Xiaomi Redmi Pad: how to use a tablet 100% - from the first inclusion to hidden chips

Xiaomi Redmi Pad: What to do immediately after buying

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad is a powerful tool for work, entertainment and creativity, but without the right setup, it won’t reach its full potential. Many users limit themselves to basic features, without even realizing that the device can do much more, from a separate screen for multitasking to hidden gestures for quick access to applications. This article will help avoid the typical mistakes of beginners and customize the tablet to your needs from day one.

Before diving into the details, make sure you have a charger (the original 22.5W better), a Type-C cable, and about 30 minutes of free time on hand. The first turn on will take no more than 5 minutes, but further optimizing the system will require attention. If you move from another tablet or smartphone, don’t be rushed to carry all the data at once β€” first explore the capabilities of MIUI for Pad, an adapted version of the firmware for large screens.

Unpacking and first inclusion: step-by-step instructions

Start by visualizing the device, and in the Redmi Pad box, you'll find:

  • πŸ“± Tablet itself (check for no scratches and dents)
  • πŸ”Œ Charger (power) 22.5W fast-charging)
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C β†’ Type-C (length 1 metre)
  • πŸ“„ A short user guide (in several languages)
  • πŸ”§ Paperclip for extraction SIM-Your card (if your model supports your card) LTE)

Connect the tablet to charge for 10-15 minutes before first turning on, which will help avoid a sudden shutdown during settings.

  1. Press the power button for 3 seconds until the Redmi logo appears.
  2. Select the interface language (Russian, English, Chinese and others are available).
  3. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (it is recommended to use 5 GHz for stability).
  4. Sign in to your Xiaomi account or create a new one (this will open up access to cloud storage and data sync).
  5. Set up a fingerprint or facial recognition (if you plan to use a tablet for payments).

⚠️ Note: If you bought a tablet in the Chinese version (with firmware for the domestic market), before setting up, be sure to check the region in the settings. Some features, such as Google Play, may not be available without changing the region to Russia or Global".

πŸ“Š What is your experience with Xiaomi tablets?
This is my first Xiaomi tablet.
I have also used the Redmi/Mi Pad.
I moved from another brand (Samsung, Huawei, etc.)
I only use smartphones.

MIUI for Pad interface: gestures, control panel and navigation

MIUI for Pad is a special version of the shell that is optimized for large screens, and it supports multitasking, responsive application interfaces and handy gestures. Here are the key controls:

ElementFunctionHow to use
Sidebar.Quick access to applications and toolsSwipe your finger from the right edge of the screen to the center.
Notification panelControl of Wi-Fi, brightness, soundSwipe from top to bottom (one finger for notifications, two fingers for quick settings)
Up gesture.Return to the main screenSwipe from bottom up from bottom edge of screen
Long-term retentionActivation of Google Assistant or Xiao AIHold the power button for 1-2 seconds

One of the main benefits of the Redmi Pad is that it supports split screens, and it activates this mode.

  1. Open the first app (like Chrome).
  2. Swipe up from the bottom edge and hold your finger on the icon of the second app (like YouTube).
  3. Select the "Separate Screen" option in the menu that appears.
  4. Adjust the boundary between the windows by dragging it up or down.

Remove unnecessary widgets from the main screen |

Set up the order of applications in the sidebar |

Activate a dark theme in Settings β†’ Display β†’ Dark Mode|

Disable animation to speed up work (in Settings) β†’ Special facilities β†’ Delete the animations)-->

Battery setting: how to extend the operating time without recharging

Xiaomi Redmi Pad is equipped with an 8000 mAh battery, but real life depends on settings. By default, the system activates the Adaptive Battery mode, which limits the background activity of applications.

  • πŸ”‹ Turn off "Constantly Active Display" in Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Screen locking (saves up to 15% charge).
  • πŸ“΅ Activate Flight Mode at night or in places without a network.
  • ⚑ Use "Ultra-Economic Mode" (includes at 15% charge or manually in Settings) β†’ Battery).
  • πŸ”„ Limit automatic sync for unnecessary accounts (e.g., email or social media).

To control your charge, go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Use. Here you will see a list of applications sorted by energy consumption. If an application uses more than 10% of its charge in the background (such as Facebook or Telegram), limit its activity:

  1. Stick to the app on the list.
  2. Select "Limit background activity."
  3. Turn off Auto Start (if the function is available).

⚠️ Warning: If the tablet starts to discharge quickly after updating the firmware, perform battery calibration: completely discharge the device before turning off, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.

πŸ’‘

To speed up charging, activate Fast Charging Mode in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Additional. But remember: Continuous use of this mode can reduce battery life by 10-15% in 2-3 years.

File and memory: how to free up space and organize data

The Redmi Pad is available in 64GB, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and even if you choose the maximum size model, the space will eventually run out due to the cache of apps, downloads and media. Here's how to manage storage efficiently:

  • πŸ“ Use the built-in Files by Google app to sort data by category (images, videos, documents).
  • ☁️ Set up automatic upload of photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (in Settings) β†’ Accounts. β†’ Synchronization).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clear the app cache once every 1-2 weeks through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Clear the cache.
  • πŸ” To search for large files in Files, tap three dots in the upper right corner and select Storage Analysis".

