How to use Xiaomi Redmi 12: detailed instructions with tips and life hacks

Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a powerful device with wide capabilities, but even experienced users sometimes overlook its hidden features. This article will help you understand basic and advanced settings, learn how to optimize the phone and avoid typical errors. We will look at all the steps from the first on to fine-tuning performance.

The feature of the Redmi 12 is a combination of budget price and functionality of flagship models: there is a 90-hertz screen, a 50-megapixel camera and a MediaTek Helio processor. G88. But without the right setup, some of these features may not be needed, and you'll find not only standard instructions, but also exclusive tips for optimizing your work. MIUI 14 that are not described in official documentation.

First Installing and Basic Setup

When you first turn on the Xiaomi Redmi 12, the system will suggest going through the initial setup process. At this point, it is important not to miss the key points that will affect the future performance of the phone. Start by choosing the language and region - this depends on the availability of some services (eg, Google Pay or Mi Pay).

Next, the system will offer to connect to the Wi-Fi network. Here is a caveat: if you have a dual-band router (2.4 GHz). + 5 GHz, select 5 GHz, which will provide faster download speeds, and after connecting to the Internet, the phone will prompt you to log into your Xiaomi or Google account. Create a Xiaomi account, even if you do not plan to use cloud services – it is necessary to unlock the bootloader and receive updates.

  • πŸ“± Select the language: Russian (Russia) for the correct work of the voice assistant
  • 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi: Preferably 5GHz network for fast download
  • πŸ‘€ Create or sign in to Xiaomi account – this will open access to branded services
  • πŸ”„ Enable automatic time and date synchronization in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Date and time

Once authorized, the system will offer you to set up biometric protection, Redmi 12 has a fingerprint (scanner on the side button) and facial recognition, fingerprint is more reliable, but facial recognition is more convenient for quick unlocking, we recommend configuring both options, which will increase security and convenience.

πŸ’‘

If you already have a Xiaomi smartphone, use the Data Migration feature during the setup process, which will bring contacts, messages, and even app settings over Wi-Fi Direct without using the cloud.

Screen settings and control gestures

Redmi 12 screen supports a refresh rate of 90Hz, but by default can run in 60Hz mode to save charge.To enable maximum smoothness, go to Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Screen refresh rate and select 90 Hz. Note: when activated high frequency battery life will be reduced by 10-15%.

System system MIUI 14 offers three navigation options: classic buttons, three-button gestures, and full-screen gestures, the latter being the most convenient but addictive:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Display β†’ Navigation panel
  2. Choose Full-screen gestures
  3. Turn on the swipe option from the sides for a return – this will simplify navigation in applications
Screen settingRecommended valueImpact on autonomy
Frequency of update90 HzCuts it down by 10 to 15 percent.
Adaptive brightnessTurn onIncreases by 5-8%
Dark subject.Automatic.Increases by 3 to 5 percent.
Always on screen.Shut down.Cuts it down by 20 to 25 percent.

To protect your vision, activate the reading mode in Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Read mode: It reduces the blue light, which is especially useful for evening use. Set up automatic schedule settings, such as 21:00 to 7:00.

πŸ“Š Which navigation mode do you prefer?
Classic buttons
Three-button gestures
Full-screen gestures
I don't know what it is.

Optimizing performance and battery

MediaTek Helio G88 In Redmi 12, it's quite productive for everyday tasks, but without the right settings, the phone can slow down. The first thing you need to do is turn off auto-run unnecessary applications:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management
  2. Select Autostart
  3. Turn off auto-runs for social media and instant messengers you rarely use

For additional acceleration, turn on the performance mode in Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ Performance mode. It turns off some visuals, but it makes animations faster. MIUI In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Optimization MIUI β€” This clears the cache and corrects system errors.

