Buying a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when you have in your hands such a popular device as Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. However, to the device to please the speed of work, high-quality pictures and long battery life, it must be properly configured immediately after being removed from the box. Standard factory settings often do not take into account the individual preferences of the user and may contain unnecessary services.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail all the stages of the initial and deep system configuration. MIUI 12 or MIUI 13, which is the basis of the smartphone interface, and you'll learn how to secure your data, optimize your power consumption. AMOLED-And then we get rid of the intrusive ads that are included in the shell by default. Getting started right will prolong the life of its components and improve the user experience.
The setup process does not require deep technical knowledge, but requires attention to detail.We will go from the initial screen turn on to fine-tuning the notification system and security. Follow the steps consistently to create the perfect environment for work and entertainment on your new device.
Initial activation and configuration of accounts
Once you turn on your smartphone and select the interface language, the system will suggest connecting to the Wi-Fi network. This is a critical step, because without the Internet, Mi Account activation and login to Google services are impossible. Use a stable connection so that the process of synchronizing contacts and backups goes without errors and breaks.
This is a central account for the Xiaomi ecosystem, allowing you to find a device when you lose, sync your gallery and notes, and use cloud storage. Don’t miss this step, as it provides basic security for your personal data.
Once you log in, the system can suggest you recover data from your old device, and if you had an Android phone, you can migrate contacts, messages, apps, and even icons on your desktop. This process saves time by eliminating the need to manually install each one. APK-file again.
⚠️ Note: When recovering data, make sure that both devices are charged at more than 50% and are close to each other. interruption of large data transfers can cause files to be corrupted or migration process to stall.
☑️ Primary activation of the smartphone
It's also important to read license agreements carefully, although they're rarely done, and they provide information about what data is being collected to improve services. At the security setting stage, the system will suggest setting up a facial recognition or fingerprint scanner built into the power button, which is biometric encryption that greatly speeds up unlocking and protects payment data.
Optimization of the display and the MIUI interface
The Redmi Note 10S is AMOLED, which provides deep black and saturated shades. To make the image look the best, go to the display settings and select the color mode "Saturated" or "Standard" depending on your preferences. You can also adjust the refresh rate here, although this model is fixed at 60 Hz, which still ensures smooth interface.
The MIUI shell offers a lot of customization options, you can change the font size, scale the display elements, and even set the theme that completely changes the look of the icons and the settings menu. For readers, Read Mode is useful, which adds a light yellow filter to the screen, which reduces the load on the eyes in dim light.
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Turn on the "Auto-Brightness" function and calibrate it in the display settings, which will allow the smartphone to automatically adjust the brightness to the lighting in the room, which will positively affect the autonomy of the device. AMOLED-matrix.
The control panel deserves special attention. In new versions of MIUI, the notification curtain and the quick access bar are separated. The swipe on the top left opens notifications, and on the top right opens toggles (switches) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and flashlight. If you are familiar with the old style of Android, it can be returned to the Settings menu → Notifications and status bar → Notifications management by selecting the “old version”.
Navigation settings are another key point: you can use the classic three buttons at the bottom of the screen or modern gestures. Gesture controls free up useful space on the display and make interaction with the interface more intuitive. Try both to see which one is right for you.
Removing Advertising and Optimizing the System
One of the first tasks that the new owners of Xiaomi solve is to turn off advertising in system applications. Ads can appear in the application “Security”, “Music”, “Conductor” and other built-in utilities. Fortunately, this process is completely legal and does not require obtaining superuser rights (Root).
First, you need to turn off MSA (MIUI System Ads). Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to personal data. Find the msa service in the list and turn off the switch. The system will ask you to wait 10 seconds and confirm the action. If you fail the first time, repeat the procedure several times - this is a common "protection" from users.
