How to master a Xiaomi smartphone from scratch: from basic settings to hidden features

Xiaomi smartphones have gained popularity due to a combination of powerful characteristics, innovative features and affordable price. MIUI This article often raises questions among beginners - unusual interface, an abundance of settings and Chinese services can be confusing.

We won’t list the obvious things like “how to make a call” — we’ll focus on the things that cause the difficulties: performance optimization, working with dual applications, customizing gestures, managing permission for applications and hidden features that are not discussed even in official instructions.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi regularly updates. MIUI, So some menu items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. MIUI 14/15 (Android-based 13/14), But the way things work has been going for a few years, and if you have an older version, we recommend you update it through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.

First Installing and Basic Setup

When you first turn on a Xiaomi smartphone, the system offers you to go through the initial setup process, where many users make critical errors that you then have to fix manually.

• 🌍 Region choice: Specify Russia or Europe, which will determine the set of pre-installed services. If you choose China, many features (e.g. Google Play) will not be available without additional manipulation.
• 🔑 Mi Account: Make sure you create one, because without an account, you can't use cloud storage, find your phone when you lose it, and get updates. Use a valid email, because it will receive a confirmation code.
• 📱 Data portability: If you switch from another smartphone, select the option "Move data". Mi Mover is suitable for Android devices, Move to iOS for iPhone (but they do not work perfectly, you better use Google Account to sync contacts).
• 🛡️ Data protection: At the setup stage, refuse to send diagnostic data - this will reduce battery load and traffic. Also turn off advertising in system applications (this can be done later in Settings). → Memory. → Settings → Advertising).

After completing the initial setup, check the following points:

System updates installed (MIUI Android)

Google account is connected (if you need Play Market)

Is autoloading of unnecessary applications disabled in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start

Fingerprint/Face Recognition Configured (if supported)

Are your contacts synchronized with Google or Mi Cloud?-->

One of the most common questions for beginners is, "Why aren't there apps on the screen?" MIUI It hides app icons in App Drawer (like iOS) by default. To get back to your usual look, go to Settings. → Desktop → Desktop style and select "With all applications".

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If you start to warm up a lot after you set up, don't panic. In the first 24 hours, the system indexes files and optimizes work. That's okay, but if the heat lasts longer, check the background in Settings. → Battery → Battery utilization

Interface. MIUI: gestures, navigation and hidden functions

MIUI It offers a unique navigation system that may seem counterintuitive to those who are used to standard Android:

• 👆 Up gesture: Returns to the home screen (similar to the home button) and if you hold your finger, Google Assistant (or Mi Assistant if installed) will open).
• 👈 Left gesture: Backs a step. In some applications (e.g. browser) works as forward".
• 👉 Right gesture: Opens up a list of recent apps. If you swipe up the thumbnail, the app closes.
• 🔄 Double touch: Wakes up the screen (configured in Settings) → Lock screen → Double touch to wake up).

If gestures seem uncomfortable, you can return the classic three buttons: → Display. → Full-screen gestures → Navigation buttons. MIUI There's a unique feature called Super Wallpaper, which is animated screensavers that respond to the movement of the smartphone:

1. Go to Settings. → Wallpaper.
2. Select the "Super Wallpaper" tab.
3. Download your favorite version (for example, Mars or Earth)
4. Apply to the main screen and lock screen

Few people know, but in MIUI There's a hidden developer mode that opens up additional possibilities:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row
3. Enter the password from the lock screen (if installed)
4. Now in Settings → A new section will be added for developers"

Another useful feature is Second Space, which is like a separate user profile with its own apps, settings and data, perfect for separating work and personal data, to create it:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Click "Create a Second Space"
3. Set a password (it may be different from the main one)
4. Set up applications that will be duplicated

Classic three buttons

MIUI gestures

Android Gestures (like on Pixel)

I don't know what it is.-->

Optimizing performance and battery

Xiaomi smartphones are often criticized for "braking" and fast battery discharge, 90% of the time it is due to the wrong settings, not "hardware".

