Buying a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially if you are first encountering the Xiaomi ecosystem.The brand's modern devices offer powerful functionality, but their initial setup can seem confusing to the untrained user. Properly installing a Xiaomi phone from scratch is not just about turning on power, but the whole system configuration process that will determine the stability of the gadget in the future.
In this article, we will look at all the steps from removing the device from the box to deep optimization of the operating system. We will look at the nuances of activation in different regions, installing the necessary services and hidden settings that will help unlock the potential of your device. Careful attention to detail at the start will save you hours of troubleshooting in the future.
The next critical step is to connect to the Internet. It is recommended to use a stable Wi-Fi network, since the initial synchronization of accounts and downloading updates may require significant traffic. Mobile Internet can be unstable or have speed limits. Once connected, the system will automatically check for firmware updates. If Xiaomi servers have a more recent version of the software than installed in the factory, you will be prompted to upgrade. The update may take from 10 before 40 minutes and will require a reset. βοΈ Checklist before update Battery charge higher 50%Sustainable Wi-Fi connection Availability of free space (minimum) 5 GB) Do not interrupt the process until 100%Completed: 0 / 4 β οΈ Note: It is strictly forbidden to interrupt the process of updating the firmware. Turning off your phone or losing communication with your router while recording system partitions can result in a bootloop or device completely inoperable. In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the system may suggest installing updates to Google apps and framework services. This is a normal procedure to ensure that the Play Market store and navigation work correctly. Wait for all background installations to be completed before moving to the next screen.
Xiaomi Ecosystem is tied to two main accounts: Mi Account and Google Account. Mi Account is required for cloud operation, device search, use of Mi Themes theme and some system functions. Enter your phone number or email to log in. If you do not have an account, it is easy to create it right in the process of setting up. Google Services (GMS) is the standard for Android. When you log in to your Google account, you will automatically access contacts, calendar and previously installed applications. The system will offer to restore a backup from another Android device. This is a convenient way to transfer data and WiFi quickly. The table below shows a comparison of features synced across different accounts: Feature / Mi Account Google Account Contacts and Calendar Optionally Basic Sync Photos and Videos Mi Cloud (5 GB free) Google Photos (15 GB free) Device Search Yes (including) SMS-Yes (via the Internet) Wi-Fi passwords No Yes Topic and Wallpaper Full synchronization No
After you get to the desktop, many users are faced with an abundance of pre-installed applications and a recommendation tape. The first thing to do is to turn off advertising in system applications. This is done through privacy settings or in each system application separately (for example, in "Conductor" or "Music"). Go to Settings β Passwords and security β Access to personal data. Here you can limit the access of applications to your geolocation and microphone. It is also recommended to disable the MSA (MIUI System Ads) program if it is active in your region. To do this, you can change the process from the desktop and add the table to the new one. Please note the βSecond Spaceβ section if you need to separate work and personal applications.