doesn't replace a full-fledged antivirus. Install Dr.Web or Kaspersky from Google Play and:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Security Check → Enable automatic verification

⚠️ Note: If you are using the Mi 10S for working with finance (banking, cryptocurrencies), disable Settings → Special facilities → Barrier-free services → Autocomplete: This feature can save logins and passwords in an unsecured form.

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Even if you don’t use Xiaomi cloud services, Mi Account is a must to unlock bootloader and some system features.

Customization of interface and gestures

MIUI offers one of the most flexible customization systems among Android smartphones, and here's how to make the interface more user-friendly:

1. Customization of gestures

By default, the Mi 10S includes MIUI gestures, but many users prefer Android 10 gestures (like the Pixel).

Settings → Screen → Full-screen mode → Gestures Android 10

To return back, swipe from the left or right edge of the screen.

Topics and icons

Install the official Themes app and choose one of thousands of themes. For minimalist design, we recommend:

• 🎨 Pure Black or Minimalist Dark.
• 📱 Icons: Pixel Icons or iOS 15 Style.
• 🖼️ Wallpaper: Use Google Wallpapers for adaptive wallpapers that change with the time of day.

3. Control panel and notification curtain

Edit the quick switches for convenience:

Swipe down from top right corner → Edit → Drag the desired elements (for example, “Mode in the plane”, “lightlight”) in the active area.

To show the percentage of battery charge in the curtain, activate:

Settings → Notifications and Status String → Battery Indicator → Percentage

Camera setup: how to get the maximum quality

The Mi 10S has a 108MP main camera (binning up to 27MP), but by default, the photos are recycled.

1. Optimization of the main parameters

Camera app → Settings (⚙️) → Photo resolution → 108 MP (for detail) or 27 MP (for space saving)


AI- Camera → Disable (unless automated processing is required)




Contrast/Saturation → Set to 80-90% (factory 100% overstated)

2. Hidden camera functions

• 📸 Pro mode: allows you to manually configure ISO, It's good for shooting in difficult environments.
• 🌃 Night mode: works even on the front camera.
• 🎥 Video 8K: available in video resolution settings, but takes ~600 MB/min To stabilize, turn on Ultrastable video.
• 🔍 Macro mode: automatically activated when approaching the object on the 2-5 See: For manual control, use Pro mode → Focus → Macro.

3.Save photos in RAW format

For professional processing, save the photos in RAW:

Appendix Camera → Pro Mode → Format → RAW+JPEG

RAW files weigh ~50MB each, but contain maximum editing data in Lightroom or Photoshop.

⚠️ Note: When shooting a video in 4K@60fps Smartphones are hotter if the temperature is higher. 45°C, the camera will automatically shut down. Use an external battery or cooling case for long sessions.

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For blurry portraits (bokeh effect), use Portrait Mode and set the blur level to 70-80%. On the front camera, this effect works worse due to the lack of a depth sensor.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Xiaomi Mi 10S