Turn off the screen always on|Activate adaptive brightness|Set up a reading mode according to schedule|Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications|Turn on the dark topic-->

To extend battery life, use the power saving mode. Redmi 12 has three levels:

  • πŸ”‹ Balanced – Optimal for most users
  • πŸ”‹πŸ”‹ Energy saving – limits background activity
  • πŸ”‹πŸ”‹πŸ”‹ Supereconomic – disables all background processes

For maximum autonomy, enable Adaptive Charging in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery settings: This feature analyzes your charging habits and optimizes the charging process to reduce battery wear. For example, if you normally charge your phone overnight, the system will slow charging after 80% so that by morning the battery is 100% charged without unnecessary stress.

What to do if the phone is too hot?
If Redmi 12 overheats during games or charging, check: 1. Are the vents closed with a case 2. Does the phone not work at a temperature above 35?Β°C3. Does it charge from a non-original adapter When overheated, the system will automatically reduce performance to protect the chipset.

Setup of camera and shooting professional photos

The Redmi 12 x 50 MP main camera is capable of taking high-quality pictures, but you need to configure the Camera app correctly. AI-It's a camera that automatically improves color and contrast. For natural photos, it's best to turn it off by clicking on the icon. AI top-panel.

For shooting in difficult conditions, use a professional mode (badge) PRO). You can manually adjust here:

  • πŸ“Έ Shutter speed – to capture moving objects or night scenes
  • 🎯 Focus – manual focusing for macro photography
  • 🌑️ White balance – correction of color temperature
  • πŸ“ ISO β€” Sensitivity to light (high values for dark rooms)

For video, we recommend that you activate stabilization in the camera settings, which is available even when shooting in the camera. 1080p 60 fps If you shoot for social networks, use the mode of Short video – it automatically crops the videos to the format of 9:16 and adds music.

Mode of shooting.When to useRecommended settings
Photo 50 MPPDaylight, static objectsAI switched off, HDR included
Wear regimenLow light photographyHold your phone still for 2-3 seconds
PortraitPhoto of people with a blurred backgroundDistance to object 1-2 meters
MacroPhotography of small objectsMinimum distance of 4 cm, good lighting

Don’t forget about the additional functions:

  • πŸ” Ultra-wide angle – for taking pictures of landscapes or large companies
  • 🎭 Beauty – adjusting the smoothing of the skin (do not abuse!)
  • πŸ“Έ Watermark – Adding a date or logo to the photo

πŸ’‘

For the best photos, always clear the camera lens of fingerprints – even a little contamination can ruin the shot.

Memory management and storage optimization

Redmi 12 is available in versions with 128GB and 256GB of memory, but even this may not be enough when you are actively using. The first thing to do is to transfer the applications to the memory card (if installed).

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management
  2. Select the desired application
  3. Click Warehouse β†’ Change β†’ Memory Map

To clean up the system of unnecessary files, use the built-in Cleanup app, which is located on the desktop or in the application menu.

  • πŸ—‘οΈ Delete the application cache (safe for the system)
  • πŸ“ Clear downloads (files downloaded through the browser)
  • 🎡 Remove duplicate photos and videos
  • πŸ“± Optimize memory (transferring rarely used applications to sleep mode)

If the phone starts to brake, check memory usage in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Memory: Optimal when at least 10 to 15 percent of the total space is free, and if there's less than 5 percent of the space, the system will start to run unstable.

πŸ’‘

You can transfer photos and videos to your computer or cloud storage regularly, and it’s convenient to use the Mi Mover app, which automatically syncs media files from your PC over Wi-Fi.

For advanced users, the function of memory expansion is available (RAM Expansion. It allows you to use part of your internal memory as a RAM, to activate it:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Memory
  2. Select Extension RAM
  3. Set the value from 2 GB to 8 GB (depending on the phone version)

⚠️ Note: Do not set the maximum value of the extension RAM, If you have a version with 128 GB of storage, it can lead to a lack of space for applications.

