Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular mid-range devices, combining a powerful Helio G90T processor and an advanced camera. However, immediately after unpacking a new gadget or after resetting to factory settings, the user is faced with the MIUI interface, which requires a competent initial configuration for comfortable operation. Proper system configuration at the start will eliminate intrusive advertising, prolong battery life and ensure maximum performance in games and everyday tasks.
The initial activation process takes no more than 15-20 minutes, but ignoring some of the items can lead to inconvenience in the future. For example, without properly configuring your Mi Account account, you will lose access to cloud storage and device search. In this article, we will detail each step, from unpacking to fine-tuning the interface to make your smartphone work like a clock.
It’s worth noting that firmware may vary by region (Global, European or Chinese), but the basic principles remain the same: Careful application resolutions and security settings will initially create a solid foundation for the device to use.
Initial activation and language selection
After the device is turned on, a welcome window with the MIUI logo will appear on the screen. The first step will be to choose the interface language. For users from CIS countries, Russian is usually available, which is set by default or selected from the list. If the language is not selected automatically, find it in the list and confirm the action.
The system will then offer Wi-Fi connectivity. Using a wireless connection at this stage is critical, as it is necessary to activate Google services and verify your Mi Account. Mobile Internet will also work, but may be less stable when downloading system updates.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t miss the system update check phase if it comes right after you connect to the network. Installing fresh security patches on the new device will close vulnerabilities that may have been in the factory firmware.
The next screen will suggest you sign in to your existing Mi Account or create a new one. Having a Xiaomi account will give you access to themes, the cloud and Find Device features. If you already have an account, just enter your username and password. Otherwise, it will take a couple of minutes to sign up and require a phone number.
Once you log in, the system will offer to restore data from your old phone, you can copy contacts, messages, photos, and even icons from another Android smartphone or iPhone, a process that is done through the Mi Mover app, which runs on Wi-Fi Direct.
Security and biometrics setting
Data security is a top priority when configuring any modern gadget. Redmi Note 8 Pro features a fingerprint scanner built into the power button on the side of the face, as well as a face unlock module. Biometrics is set up in Settings → Passwords and security.
The fingerprint scanner works quickly and conveniently, allowing you to unlock the phone with a single click, and it is recommended to add several fingerprints: for example, the thumb of the right hand to unlock in your pocket and the index finger of the left hand when the phone is lying on the table, biometric data is stored in a secure partition of memory and is not transmitted to servers.
- 🔐 Add a thumbprint for quick unlocking in your hand.
- 🔐 Record the fingerprint of the index finger of the second hand for convenience.
- 🔐 Set up face unlock for situations where hands are busy.
- 🔐 Install a strong pattern lock or digital code in case of biometric failure.
Second Space, which allows you to create an isolated environment in a phone with a separate set of applications and files, access to which is protected by your password or fingerprint, is the ideal solution for separating work and personal data on one device.
⚠️ Warning: When setting up a face unlock, remember it's less secure than a fingerprint.A three-dimensional face model isn't built, so using the owner's photo could theoretically unlock the device.
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Use the “Accelerated Unlock” feature in your fingerprint settings to make your phone respond to touch faster, although this may increase battery consumption slightly.
Optimizing the MIUI interface and removing advertising
The MIUI interface is known for its functionality, but by default it contains many pre-installed apps and ad modules. The first step to comfort is to turn off ads in system applications such as Explorer, Music and Themes. To do this, you need to go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to personal data and disable the msa service (MIUI System Ads).
Once you turn off msa, you should go through each system application with content, for example, in the Themes app, you should click on the profile, select Settings and remove the Slider "Show ads." Similar actions are performed in the Music, Video and Explorer apps, which will make using your smartphone much more enjoyable.
Desktop customization is also important for ergonomics. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a large screen, and one-handed control can be difficult. Turn on One-Hand mode in the notification curtain or adjust navigation gestures to discard the classic buttons. Gestures allow you to control the phone with swipes, which is especially convenient on large diagonals.
Hidden opportunities of the launcher
Don't forget to set up the notification curtain. In MIUI, it's divided into two parts: notifications and switches. A swipe to the right opens the control center, and a swipe to the left opens the notification list. This behavior can be changed in the notification settings to make it look like standard Android, if you're familiar with it.
Camera and photography settings
The Redmi Note 8 Pro’s main camera, with a Samsung GW1 64MP sensor, is capable of taking detailed pictures, but only when set up correctly. By default, the camera can shoot in 16MP mode (using pixel binning technology), which gives excellent results in daylight. However, for maximum resolution, you need to activate the 64MP mode in the “More” menu.
For portrait photographers, it is important to adjust the blur effects, allowing you to adjust the degree of bokeh after shooting, if you use Portrait mode. Also pay attention to the HDR settings. In most situations, the AI Camera mode automatically determines the scene and selects the optimal colors, but it can be turned off if the colors seem oversaturated.
| Mode of shooting | Permission | When to use | Expert council |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main (16 MP) | 16 MP (4 in 1) | Daily shooting, low light | The best balance of quality and speed |
| High resolution. | 64 MP | Landscapes, daylight, photo printing | Requires immobility, the file weighs ~20 MB |
| Portrait | Depends on the zoom. | Photography of people, animals, objects | Watch your eye focus. |
| Night mode. | Depends on the stage. | Shooting in the Dark without a Flash | Keep your phone still for 3-4 seconds |
Video shooting on the Redmi Note 8 Pro supports 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. To record dynamic scenes, you better switch to 1080p and 60 frames, which will provide a smoother picture. Image stabilization works software and is quite effective for fast walking, but when running, you better use additional gimbal stabilizers.
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For the best photos in the room, turn on the flash screen or use the night mode with a tripod, as the matrix is sensitive to hand tremors.
Battery and performance management
The 4,500 mAh battery combined with the Helio G90T processor requires a smart energy management system. The MIUI system offers several modes of operation: Balanced, Economy and Performance. For everyday tasks, a balanced mode is optimal, which automatically adjusts the frequency of the processor.
Game Turbo is a must-have feature for customizing the game experience, not only optimizing system resources for games, but also allowing you to block notifications, take screenshots, and even broadcast the screen. You can add the game to Game Turbo through the Security app or game shortcut.
- 🔋 Enable "Memory Optimization" to automatically clean background processes.
- 🔋 Set up Auto Run applications to prevent unnecessary programs from running in the background.
- 🔋 Use "Adaptive Brightness" to Save Screen Charge.
- 🔋 Turn off the keyboard vibration for a small but pleasant energy saving.
Fast 18W charging allows you to fully charge the device in about 2 hours.It is recommended to use the original cable and power supply with support for Quick Charge 4.0 or PD. Using cheap analogues can lead to slow charging and overheating of the power controller.
⚠️ Attention: Helio processor G90T This is normal, but try not to play heavy games while charging to avoid trottling (decreased performance due to overheating).
☑️ Checklist of battery optimization
Working with notifications and notifications of applications
One of the features of MIUI is aggressive work with background processes, which can lead to delay in notifications from messengers. To guarantee to receive messages from WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, you need to fix these applications in memory and allow auto-run.
Go to the settings of a particular application (long click on the icon → About → Battery) and select No Limits mode. Also in the Security menu → Permissions → Auto Start, make sure that the switches in front of important messengers are active. This will prevent the loss of important messages.
Sorting notifications in the curtain is also configured. You can hide the content of notifications on a locked screen to preserve privacy. To do this, go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification format and select Hide Content.
Smart folders are another useful feature for organizing notifications, which can automatically group messages from stores, banks or social networks to avoid cluttering the main list, and this is especially true for users who install many applications.