1. Background cleanup and auto-start

By default. MIUI aggressively manages background processes, which can interfere with the work of messengers and other applications:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management
• 🔍 Select the desired application (such as Telegram or WhatsApp)
• 🔄 Enable "Stop" and "No Battery Restrictions"
• 📵 Turn off "Cleaning at Lockdown" (if any)

Performance modes

V MIUI There is a hidden mode "Ultra battery saving", which can extend the smartphone on the 20-30%. To turn it on:

1. Go to Settings → Battery
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ (settings) in the upper corner
3. Select "Battery Mode" → "Ultra savings"
4. Set up exceptions for critical applications

Temperature control

If the smartphone overheats, MIUI It automatically limits productivity:

• 🌡️ Check the temperature in Settings → Battery → Battery status
• 🔌 Do not use your phone while charging for resource-intensive tasks (games, video)
• 🧊 Turn off unnecessary background processes in Settings → Annexes → Cleanup
• ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight on the screen

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The most common reason for a fast battery discharge is not optimized applications, but a constant search for the network (especially in the subway or outside the city).

4.Cache and garbage cleanup

Unlike other firmware, MIUI It has a built-in deep cleaning tool:

1. Go to Settings → Memory
2. Select "Cleaning up" → "Deep cleaning"
3. Check boxes for unnecessary files (cache, temporary data, empty folders)
4. Click "Clean" and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) - this can cause interface failures. MIUI manually.

Communications setup: mobile network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Communication problems are one of the most common complaints of Xiaomi users, most often related to incorrect network settings or conflicts with the operator.

1. Mobile network (4G/5G)

If you have a bad signal or the internet is slow:

• 📶 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile network settings
• 🔄 Set your preferred network type: for most regions, it is optimal. 4G (preferably)
• 📡 Enable the option to "Improving the quality of communication" (if available)
• 🔄 If problems persist, try manually selecting the operator in Settings. → SIM-map → Networking

2. Wi-Fi: How to speed up and stabilize the connection

Xiaomi often loses or connects to Wi-Fi networks late to fix:

• 📶 Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi → Additionally.
• 🔄 Disable "Automatic connection to open networks"
• 📡 Enable "Public Network Notification" (to avoid unsafe points)
• 🔒 Set up static. IP-address if the router supports it

3. Bluetooth: Connecting headphones, fitness bracelets and other devices

If Xiaomi doesn’t see the device or permanently shuts it down:

• 🎧 Make sure the device is in pairing mode
• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth and remove the old connection (if it was)
• 📱 Enable "Visibility for all devices" on 2-3 minute
• 🔋 Check that there is enough charge on the connected device

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI lost sound in Bluetooth headphones, try resetting the network settings: → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the network settings. This will delete all the stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, but it will return the sound.

4. Double. SIM-map: how to set up

Many Xiaomi models support two of the SIM-To set them up properly:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks
• 🔄 Set up a primary. SIM for calls SMS
• 🌐 Choose which one. SIM It will be used for mobile internet.
• 📵 Set up "Quick switch" SIM" convenienceally

Important nuance: in some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) slot SIM It's combined with a microSD slot, which means you can use either of these. SIM, one-way SIM + memory-card.

Security and confidentiality

Branded shell MIUI It's often criticized for data collection and leaking, but when set up properly, Xiaomi's smartphone can be as secure as an iPhone or a Google Pixel:

1. Data protection and application permissions

By default, many applications in MIUI They have access to contacts, location and other data to limit this:

• 🔒 Go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Application authorizations
• 📱 View the list of applications and disable unnecessary permissions
• 📍 Pay special attention to geolocation – many applications request it without the need to
• 📸 Limit camera and microphone access for unnecessary apps

2. Data encryption

If important data is stored on the phone, it is recommended to enable encryption:

1. Go to Settings. → System system → Additionally. → Encryption and accounts
2. Select "Encrypt the phone"
3. Set a strong password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters)
4. Connect your phone to charge – the encryption process may take 30-60 minute

⚠️ Warning: Once encrypted, you can't reset your settings to factory without a password. Write down your password and store it in a safe place. If you forget, the data will be lost without any recovery.

