First powering up Xiaomi phone: full instruction from unpacking to setup

You just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone and don’t know how to turn it on for the first time?This article will help you understand everything from unpacking the box to completing the initial setup. We will describe each step in detail, point out possible difficulties and give tips that will facilitate the process.

Xiaomi’s first phone inclusion is different from other brands due to its branded shell MIUI. Not only is it important to press the power button, but it's also important to set up your account, select a language, connect to the network and synchronize data. If you miss a step, you may have problems with the device later.

In this instruction, we will consider:

• 📦 How to properly unpack and inspect the smartphone before turning on
• 🔋 Preparation for the first launch: charging, SIM-card
• 📱 Step-by-step inclusion and configuration MIUI beginner
• ⚙️ The main parameters that need to be configured immediately after launch
• ❓ Frequent Errors and How to Avoid Them When First Included

1. Unpacking and external inspection of the new Xiaomi

Before you turn on the smartphone, you need to properly unpack and inspect it. In the box with the new Xiaomi should be:

• 📱 The smartphone itself in protective film
• 🔌 Charger (if the model supports fast charging, the unit will be marked accordingly)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (or Micro-USB) for older models)
• 📄 Documentation: brief guide, warranty card
• 🔑 Paperclip for tray extraction SIM-cards (sometimes included)

Pay attention to the integrity of the package, and if the box is opened, it has traces of glue or damage, which may indicate that the phone has already been used or repaired, in which case it is better to refuse the purchase or require a replacement.

After removing the smartphone, examine it for external defects:

• 🔍 Check the screen for scratches or chips
• 🔍 Make sure the buttons (Food, Loudness) are pressed without stinging.
• 🔍 Check the connectors: Type-C, 3.5 mm audio (if any), tray for SIM-map
• 🔍 Check the camera operation (no debris under the windows)

⚠️ Warning: If you bought a smartphone from an official Xiaomi store or from a trusted seller, the box must have a factory seal with a serial number. → The phone. → General information) confirms the originality of the device.

Preparation for the first inclusion

Before you press the power button, do a few important things:

Charging the battery

Many new Xiaomi smartphones go on sale with a minimum charge level (10-30%). It is recommended to charge the phone at least before 50% before first switching on to avoid sudden shutdown during setup.

Use only the original charger from the kit. Connect the cable to your smartphone and socket. The charging indicator (red battery) may appear on the screen, even if the phone is turned off.

Installation SIM-memory-cards

Most Xiaomi models support two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM. + microSD to install the cards:

1. Find a tray for SIM on the side of the phone (usually on the right).
2. Insert the paperclip into a small hole and press carefully - the tray will be pushed out.
3. Place it. SIM-card(s) in the respective slots (pay attention to the direction of the cut).
4. If necessary, install a microSD card (usually a marked slot as a microSD card). SD).
5. Carefully push the tray back before the click.

Important: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) Do not support microSD memory expansion. Check this in the specifications of your model before buying a card.

Charge your phone to 50% |

Install SIM-map)|

Check the availability of a memory card (if necessary)|

Prepare the data for the entry into the Mi Account (if any)-->

3. First on: Power button and initial boot

Now we can start to turn it on. The process has several stages:

3.1. Starting up the phone

Press the power button (usually located on the right) on 2-3 A few seconds before the Xiaomi or Redmi logo appears on some models (e.g., on some models, POCO) The appropriate logo may be displayed.

The first download takes longer than usual, from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, and do not interrupt the process, even if the screen is permanently black.

3.2 Choice of language and region

After downloading you will be met by the master of settings MIUI. First thing you need to do is choose:

• 🌍 Interface language (we recommend Russian or English)
• 📍 Region (select Russia or your country – this will affect the available services)

Note: If you choose a region other than your country of purchase, some features (such as Google Pay or Xiaomi local services) may not work properly.

3.3 Connection to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet

The next step is to have the system connect to the Internet, and that's what you need to do.

• 🔄 Firmware updates (if a new version is available)
• 📥 Synchronization of data with Mi Account
• 📦 Installation of Google Play apps

Select your Wi-Fi network, enter your password and click Connect. If there is no Wi-Fi, you can use mobile Internet (make sure that you have access to the Internet). SIM-The card is activated and there is coverage).

⚠️ Note: If you miss your internet connection at this stage, later on some features (like Find My Device or cloud backup) may not work until you manually set up the network.

4. Set up a Mi and Google account

One of the most important things is to link accounts, and without that, you won't be able to use many of the features. MIUI.

4.1. Create or log in to Mi Account

Mi Account is a Xiaomi account that gives you access to:

• ☁️ Cloud storage (photos, contacts, notes)
• 📱 Remote phone management (Find My Device)
• 🛡️ Additional security functions
• 🎁 Special offers and actions

If you already have an account, select Login and Enter email/phone + If not, click Create an account and follow the instructions. You will need a valid email or phone number to register.

Important: Link your real email and phone to your account – this will help restore access if you forget your password.

4.2. setting up a Google account

Without a Google account, you can’t:

• 📱 Install applications from the Play Market
• ☁️ Synchronize contacts, calendar, mail
• 🔑 Use services like Google Maps or YouTube

If you already have a Gmail account, select Login and enter. If not, click Create an account and fill out the form, and we recommend using a strong password and two-factor authentication.

After logging in, the system will suggest setting up a backup. We recommend enabling the option Backup in Google Drive - this will save your data when you reset or replace your phone.

5. Basic settings MIUI after first inclusion

Once you've linked your accounts, the system will suggest you set up the basic parameters, and let's look at the most important ones.

