How to connect a smartphone Xiaomi: the full guide

Initial device activation is a critical step that will help ensure the ecosystem’s future performance. Today’s phones, based on MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, require careful attention to security settings and account binding. If you skip important steps or choose the wrong region, you may experience functionality limitations or notification problems.

The initial setup process takes an average of 15-20 minutes, but requires a stable internet connection. Xiaomi offers flexible tools to migrate data from an old device, which makes it much easier to switch. It is important to take your time and read system prompts carefully to avoid installing unnecessary software.

In this article, we will take a look at each step, from turning on the welcome screen to deep customizing Google services and cloud storage, and getting the right configuration at the start will eliminate the need to climb the settings menu later.

Initial Startup and Language Selection

After removing the device from the box and removing the protective film, you need an on button located on the side of the case, the screen will light up, and you will see the Mi or Xiaomi logo, followed by a greeting screen that says "Hello". At this stage, the system will suggest choosing the interface language.

In the list of available languages, find "Russian" or "English" if you prefer original localization. The choice of language affects not only the text of the menu, but also the layout of the keyboard, the format of the date and time, and the default regional settings. After choosing, click the arrow button or "Start".

The next step is to connect to a Wi-Fi network, a requirement for most Android features to be activated, and the system will automatically scan the airwaves and offer a list of available networks.

• 📶 Select your home network from the list and enter your password.
• 🔒 If the network is hidden, select Add Network and enter the name manually.
• 📱 In the absence of Wi-Fi, you can skip this step and use mobile Internet inserted SIM-map.

Note the version of the operating system that can be displayed in the corner of the screen. If an Android update or security patch is available, the system will suggest installing it immediately.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process during the initial boot phase. Battery discharge below 20% during patch installation may cause software failure of the bootloader.

Setting up SIM-maps and biometrics

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones support two SIM-Nano-SIM card format. The card tray is usually located on the lower end of the device next to the charging port. USB Type-C. To remove the tray, use a special clip included in the kit, or a thin needle.

Put it in. SIM-And then you put the tray back in the phone, and you recognize the operators, and you'll have to set up the mobile network, and if you have two cards, you can assign one to the default call, and the other to the Internet only.

In parallel with the communication setup, the system will insist on protecting the device with biometrics, which can be a fingerprint scanner built into the on button, or Face ID unlock system.

To scan your fingerprint, put your finger on the sensor several times, changing the angle of inclination so that the system counts all the faces, which will increase the accuracy of unlocking in the future. Facial scans work faster, but are considered less secure than fingerprinting.

Log in to your Mi and Google account

Xiaomi's ecosystem is tied to a Mi Account, a single key to cloud storage, device search and contact sync, and without registering with Mi Cloud, some features like Find Device will not be available.

If you already have an account, just enter your username and password. Otherwise, click "Create an account." It's important to use real email and phone number, as they are used to restore access. The password must be complex and unique.

At the same time, Google services are integrated, and even if you use the Chinese version of your smartphone, Google Play services can be activated through system settings. For global versions, logging in to Google is mandatory for the Play Store.

It is recommended to set up two-factor authentication for both accounts, which will protect your personal data even in the event of a password leak, and the confirmation codes will come via SMS or an authenticator application.

Migration of data from the old device

Data porting is one of the most anticipated things when changing phones. Xiaomi uses the Mi Mover app, which allows you to flip contacts, messages, photos, music and even place icons on your desktop, the process works both between Android devices and when you switch from iOS.

Run the app on your new phone and select "I'm the recipient." On your old device, install Mi Mover from Play Market or AppStore and select "I'm the sender." The phones will create a temporary Wi-Fi network for direct data transfer without using Internet traffic.

The speed of transmission depends on the volume of data and the version of the Wi-Fi module. Heavy files, such as 4K video, can be transmitted for several minutes.

• 📂 Select data categories for transfer (contacts, gallery, documents).
• ⚡ Make sure that both phones are charged at more than 50 times%.
• 🚫 Do not open other applications during migration.

Once the transfer is complete, the system will prompt you to install the missing applications, a convenient way to quickly prepare the desktop for your habits.

Set up notifications and energy saving

MIUI is known for aggressive power optimization, which can kill background processes of instant messengers by default, causing notifications to arrive late or not at all, and is critical for WhatsApp, Telegram and banking applications.

To avoid problems, you need to manually configure each important application. Go to the settings, find the "Applications" section and select the one you want. From the "Activity Control" menu, select the "No Limits" option.

It's also worth checking autorun. Many programs don't run themselves after a reboot until you explicitly allow it. This is done to save battery, but interferes with background services.

⚠️ Warning: Turning off battery restrictions for all applications will immediately lead to a quick battery drain. Only configure programs where instant messaging is important.

Additionally, check the notification settings in the Notifications and Status bar section, where you can disable ads from system applications and adjust the behavior of the LED indicator.

💡

Aggressive energy saving is the main reason for missed calls on Xiaomi. setting "No restrictions" is mandatory for instant messengers.

Connecting to a computer and transferring files

To transfer large files, movies or backups, the most convenient way to use a cable connection to the PC. When you connect a USB Type-C cable, the phone defaults to Charge Only mode.

To get your computer to see the file system, lower the notification curtain on your phone. There's a "Charge over USB" notification. Click on it and select File Transfer Mode (MTP). A new device will appear on your PC screen.

If the computer can't see the phone, maybe it's the cable. Cheap cables often only support charging and don't have data lines. Use the original cable from the kit or a certified counterpart.

Settings -> About Phone -> MIUI version (click 7 times)

For advanced users, USB debugging is available. To activate it, you need to click on the MIUI version 7 times in the About Phone section, becoming a developer. Then, in advanced settings, turn on USB debugging. This will allow you to use ADB tools to deep-tube the system.

💡

Use a USB 3.0 cable and a USB 3.0 port on your computer for maximum speed transfer of large video files. USB 2.0 cables will run, but slower.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)