3. Protection against viruses and fraudsters

V MIUI Security is built-in, but its capabilities are often not enough:

• 🛡️ Install an additional antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky)
• 🔄 Regularly update virus databases
• 📱 Do not install applications from unknown sources (in Settings) → Confidentiality → Special permits → Install unknown applications disable unnecessary sources)
• 💳 Use a separate virtual card or services like Google to pay for your payment. Pay/Samsung Pay

4. Backup and restoration

In order not to lose data in case of failure or theft:

• ☁️ Set up automatic backup in Mi Cloud (Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup)
• 📱 Enable synchronization of contacts, notes and photos
• 🔄 Periodically create local backups through Settings → System system → Backup
• 💾 Store copies on an external drive or in the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk)

5. How to protect yourself from surveillance

Xiaomi collects anonymous data to improve services, but this can be limited to:

• 📊 Go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Diagnosis and use
• 🔄 Disable "Sending Usage Data"
• 📱 Turn off personalized advertising in Settings → Memory. → Settings → Advertising
• 🌐 Use it. VPN to encrypt traffic (e.g. ProtonVPN or Windscribe)

Camera Work: Hidden Features and Professional Modes

Cameras in Xiaomi smartphones (especially in flagship models like Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) They offer a lot of things that most people don't even know they're doing:

1. Professional Mode (Pro Mode)

For those who want more control over the film:

• 📸 Open the Camera app and select Pro mode"
• 🔄 Set it up manually: 📐 Excerpt (from) 1/4000 before 32 seconds) 🌓 ISO (light-sensitivity, 50-32000) 🎯 Focus (manual focusing) 🔘 White balance (from) 2500K before 10000K)
• 📱 Save the photos in format RAW post-processing

2. Shooting in the Dark (Night Mode)

Night mode in Xiaomi works differently than the competition.Tips for better shots:

• 🌙 Use a tripod or lean your phone against a hard surface
• ⏱️ Set the shutter speed. 2-5 seconds (in professional mode)
• 🔦 Don’t turn on the flashlight – it only worsens the quality.
• 📸 Take a few pictures in a row and choose the best one.

3. Hidden camera functions

Few people know, but there are undocumented features in Xiaomi’s camera:

• 🎥 Double video: simultaneous recording from the main and front camera (included in the camera settings)
• 🔍 Macro mode: Close the phone to the object 2-4 The camera will automatically switch to macro.
• 🌪️ Long exposure: creates a movement effect (e.g., blurred car lights at night)
• 🤳 Serial shooting: hold down the down button to take up to 100 frames / sec

4.Setting up a camera for social media

If you post a photo on Instagram or TikTok frequently:

• 📐 Use the grid (includes in the camera settings) for the correct composition
• 🎨 Turn it on. AI-Automatic processing mode (but don’t overuse it – sometimes it spoils colors)
• 🔄 Set up a 4:5 or 9:16 aspect ratio for storis
• 📸 For selfies, use a front camera with a resolution of at least 20 MP (in the settings, select the maximum quality)

5.Camera problems and their solutions

Smart functions and automation

Xiaomi is integrated into the Mi Home smart home ecosystem, but even without smart devices, the smartphone offers a variety of automated features.

1. Google Assistant and Mi Assistant

V MIUI You can use both assistants:

• 🗣️ For Google Assistant: Install the app from Play Market Set up voice activation in Settings → Annexes → Google → Settings → Use the command “OK, Google"
• 🤖 For Mi Assistant: Activate in Settings → Special facilities → Mi Assistant Set up voice command (default "Xiao Ai") Add shortcuts for quick access to features

Automation with "Fast Teams"

The function Quick commands allows you to create chains of actions on one tap:

• ⚡ Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Fast teams
• 🔄 Create a new command (e.g., Night Mode")
• 📱 Add Actions: Turn on Dark Theme Reduce Brightness to 30% Enable Do Not Disturb Mode
• 💾 Save the command and add it to the main screen.

3.Smart Home and Mi Home

If you have Xiaomi smart devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaner):

• 🏠 Install the Mi Home app from the Play Market
• 🔗 Connect devices via the app (click on "+" → Select the device → follow the instructions)
• 📱 Set up automation (e.g., “If I go home, turn on the lights")
• 🔒 Create a separate Wi-Fi network for smart devices (for security)

4.Do Not Disturb and Schedule

To set up automatic shutdown of the sound at a certain time:

• 🔔 Go to Settings. → Sound. → Don't disturb.
• 🕒 Set a schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00)