Buying a new smartphone from Xiaomi is always an exciting moment, especially given the rich functionality of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. However, immediately after turning on the user, you often encounter an abundance of pre-installed applications, intrusive advertising and a lot of notifications that can confuse even an experienced owner of Android devices. That is why the question of how to set up a shaomi becomes critical in the first minutes of using the gadget.
Competent primary configuration allows not only to get rid of visual noise, but also significantly extend battery life, as well as protect personal data from leaks. In this article, we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions that will turn your smartphone from just a good device into a perfectly debugged tool for work and entertainment.
Don't ignore this step by relying on standard settings. The default system settings are often focused on collecting telemetry or demonstrating the capabilities of the app store, rather than on user comfort. Let's fix this right now.
Primary activation and basic safety
The setup process starts immediately after the device is turned on, and at this point, the system will suggest you to select a language, connect Wi-Fi and log in. Many users rush to skip these steps, but this is where the foundation of security is laid. Mi Account is a key element of the ecosystem, allowing you to lock the device remotely in the event of a theft and synchronize contacts.
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Be sure to enable two-factor authentication for your Mi Account immediately after registration – this will protect your data even if your password is leaked.
When connected to the Internet, the smartphone will offer to update the system, which is a critical step that can not be postponed. New firmware versions contain security patches and bug fixes that affect the stability of the model and battery consumption. If the update weighs more than 1 GB, it is better to connect to Wi-Fi so that mobile traffic is not consumed.
Next comes the biometrics setup phase: Modern Xiaomi smartphones come with in-screen or side-facing fingerprint scanners, and face unlock modules, and both are recommended to be configured, as the fingerprint scanner works faster and more reliably in the dark, and facial recognition is convenient for quick glances at notifications.
- 🔒 Create a complex pattern lock or 6-digit pin code for backup access.
- 👤 Add facial data and fingerprints of both hands for versatility.
- ☁️ Check if sync with Mi Cloud is activated for important data.
It's important to understand that biometrics are stored in a secure processor perimeter and not transmitted to the company's servers, but without setting the master password or key, biometrics are impossible to use, so this item should be taken seriously.
Cleaning the system from advertising and excess software
One of the main features of the MIUI shell is that it has built-in ads that can appear in standard applications like Music, Explorer, or Security, which annoys many users, but fortunately, it can be disabled manually, and you need to find the msa (MIUI System Ads) service in the settings.
Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to Personal Data. Find msa on the list and turn off the switch. The system will try to discourage you from waiting 10 seconds — be patient and click “Cancel.” A similar procedure should be repeated for Mi Video, Mi Music and GetApps if you do not use them.
☑️ Removal of advertising in MIUI
In addition to advertising, remove or disable pre-installed apps that you don’t plan to use. This will free up space and reduce background load. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps and find unnecessary services like Yandex, Facebook or third-party games.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove system components that have the words “Framework”, “Service” or “Google” in their name. Removing critical system applications can lead to unstable interface operation or cyclical reboot.
It's also recommended that you disable personalized recommendations. Go to the settings of each standard application (through three dots in the corner) and find "Get recommendations," which makes the interface cleaner and speeds up the menu.
Optimization of battery autonomy and operation
Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their autonomy, but the wrong setup can negate all the benefits of the battery.The aggressive power saving system MIUI can prematurely close applications, which may cause you to not receive notifications from messengers on time.
To solve this problem, you need to adjust the applications in the background. Go to Settings → Battery → Energy Saving. For important applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, mail), select No Limits mode, which allows them to work in the background without forced shutdown of the system.
Another important aspect is the screen. AMOLED-The arrays provide a great picture, but consume more energy at high brightness levels. 30-45 Also worth checking is the refresh rate: if you don't want maximum smoothness in the 120 Hz is constantly, you can set the default mode so that the system itself switches between the two. 60 and 120 Hz depending on the content.
Remember to save energy. In critical situations, Ultra-Energy Saving only makes calls and texts available, turning your smartphone into a phone caller with a few days of work, but in everyday use, you should rely on a good background setting.
Interface setting and usability
The look of the shell is something you interact with every second. Xiaomi offers a lot of customization. Start with the control panel. In newer versions of MIUI, it's divided into two parts: on the left, notifications, on the right, switches. If you're familiar with the classic style of Android, where everything is in the same list, you can change this in the Control Point menu.
The sidebar features are particularly noteworthy, and this pop-up curtain allows you to quickly run popular apps or tools (screenshot, voice recorder, magnifying glass) over any other window. You can set up the list of applications in Settings → Special Features → Sidebar.
MIUI's hidden gestures
For multitasking enthusiasts, it's helpful to set up a Floating Window, which lets you run an app on top of another, like watching YouTube videos while you're texting in the messenger, and to activate, you open the app from the recent task menu and select the appropriate icon.
Don't ignore the theme, either. Themes contains thousands of free and paid themes that change not only wallpaper, but also icons, fonts and sounds. Setting a quality theme can dramatically change the experience of a device, making it more unique.
Confidentiality and data protection
In the age of digital threats, privacy is a hot topic, with Xiaomi’s smartphone permissions manager allowing you to monitor in detail what data each app sees, and regularly checking the list of apps that have access to microphone, camera, and geolocation.
A special category is file permissions. Many applications require access to the entire memory of the device, even though they only need one folder. In privacy settings, you can restrict access by allowing the application to see only certain files or deny access altogether if the functionality allows.
| Type of permit | Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Geolocation | Tracking movements | Only when used |
| Microphone | Audition | Only for messengers. |
| Contacts | Theft of the number database | Call only/SMS |
| Camera. | Hidden footage | Photo/video only |
Another useful feature is Second Space, which is the analog of the second profile, where you can store personal photos, files and apps hidden from the main screen, accessed with a separate fingerprint or password, which is ideal if you give a phone to children or colleagues.
⚠️ Note: Second Space is not military-grade encryption. Use special safe applications with additional encryption to store critical data (bank keys, passport data.
Useful features for advanced users
After basic setup, you should look at the tools that turn your smartphone into a powerful working tool. The Second Level feature (Second Space) has already been mentioned, but it's also worth exploring the Game mode. It not only blocks notifications, but also allows you to record the screen, make screencasts and even slightly overclock the processor to increase the FPS.
For those who travel frequently, the Transport Card mode will be useful, and in supported regions and through the Mi Credit app (or its analogues), a phone can be turned into a pass by attaching it to a turnstile even without the Internet, and the NFC feature for emulating intercom keys is also useful, although it does not work with all types of cards.
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Most Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with an IR port, which allows you to use the phone as a universal remote for TV, air conditioning and other equipment, even if the original remote is lost.
Don't forget voice control. While Google Assistant works great, the built-in Mi AI assent (often replaced or limited in global versions) can control system functions. Set up voice activation to quickly trigger the navigator or alarm clock.
In conclusion, setting up Xiaomi correctly is a process that takes about 30-40 minutes, but saves hours of time in the future. By following these steps, you’ll get a device that works fast, doesn’t annoy with ads, and is completely in line with your habits.