How to use the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone: from basic functions to hidden MIUI features

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones have gained popularity due to the optimal ratio of price and functionality, but their MIUI firmware often raises questions among new users. Even the basic steps - from setting up the first launch to working with gestures - may seem unobvious. This article will help you to understand all the nuances, from hidden interface features to solving typical problems.

We're not going to list specifications (which are easy to find on the official website), but we're going to focus on practice, and here you'll learn how to set up Redmi from scratch, optimize battery life, use Xiaomi's branded chips (like Second Space or Game Turbo), and avoid common mistakes that spoil the experience. We'll focus on the differences between the MIUI versions for the global and Chinese markets, which are critical for the proper operation of Google services.

First Entry and Initial Setup

The process of the first launch of Xiaomi Redmi depends on the firmware version and the region of the device. On the global versions (MIUI Global), you will meet the setup wizard in English / Russian, and in Chinese (MIUI China) only Chinese (solved by installing Google Installer later).

Follow this algorithm:

• 📱 Language selection: On the first screen, tap the globe icon (if the language is not Russian) and select Russian or English.
• 🌍 Region: Specify Russia or Russia – this affects the services available (e.g. Mi Pay does not work in some regions).
• 🔑 Mi Account: Create or sign in to an existing Xiaomi account (required to sync data and unlock the bootloader).
• 🔄 Data Transfer: If you are switching from another Android, select Copy Data and follow the instructions (OTG cable or Wi-Fi Direct will be required).

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If you don't have Russian at the language selection stage, you have Chinese firmware. Download Google Installer and install it after you've completed the initial setup.

After completing the setup wizard, check:

• 📶 Mobile network availability (indicator in upper right corner).
• 🔋 Battery level (preferably ≥30% for further manipulation).
• 🔄 Update availability: Settings → About phone → System update.

MIUI interface: gestures, panels and hidden functions

MIUI is very different from pure Android, and it scares newcomers, the main difference being the lack of a classic appbar (all the icons on the desktop) and a unique gesture system.

One of the most useful features of MIUI is Dual Apps, the ability to create a second account for instant messengers (for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram on the same phone).

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Click Create a Double App and confirm.

Important: Chinese firmware (MIUI China) does not have Google Play or Google services. To install them, download Google Installer from the official Xiaomi forum and follow the instructions - otherwise many applications (including YouTube and Gmail) will not work.

Optimizing battery and performance

Redmi smartphones are known for their energy efficiency, but MIUI factory settings often limit the background activity of applications too aggressively, which leads to notification problems (e.g. Telegram or Viber don't arrive on time).

Step 1: Turn off battery optimization for critical applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Telegram).
3. Slip Battery Limits and select No Limits.

Step 2: Set up Auto Start:

1. In the same application management menu, find AutoRun.
2. Turn on the option if it is disabled.

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Aggressive battery optimization in MIUI is the main reason for missed notifications.

To extend the Autonomous work time:

• 🔋 Enable Battery Mode in Settings → Battery and Performance (select Balanced or Energy Saving).
• 🌙 Activate Dark Theme (saves up to 15% charge on AMOLED- screens).
• 📶 Turn off Sleeping Wi-Fi Network Search in Settings → Wi-Fi → More.
• 🔍 Use Cache Cleanup in Settings → Memory → Cleanup (but don’t overdo it – it can slow down).

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If your phone is getting too hot, check the background processes in Settings → Special. features → Activity Monitor. Often, mining apps or unoptimized games are to blame.

Working with memory and files

Redmi smartphones have two key features of storage: microSD support (on most models) and internal and external memory separation. However, not everyone knows that MIUI allows you to use the memory card as part of internal storage (Adoptable Storage function), but with reservations.

To set up a memory card as an internal storage:

1. Insert microSD (UHS-I U3 class is recommended for speed).
2. When you receive a notification, select Storage → Internal Memory.
3. Confirm the formatting (all data from the card will be deleted!).

⚠️ Warning: Once this is set up, the card cannot be retrieved without losing data, and it will be encrypted and not readable on other devices.

To manage files, use the built-in File Explorer app that supports:

• 📁 Cloud storage: Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex Disk.
• 🔍 Search by content (including text in documents).
• 📤 File transfer over Wi-Fi (Mi Drop function).

To clear cache and unnecessary files:

1. Open Files → Cleanup.
2. Select categories (Cash, Duplicates, Large Files).
3. Click Clear (pre-check which files will be deleted!).

Network and Internet setting

Internet connection issues are one of Redmi’s most frequent complaints, and they may be due to incorrect APN settings, MIUI restrictions on background traffic, or conflicts with VPNs.

1. Mobile Internet (APN) configuration:

If the internet is not working, check the APN settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click Add and enter your operator’s settings (for example, for MTS:
3. Save and activate the new APN.

Problems with Wi-Fi:

• 📶 If Wi-Fi is connected but the internet is not working, try Forgetting the network and connecting again.
• 🔄 In Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally, turn off Autoconnection to open networks (this will prevent you from connecting to unsafe points).
• 🛡️ If you use VPN, check the settings in Settings → Connections and Sharing → VPN.

⚠️ Warning: Chinese firmware (MIUI China) may block access to some sites (e.g. Google or Facebook) so that DNS can be changed to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) in Wi-Fi settings.

Camera: Hidden functions and professional modes

Redmi cameras are often underrated because of the MIUI Camera software, but there are many professional tools hidden in the app that let you shoot as well as flagships, the main thing is to know where to look for them.

The main modes and their settings:

To improve the quality of the video:

• 🎥 Enable Stabilization in the camera settings (path: Camera settings → Video stabilization).
• 🔊 For better sound, use an external microphone (connects via USB-C or 3.5 mm if there is a connector).
• 📸 Turn off the AI- camera (the AI icon in the top panel) — it often overdoes processing.

Typical problem solving

Even the most reliable Redmi smartphones can encounter MIUI bugs, and we’ve collected some of the most common problems and solutions:

1.The phone does not turn on or hung on the Mi logo:

• 🔄 Try a soft reset: pinch Power + Loudness up for 10-15 seconds.
• 💻 In extreme cases, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).

2. Google services (Play Market, YouTube) are not working:

• 🌍 Check the region in your Mi Account (must be Russia or Global).
• 🔧 Install Google Installer (for Chinese firmware).
• 📥 Update Google Play Services manually via APKMirror.

The battery is running out fast:

• 🔋 Check Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery use – a particular application may be to blame.
• 🛠️ Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption.
• 🔄 Update your firmware — newer versions of MIUI often fix power errors.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone starts to brake after the MIUI update, try clearing the cache in Recovery (Wipe Cache).This won't delete your data, but it can fix the lags.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi