Xiaomi Redmi 9 First Included: Full Instruction from Unpacking to Ready to Work

You just bought a Xiaomi Redmi 9 and want to get the first switch on right? This model, released in 2020, still remains popular due to its balanced features: a MediaTek Helio G80 processor, a 5020 mAh battery and a quadruple camera. However, even experienced users sometimes have questions when they first start up. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic steps, but also the nuances that the manufacturer often does not say.

It's important to understand that first powering up is not just clicking on the power button, it's the process of initializing hardware, customizing the MIUI shell and personalizing it to your needs. We'll tell you how to avoid common mistakes (like misassigning a Mi Account that can block access to phone functions), which settings should be changed immediately, and what to do if your smartphone doesn't respond to the power button. Ready? Start by preparing.

Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before pressing the button

Before you turn on Redmi 9, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps.This will save time and prevent possible problems.

First, check the package. The box should have:

• 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9 (model) M2003J15SC global version)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, with fast charging support)
• 🔋 18W charger (if you bought a new set)
• 📄 Documentation (guarantee card, short guide)
• 🔑 Paperclip for the tray SIM-Cards (sometimes in a separate bag)

If something is missing, especially a charger or cable, don’t use cheap ones — it can damage the battery. Xiaomi’s original accessories have protection against overheating and power surges.

The second important thing is battery power. Although the smartphone may have residual power from the factory, it is recommended to connect it to the network for 15-20 minutes before first turning on, due to the features of the Redmi 9 power controller, which calibrates the battery when it first starts, if the charge is below 20%, the process can be interrupted.

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If you bought a used smartphone, reset via Recovery mode before turning on. To do this, press Volume up + Power for 10 seconds, then select Wipe Data from the menu.

Step-by-step: how to turn on Xiaomi Redmi 9 for the first time

Now, let's get to the process itself. Follow the instructions carefully, because the order of the action is important.

1. Install. SIM-card and memory card (optional). Use the clip from the kit to open the tray (located on the left end). Redmi 9 supports: 📱 2 nano-SIM (or 1) SIM + microSD to 512GB) 🌐 Support 4G In both slots (but only one is working at the same time) SIM)

If you install a microSD, format it as portable storage, not as internal memory, and this will prevent performance issues.

Turn on your smartphone.

Press the Power button (located on the right end) for 3-5 seconds until the Redmi logo appears. On the first turn on, downloading can take up to 2-3 minutes - this is normal.

Choose a language and region.

On the welcome screen, scroll up and select Russian (Russia) or another language you want, and select the real one, which is where the services available (e.g. Google Pay or Mi Pay) depend.

Connect to Wi-Fi.

If you don't have Wi-Fi, you can skip this step, but then some features (such as the MIUI update) will not be available.

Redmi logo on a black background|Download animations MIUI|Language selection screen|Welcome video (you can miss it)|Wi-Fi connection screen-->

After connecting to the Internet, the smartphone will offer to update MIUI. Do not refuse to update - in the latest versions, critical bugs have been fixed, for example, with the proximity sensor or auto-brightness. The update will take 10-15 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet.

Setting up a Mi Account: why it matters and how to do it right

The system will require you to create or log in to a Mi Account. Many users miss this step, but it is a mistake.

• 🔐 Unlock the bootloader (if you need custom firmware)
• 📱 Sync contacts, notes and photos through Mi Cloud
• 🛡️ Access to security features (e.g. Find Device)
• 🎁 Receiving bonuses in Mi Community (discounts, early access to beta versions)

To link the account correctly:

1. Click Create a Mi Account (or Sign in if you already have one).
2. Please provide a valid email address (not to use temporary addresses).
3. Create a strong password (save it in the password manager).
4. Confirm the phone number – this is necessary to restore access.

Once the account is linked, the system will offer you to set up biometric authorization. Redmi 9 has:

• 👆 Fingerprint (scanner on the back panel)
• 😊 Facial recognition (works even in the dark)

We recommend that you configure both options, which will speed up unlocking. For a fingerprint, add at least 2-3 fingers (for example, index and big).

Basic MIUI settings: what to change immediately after switching on

MIUI on Redmi 9 has many hidden settings that improve the user experience.

Pay special attention to the section Settings → Special features.

• 🔊 Turn on mono-audio (useful for hearing problems)
• 👁️ Increase the font to 150% for the visually impaired
• 🤏 Set up gestures for convenience (such as swiping down to call the notification bar)

Dark subject.|Navigation gestures|Reading mode|Double tap to wake up|None of the above.-->

Do not forget to update Google Services. Open Play Market, search Google Play Services and click Update to fix any push notifications and maps issues.

What to do if Xiaomi Redmi 9 does not turn on: diagnosis of problems

Sometimes the first switch may not go according to plan.

⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone doesn't respond to the power button for more than 10 seconds, don't try to disassemble it yourself - it will take away your warranty.

If the smartphone is turned on, but freezes at the setup stage, try:

1. Connect to another Wi-Fi (sometimes a problem in the router)
2. Skip the Mi Account binding (click Skip in the top corner).
3. Reset your settings via Recovery (delete all data!).

In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by resetting the cache or replacing the cable. If nothing works, contact the service center - it may be a hardware defect.

How to transfer data from your old phone to Redmi 9

Data portability is a big step after the first switch on, and Xiaomi has a built-in solution called Mi Mover, but it doesn't always work smoothly.

• 📲 Mi Mover (recommended method): On an old phone, download Mi Mover from the Play Market. On Redmi 9, select Data Transfer during setup. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. Scan QR-code from an old phone.

Transferred: contacts, messages, photos, videos, applications (without data).

Cloud Transfer (Google or Mi Cloud):

Download data to Google Drive or Mi Cloud from your old phone, then log in to the same account on Redmi 9 and sync.

Through the computer:

Copy files from your old phone to your PC, then transfer them to Redmi 9 via a USB Type-C cable.

⚠️ Warning: When you move over Mi Mover, don't turn off Wi-Fi or block the screen, the process will stop. If the data volume is greater than 5 GB, use your computer.

After the transfer, check:

• 📞 Contacts in the phone application (sometimes duplicated).
• 📷 Photos in the Gallery (should be in the folder) DCIM).
• 🎵 Music in Mi Music (if you have been transferred).