Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a budget smartphone with advanced features, but even it requires the right setup to unleash the full potential. Many users are limited to basic parameters, unaware that MIUI 14 contains dozens of useful features. This article will help not only activate the device, but also optimize it for your needs, from saving charge to protecting data.
We will take the setup process in stages, from first turn on to latent firmware, focus on newcomers’ problems (e.g. why Face Unlock doesn’t work in some regions) and provide specific solutions. All instructions are relevant for the global and European versions of Redmi 12 (23127RN86G and 23127RN86Y models).
First Enabling and Activating Smartphone
When you unpack Redmi 12, you'll see the power button on the right side, press it for 3 seconds, the smartphone vibrates and starts loading. It takes up to 2 minutes for the first switch on, as the system initializes the components, the MI logo will appear on the screen, then the welcome window with the choice of language.
Important point: if you bought a phone in China, in the first 5 minutes after activation, you may receive a request to link to a Xiaomi account with a Chinese number. This restriction is bypassed through Settings → My device → MIUI version (5 times press to unlock the developer mode).
- 🌐 Select the interface language (Russian is available in global firmware).
- 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi – without the Internet will not be able to activate some functions.
- 🔑 Set up unlocking: fingerprint or pattern lock (PIN-Code is mandatory for Google Pay).
- ☁️ Sign in to your Mi Account or create a new one – this will give you access to the cloud backup.
If you see a message at the activation stage saying, "This device is linked to another account," it means that the phone was in use, and this is solved through the FAQ section at the end of the article.
The basic configuration of MIUI 14: what to change right away
The standard firmware Redmi 12 contains many unnecessary applications and suboptimal settings. First of all, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and delete:
- 🎮 Mi Game Center (if you don't play mobile games).
- 📰 Mi Browser (replace with Chrome or Firefox).
- 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video (there are more functional alternatives).
- 📱 Cleaner (Integrated Optimization only slows down the system).
Animation optimization: To speed up the interface, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times press to activate developer mode). Then to Settings → Additional → For developers, set:
- 🔄 Window animation → Off.
- 🔄 Animation of transitions → Off.
- 🔄 Duration of animation → 0.5x
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If after disabling animations, the interface began to “twitch”, return the settings to 1x – this is a sign of a lack of RAM.
Screen settings: frequency, color palette and Always On Display
Redmi 12 is equipped AMOLED-It's a 90Hz screen, but it's 60Hz by default to save charge:
- Go to Settings → Display.
- Select the screen refresh rate.
- Install 90Hz or Auto (switches between 60/90Hz depending on the content).
For color calibration:
- In the same menu, click the Color Scheme.
- Choose Saturated for bright colors or Standard for natural shades.
- Activate Auto Brightness and calibrate the light sensor manually (hold the phone under different light sources).
Always On Display (AOD) on Redmi 12 only works when the "Rise to Wake" option is turned on in the screen settings. If the function is not activated, check:
- 🔋 Battery level (below 15% AOD shutdown).
- 📱 Version MIUI (in some regional firmware AOD concealed).
| Screen setting | Recommended value | Impact on autonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of update | Auto (60/90 Hz) | Moderate (saves ~10% of charge) |
| Always On Display | On (time only) | High (up to 5% per night) |
| Adaptive brightness | On. | Low (optimizes consumption) |
| Color temperature | Standard. | No influence. |
Battery Optimization: How to Prolong Work Without Recharging
Redmi 12 comes with a battery of 5000 mAh, but without the right settings, the smartphone discharges in a day.
- 📍 Constantly search for Wi-Fi in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally.
- 📡 Improved location accuracy in Settings → Location.
- 🔄 Auto-Update Apps in Play Market → Settings.
For detailed settings, go to Settings → Battery:
- 📉 Activate Energy Saving Mode (limits background activity).
- 🔋 Enable Charging Optimization (extends battery life).
- ⚡ Turn off Fast Charging if you use a non-original adapter.
Hidden function: in Settings → Battery → Battery settings is “Restricting the background for applications.” Add messengers and social networks to this, they won’t be using up charge in the background.
How to reset battery statistics after the upgrade?
Security and privacy: protection against data breaches
MIUI collects a lot of telemetry, but most of it can be turned off. Go to Settings → Privacy and:
- Turn off Personalized Recommendations (data collection for advertising).
- Deactivate Sending Error Reports.
- In the Application Permissions section, disable Location and Microphone access for unnecessary programs.
To protect against malware:
- 🛡️ Install Google Play Protect in your security settings.
- 🔐 Enable Installation Lock from Unknown Sources.
- 📱 Activate Device Search in your Mi Account (will help you find your phone when you lose it).
⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi 12 to work with banking applications, turn off the Double Apps feature in Settings → Some banks block access when cloned messengers are detected.
Network and Communication: 4G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth setup
By default, Redmi 12 uses automatic network selection, but for stable internet, it's better to adjust settings manually. → SIM-maps and mobile networks:
- 📶 Select the preferred type of network: 4G (LTE).
- 🔄 Activate VoLTE and VoWiFi (if the operator supports it).
- 📞 Enable Improved Call Quality for Better Communication.
To optimize Wi-Fi:
- 📶 B Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally, enable Smart Switching (automatically switches to mobile data when signal is weak).
- 🔒 Disable Open Network Connection to Avoid Connecting to Unsecured Points.
- 📡 If Wi-Fi speeds are low, change the frequency range to 5 GHz (if the router supports the same speed).
To solve Bluetooth problems (such as headphone communication breaks):
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Click on the icon. ⚙️ near the connected device.
- Choose the audio codec: AAC (optimum for music) or SBC (for stability of communication).
Signal level above 2 divisions|VoLTE activated|On the plane mode is off.|Bluetooth is disabled (if not in use)-->
Additional features: gestures, sound and smart capabilities
Redmi 12 supports navigation gestures that speed up the work.
- Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen display.
- Select gestures instead of navigation buttons.
- Configure the sensitivity of swipes in Additional gesture settings.
To improve sound:
- 🔊 B Settings → Turn on Volume Amplifier (increases maximum volume by 20%).
- 🎧 Activate the Equalizer in the music player settings.
- 📳 Turn on Vibration When Touched for Tactile Feedback.
Hidden functions of MIUI:
- 📸 Double tap on the screen to wake up (Settings) → Display. → Awakening).
- 🔍 Reading mode (blue light filter with manual temperature setting).
- 📱 Second space (Settings) → Privacy) for the separation of work and personal data.
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The gestures “Swipe down the center of the screen” to call the notification bar and “Swipe up and hold” for multitasking significantly speed up navigation compared to the buttons.