Buying a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, but for the device to reach its full potential, you need to correctly conduct the initial configuration. Xiaomi Redmi 9, equipped with a MediaTek Helio G80 processor and a screen with a diagonal of 6.53 inches, requires careful attention to the settings of the MIUI system. Many users miss critical stages, which later leads to a decrease in autonomy or the appearance of intrusive advertising.
In this detailed guide, we’ll take every step from the moment you turn on the screen to fine-tuning the interface, learn how to secure your data, optimize your 5020 mAh battery, and activate the hidden capabilities of the operating system. Getting your gadget right will keep it running smoothly throughout its life.
Before you start installing apps, it's important to understand the logic behind the MIUI shell, which is very different from pure Android. It offers a lot of personalization tools, but by default, many of them are disabled or hidden. Our goal is to make the smartphone a truly convenient and secure tool for everyday use.
Initial activation and security setting
Once you turn on the device and select the interface language, the system will suggest connecting the device to a Wi-Fi network. This is a necessary step to activate the Mi Account, which is the key to all the services of the ecosystem. Without registering an account, you will not be able to fully use cloud storage, device search and contact synchronization.
At the stage of creating a security password, it is recommended not to use simple combinations like "1234" or date of birth. MIUI It offers several protection options: pattern lock, digital key PIN-For models with fingerprint scanners on the back, like the Redmi 9, make sure to add a fingerprint to the screen, which will speed up unlocking in everyday use.
⚠️ Note: When creating a Mi Account, be sure to include a real phone number and backup email. Restoring access to a locked device without this data may become impossible due to Xiaomi's tight security policy.
The system will also offer a customized face recognition feature, which is less secure than a fingerprint scanner, but is convenient for quick daytime unlocking, and it’s important to understand that Face ID on budget models uses camera software algorithms rather than infrared sensors, so don’t rely on it as the only method of protection.
☑️ Primary security
Optimizing the system and removing advertising
One of the most painful topics for Xiaomi users is advertising in system applications. Fortunately, MIUI has a single switch that allows you to disable personalized advertising recommendations, you need to go to settings, find the Passwords and Security section and select Authorization and Review.
In the service list that opens, find the MSA (MIUI System Ads) and turn it off. The system will ask and count down several times (usually 10 seconds) to convince you to leave the ad on, you must be persistent and wait for the timer to end, then confirm the disconnection.
| Service | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| msa | Systemic advertising | Shut down. |
| MIDownloader | Installation recommendations | Shut down. |
| GetApps | Xiaomi App Store | Leave (if necessary) |
| Analytics | Collection of usage statistics | Shut down. |
You also have to go to the settings of every heavy app, like Music, Video, or Explorer, and individually remove the "Receive recommendations" box, which will clear the interface of information noise and speed up the interface, and in the "Notifications" section, you also have to disable receiving advertising from system services.
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After disabling the ad, restart your smartphone so that the changes take effect in all system processes.
Configure the display and interface MIUI
Redmi 9 has a resolution of 2340×1080 pixels, which provides excellent clarity. However, by default, the brightness and color gamut may not be optimally tuned. In the "Screen" section, select the color mode "Standard" for more natural color reproduction or "Saturated" if you prefer bright colors. Turning on the reading mode will help reduce the load on the eyes when working in the dark.
MIUI allows you to flexibly configure your desktop. You can change your application grid, add widgets, or activate the hidden Full Screen mode, which removes the bottom navigation bar by replacing it with gestures. Gesture control saves a lot of space on the display and makes interaction with Redmi 9 more modern.
To improve usability with one hand, activate the Screen Enlargement function. Double tapping on the bottom of the screen (in gesture mode) or swiping down the central navigation button will reduce the scale of the image, allowing you to reach the top elements of the interface with your thumb.
⚠️ Note: When you turn on Dark Theme mode, some third-party apps may not display correctly if they are not optimized by developers. Use the Color Inversion for Individual Apps feature in the dark theme settings.
Be sure to adjust the frequency of the touch layer survey if this option is available in your firmware version. Although Redmi 9 does not have a high hertz screen, proper sensor calibration will improve responsiveness when typing and in games.
Memory and productivity management
Xiaomi Redmi 9 comes in various memory modifications, but in any case, its rational use will prolong the life of the device. MIUI system has a built-in optimizer, but for maximum effect, you should manually adjust the operation of background processes. Go to Advanced Settings → Memory and turn on the virtual memory extension, if available.
It is important to control the autoload of applications. Many programs tend to run with the system, consuming processor resources and battery power. In the menu "Applications" → "Permissions" → "Autostart" leave only messengers and navigators that must be running constantly.
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Select Application → Battery → Background Activities → No LimitationsThis sequence of actions will allow critical applications (such as work chats) to not be overwhelmed by the energy saving system, and for other programs, it is better to leave the standard restrictions to make Redmi 9 work faster.
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Regularly cleaning the cache through the built-in Security app helps maintain high system speed, especially on devices with 32 or 64 GB of internal memory.
Camera and photography settings
The Redmi 9 by 13 MP core camera module is capable of taking high-quality pictures in good light. To get started, open the Camera app and select the 4:3 aspect ratio for maximum resolution or 16:9 for easy viewing on the screen. Turn on the framing grid to follow the rule of thirds when composition.
In the camera settings menu, pay attention to the AI Improvements feature, which automatically detects the scene (food, nature, documents) and adjusts colors. For Redmi 9, it is recommended to keep this feature on, as it compensates for the sensor's limitations, making the photos more contrasting and bright.
- 📸 Night mode: Use a tripod or wrap your phone around a stationary object for low-light shooting.
- 🎥 Video: Select permission to record video 1080p 30 frames per second for better balance of quality and stability.
- 🤳 Portrait: Adjust the extent of background blur with a slider before shooting so that the bokeh effect looks natural.
It is also necessary to include the preservation of geolocation data (GPS-tags), if you like to sort photos by location, this information is embedded in the metadata of the file and not visible in the image itself, but useful for the gallery.
Secret camera mode
Energy saving and battery operation
A 5020 mAh battery is one of the main advantages of the model. To keep it lasting, it is important to adjust the charging correctly. MIUI has a night charging optimization feature that studies your habits and pauses the charge at 80%, completing the process only by the time you wake up.
Use only the original power supply and cable that supports fast charging technology 18W. Use of cheap analogues can lead to overheating and degradation of battery chemistry. You can monitor the state of the battery through the application "Safety" → "Battery".
In the Energy Savings section, select the Balanced profile for everyday use. Ultra mode should only be enabled in emergency cases when you want to maximize standby time, sacrificing functionality.
⚠️ Warning: Don't let the smartphone run full before turning off on a regular basis.Lithium-polymer batteries used in Redmi 9, It is better to maintain capacity during charging cycles from 20% before 80-90%.
To analyze your energy consumption, go to battery statistics, and here you'll see a list of power leader apps, and if a program you rarely use tops the list, you should limit its background activity or delete it.