If you often work with documents or media files, connect an external drive via USB-C (the tablet supports OTG).

  1. Buy a USB-C β†’ USB-A adapter (if the flash drive has a standard connector).
  2. Connect a flash drive or hard drive to the tablet.
  3. In the notification that appears, select "Use as" USB-accumulator".
  4. Files will be available in the "Files" app in the section "USB-accumulator".
Type of fileRecommended actionSaving space
Photos and videosUpload to the cloud and delete local copiesUp to 10-15GB
Cash app.Clean once a week1-3 GB
APK-fileRemove after installing applications0.5–2 GB
Downloads.Sort and delete unnecessary files2–5 GB
What to do if the tablet does not see the flash drive?
If Redmi Pad doesn’t recognize an external drive, check: 1. File system format (must be FAT32 or exFAT for compatibility). 2. Cable/adapter integrity (try another). 3. OTG settings in Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ USB (turn on File Transfer) If the problem persists, reboot the tablet with the connected flash drive.

Secret features and chips you didn’t know about

MIUI for Pad hides a lot of useful features that aren't obvious at first glance.

  • 🎨 Reading Mode: Activated in Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Read mode. Reduces eye strain by mimicking paper. Works even in third-party applications.
  • πŸ”Š Sound amplification: in Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Sound effects turn on "Mi Sound Enhancer" for deeper bass.
  • πŸ–₯️ Second Desktop: Swipe down on the home screen and tap on "+", Create a separate screen for work or games.
  • πŸ”’ Hidden folders: in the Files app, select a folder, tap three dots β†’ "Hide. Access will only be through a password.
  • πŸ“± Tablet mode for smartphone applications: in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Screen size enable "Scaling" for correct display.

For gamers, there's a feature called Game Mode, which turns off notifications, blocks random clicks, and optimizes performance to activate it.

  1. Open the game (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
  2. Swipe down from top to top to open the notification bar.
  3. Slip on the Game Turbo icon.
  4. Set up the settings: Brightness blocking, gestures turning off, priority CPU/GPU.

πŸ’‘

Game Turbo increases FPS in games by 10-20%, but reduces battery life. Use it only when you connect to a charger.

Updating the firmware and solving typical problems

Regular updates to MIUI fix bugs, add new features and improve performance to check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ System update.
  2. Slip "Check Updates."
  3. If the update is available, click Download (it is recommended to connect to Wi-Fi).
  4. After downloading, select "Install" and wait for the reboot.

If the tablet began to slow down after the update, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the device (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
  • 🧹 Clear the system cache in Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clean up.
  • πŸ“± Reset the settings to factory (pre-return backup!).

⚠️ Warning: If after the update, the tablet got stuck on the Redmi logo for more than 10 minutes, perform a hard reset: press the power button + Volume up for 15 seconds. Data won't be deleted, but settings will reset.

For manual firmware installation (if automatic update does not work):

  1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website.
  2. Move the file to the root folder of internal memory.
  3. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update β†’ Three Dots β†’ Select a firmware file.
  4. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I connect the keyboard and mouse to the Redmi Pad?
Yes, the tablet supports wireless and wired keyboards/mouse connection via Bluetooth or USB-C (using OTG-Adapter. To fully work in Desktop mode, activate Freeform Mode in the developer settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Tap 7 times to unlock).
How to take a screenshot on Redmi Pad?
There are three ways: simultaneously press the power button + volume down button for 1-2 seconds. Swipe down with three fingers on the screen (you need to turn on Settings β†’ Special Features β†’ Screenshot gesture). Use the voice command "OK Google, take a screenshot."
Why is the touchpad not working?
If the screen doesn't respond to touch: Restart the tablet. Check if Gloves Mode is on in Settings β†’ Display β†’ Touch Sensitivity. Update the firmware to the latest version. If the problem persists, reset (possibly damaged software after falling). If the screen is physically damaged (cracks, wiping), contact the service center.
How to transfer data from an old tablet or smartphone?
Use the built-in Mi Mover app: Install Mi Mover on both devices (available on Google Play). On the old device, select "I am the sender", on the new device, "I am the recipient", connect to one Wi-Fi network or create an access point. Select data to transfer (contacts, photos, apps) and confirm the transfer. Alternatively, use Google Account to sync contacts, calendar and mail, and for media files, Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
Can I unlock the bootloader on Redmi Pad?
Technically, yes, but it voids the warranty and can lead to unstable work. To unlock: Apply on the Mi Unlock website (you will need a Xiaomi account with a tied phone number). Connect the tablet to your PC in Fastboot mode (press the power + volume down). Run the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions. Once unlocked, you will be able to install custom firmware (like LineageOS), but lose access to some features like Mi Pay or Find Device.