How to set up a Xiaomi smartphone: from basic parameters to hidden features

Xiaomi smartphones based on the company shell MIUI They offer users a unique combination of Android flexibility and exclusive features from the manufacturer. 20-30% And this article is not just going to list the standard menu items, but it's going to reveal the professional customizations that you can use. IT-Xiaomi experts and enthusiasts.

It is important to understand that MIUI Continuously evolving: Version interface 12-14 This is a very different build from earlier builds, and we will focus on the latest solutions for the current models (Redmi Note). 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and newer), but most of the instructions apply to devices 2020-2022 We're going to focus on productivity, privacy and energy efficiency, the three pillars that make smartphone use more comfortable.

First Installing and Basic Setup

The initial setup process Xiaomi has changed dramatically with the release MIUI 14. Now the system offers two scenarios: Quick setup (3 minutes) and Full setup (10-15 You can choose the second option, which allows you to do it:

  • πŸ”„ Disable unnecessary system applications (Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps)
  • πŸ”’ Set up biometric authentication from the first run
  • 🌐 Choose the best mode of updates (weekly / monthly)
  • πŸ“¦ Transfer data from the previous device to Mi Mover without loss of quality

The critical point is to choose regional settings, and if you specify Russia as a country, the system automatically:

  1. Installs Xiaomi servers in Singapore (minimum ping for Russia)
  2. Activates support for Mir Pay and SBP in Mi Pay
  3. Customizes frequency ranges LTE for Russian operators

πŸ’‘

If you buy Xiaomi abroad (such as the global version in Dubai), first select the region of sale, then manually change the country in the settings after activation.

Pay attention to the screen Personalization – here you can immediately:

  • 🎨 Select a theme (Super Wallpapers consume 15% more battery)
  • πŸ“± Configure navigation gestures (Full-screen gestures vs Classic buttons)
  • πŸ”‹ Optimize your diet (balanced vs. performance)

Optimizing performance and cleaning the system

MIUI It's a reputation for being a heavy shell, but 80 percent of lag problems are solved by setting them up properly:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode)
  2. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers
  3. Activate Debugging on USB and Process statistics
  4. Install the app CPU Monitor from Google Play for monitoring

Key parameters for optimization:

ParameterRecommended valueThe effect
Limit of background processesMaximum 2 of the process+20% of the battery life
Window animationΓ—0.5 (or deactivate)Quickly open applications
Optimization of MIUITurn onAutomatic cache cleaning
Adaptive brightnessShut down.More stable screen operation

Important detail: in models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) be sure to turn off the "Constrain performance" option in the battery settings, which increases heat output by 12%, but gives an increase in benchmarks to 30%.

Remove the cache in Settings→Warehouse→Clean up

Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications

Check out active widgets on the main screen

Perform deep optimization in the Security App-->

For deep cleaning, use a combination of:

  1. Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Clear everyone's cache
  2. Security App β†’ Cleanup β†’ Deep cleaning (removes up to 1.5 GB of garbage)
  3. Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Files. β†’ Unnecessary files

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the phone is slowing down.

Never clean.-->

Security and privacy settings

The scandals with the transfer of data to China forced Xiaomi to revise the privacy policy. MIUI (13+) Implement a layered security system, but most of the options are disabled by default:

  • πŸ” Enable Blocking of Applications for Messengers and Banking Applications (Settings) β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Application lockdown)
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Activate Malware Protection in the Security App (scans installed malware) APK real-time)
  • πŸ“‘ Turn off Automatic Diagnostics Send to Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ User feedback
  • πŸ”„ Set up Automatic Backup in Mi Cloud (Shopping out 5GB for free)

Pay special attention to application permissions. MIUI 14 A permission monitor function has appeared that shows:

  • What applications used geolocation in the background
  • Who got access to the microphone and camera?
  • What programs are yours reading? SMS call-book

⚠️ Warning: Disabling Mi Cloud Sync stops syncing notes, contacts and photos. Be sure to create a local copy of the data through Settings before doing so β†’ Accounts. β†’ Mi Account β†’ Backup.

For advanced users, hidden security options are available:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

This team will unlock access to hidden API, permitting:

  • Blocking Advertising at System Level
  • Disable Forced Application Updates
  • Change. DNS-servers for all connections

Personalization of the interface and hidden chips MIUI

MIUI It offers one of the most flexible interfaces among Android shells, and most users are limited to changing wallpapers, but it allows you to use it:

  • 🎨 Create dynamic themes based on your photos (themes) β†’ My subjects. β†’ Create)
  • πŸ”„ Configure Animation of the transition between applications (12 options available)
  • πŸ“± Use One-Hand Mode even on large screens (activated by swipe on the Home button")
  • πŸ”Š Changes notification sounds for each contact separately

Hidden Super Wallpapers feature (available on Xiaomi) 11/12/13 series 3D-paralax effect on the main screen to activate:

  1. Download the official Super Wallpapers app from GetApps
  2. Select a theme (such as Mars or Earth)
  3. Install as wallpaper for the main and lock screen
  4. Activate the Dynamic effect option in wallpaper settings

For fans of minimalism, the Smart Desktop function will be useful:

  • Automatically sorts applications by category
  • Hiding rarely used icons in folder Others
  • Offers contextual widgets (weather, calendar, fitness)
How to bring back the old style of notifications MIUI 14?
V MIUI 14 The design of the notification panel has changed, and it's now full screen: 1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play 2. Find activity com.android.systemui/.statusbar.StatusBarPreferences 3. Select the Use Old Notification Panel option 4. Reboot the device This method doesn’t work on all models and may reset after the update.