Adjustment of the lock screen

Select the type of lock:

We recommend choosing a PIN or Password as the primary method and then adding a fingerprint for convenience.

5.2 Personalization of the interface

MIUI It offers a wide range of customization opportunities:

• 🎨 Topics: Select a light or dark theme in Settings → Screen. → Dark subject.
• 📱 Font size: Adjust to Settings → Screen. → Size of text
• 🔄 Gestures or buttons: Select the way to navigate in Settings → System system → Gestures
• 🔋 Saving charge: Enable Battery mode → Saving charge to extend operating time

You can also change the wallpaper of the desktop: a long press on the free space of the screen → Wallpaper. → Choose the image you like.

Update to firmware

After the first turn on, we recommend checking for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, download and install it.

Updates fix bugs, improve performance and add new features.Make sure the phone is at least 50% charged before installing.

💡

If after the update the phone began to work slower, restart it or reset the cache in Settings. → Memory. → Cleanup.

6. Installation of necessary applications

After you have completed the initial setup, you can start installing applications. Here is what we recommend to do first:

6.1 Installation from Google Play

Open the Play Market (desktop icon) and log in to your Google account if you haven't done so before.

• 📱 Social media: VK, Telegram, WhatsApp
• 💰 Banking applications: SberBank Online, Tinkoff, etc.
• 🎵 Music and Video: YouTube, Spotify, Movie Search
• 🚗 Transport: Yandex.Maps, 2GIS, Yandex.Taxi

6.2 Pre-installed Xiaomi applications

V MIUI There are a number of branded applications that can be useful:

• 📷 Camera - a proprietary application with advanced settings
• 🎵 Mi Music – Player with support for local files
• 📁 Files – a file manager with cloud synchronization
• 🛡️ Security – antivirus, garbage cleaning, traffic control
• 📡 Mi Remote - remote control for equipment (if there is an IR port)

If you don’t need any apps, you can disable them (but not remove them completely): → Annexes → Application management → [select the application] → Shut down.

6.3. Data transfer from the old phone

If you change your smartphone, you can transfer data from the old device.

1. On your old phone, install the Mi Mover app (available in the Play Market).
2. On the new Xiaomi, select Data Transfer in the Settings Wizard or find Mi Mover in the app menu.
3. Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Scan it. QR-code on a new phone from an old one.
5. Select data for transfer (contacts, photos, messages, etc.) and confirm.

The process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data.

💡

Do not install apps from unknown sources (outside the Play Market) - this can lead to viruses or unstable phone operation. APK, Check the file with antivirus.

7. Performance testing and testing

After setting up, we recommend checking the basic functions of the phone to make sure it is serviceable.

Testing of the display

Check the screen for broken pixels and uniformity of backlighting:

1. Open the Screen app or use test pictures (e.g., single-color screensavers).
2. Look at the screen from different angles – there should be no yellowness or dimming.
3. Swipe your finger across the screen and check the sensitivity of the sensor.

Checking the cameras

Open the Camera app and take a few pictures:

• 📸 Main camera (check focus and color reproduction)
• 📸 Front camera (make sure there is no blur)
• 📸 Portrait and Night mode (if any)

Pay attention to artifacts, noise or incorrect exposure – this can indicate problems with the camera module.

Communication and network test

Check it out.

• 📞 Calls: Call another number and check the quality of the connection.
• 📶 Mobile Internet: Enable data transfer and open the browser.
• 📶 Wi-Fi: Connect to the network and check the speed (for example, via Speedtest).
• 📍 GPS: Open Google Maps and check your location.

Verification of sensors

Make sure that the following work:

• 🔦 Approximation sensor: during the call, the screen should go out when the phone is brought to the ear.
• 📱 Gyroscope/accelerometer: tilt the phone – the screen should turn (if the autorotation is turned on).
• 👆 Light sensor: the brightness of the screen should be automatically adjusted when the light changes.

⚠️ Note: If any of the sensors fail, it can be either a software problem (reset or upgrade) or a hardware problem.

8. Frequent errors at the first inclusion and their solutions

Even if you set it up properly, you can have problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

8.1. The phone is not switched on

If nothing happens after the power button is pressed:

• 🔋 Check the charge level, maybe the battery is completely discharged. 10-15 minutes, then try to turn on.
• 🔌 Try another charger or cable - maybe the problem is with them.
• 🔄 Press the power button. + Volume up on 10-15 Seconds – This Can Help When You Hang.
• 🛠️ If the phone is new and does not respond, contact the store - marriage is possible.

8.2. Hanging on the Xiaomi logo

If the phone is turned on but stuck on the logo:

• 🕒 Wait. 5-10 Minutes – the first switch may take longer.
• 🔄 Perform Forced Reboot: Clutch Power + Volume up for 10 seconds.
• 📥 If the problem recurs, the firmware may be damaged. Try logging into Recovery Mode (clip the Power). + Volume up when the phone is off) and select Wipe Data (reset settings).

8.3 The sensor or buttons are not working.

If the screen does not respond to touch:

• 🧤 Remove the protective film – sometimes it interferes with the sensor.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🛠️ Check if there is any physical damage to the screen.
• 📱 If the sensor is partially working, it may be a problem in the firmware – update the system.

Problems with network connection

If Wi-Fi or mobile internet is not working:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone and router.
• 📶 Make sure that SIM-The card is properly installed and activated.
• ⚙️ Check the settings. APN: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
• 📡 For Wi-Fi: Forget the network and connect again by entering a password.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions