Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 8 became a landmark device for the company, first received AMOLED-screen NFC double-frequency GPS Although it wasn't released yesterday, it's still popular today because it's balanced and affordable on the secondary market, but in order for it to work consistently and quickly, you need to properly configure the system. MIUI.
The process of activating a new or reset device can seem confusing due to the abundance of settings and suggestions from the manufacturer. Many users make the mistake of missing important steps of personalization or, conversely, installing unnecessary tracking services. Competent setting of the Xiaomi Mi 8 will unlock the potential of the Snapdragon 845 processor and ensure smooth operation of the interface.
In this article, we will discuss each step in detail, from the insertion SIM-You will learn how to secure your data, optimize your energy consumption and get rid of the intrusive advertising that often annoys newcomers to the Mi ecosystem.
Primary activation and configuration SIM-map
The first step after switching on the device is to install communication modules. Xiaomi Mi 8 uses a hybrid tray, so it is important to properly navigate the slots. The tray is removed with a special clip that comes with a kit, or a thin needle.
Note that unlike many modern models, there is no separate slot for the memory card, since the memory is soldered on the board. SIM-You don't need a card or a microSD card, only two nano-SIMs are supported.
⚠️ Attention: Tray SIM-The Xiaomi Mi 8 has a waterproof pad. When you remove the rubber seal, otherwise the tightness of the case will be broken, and the phone will lose spray protection.
Once the phone is turned on, the system will suggest choosing a language and region. For users from CIS countries, it is recommended to choose the region "Russia" or "Ukraine" to work correctly with local services and weather widgets. If you plan to use the phone abroad, choose the appropriate country for the correct time and frequency settings.
This is a critical point, because you need to access the Internet to activate your account and check for security updates. If the network is password protected, enter it carefully. If you use mobile Internet to activate, make sure that you have funds on your balance, although traffic is minimal.
Mi Account Registration and Security
At the center of the ecosystem is Mi Account, which is not just email, but the key to cloud storage, device search, and data synchronization, and when it first starts, it insists on signing in to an existing account or creating a new one.
Registration goes through a secure connection. You will need to provide a phone number or email address. Never miss this step, since without Mi Account you can not perform a full reset or unlock the device after a forgotten password.
What does Mi Account do?
Once logged in, the system will offer customization of biometric protection methods. Xiaomi Mi 8 is equipped with an infrared face scanner that works even in complete darkness, and a fingerprint scanner located on the back.
- 🔐 Setting up Face ID: The system counts several face angles to improve recognition accuracy.
- 👆 Fingerprint scanner: allows you to unlock your phone without looking at the screen, and also pay for purchases.
- 🔒 Screen Password: Be sure to set a digital or pattern lock as a backup method.
It is also important to activate Find Device in your account settings, which will allow you to remotely lock your smartphone or erase data in the event of a theft, and to work this feature, geolocation must be enabled constantly.
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Mi Account is your smartphone's digital passport, and without it, your device becomes a simple caller with limited functionality and no app installation from a store.
Configuring the interface and MIUI system
Interface. MIUI It's very different from stock Android, offering a lot of customization options. → Screen. Here you can select the font size, display mode (classic or modern) and adjust the color temperature.
One of the key features is gesture control. The Xiaomi Mi 8 doesn't have a mechanical home button, so navigation is done by swipes. → The full screen can be chosen between gestures (swipes from the edges) and the classic three buttons.
To make you more comfortable with one hand, activate One Hand mode, which compresses the interface to the bottom of the screen, and you should also pay attention to the design topic. In the Themes app, you can completely change the appearance of icons, fonts and system sounds.
Don't forget to check the notification settings. In MIUI, they're grouped by application, and you can set your own level of importance for each, which helps you avoid unnecessary noise and vibration at the wrong time.
Data transfer and synchronization
When you switch from an old smartphone to a Xiaomi Mi 8, you have to move your contacts, photos and apps, and the Mi Mover app allows you to do it quickly and without using a computer.
The process is simple: install the app on your old phone (if Android or iOS is there), select “I am the recipient” on the new device, and scan. QR-The system will transmit contacts, messages, calls, photos and even the placement of icons on the desktop.
☑️ Checklist before data transfer
Google users can simply log in to their Google Play account when they first set up, automatically adjust their contacts and calendar, and sync photos through Google Photos or the Mi Cloud.
They will have to be installed and reconfigured by re-entering passwords.
Optimizing battery and performance
The battery capacity of 3000 mAh in Xiaomi Mi 8 requires a competent approach to power consumption, especially taking into account the power consumption. AMOLED-The system. MIUI Has aggressive energy saving algorithms that can sometimes interfere with the work of messengers.
To get notifications from WhatsApp or Telegram on time, you need to set up autostart. Go to Settings → Battery → Autostart and allow the necessary applications to work. Also, you can see detailed statistics on the battery consumption of each application from the Battery menu.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of update | 60 Hz | Standard for this model, balance of quality and energy |
| Dark subject matter | Included. | Significantly saves charge on the AMOLED matrix |
| Animation. | 0.5x or 1x | Accelerates the visual perception of the system |
| Always On Display | Scheduled. | Prevents pixel burnout and saves battery |
Using a dark theme is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of a battery. AMOLED-The screen is individually lit, black means a complete shutdown of the backlight at this point.
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For maximum charge savings, turn on Ultra-energy saving in the notification curtain when the battery is down. The phone will limit functionality to calls and SMS, but last much longer.
Removing Advertising and Setup Privacy
One of the most frustrating aspects of MIUI is the built-in advertising, which, fortunately, can be completely disabled with the Xiaomi Mi 8, without requiring third-party software or root rights.
The main source of advertising is the msa service (MIUI System Ads). To turn it off, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to personal data. Find the "msa" list and turn off the slider. The system will ask you to wait 10 seconds before confirming it, which is normal.
You should also turn off ad personalization. In the Security app, click on the settings gear, find "Receive recommendations" and turn it off. Similar settings are found in the Music, Video, Explorer and Downloads apps.
⚠️ Note: After disabling the msa service, the ad may disappear within 24 hours, rather than instantly.
Also, check the settings in Settings → Passwords & Security → Special Features. This often hides permissions for system applications to access usage data, which is also used to target ads.