You just got the lucky owner of the new Xiaomi Redmi, one of the most popular smartphones in Xiaomi's lineup? Congratulations on your purchase! The first turn on of the device is not just a pressing of the power button. It's a ritual that determines the future of the gadget. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from the proper unpacking to fine-tuning MIUI, so that your Redmi works quickly, steadily and without failure.
Many users make critical mistakes in the first run: skipping updates, misconfiguring Mi Accounts, or ignoring battery optimization. We'll show you how to avoid these problems and prepare your smartphone for long-term service. And if you're faced with the fact that Xiaomi Redmi does not turn on after unpacking, we have a solution for this situation.
Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before launch
Before you press the power button, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps.This will save time and prevent possible failures.
First, check the completeness of the device. In the box with Xiaomi Redmi (any model from Redmi Note 12 to Redmi A2) should be:
- π± The smartphone itself in protective film
- π Cable USB Type-C (or Micro-USB) for older models)
- β‘ Charger (if the model supports fast charging, check the power of the unit)
- π Warranty card and instruction (sometimes electronically)
- π Paperclip or tool for retrieving the tray SIM- cards
If something is missing, it is a reason to go to the store, especially the presence of an original charger: the use of poor-quality power supplies can damage the battery at the stage of the first turn on.
Second, prepare the SIM- card and memory card (if you plan to use). Modern Redmi supports Nano-SIM format, and the hybrid tray allows you to choose between a second SIM or MicroSD. Make sure your SIM is cropped to the right size - otherwise it just won't fit into the slot.
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If you still have an old SIM- Mini or Micro card, do not try to cut it with scissors! Better contact the communication salon - they will do an accurate cropping in 5 minutes.
How to insert SIM- card and memory card
Installing the SIM- card incorrectly is one of the most common reasons why Xiaomi Redmi doesnβt turn on after purchase.
- Turn off your smartphone (if it has already been turned on).
- Find a tray for SIM-cards β usually located on the upper or lateral face of the device.
- Insert a paper clip (or special tool) into a small hole next to the tray to make it move out.
- Put the Nano-SIM in the appropriate slot (usually labeled as SIM1 or SIM2).
- If you use a memory card, insert it into a MicroSD slot (in hybrid trays it is combined with SIM2).
- Carefully push the tray back before the click.
An important nuance: if you insert two SIM- cards, make sure they support the desired ranges. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro works with 5G, but only in the SIM1 slot. The second SIM will be limited to 4G.
What to do if the tray is not moved?
First inclusion: step-by-step instructions with photo
Now, to the most exciting moment, the first launch, follow the instructions to avoid missing important milestones:
- Charging before turning on. Even if the smartphone is new, it is recommended to connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes, which ensures that the battery does not run out during the initial setup.
- Turn on. Press the power button (usually located on the right) for 2-3 seconds until the Redmi logo appears.
- Select a language. On the first screen, select Russian (or any other language you want to use). If the language is not on the list, check the region, you may need to select a country first.
- Connecting to Wi-Fi. This is a must-have step to download the latest updates and sync with Xiaomi servers.Select your network and enter your password.
- Acceptance of terms. Read (or browse through) the user agreement and privacy policy. Without consent, you will not be able to continue setting up.
- Sign in to Mi Account. If you already have a Xiaomi account, sign in. If you don't, create a new one (be sure to link email and phone!) This is for access to cloud services, theme store, and Find Device.
- Set up biometrics. Your smartphone will suggest setting up your fingerprint and facial recognition, and we recommend doing it right away, so your data is safe.
- Data portability: If you upgrade from an old smartphone, you can transfer contacts, photos and apps via Mi Mover (requires an OTG cable or wireless connection).
- System optimization: Wait for the smartphone to complete the pre-optimization (it can take 5-10 minutes).
Critical information: If you're in the setup phase, your smartphone offers to update your firmware, don't refuse. The first update often contains important fixes for a new batch of devices.
What to do if Xiaomi Redmi does not turn on after unpacking
When a new smartphone doesn't respond to the power button, it's scary for anyone to have a problem, but don't panic, because 90 percent of the time, it's easy.
Here's the algorithm for action:
- Check the charge. Connect the original charger and wait 15 to 20 minutes. Sometimes the battery runs to zero in the warehouse.
- Press the power button for 10-15 seconds, and this will reset the possible BIOS-level freezes.
- Try a button combination. Press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds, and this will force the device to restart.
- Check the cable and the charging. Use a different cable and power supply to rule out any faults.
- Check your smartphone for physical damage, and if there are dents or traces of moisture on the case, it could indicate a marriage.
If nothing works and your smartphone still doesn't turn on, go to the store to replace it under warranty. Don't try to disassemble the device yourself, it will void the warranty.
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If the smartphone vibrates or makes sounds when you connect to the charger, but the screen remains black, this is a sign of a software failure, in which case only flashing in the service center will help.
Configure MIUI after the first turn on: what to turn off and what to leave
MIUI is Xiaomiβs branded shell that offers a lot of features, but some of them can interfere with comfortable use.
π§ Optimizing productivity
- π Turn off Windows Animation and Settings Animation β About Phone β Version MIUI (click 5 times on the version to open the developer menu, then go back to Additional Settings β Developer Settings).
- π Enable Auto Clean RAM in Settings β Applications β Auto Run.
- π΅ Turn off Advertising in MIUI in Settings β Memory β Settings β Disable Advertising (if the option is available for your region).
π Battery setup for long-term operation
- π Enable Adaptive Charging in Settings β Battery β Battery settings β this will extend battery life.
- β‘ Turn off Smart Charging Distribution if you are not using wireless charging.
- π Activate Energy Saving in Standby mode to save charge at night.
Note: If you notice that the battery is running out too quickly in the early days, it is normal for MIUI to adapt to your habits within 3-5 days.
π‘οΈ Security and privacy
- π Set up Application Blocking for Messengers and Banking Applications.
- π Disable geolocation services for unnecessary applications in Settings β Privacy β Permits β Geodata.
- π Check the Application Specific Permits (camera, microphone, contacts)
Disable unnecessary system applications
Set up control gestures
Check for security updates
Optimize background processes
Create a backup in Mi Cloud-->
Firmware Update: Why Itβs Important to Do It Immediately
Many users miss updates because they think they're not important. That's a big mistake! The first firmware update for Xiaomi Redmi often includes:
- π οΈ Corrections of critical errors detected during the manufacturing phase.
- π Security patches for protection against vulnerabilities.
- π Optimization of performance and autonomy.
- π New features that were not included in the factory firmware.
How to update firmware:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If you have an update, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi).
- After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.
Warning: If during the update the smartphone shows an error "failed to install the update", try:
- Reboot the device and try again.
- Clear the cache in Settings β Memory β Clear the cache.
- Download the full firmware package manually from the official Xiaomi website and install through System Update β Three dots β Select an update file.
| Model Redmi | Current version of MIUI (2026) | Last firmware available | Size of update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 13 Pro | MIUI 14.0.5 | MIUI 14.0.8 (Global) | ~3.2 GB |
| Redmi 12 | MIUI 14.0.3 | MIUI 14.0.6 (Stable) | ~2.8 GB |
| Redmi A2 | MIUI 13.0.4 | MIUI 13.0.7 (EEA) | ~1.9 GB |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | MIUI 14.0.6 | MIUI 14.0.9 (Global) | ~3.5 GB |
Frequent Errors When First Included and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes have problems configuring the new Xiaomi Redmi, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
β οΈ Warning: If you see a message saying, "This device is linked to another Mi Account," it means that the smartphone has been activated before (possibly a used device or a defect), in which case you need to unlock through the official Xiaomi service.
Error 1: The smartphone is not connected to Wi-Fi.
Decision:
- Check if your router supports Wi-Fi 6 (some newer Redmis donβt work with older routers).
- Reboot the router.
- Forget the network in the settings and connect again.
Error 2: Touchscreen is not working (the screen is not responsive to touch).
Decision:
- Remove the protective film, sometimes it interferes with the sensor.
- Reboot your smartphone.
- Check if the Glove mode is turned on in the screen settings.
Error 3: The battery is quickly discharged in the first few days.
Decision:
- Give your smartphone 2-3 full charge/discharge cycles to calibrate the battery.
- Turn off the background activity of unnecessary applications.
- Check if the High Performance mode is enabled in the battery settings.
Error 4: Google services are not working.
Decision:
- Make sure you choose the right region when setting up.
- Update Google Play Services manually through the Play Market.
- If the problem persists, install Google Installer (for Chinese firmware).