After unpacking the new Redmi Note 9 Pro smartphone, the user is faced with the need to properly initial configuration the system. Modern MIUI shells offer dozens of features that can be disabled by default or not set up optimally for comfortable use. Proper preparation of the device for operation allows you to unlock the full potential of the Snapdragon 720G hardware platform and avoid common autonomy problems.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail the steps of activation, interface configuration and optimization of system processes. We will pay special attention to privacy and background management, since these aspects are the most often asked by owners of devices of the Chinese brand.
Don’t ignore the initial settings, even if you’ve used Xiaomi smartphones before. Firmware updates regularly change the logic of security and energy management. Properly set settings at the start will save you time and nerves in the future, preventing you from having to reset deeply or reconfigure complexly.
Initial activation and configuration of accounts
The process of enabling the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro starts with selecting the language and connecting to the Wi-Fi network. At this stage, the system will offer to upgrade to the latest available firmware version. It is highly recommended to update immediately, as the factory version of the software may contain critical vulnerabilities or bugs fixed in later security patches. The process can take from 15 to 40 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet.
This is a key element of the ecosystem that allows you to sync contacts, notes, photos and find a device in the event of a loss. Without linking to Mi Account, many functions, such as finding a phone or using a theme, will be unavailable or limited.
- 🔐 Create a strong password for Mi Account using a combination of letters and numbers.
- 📸 Turn on gallery sync so that photos are automatically saved to the cloud.
- 📍 Activate the “Find Device” function for remote control of your smartphone.
- 📲 Link your phone number to restore access through SMS-code.
In parallel with the Xiaomi account, the system will offer to log into the Google account, which is necessary for the Play Market, YouTube, Gmail and other services of the company. If you already have an account, just enter the data; if not, create a new one directly from the settings menu.
It’s important to understand that accounts operate independently, but their bundle provides maximum functionality.Mi Account is responsible for Xiaomi’s hardware features and cloud, while Google manages software and multimedia content.
Optimization of MIUI interface and navigation
The MIUI shell installed on the Redmi Note 9 Pro differs significantly from standard Android in its approach to organizing the desktop. By default, there is no app menu, and all shortcuts are displayed on the home screen, as in iOS. However, the user can change this behavior by returning the familiar structure of Android.
To change your desktop style, go to Settings → Desktop and select Classic Menu mode. This action will create a separate button for a list of all applications, freeing the main screen from unnecessary visual noise, and you can adjust the grid of icons, changing their size for a denser layout.
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Use the “No Limits” theme in the Themes app if you want to clean the interface of visual debris and advertising as much as possible.
The Redmi Note 9 Pro can be used to activate control buttons or gestures by default, and the switch to gesture control (Settings → Additional settings → Full-screen mode) allows you to use the usable screen area more efficiently by hiding the bottom panel.
- 🖐 Swipe from the bottom up - return to the main screen.
- ⬅ Swipe to the left or right of the edge - action "Back".
- ⏸ Swipe from bottom to top with a delay - opening the menu of running applications.
- 📱 Shaking - quick screenshot (can be turned off if it interferes).
The touchscreen polling frequency setting is also available in game mode, but for everyday use, standard 120 Hz (in supported versions of the software) or 60 Hz is enough for smooth interface operation.
Notifications and System Advertising Management
One of the most annoying features of MIUI is the abundance of advertising notifications and pre-installed software. Fortunately, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro has a hidden switch that allows you to disable the bulk of the system’s advertising recommendations.
To do this, go to the Settings menu → Passwords and Security → Access to Personal Data (or “Privacy”). Find the msa service (MIUI System Ads) and turn off the switchboard. The system will try to convince you to leave the advertisement by offering to wait 10 seconds – be patient and click “Cancel”.
⚠️ Note: msa may automatically turn on again after a while. Check this settings item periodically, especially after major system updates.
And then you have to go through the built-in apps, "Music," "Video," "Cleaning," "Conductor." Each of them, usually in the top right corner or in the three-dot menu, has a "Receive recommendations" or "Show ads" option, and turning them off will make smartphone use much more enjoyable.
List of system processes to disable recommendations
Don't forget to set up the control center. In newer versions of MIUI, it's divided into two parts: the notification curtain on the left and the control panel on the right. If you're familiar with the classic Android look where everything is in one curtain, change that to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Control Center.
Battery setting and energy saving
The Redmi Note 9 Pro has a 5020 mAh battery, which is a great indicator. However, to keep the device running for a long time not only on paper but also in reality, you need to set up the energy saving system correctly. MIUI's aggressive policy of closing background applications can lead to the fact that you will not receive notifications from messengers on time.
Go to Settings → Battery and Performance. You can choose the mode of operation here. For everyday use, the optimal mode is Balanced. Energy Saving mode limits background activity and brightness, and Performance speeds up the processor, expending charge faster.
| Mode of work | Impact on CPUs | Background processes | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced | Automatic. | Permitted. | Daily use |
| Saving energy | Limited. | Limited. | Critical charge (< 20%) |
| Productivity | Maximum. | Not limited. | Hard games |
| No restrictions. | Complete. | Complete. | Testing/Benchmark |
An important step is to set up auto-run applications. Go to the Security app → Permissions → Auto-Run. Leave only those applications that need to be alerted instantly (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp, email) on, and the rest of them should be turned off so they don't load the RAM immediately after the phone is turned on.
☑️ Optimizing the battery
It is also recommended to enable Adaptive Brightness in the screen settings, which will allow the smartphone to automatically adjust the backlight of the matrix depending on the lighting, which significantly saves charge during the day.
Camera and additional functions
The 64MP main camera module in the Redmi Note 9 Pro is capable of taking detailed pictures, but standard settings may not reveal its potential. In the Camera app, you should activate the frame-building grid and HDR, which automatically improves dynamic range.
For mobile photography enthusiasts, the Pro mode, which allows you to manually set ISO, shutter speed and white balance, will be interesting, especially when shooting in difficult lighting conditions, where automation can be mistaken.
- 🌃 Turn on "Night Mode" manually for low light shooting.
- 🎥 Use stabilization when recording video for a smooth picture.
- 📸 Set the volume button to shutter or zoom.
- 🤳 Activate facial recognition for autofocus in portrait mode.
The IR port on the top of the smartphone deserves special attention, and with its help, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro can become a universal control panel for a TV, air conditioner or console. The Mi Remote app is already preinstalled and contains databases for thousands of devices.
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The infrared port allows you to control household appliances even without access to the Internet, using infrared radiation, like a conventional remote.
Don't forget to also set up the fingerprint scanner that's built into the power button. Even though it's sideways, the recognition speed in this model is quite high. Add a few fingerprints (like thumbs of both hands) for easy unlocking in different positions.