The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is one of the first devices in the world to have a transparent back panel, and is still a powerful device capable of solving most everyday tasks. However, like any device based on the MIUI shell, out of the box it requires a competent initial configuration for stable operation. Without the right setup, the user can face aggressive energy savings that will close the background applications, or not get access to key security features.
In this article, we will take a look at the steps that will make your device a perfect tool, how to calibrate your display, customize your underscreen fingerprint scanner, and optimize your system for your needs, and how to prepare your device properly in the first hours of use will directly affect your performance in the future.
Many owners make the mistake of ignoring advanced system settings immediately after unpacking, which leads to the fact that the phone does not work as efficiently as it could.We will help you avoid typical errors and unleash the full potential of the flagship Snapdragon 845 processor.
Initial activation and configuration of accounts
The initial setup process begins immediately after the device is turned on, at which point the system will suggest selecting a language, connecting to a Wi-Fi network and logging in to an account. It is critical for users of the Xiaomi ecosystem to create or use an existing Mi Account, as this opens up access to cloud storage, device search and contact synchronization functions.
When you log in to a Google account, the system will offer to restore data from the backup, a convenient way to transfer the list of installed applications and Wi-Fi passwords from an old Android smartphone, but you should carefully monitor what data is imported, so as not to transfer software debris or configuration conflicts.
☑️ Primary Account Setup
Even if the time zone is automatically determined, check the time (12 or 24 hours) and calendar format, as this affects alarms and reminders. Incorrectly exposed region can also limit the operation of some services, such as Mi Pay or themes.
⚠️ Warning: When logging into Mi Account, be sure to use a strong password and attach a phone number.This is the only way to return access to the device in the event of a lock or loss.
Calibration of the display and work with a transparent panel
The unique feature of the Mi 8 Pro is its transparent back cover, which shows the interior stylized as real hardware. To appreciate this design, you need to adjust the display of the interface. The Super AMOLED screen requires the correct color reproduction for comfortable use.
Go to Settings → Screen → Color scheme. By default, you can either have Standard or Saturated mode. For the most accurate color rendering, close to reality, you should choose SRGB mode. If you like bright, "screamy" colors, leave the saturated mode, but reduce the color temperature slider to the cold side to remove the yellowness.
The transparent panel also includes a fingerprint sensor under the glass, which can be adjusted. Go to Settings → Lock screen and find the item associated with the scanner, and here you should turn on the sensitivity enhancement option if you use the protective glass.
💡
For a better performance of the fingerprint scanner under the screen, stick a hydrogel film instead of thick tempered glass. Thick glass can reduce the speed and accuracy of reading biometrics.
Brightness is another important parameter: Turn on autobrightness, but give the system a couple of days to learn. MIUI algorithms remember your preferences in different light conditions. By manually adjusting the brightness slider in the early days, you help your smartphone understand what level of backlight you are comfortable with.
Battery optimization and energy management
The 3,000mAh battery in the Mi 8 Pro is a compromise due to its transparent design and compact body. So the power saving setting is more important here than in models with large batteries. MIUI is known for its aggressive policy of closing the background processes, which must be taken under control.
First, open Settings → Battery → Battery Percentage and turn on the status bar percentage display. Then go to the charge saving settings. Here you can select the "No Limits" mode for messengers and navigators so that they don't turn off in the background. For other applications, the standard mode will work.
- 🔋 Turn off Adaptive Brightness at night if it interferes or set a nighttime schedule.
- 🔋 Check the list of high-energy apps and limit background activity for heavy gaming.
- 🔋 Use Full Screen mode in battery settings for maximum gaming performance, but keep in mind the heat.
It's also important to set up discharge alerts. Set the warning threshold at 20% to have time to find the charger. The battery optimization feature available by pressing the power menu button is useful, but don't run it too often manually, as it can knock off background processes.
Security and biometrics setting
Data security on a modern smartphone is based on biometrics. Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is equipped with an infrared face scanner that works even in complete darkness, and an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.
When you add a fingerprint, the system will ask you to put your finger repeatedly. Don't be lazy and add the same finger twice at different angles. This will increase the speed of unlocking. It's also recommended that you create a backup profile for the face if you wear glasses or change your hairstyle.
| Protection method | Speed of operation | Security | Working in the dark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finger scanner | Tall. | Very high. | Yes. |
| Face unlocking | Instant. | Medium | Yeah (IR sensor) |
| Pin code. | Low. | Tall. | Yes. |
| pattern lock | Medium | Medium | Yes. |
Remember to enable device encryption, which is usually active by default but requires a strong lock password. Without a password, biometrics may be less secure in the event of a complex hack.
⚠️ Attention: Infrared face unlock in the Mi 8 Pro is fast, but less secure for banking applications compared to the fingerprint scanner.
Fine tuning of the MIUI interface
MIUI provides a huge customization experience that is often hidden from the eyes of the average user. Start with notification management. MIUI has an iOS and Android-style notification center. You can switch between them from the Settings menu → Notifications and Status bar → Notification style.
Gesture control is another area to set up. Three navigation buttons can be active by default. Switching to gesture control (Settings → Screen → Navigation) frees up useful screen space and makes interaction with a large display more convenient with one hand. Swips on the right and left to switch apps significantly speed up the work.
The Hidden Possibilities of Second Space
Themes and design allow you to change the look of the system beyond recognition. Themes app allows you to download not only wallpaper, but also full packages of icons, fonts and sounds of the system. However, be careful: third-party themes may contain ads or work incorrectly with the latest versions of Android.
For advanced users, the developer mode is available. To activate it, you need to click on the MIUI version number 7 times in the About Phone menu, and you can change the speed of the window animations, which will visually speed up the interface, or enable debugging over USB.
System update and maintenance
The first thing to do after the basic setup is to check for updates. Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro has received official updates to a specific version of Android, and installing the latest security patches is critical. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.
If the automatic update doesn't find a new version, you can use the manual method. Download the current firmware (Recovery ROM) from the official site, place the update.zip file in the root of internal memory and select "Select file" in the update menu. This often helps if the update comes in parts.
💡
Regular firmware updates close security vulnerabilities and improve camera and battery algorithms. Don't ignore notifications of new software versions.
After the system update, it is recommended to clear the partition cache or at least restart the device. In the first hours after the update, the phone can warm up and discharge faster - this is normal, file optimization is underway. Let the device lie on charge for about an hour after installing a major update.