Interesting fact: in MIUI There are over 200 animations that can be changed:

  1. Activate Developer Mode (as described above)
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers
  3. Find the points of the animation scale (there are three: windows, transitions, animators)
  4. Set the value of animation disabled or 0.5Γ— speed up the interface

Battery management and energy saving

One of the most controversial aspects of Xiaomi is the operation of the power management system. MIUI aggressively restricts background activity, which leads to:

  • 🚫 Missed notifications in messengers
  • ⏳ Delays in mail synchronization
  • πŸ”„ Unintentional closure of applications

To balance autonomy and functionality:

AnnexRecommended battery modeAdditional settings
WhatsApp/TelegramNo restrictions.Enable Auto Start and Display Notifications
Google ServicesOptimized.Turn off background activity for savings
Games (PUBG, Genshin)ProductivityActivate the Game Turbo Mode
Social mediaBalanced.Limit Background Synchronization

Critical information for owners of battery-powered devices β‰₯5000 mAh (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO X5 Pro: When activated, the system limits the CPU clock to 1.8 GHz, which reduces performance by 40%, but increases the running time to 36 hours in standby mode.

For battery calibration (recommended every 3 months):

  1. Discharge the device to 0% and turn it off.
  2. Connect the original RAM and charge for at least 8 hours when off
  3. Turn on your phone and wait until you charge 100%.
  4. Perform the discharge/charging cycle again

⚠️ Note: Using wireless charging on Xiaomi with support 30W+ accelerates the degradation of the battery 15-20% faster than wired charging. To extend the life of the wireless charging limit to 80% (Settings available in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Charging settings).

Working with networks and connections

Optimizing network settings can increase Internet speed 30-50%. Start by choosing the right modem parameters:

  • πŸ“Ά For MTS/Tele2: set up LTE Band 3/7/20 priority
  • πŸ“Ά For Beeline/Megaphone: activate Band 1/3/7/38
  • πŸ“Ά For 5G-network: turn on SA-mode SIM-map

To manually adjust network settings:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Network settings
  2. Choose a manual network selection (not automatically!)
  3. In the list, find your operator with a note LTE or 5G
  4. Save the settings and restart the device

To solve problems with Wi-Fi:

  • πŸ”„ Disable Automatic Connection to Open Networks
  • πŸ“Ά Set up static. IP In the router settings for your Xiaomi
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Change. DNS at 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google)
  • πŸ”‹ Enable Wi-Fi Power Saving Mode (Reduces Ping in Games)

Hidden dual connection feature (available on Xiaomi) 12T/13) allows you to simultaneously:

  • Wi-Fi + Mobile Internet (increases download speed)
  • Two. SIM-map-mode 4G+4G (non-switch 3G)

To activate:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-map β†’ Double-connection
  2. Choose the main and additional SIM
  3. Set Priority for Challenges and the Internet

πŸ’‘

Use of the two SIM-The card simultaneously increases the battery consumption 8-12%. Turn off the second. SIM, When not needed, through the Quick Settings Panel.

How to turn off MIUI ads forever?
You can completely remove advertising only through: Installation ADB and execution of the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution Or buy Xiaomi without advertising (official option in some regions) Or install custom firmware such as Xiaomi.eu Partial shutdown: Settings β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Autostart. β†’ Disable MiuiDaemon
Why is Xiaomi so fast on standby?
Main causes: πŸ” Actively on display (consuming) ~5% hourly) πŸ“‘ Continuous search Wi-Fi/Bluetooth background πŸ“± Apps with permission to ignore battery optimization πŸ”„ Automatic synchronization of Mi Cloud and Google Account Solution: Activate Energy Saving Mode at Night and Turn off background activity for unnecessary apps.
Can I install Google Camera (GCam) on Xiaomi?
Yes, but with reservations: πŸ“± Snapdragon-processors work stably (download versions from the BSG Wichaya) 🚫 On MediaTek (Helio) G96, Dimensity: Artifacts are possible when shooting videos πŸ”§ Manual adjustment required XML-Best ports for popular models: Redmi Note 12 Pro+: GCam_8.1.101_A10_V20 Xiaomi 13 Ultra: MGC_8.7.250_A11_V15 POCO X5 Pro: Nikita_GCam_7.4.104
How to transfer data from iPhone to Xiaomi?
Official method: On iPhone, install Move to iOS from the App Store On Xiaomi, select Data Transfer when first enabled Connect to a temporary Wi-Fi network created by Xiaomi Select data for transfer (contacts, photos, messages) Alternative method (for large volumes): Back up your iPhone to iTunes Use iMazing or AnyTrans to export data to PC Move files to Xiaomi via USB-cable
What if Xiaomi doesn’t turn on after the update?
Step-by-step: Connect the charger for 30 minutes (even if the indicator is not on) Press the Power button + Volume up for 15 seconds If the Mi logo appears, release the buttons - the device will boot When the Fastboot appears, select Reboot β†’ If nothing happens - you need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool 90% of the time helps reset via Recovery: + Volume up when your phone is turned off Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data Confirm and Reboot