Buying a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially if you are first encountering a shell MIUI or HyperOS. Immediately after unpacking and turning on the user's device, you will encounter many offers, settings and requests that can confuse even an experienced Android owner. The correct initial configuration of the device allows you not only to improve the comfort of use, but also significantly extend the battery life.
Many owners miss the opportunity to immediately disable intrusive advertising and limit the background activity of applications, which leads to quick battery discharge and annoying notifications. In this article, we will discuss how to properly prepare your gadget for everyday work, ensuring maximum performance and data privacy.
Initial activation and account setting
The process starts with choosing a language and connecting to a Wi-Fi network, and at that point, the system will prompt you to log in to an existing Mi Account or create a new one, which is a critical step, because it is this account that connects all your devices, allows you to use the Device Search feature and sync contacts. Without an account binding, many system functions, such as Mi Cloud or the theme, will not be available.
Once you log in, the system will offer to restore data from the backup. If you are switching from another Android smartphone, the most convenient way to use a Google account to transfer contacts and a list of installed applications. However, system settings and passwords from Wi-Fi are better transferred through the Mi Mover branded application, which is often preinstalled or available in the GetApps store.
⚠️ Warning: When recovering data from an old backup, be careful: you can return old, already fixed bugs or unnecessary garbage in the form of an app cache.
It is important to set up biometric protection immediately. Xiaomi’s current models are equipped with fingerprint scanners built into the screen or power button, as well as face unlock modules. Using biometrics not only speeds up access to the device, but also increases the security of payment data.
- 🔐 Go to Settings. → Passwords and security for biometrics management.
- 📱 Add a fingerprint for each hand for convenience.
- 👤 Adjust the face unlock if the camera supports AI recognition.
☑️ Primary security setting
Optimizing the interface and eliminating advertising
One of the main features of the MIUI shell is the presence of built-in advertising, which is activated by default in system applications. To turn a smartphone into a comfortable tool, you need to manually disable the MSA service (MIUI System Ads), this will not remove ads in third-party applications, but will clear system folders, weather and the browser from intrusive banners.
To disable ads, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Access to personal data. Find msa in the list and turn off the switch. The system will warn you several times about the consequences and suggest waiting 10 seconds - this is a security mechanism that you just have to endure. After disabling MSA, you should also go to each system application (Security, Downloads, Music) and in their internal settings find the item "Receive recommendations" and turn it off.
Where else is the ad hiding?
Next, you should set up your desktop. Xiaomi offers two modes: Classic (with the app menu) and Light (all icons on the screens). For users accustomed to pure Android, the classic mode is preferable. Also in the Settings → Screen menu, you can change the font size and scale of interface elements to improve readability.
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Use MIUI widgets for quick information. Long tapping on the blank space of the screen allows you to add useful widgets like Stepmer or Notes, which are not only functional, but also beautiful.
Energy and battery management
Xiaomi smartphones are known for their energy efficiency, but aggressive system optimization sometimes works against the user, closing the desired applications in the background. To ensure that the messengers work correctly and the navigator does not “fall asleep” during the journey, you need to adjust power management correctly. The standard Battery mode in the security menu offers several profiles, but for most users, the “Balanced” mode is optimal.
Special attention should be paid to the settings of specific applications. If you notice that notifications from email or corporate chat come with a delay, you need to change the background restrictions. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, select the desired program, then Control Activity and select “No restrictions” This will allow the application to work in the background without interruption from the system.
| Mode of work | Description | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced | Optimal balance between performance and charge | Daily use |
| Saving energy | Limits background processes and brightness | When charging isn't on hand |
| Ultra | Leaves only calls and SMS, disconnects the Internet | In emergency situations, discharge |
It’s also worth activating Adaptive Charging (if available in your version of the OS) to learn your habits and slow down overnight charging to 100% just in time for your wake-up, which has a positive effect on the chemical wear of the Li-Pol battery.
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The right setting of the application background is more important than the choice of energy saving mode, and it is background restrictions that most often cause missed notifications.
Camera setup and shooting quality
The cameras in Xiaomi smartphones have a wide range of functionality that is often hidden in the depths of the menu. First, you should activate the framing grid by turning on the option Settings → Grid. This will help align the horizon and build the frame composition according to the rule of thirds. In addition, you can professionally configure the format for saving photos on RAW if you plan a serious post-processing.
An important aspect is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The camera automatically detects the scene (food, landscape, documents) and tweaks saturation and contrast. Some users like bright, digital results, others like more natural colors. AI-Scenes to find your balance.
- 📸 Turn on Long Shutter Speed mode to capture car light trails at night.
- 🎥 Use SuperEIS Stabilization when shooting video in motion.
- 🌙 “Night” mode is better to use with a tripod or fixing hands.
Remember, video capabilities. Many models support 4K or even 8K recording, but remember that these files take up a huge amount of memory. For everyday social media shooting, Full HD at 60 frames per second is the best choice, which will ensure smoothness of the picture without excessive space consumption.
Data security and confidentiality
In the era of digital threats, privacy protection is coming to the fore. Xiaomi provides powerful tools for this, starting with data encryption. Make sure the device has a reliable method of locking the screen. A 6-digit pin code or a complex pattern lock is significantly more reliable than a simple 4-dot pattern that is easy to peek.
The second space is a feature that allows you to create an isolated environment on your phone with a separate set of apps, photos and accounts, which is ideal for separating work and personal life, or for handing the phone to your children without worrying about what they will see.
⚠️ Note: Second Space creates a separate file system, and if you forget the password or pattern from the second space, it will be impossible to recover data from it even if you reset the main profile.
App permissions are also regularly checked. Settings → Privacy Protection → Permissions Management can see which apps have access to a microphone, camera, or geolocation. If a simple calculator requires access to your contacts and location, that’s a clear reason to revoke permission or uninstall the app.
Way to Quickly Check: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to enable advanced settings)Working with memory and file system
The MIUI-based Android file system has its own features. Unlike iOS, it has full file access, which requires discipline. The Explorer app allows you to sort files by type, but for deep cleaning, you better use the built-in Cleanup tool in the Security app. It can find duplicate photos, large files and remnants of deleted applications.
For people who are actively working with documents, Hidden Album or Hidden Files are useful. Any file can be swiped down in the corresponding Explorer folder. However, remember that when you reset your phone to factory settings without first unlocking and transferring, these files will be lost irretrievably.
If the built-in memory is not enough, consider using cloud services. Mi Cloud is integrated into the system and convenient for backup contacts and notes, but for photos and videos it is often more profitable to use Google Photos or Yandex.Disk, setting up automatic upload over Wi-Fi.
- 🗑️ Clean the Downloads folder regularly, there is a lot of garbage accumulating there.
- ☁️ Configure gallery sync only over Wi-Fi so you don’t waste traffic.
- 📂 Use the categories in the explorer for a quick search. APK or ZIP file.