Hidden functions and life hacks MIUI 14

MIUI 14 contains many hidden features that most users are unaware of, such as Concentration mode, which helps avoid distractions:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Special facilities β†’ Concentration
  2. Select applications that will block notifications
  3. Set a schedule (for example, from 9:00 to 18:00 on working days)

Another useful feature is Second Space, which allows you to create a separate work profile with your own apps and settings, which is convenient if you use your phone for both work and personal use, to activate:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Special facilities β†’ Second space
  2. Follow the instructions for setting up
  3. Switch between spaces can be swiped down the lock screen

For customization enthusiasts, hidden themes and animations are available.

  1. Open the Topics app
  2. Go to the section My β†’ Local.
  3. It stores pre-installed themes that are not displayed in the main directory.
How to turn on the developer mode?
To activate the developer mode, go to Settings β†’ About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Then on the Settings menu β†’ In addition, there will be a new section for developers, where you can include debugging on USB, Change the interface animation and other hidden parameters.

If you use screenshots often, know: MIUI 14 has advanced editing capabilities:

  • πŸ“ Click on the thumbnail in the corner of the screen for quick editing
  • πŸ” Use text recognition (T icon) to copy text from an image
  • πŸ“ Cut the screenshot to pixel accuracy by holding your finger on the edge of the highlighted area

Solving common problems

Even a reliable phone like the Redmi 12 can run into typical problems, and let's look at the most common and the ways to solve them.

Problem 1: Battery is rapidly draining

  • πŸ”‹ Check the Settings. β†’ Battery β†’ Battery usage – which apps spend the most
  • πŸ“± Turn off Constant Network Search in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks
  • 🌑️ Make sure your phone doesn’t overheat (normal temperature is 30-35).Β°C)

Problem 2: Brake the interface

  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clear the cache in the Cleanup app
  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds)
  • πŸ“± Turn off animation in Settings β†’ For developers β†’ The scale of window animation (off.)

Problem 3: Fingerprint is not working

  • πŸ‘† Re-register the fingerprint in Settings β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Fingerprint.
  • 🧴 Make sure the scanner is clean (wipe with an alcohol napkin)
  • πŸ”‹ Check if the protective glass or film above the scanner is damaged.

Problem 4: Mobile Internet is not working well

  • πŸ“Ά Switch to manual network selection in Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Choice of network
  • πŸ”„ Restart the phone or remove/paste SIM-map
  • πŸ“± Check the settings. APN (must be in accordance with the operator)

⚠️ Note: If after the system update the phone began to work unstable, try resetting to factory through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Reset settings. Pre-reverse the data!

How to transfer data from your old phone to Redmi 12?
Use the Mi Mover app that's pre-installed on your phone. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network, select transfer data (contacts, messages, photos) on your old phone, and follow the instructions. Alternatively, use Google Account to sync contacts and calendars, and Google Photos for photos.
Can I install Google Camera (GCam) on Redmi 12?
Yes, but you need manual installation. Download the compatible version of GCam for MediaTek Helio G88 (from the developer, for example. BSG), Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Special access and install APK-File. After installation, you may need to configure the configuration file to work correctly HDR night-time.
How to turn on the screen (AOD) always on?
Redmi 12 is a function AOD It's available, but it's hidden. To activate it, go to Settings. β†’ Always on screen and lock, select a display style (digital or analog watch) and adjust your schedule. Note that this significantly reduces battery life to 15-20% per night.
How to turn off advertising in MIUI?
Advertising in system applications is turned off in a few steps: Go to Settings β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Authorization and blocking Disable Recommendations and Personalized Ads In Apps (Themes, Cleanup, Browser) disable the display of ads in their settings For complete removal of ads, you will need to obtain root rights, but this will void the warranty.
How to back up all the data before resetting?
Use the built-in Backup app: Open Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup Select data to save (applications, settings, multimedia) Specify the location of the save (internal memory, memory card or Mi Cloud) Click Create a backup and wait until completion Alternatively, you can use Google Drive to reserve contacts, Photos and some settings.