Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to change standard device settings immediately after purchase or during operation. The global version of firmware may differ from the Chinese version, which causes confusion in the menu. The interface of MIUI or the new HyperOS is deeply integrated with the ecosystem, so simple actions are sometimes hidden in non-obvious sections.
Users often need to change region to activate additional features or change language if the device comes from China, and the topic of changing the Mi Account account, which is tied to the hardware of the phone, is also relevant. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of how to correctly and safely change key settings, avoiding blocking or losing data.
Changing the interface language and region
The first thing that users have to do when they turn on a new smartphone is to choose a language, and if the menu is in a language that they don't understand, it's hard to find the option they want to use. Most of the time, the system itself offers the choice when they first boot, but you can change it at any time through the settings, and it affects the keyboard layout, voice input, and the format of the dates.
To change, go to Settings and find the gear section. Depending on the shell version, the path may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same for all Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 and others. It is important to set the region correctly, because it depends on the operation of some applications and the availability of services.
⚠️ Note: If you change region to some countries (for example, India or the United States), additional advertisements may appear in the system or a set of pre-installed applications may change.
To change the language, do the following:
- 🌍 Open the main settings menu and select “Additional” or “Extended Settings».
- 🗣️ Find the section "Language and Input).
- 🇷🇺 Click on “Language” and select the one you want from the list or add a new one.
- ✅ Confirm the selection by moving the desired language to the top position of the list.
Changing the region is often required to unlock hidden features, such as changing the region to “India” sometimes allows you to get topics that are not available in other countries, and the “US” or “EU” region can turn off some of the system advertising, but system notifications can work incorrectly when choosing exotic locations.
How to Change Your Mi and Google Account
Linking to Mi Account is a prerequisite for full use of the brand’s cloud services, device search and data synchronization. However, when you buy a used phone or transfer the device to another person, you need to change your account, which is a critical step, since blocking the activation can make the phone useless.
Before you change your account, make sure you remember the password from your current account. If you just want to add a second profile for work or games, it's done through sync settings.
The decoupling process is as follows:
- 🔓 Go to Settings and select the top item with the account name.
- 👤 Click on “Mi Account” and scroll down to the “Exit” button».
- 🔐 Enter a password to confirm the shutdown operation.
- 🔄 After you exit, follow the same steps for your Google account in the Users and Accounts section».
⚠️ Warning: If you don't log out before selling your phone, the new owner won't be able to activate the device.This is a theft protection that you can't get around without the original password.
When you change your Google account to Android 12 or higher, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is protected. If you reset your phone to factory settings without first deleting your Google account through the menu, the system will require you to enter a password from the last synchronized mailbox, this is done for data security.
☑️ Checking before changing your account
Change password and unlock methods
The security of personal data depends on the complexity of the password. A standard pattern lock or a simple pin code of four digits is easy to pick up. Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer biometric unlocking, but digital code remains the main method of protection. It needs to be changed periodically.
To increase the level of protection, it is recommended to use a mixed password that includes letters and numbers, the system allows you to set up automatic lock after a certain downtime, and you should also pay attention to the Pocket Mode feature, which prevents accidental pressing in your pocket.
To change the way you unlock:
- Go to Settings. → Passwords and security.
- Select “Device Protection” or “Screen Lock”.
- Enter the current password to confirm your identity.
- Choose a new type: pattern lock, PIN-code, password or fingerprint.
The fingerprint scanner in today's models is built into the screen or the power button. If you change your password, the system may require you to re-register the biometric data to sync with the new encryption key, which is normal behavior for Android security.
What to do if I forget my password?
Comparison of methods of changing settings
Different methods of reconfiguration of the device have their pros and cons. Automatic synchronization is convenient, but requires the Internet. Manual configuration takes longer, but gives full control. The table below compares the main ways to control the system parameters.
| Parameter | Automatically (Mi Cloud) | Manually through settings | Through the engineering menu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Tall. | Tall. | Low (risk of failure) |
| Speed. | Instant. | 2-5 minutes | 1 minute |
| Risk of data loss | No. | No. | High-pitched |
| Availability | Requires an account | Always available. | Hidden by default |
The use of the engineering menu (Engineering Mode) allows you to change deep system parameters, such as touchscreen sensitivity or modem tests. However, the average user is not advised to change the values there without knowing the consequences. Changing the parameters in the engineering menu can lead to irreversible disruption of the radio module.
For most tasks, standard settings menus are enough. If you plan to change firmware to custom, it will require unlocking the bootloader, which is a separate complex procedure that goes beyond the basic setup.
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Before any major reconfiguration, back up your phone via Mi Mover or Google One, saving you hours of contact and photo recovery.
Replacement SIM-maps and network settings
Change of operator or installation of a new SIM-Maps are a common task. Modern Xiaomi smartphones use a hybrid slot where you can install two. SIM-It's important to install the card correctly so that you don't damage your contacts.
After the physical replacement of the SIM card, you need to adjust the priority of networks. The smartphone can try to work in 5G mode, where coverage is missing, which quickly lands the battery.
Setting priorities:
- 📶 Open "Settings» → «SIM-maps and mobile networks».
- 📞 Select the SIM card you want (1 or 2).
- 🌐 Click Network Type and select Preferred LTE» or «4G».
- 💾 Save the changes and restart the device to apply the settings.
If your phone doesn’t see a new SIM card, check if it’s locked. PIN-Also make sure the tray is inserted before you click. In rare cases, you need to prescribe access points. APN manually, although they usually come automatically with a message from the operator.
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Proper network type (4G/LTE) configuration saves battery life and improves connection stability in weak signal areas.