How to set up Xiaomi Mi 5: a complete guide from the first on to fine-tuning

Xiaomi Mi 5 — cult 2016 The year, which still remains relevant thanks to the powerful “iron” (Snapdragon processor) 820, 3/4 GB of RAM) and support for custom firmware, but even today, many users face difficulties in the first setup of the device: from choosing a language to choosing a language in the computer. MIUI This article will help you understand all the nuances, whether it is a new device out of the box or rebuilt after resetting.

We will look not only at the basic steps (connecting to Wi-Fi, setting up a Xiaomi account), but also at the hidden features that will make using the Mi 5 more comfortable: disabling ads in the Internet. MIUI, Optimizing performance for gaming, as well as solving typical problems (for example, overheating or fast battery discharge — MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14 that are still supported by enthusiasts.

If you bought the Mi 5 handheld or after a long downtime, you'll find instructions on how to check the originality of the device, how to diagnose the battery, even how to "overclock" through the engineering menu, and for experimentation enthusiasts, a guide to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware like LineageOS.

First Installing and Basic Setup

After removing the Xiaomi Mi 5 from the box (or after resetting to factory settings), you will be greeted by the original setup wizard, a process that takes 5-10 minutes, but has several pitfalls, especially if you bought the device from abroad.

The first screen will tell you to choose a language, and here you need to pay attention to the region: if your Mi 5 is from China, it can be the default. MIUI China without Google services. In this case:

• 🌍 Choose English (Global) or Russian (if available).
• 📱 If there is no Russian, do not panic: later you can install a language pack through Settings → Additionally. → Language and input.
• ⚠️ Don’t choose the Chinese region, or you’ll have to manually install Google Play Services.

Then the wizard will suggest connecting to the Wi-Fi network. MIUI China, some access points may not be displayed due to restrictions on the Chinese version of the firmware.Solution:

⚠️ Note: If Wi-Fi networks are not visible, reset the router to mode 802.11n (turn off 802.11ac) Or connect via mobile hotspot.

Once connected to the Internet, the system will prompt you to log in to your Xiaomi account or create a new one, a step that is mandatory if you want to use cloud services, a theme store or data synchronization.

• 🔑 If you bought your phone with your hands, reset first (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings) to remove the link to other people's accounts.
• 📱 Use a valid email (non-Chinese services) to create an account. @mi.com, If you do not live in China).

Screen and gesture settings

Xiaomi Mi 5 is equipped with 5.15-inch Full HD-It's a display with Sunlight Display technology that improves visibility in bright sun, but by default, many of the screen settings are suboptimal — especially if you're used to modern smartphones.

The first thing you need to do is calibrate the color temperature.

1. Go to Settings → Display → Colors.
2. Choose the “Standard” (for natural colors) or “Saturated” (for bright colors).
3. Activate Auto Brightness, but turn off Reading in the Dark – it often doesn’t work properly.

Pay special attention to gesture settings. Mi 5 supports both classic navigation buttons and gestures. MIUI (To use your finger to move from the edge of the screen:

1. Open Settings → Display → Full-screen mode.
2. Select “Gests” and activate the option.
3. In the Additional Settings section, turn off gesture prompts so they don't get in the way.

If you use the Mi 5 for gaming, it is recommended to turn off the screen autorotation in Settings. → Display. → Autoturn, as the gyroscope sensor on this device sometimes works falsely.

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To quickly turn on/off autoturn, add the appropriate tile to the notification panel: swipe down from the top edge of the screen, click Edit and drag the Autoturn icon to the active area.

Optimizing performance and battery

The Xiaomi Mi 5 on the Snapdragon 820 is still capable of carrying modern tasks, but this requires the system to be properly configured. The main problems that users face are overheating, braking and fast battery discharge.

The first step is to disable unnecessary background processes. MIUI The default is aggressive optimization, which often kills apps in the background:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.
2. Turn off auto-run for all applications except instant messengers and system services.
3. In the Battery section → Select Power Mode “Performance” (if you want maximum performance) or “Balanced” (for saving charge).

To combat overheating:

• 🔥 Turn off background sync for unnecessary accounts (Settings) → Accounts).
• 🎮 In games, you must restrict them. FPS up to 30 fps (via Settings) → Special facilities → Permission for games).
• ☀️ Don’t use your phone in the direct sun – the Mi 5 is prone to overheating due to its compact body.

Critical information: If the temperature of the processor exceeds 60°C, the smartphone will automatically reduce performance. To avoid this, install the app. CPU Throttling Test from Google Play and Track Trottling.

Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications|Set a diet “Balanced»|Limit FPS games up to 30 frames/s|Disable backup sync for unnecessary accounts|Check the temperature of the processor through CPU Throttling Test-->

Communications setup: Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

Xiaomi Mi 5 supports support LTE Cat. 12 (up to 600 Mbps), but the correct setup is required for stable mobile Internet operation APN. If, after insertion, SIM-The internet card is not working:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Click on “Reset to default values”.
3. If it doesn’t work, add it manually. APN your operator (options can be found on the provider’s website).

To improve the reception of Wi-Fi:

• 📶 B Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally, enable the option Smart switch Wi-Fi (automatic transition to a mobile network with a weak signal).
• 🔄 If the speed is low, try changing the router channel from a car to a fixed one (for example, 6 or 11).
• 🛡️ Turn off Wi-Fi Direct and WPS — They may be in conflict with the connection.

Bluetooth on the Mi 5 sometimes has problems connecting to car radios or headphones.

• 🎧 Before connecting the headphones, reset their settings (press the power button for 10 seconds).
• 🚗 For automotive systems, turn off A2DP Bluetooth settings (if the sound is interrupted).
• 🔄 If the device is not located, restart the phone and turn on Flight Mode for 30 seconds.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware Mi 5 does not support aptX codec for Bluetooth headphones. If the sound is poor, try using wired or earphones that support it. AAC.

Installation of updates and firmware

The official support of Xiaomi Mi 5 ended at the end of the MIUI 12.5, but enthusiasts continue to release unofficial builds, including MIUI 14 and LineageOS 20.Firmware updates can significantly improve performance, but requires caution.

If you want to update in an official way:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on "Check Updates."
3. If the update is available, download it and confirm the installation.

To install custom firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader, a process that takes up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi's policy) and involves the following steps:

After unlocking, you can install firmware through TWRP. Popular Options for the Mi 5:

• 📱 MIUI 14 (unofficial port) - modern interface, but camera bugs are possible.
• 🐧 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) – stable work, but without the branded chips Xiaomi.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – Pure Android with Fast Updates.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and may result in a device blink. Check compatibility with the Mi 5 model (codename gemini) before firmware is installed).

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If you're a beginner, start with official firmware. Custom builds require experience and can contain errors, especially in the operation of the camera module or fingerprint sensor.

Hidden functions and engineering menu

Xiaomi Mi 5 hides a lot of useful features that are not available in the standard interface, for example, you can turn on the developer mode to overclock the animation of the system or debug applications.

To activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Press 7 times on the line Version MIUI.
3. Return to the main settings menu and a new section for developers will appear.

In the engineering menu (#4636##) you can:

• 📊 Check the status of the battery (section Information about the battery).
• 📶 Test the strength of the network signal (phone information).
• 🔧 Turn on USB-debugging ADB.

Another hidden feature is the high-performance mode for gaming, to turn it on:

adb shell settings put global force_high_performance true

This command disables restrictions on heating and energy consumption, but reduces battery life.

For experimentation lovers, there is an opportunity to change DPI screen (pixel density) to make the interface look more compact:

1. B Settings → For developers, find the option Minimum width.
2. Set the value of 400 (standard - 420).
3. Reboot the phone.

Typical problem solving

Even after setting up correctly, the Xiaomi Mi 5 can be unstable.

1. Fast battery discharge

• 🔋 Check the battery health through AccuBattery. If the capacity is below 70%, replace the battery.
• ⚡ Turn off Constant Network Search in Settings → SIM-map → Searching the net.
• 🌙 Activate the Dark Theme in Settings → Display — AMOLED-Mi 5 screen consumes less charge when displaying dark colors.

2.Overheating

• 🔥 Remove the case – Mi 5 is prone to overheating due to metal body.
• 🎮 Limit it. FPS in games through settings → Special facilities → Permission for games.
• ☀️ Do not use fast charging in hot conditions.

3. Camera problems

• 📸 If the camera gives blurry pictures, clean the lens with an alcohol napkin.
• 🔄 Reset the camera settings in Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 📱 Install alternative software such as Google Camera (requires the correct one) XML-configuration).

4.The fingerprint sensor is not working

• 👆 Re-register the fingerprint in Settings → Screen locking → Add a print.
• 🔄 If the sensor is not responding, check the integrity of the glass above it (cracks can block the scanner).
• 📱 Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI There were sensor bugs.

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If the fingerprint sensor problem occurred after the phone fell, the plume is likely damaged, and only repairs will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 5