Next, you go through the built-in apps and remove the personalized recommendations. Open the Security app, click on the settings gear, and find the "Receive recommendations" option by turning it off. You should do the same thing in the Downloads, Music, Video and Explorer apps, and in each of them, you should find the "Receive recommendations" or "Show ads" box in the settings and deactivate it.
⚠️ Note: After the system update, some ad settings may be reset to factory values. Periodically check the "Receive recommendations" items in system applications to keep the interface clean.
Also, you should disable Google ad personalization. Go to Google's settings through the app menu, select Ads, and click Turn off ad personalization. This will reduce the number of targeted ads based on your search history and location, making smartphone use more private.
Camera and shooting setup
The Redmi Note 10S's core camera module has a 64MP resolution, allowing detailed images. However, by default, the camera shoots in binning mode (combining them into groups), producing 16MP photos with the best dynamic range. To enable full 64MP resolution, you need to select the "More" mode in the camera interface and switch to 64MP.
In the camera settings (cog in the corner), it is recommended to turn on the grid to align the horizon and turn off the watermark of the phone model if you do not need it for self-promotion. Also note the "AI Camera" mode. It automatically adjusts the shooting parameters for the scene (food, nature, documents), making the colors more vivid and contrasting.
Secrets of the Pro regime
Various resolutions are available for video shooting. Image stabilization works well, but in 4K mode it can be limited or absent depending on the firmware version. For everyday shooting, optimally use Full HD at 60 frames per second, which ensures a smooth picture. Remember to wipe the lens before shooting — greasy stains on the lens are the main reason for blurry photos on modern smartphones.
The Redmi Note 10S features a separate macro lens that allows you to focus on objects from a distance of 2-4 cm This opens up opportunities for shooting textures, small details and insects that are difficult to see with the ordinary eye.
Battery and energy management
The 5000 mAh battery is one of the main advantages of this model. In order for the battery to last, it is important to adjust the energy saving modes correctly. From the Settings → Battery menu, you can choose from three profiles: "Economic", "Balanced" or "Productive". For everyday use, the best fit is "Balanced" mode.
MIUI aggressively manages background processes, which sometimes leads to important notifications from messengers not arriving on time. To avoid this, for mission-critical applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, mail) you need to set the battery limit to No Limits mode. This can be done by clamping down the application icon on your desktop, selecting About App → Battery → No Limits.
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Properly adjusting the battery limitations for instant messengers is the key to ensuring you don’t miss an important call or message despite aggressive MIUI optimization.
And you should also pay attention to the Charging Optimization feature, which analyzes your habits and slows down your overnight charging to complete the process just in time for you to wake up, which reduces the degradation of the lithium polymer battery and prolongs its life cycle.
Use only the original charger or certified analogues with support for fast charging 33W. Using cheap power supplies can cause overheating and slow charging, as well as damage the motherboard's power controller.
Security and additional functions
Data security in a modern smartphone comes first. In addition to biometrics, set up a pin or a pattern lock. The Redmi Note 10S also has a "Second Space" feature that allows you to create an isolated environment in your phone, it's like two different smartphones in one: with separate apps, a gallery and accounts protected by an additional password.
The built-in antivirus and threat scanner in the Security app regularly updates databases. Don't ignore its periodic checks, especially if you often install applications from third-party sources (APK-Google Play Protect also works in the background, checking the downloadable software.
| Function | Where to find out. | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Second space | Settings → Special Opportunities | Used to separate work and personal life |
| Application lockdown | Security → Blocking applications | Password gallery and banking applications |
| Searching device | Settings → Mi Account → Device Search | Be sure to include for remote management |
| Hidden album | Gallery → Albums → Hidden Album | To store private photos without external access |
Don't forget about Guest Mode, which allows you to give your phone to a friend or child, limiting access to only certain apps, which is convenient when you need to quickly show a photo or make a call, but you don't want an outsider digging into your personal information.
⚠️ Note: Device Search requires an active Internet connection and Mi Account enabled, without which it will be impossible to remotely lock your phone or erase data.