Xiaomi Redmi 7: how to set up a smartphone from scratch and reveal its potential

Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, still remains a relevant budget smartphone with solid characteristics: Snapdragon 632 processor, dual main camera and a capacious battery of 4000 mAh. However, many users are faced with the fact that out of the box the device does not work as fast or functionally as it could, the reason lies in the factory settings, focused on the “average” user, and in the features of the firmware. MIUI, which over time becomes unnecessary.

This article will not just list the basic customization steps – we’ll take a look at how to optimize Redmi. 7 for specific tasks: from overclocking performance to fine-tuning the camera, as well as revealing hidden functions MIUI 12/14, We will pay special attention to the problems specific to this model: overheating during charging, lags in games and sudden battery discharges.

First Installing and Basic Setup

When you first turn on Redmi 7, the system offers you to go through "quick setup." Don't settle for it, this mode misses critical settings that you'll have to manually fix. Instead, select Setting manually (usually this option appears at the bottom of the welcome screen).

At the Wi-Fi connection stage, pay attention to the 5 GHz network - Redmi 7 supports it, but by default can connect to a less stable 2.4 GHz network.

1. Click on your network name in the list of available.
2. In the window that appears, tap additionally.
3. Select 5 GHz (if the router supports it).

When setting up your Mi Account, you can skip this step by clicking Skip at the top of the screen, but keep in mind that without linking to your account, you won’t be able to use the cloud backup, Find Device, and some Xiaomi services, such as Mi Cloud for synchronizing notes.

⚠️ Note: If you missed creating a Mi Account when you first turned on, you can add it to Settings → Accounts. → But unlocking the bootloader (which we will discuss later) requires you to link the device to your account before the procedure begins, otherwise you will have to wait 720 hours (30 days)!

Unlocking the bootloader: why and how to do it

The Xiaomi factory bootloader is blocked, a security measure that prevents custom firmware installation and root rights, but unlocking it has a number of benefits even for ordinary users:

• 🔓 The ability to install global firmware (if you have a Chinese version of the software) CN ROM).
• 🚀 Installation TWRP Recovery to create full system backups.
• 🔧 Removal of pre-installed system applications (bloat) that cannot be disabled by standard means.
• 🎯 Optimize performance through the kernel and modified firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience).

The unlocking process consists of several stages:

1. Device Link to Mi Account: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-Unlock. In the same menu, find Mi Unlock Status and link the device to your account.

Mi Unlock Tool

:

Download the official utility from the site en.miui.com/unlock (Registration is required. Install it on a Windows PC (on the Mac/Linux It works through an emulator).

Fastboot

Turn off Redmi 7, then press Volume down + Power until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect your phone to your PC.

Launching the unlock:

Open the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions. The process will take 1-3 minutes, after which the phone will restart with the bootloader unlocked.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased! Backup photos, contacts and apps in advance via Settings → System system → Backup or manually copy files to your PC. Also note that unlocking resets the meter. SAR (Radiation level, which may affect service at official Xiaomi centers.

Battery charge > 60%|Download and install Mi Unlock Tool|Mi Account is tied to the device|Regime on. OEM-unlock|Backup of important data is made-->

Optimizing performance: how to speed up the Redmi 7

Despite the Snapdragon 632 processor, the Redmi 7 eventually begins to “brake” due to background activity. MIUI. Here are some steps that will help you get your job back smooth:

1. Disabling animations and background processes

Reducing animation time visually speeds up the interface.

1. Activate Developer Mode (as described above).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the settings: The window animation scale → Set the animations off. Transition animation scale. → Animation disabled. Animator duration scale → Animation disabled.

Process limit

Maximum 2 of the process

2. Cleaning cache and junk files

MIUI It actively caches data, which over time takes up to 3-5 GB of memory:

• 🧹 Through Settings: Settings → Warehouse → Clear cache (does not delete application data).
• 🗑️ Deep Cleaning: Use the App SD Maid (requires root) or manually delete folders /data/log/ and /cache/ through TWRP.

3. Optimizing autoloading

Many applications are launched at the start of the system, consuming resources.

1. Install the Autostarts app (requires) ADB root).
2. In the list, find unnecessary apps (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, Facebook Services).
3. Turn off their auto-start permit.

For advanced users, if you have a bootloader unlocked, you can install a custom kernel, like FrancoKernel, which optimizes the allocation of CPU resources. TWRP and may result in loss of warranty.

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If after optimization the phone still "lays" in games, try to turn on the performance mode: go to Settings → Battery → Performance mode and select High Performance, note that this will increase battery consumption by 15-20%.

Battery settings: how to extend the operating time

Redmi 7 is equipped with a battery of 4000 mAh, but many users complain about the fast discharge, the problem lies in the wrong settings of energy saving and background activity of the applications.

1. Battery calibration

If the phone shows the wrong percentage of charge (for example, it turns off sharply by 30%), calibration is required:

1. Reduce the phone to 0% (until it turns off).
2. Connect the original RAM and charge for at least 8 hours without interruptions.
3. Turn off the charger, turn off the phone and reconnect the ROM for 1 hour.
4. Turn on your phone and check the charge indicator.

2. Optimization of background activity

MIUI It has a built-in battery manager, but it's not always efficient:

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery → Select mode and activate Balanced (not Charge Savings, as it limits performance).
• 📵 Turn off Auto Sync for unnecessary accounts (Settings) → Accounts. → Autosynchronization).
• 🛑 Stop apps from working in the background: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Battery → Limit background activity.

