How to set up Xiaomi Redmi Pro: from basic parameters to hidden MIUI features

Xiaomi Redmi Pro – the iconic smartphone of 2016, which is still in demand thanks to the unique combination of a dual-camera module, AMOLED-It's a screen and a metal body, but it's firmware. MIUI (Even in current versions, it has hundreds of hidden settings that are not obvious to beginners.This article will help not only to properly configure the device after buying or resetting, but also to unlock its potential: from battery optimization to fine-tuning the camera and performance.

We'll take the process from scratch, from choosing the language when you first turn on, to installing custom themes and turning off unnecessary system processes, and focus on the unique features of the Redmi Pro, the dual camera with optical zoom and the Night Shooting 1.0 mode, which work differently in the newer Xiaomi models, and if you bought a used device or encountered Chinese firmware, you'll find solutions here, too.

First Installing and Basic Setup

After removing the smartphone from the box (or after a hard reset), you will have to go through the initial setup process. On the Xiaomi Redmi Pro, it takes 5-7 minutes, but there are nuances that affect the future work:

1. Language selection: If you have a Chinese firmware version (a common problem when buying from AliExpress), the list of languages may not be Russian. The solution is to immediately connect to Wi-Fi and update the software through Settings → About Phone → System Update. After the update, Russian will appear.

2. Mi Account Link: Without Xiaomi, you will not be able to use branded services (cloud storage, device search, themes). But if you bought a used phone, first perform a factory reset via Recovery, otherwise you risk remaining with someone else's account in the system.

• 🔄 Reset via Recovery: Turn off your phone → Hold the volume.+ + Nutrition → Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
• 🌐 Wi-Fi Connection: Use a 5GHz network if the router supports it – this will speed up the download of updates.
• 🔒 Skipping unnecessary steps: In the “Personalization” stage, you can disable the sending of diagnostic data (saves traffic).

⚠️ If the first time you turn on the smartphone requires you to enter a password from the previous Mi Account – this is a lock FRP. It is solved only through the official Xiaomi unlocker (purchase check is needed) or informal methods (risk of bricking").

Optimizing performance and battery

The Redmi Pro is equipped with a Helio X25 processor (10 cores!) and 3/4 GB of RAM, but over time even it begins to "brake."

• 🗑️ Clogged memory: App cache and junk files take up to 5-8 GB.
• 🔋 Background processes: MIUI aggressively keeps apps in memory even when they are not in use.
• 🔄 Auto Updates: The system can download updates on the mobile network.

To speed up the work:

1. Open Settings → Apps → App management and sort by size. Remove unnecessary programs (especially “Chinese garbage” like Mi Video, Mi Music).
2. Enable Settings → Additional → Overclock (only available on some versions of MIUI) This activates all 10 CPU cores.
3. Turn off animation: go to Settings → About phone, tap 7 times on the MIUI version, then in the Developer Settings set all animations to 0.5x.

Dual camera setup and hidden shooting chips

The Redmi Pro's main feature is a 2× (13MP + 5MP) dual camera, but by default it's inefficient. Here's how to unlock its potential:

1. Night Shooting 1.0 Mode: Unlike the new Xiaomi, it uses a unique processing algorithm that works better with moving objects.

Camera settings → Additional → Night mode → Enable “Improved Stabilization”

Manual ISO settings and shutter speeds: In Pro mode, you can manually set parameters.

• 📸 ISO: 800-1600 (higher - too noisy)
• ⏱️ Excerpt: 1/10–1/4 sec (use a tripod!)
• 🎯 Focus: Manual focusing on the screen

3. Super Pixel Secret Mode: Combines pixels for better detail, and is enabled via the engineering menu:

#4636### → → Enable Super Pixel

⚠️ Note: When shooting in format RAW (Available in Pro mode) files take 20–25 MB. Before shooting, check the free space - Redmi Pro does not support recording. RAW on SD-map.

Memory: Cleaning and Transferring Data

Redmi Pro was released in versions with 32/64/128 GB of memory, but even 128 GB quickly end due to the features of MIUI. The system reserves up to 6-8 GB for your needs, and the cache of applications can take up to 10 GB.

Effective ways to make room:

1. Cache cleanup: Settings → Storage → Cache data. You can remove up to 3-5 GB of garbage here.
2. Transfer of applications to SD-map: 📱 Not all apps are supported (WhatsApp, Telegram cannot be moved). 🔄 After transferring the app icon may disappear – restart the phone.

Removal of duplicate photos

Gallery → Albums → Duplicates

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If the phone says "Memory is full" but there is enough space, check the /sdcard/MIUI/sss folder. Here are screenshots and screen recordings that are not displayed in the gallery.

Network and Internet settings: 4G, Wi-Fi, GPS

Redmi Pro supports LTE Cat.6 (up to 300 Mbps), but by default it can run slower due to network settings.

Selection of 4G network:

- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network.

Choose 4G (preferably) instead of Auto.

If the speed is low, manually select the operator in Network Selection → Manual scan.

Wi-Fi acceleration:

- Enable Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → High Performance Mode.

If the router supports 5 GHz, connect to this network (less interference).

For online gaming, turn off Automatic Switching to Mobile Data.

3. Correction of GPS problems:

If the navigator does not catch satellites well, download the latest A-GPS data:

Settings → Additional → Location Accuracy → Download A-GPS data

To speed up your search for satellites, use the GPS Status & Toolbox app.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Mobile network gone – reset your network settings through Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the network settings. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords!

Security and confidentiality

MIUI collects a lot of user data, but most spyware functions can be turned off, and we'll also deal with unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware.

Disabling data collection:

- Settings → Privacy → Special Permits → Usage Data → Disable all items.

- In Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Synchronization, disable unnecessary options (for example, synchronizing notes).

Unlock the bootloader (necessary for custom firmware):

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone.

2 Go to en.miui.com/unlock and request permission to unblock.

3. Download Mi Unlock Tool and connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume)− + Nutrition).

• 🔓 Unlocking Risks: Loss of warranty, possible "brief" in case of error.
• 🛡️ Alternative: Install TWRP Recovery without unlocking through vulnerability (relevant to older versions) MIUI).

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Even after all data collection options are turned off, MIUI continues to send anonymous telemetry, which can only be completely eliminated through custom firmware (like LineageOS).

Hidden MIUI features for Redmi Pro

MIUI hides a lot of useful features that are not documented.

Second space mode:

Allows you to create a second desktop with separate applications and data.

- Enabled through Settings → Second Space.

It is useful for separating work and personal life.

Gestures on the lock screen:

You can assign swipes up/down/left/right to quickly launch applications.

- Settings: Settings → Lock screen → Gestures.

3. Hidden Developer Mode for Camera:

- Includes additional settings (for example, shooting in DNG format).

Activated via the engineering menu: ##36446337## → Camera → Enable Camera2 API.

Accelerated charging:

By default, Redmi Pro charges 58% in 30 minutes, but you can speed up the process:

Turn on the settings → Battery → Quick charging.

Use the original adapter (9V/2A).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi Pro