3. Charging problems

Redmi 7 supports Quick Charge 3.0, but it often warms up when charging.

• 🔌 Use the original RAM or certified with support QC 3.0 (power 18 W).
• ❄️ Charge your phone at a temperature of 10-35°C. Overheating (>40°C) disconnect it from the network.
• 📴 Do not use your phone while charging (especially for gaming or watching videos).

If the battery is draining too quickly even after optimization, check its condition through the engineering menu:

##4636##

In the Battery Information section, look at Health Level, and if it's below 80%, it's time to replace the battery.

Thin camera setup

Double camera Redmi 7 (12 MP) + 2 MP) is capable of more than it seems. MIUI Camera and third-party apps. Here's how to improve the quality of your images:

Activation of 48 MP mode (if supported)

Some versions of the Redmi 7 (such as the Indian version) have a Sony camera. IMX486, It can shoot at 48 MP, but by default, it's off:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Find the photo resolution option and select 48 MP (if available).

If this option is not available, then your model is equipped with a Samsung camera. S5KGM1 (12 MP), and 48MP hardware resolution not available.

2. Setting up GCam for the best photos

Google Camera (GCam) app significantly improves image quality through processing algorithms HDR+. Redmi 7 is suitable for the GCam 7.3 version from the developer Urnyx05. You can download it on the forum. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

After installation:

• 📸 In the GCam settings, turn on HDR+ Enhanced.
• 🔍 Activate Night Sight for night shooting (up to 4 seconds exposure).
• 🎛️ In the Lib Patcher section, select the configuration for Snapdragon 632 (Like Redmi. 7.xml).

3. Hidden functions of a standard camera

In the standard annex MIUI Camera has non-obvious chips:

• 🌃 Starry Sky Mode: Set shutter speeds for 32 seconds in manual mode (Pro) and use a tripod. Suitable for shooting the Milky Way.
• 🔍 Macrograph: Switch to secondary camera (2 MP) and bring the object to a distance of 4-10 cm.
• 🎭 Portrait Mode Effects: In Portrait Mode, tap on the Effects icon (bottom of the screen) and select Studio Lighting or Contouring.

It is recommended to use permission for video shooting. 1080p@60fps — It gives a smoother picture than 4K@30fps, And the files are less weighty.

Solving Typical Redmi 7 Problems

Even when set up correctly, the Redmi 7 can be unstable, and let's look at some of the most common problems and solutions.

If the problem is not solved, check the hardware, for example, a faulty battery plume can cause spontaneous reboots, and a damaged charging connector can cause power problems, in which cases repairs are required at the service center.

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Before resetting the settings to factory, always try clearing the cache through Recovery (clip Volume Up). + Nutrition → Wipe cache: This saves your data, but fixes most software glitches.

Hidden MIUI features you didn’t know about

MIUI It's full of Easter eggs and hidden features that aren't documented in the official guides:

Second Space Mode

It allows you to create a completely isolated profile with separate apps, settings, and even wallpaper, which is useful if you want to separate work and personal data or give your child a phone without the risk that they will delete important files.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click Create a second space and follow instructions.
3. To switch between spaces, swipe down the lock screen with two fingers.

2. "Laboratory of Functions" (hidden experiments)

V MIUI There's a secret menu with beta features that Xiaomi is testing:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5 times on the line version MIUI.
3. Enter the password 123456 (if requested).
4. Now in the main menu of settings will appear item Lab functions.

You can activate here:

• 🔄 Horizontal lock screen (turning wallpaper when changing orientation).
• 📱 Google navigation gestures (instead of standard ones) MIUI).
• 🔍 Improved Search in Settings (Keyword Search).

3. Hidden codes for diagnosis

These commands will help test the hardware components of Redmi 7:

#4636## - Battery information, networking and usage statistics
# #6484## - Sensor test (accelerometer, gyroscope, approximation)
#64663## - Touch screen test (multi-touch check)
##232338## — Wi-Fi test (shows MAC- address and signal strength)
#06# - IMEI check (must match the sticker under the battery)

If some test ends with an error (e.g., Failed in a sensor test), it may indicate a hardware fault.

Update firmware: official and custom options

Updates MIUI Redmi 7s are less common than flagship models, but they are still available. Let's look at all the ways to upgrade, from official to custom firmware.

1. Air Update (OTA)

The easiest way, but not always available for all regions, is to check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package.
3. If the update is available, download it and confirm the installation.

If the update doesn’t come, try changing the firmware region through Settings. → Additionally. → Region (select India or Global).

Manual installation via Recovery

If OTA-Update is not available, you can install firmware manually:

1. Download the official.zip firmware file for your model from MIUI Downloads.
2. Place the file in the root folder of the phone (not in the folder!).
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select an update file.
4. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

Installation of custom firmware (TWRP + Custom ROM)

For advanced users who want a clean Android or the latest versions MIUI, custom firmware will do:

• 📱 Pixel Experience – Android without shell MIUI, Google Camera Supported.
• 🔄 LineageOS - stable firmware with minimalist interface.

For installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader (as described above).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot:
3. V TWRP Make a backup. → Select System, Data, Boot).
4. Sweep through custom firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware is warranty-free and can lead to unstable work if the inappropriate version is selected.Be sure before firmware is compatible with your Redmi 7 modification (e.g., onclite for global version).

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If after the update the phone began to work slower, reset the cache in Recovery (Wipe) → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache + This won't delete your data, but it will clear temporary system files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi 7