Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face the need for a detailed configuration of the device immediately after buying or after updating the operating system. Redmi 9, being a popular budget model, is equipped with a MIUI shell, which has its own unique logic of organizing a menu, different from pure Android. Understanding the structure of the interface allows not only to change the wallpaper, but also to optimize the processor, adjust energy saving and activate hidden functions.
Access to the main system parameters can be done in several ways, each of which is convenient in a specific situation. The standard path through the icon on the desktop is basic, but there are faster methods through the notification curtain or voice assistant. Access to the advanced debugging menu will require five quick clicks on the build number. In this article, we will discuss all possible login options, and also consider the structure of hidden engineering menus.
Standard entrance through the desktop
The most obvious and frequently used method of accessing device management is to use a shortcut on the home screen. The icon marked with the gear image is the central node where more than 90% of all options available to the user are concentrated. Depending on the design theme installed in MIUI, the appearance of the icon may differ, but its name always remains the same.
Once you run the app, you'll see a vertical list of categories divided into logical groups, and the top of the screen is usually reserved for settings, which is very convenient if you don't remember the exact location of the item you want, and the sections that you're looking at are connected to, screen, sound, and notifications.
For users who are just moving from other brands, the interface may seem overloaded, but the system groupes related functions to quickly find the right ones, for example, everything related to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is in the Connections and Sharing block.
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Use the search bar at the top of the settings menu to instantly find the items you want without manually flipping through long lists.
Importantly, in some firmware versions, the main switches can be moved to the top of the list for quick access, which speeds up the process of turning on the flight mode or flashlight without diving deep into the submenu.
Alternative ways to access the menu
If the icon has been accidentally removed from the desktop or hidden in a folder, there are other ways to start the system configuration. One of the fastest ways is to use the control panel, which is called by swipe down from the top right corner of the screen. In the expanded menu, there is often a button with the image of a gear that instantly throws the user to the desired partition.
Another option is to use global search, which is that if you're on your desktop, swipe from the bottom up or click on the search bar to call an assistant, and if you type in the word "settings" or "parameters," you'll get direct access to the app, which is particularly effective when the screen is occupied with widgets, and finding a shortcut is visually difficult.
Redmi 9 owners can also use Google Assistant or XiaoAI (if the region allows) to say "Open Settings" and the system will run the app itself, which is convenient when hands are busy or the screen is dirty.
And you can also think of the ability to create a shortcut for a specific item, and if you hold your finger on the right option inside the menu, you can put it in a separate button right on your desktop, which will save time in the future.
Structure and navigation in MIUI
The MIUI 12 and newer versions on Redmi 9 offer dual-mode navigation: classic (list) and modified (tiles), switching between them at the top of the settings list and dramatically changing the experience of the interface. In tiles, the main categories are represented by large blocks, which visually makes it easier to search.
Below is a table of the main sections you will encounter with standard navigation and a brief description of them:
| Section | Description of function | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| The phone. | Information about Android version, MIUI, processor | Tall. |
| Screen. | Brightness, refresh rate, read mode | Medium |
| Annexes | Rights management, battery, notifications | Tall. |
| Password and security | Unlock, access to data, antivirus | Critical |
| Advanced settings | Language, date, special facilities | Medium |
Special attention should be paid to the “Applications” section, since this is where the autostart and energy saving settings for each specific program are hidden, and this is the key point for optimizing the work of messengers and navigators.
Navigation within subsections is usually linear, but some items have nestings up to three levels. For example, to change the font, you need to go through: Screen → Text and size → System Font. Understanding this hierarchy helps you navigate faster.
Engineering menu and developer mode
For advanced users and repair professionals, there is a hidden section known as "Developers" that is hidden from the eyes of the average user by default to prevent accidental changes to critical system settings. To activate this mode, you need to go to the "About the phone" section and find the "Version" item. MIUI».
The activation process requires accuracy: you need to quickly click on the version number seven times in a row. Once you successfully complete this step, a pop-up notification will appear that you have become a developer. A new menu item will appear in the “Additional” or “Extended Settings” section.
☑️ Activation of the developer mode
Inside this menu are tools like USB debugging, fictitious location selection, and window animation settings. Be careful: changing zoom settings or limiting background processes can lead to unstable interface performance.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change the values in the developer menu unless you are sure of their purpose.Reset animation settings on 0.5x It can speed up visual perception, but a complete rejection of animation sometimes causes glitches in the touch screen.
Hidden codes and diagnostic tests
In addition to the GUI, the Xiaomi Redmi 9 also provides access to diagnostic tools through a set of special codes in the Phone app, which allows you to run hardware tests without installing third-party software, which is especially useful when buying a used device or diagnosing malfunctions.
The most useful code is ##6484##, which opens the Engineering Testing Menu (CIT), where you can check vibrations, proximity sensors, microphones and screens for broken pixels, enter code on a standard call, the menu opens automatically without pressing the call button.
Another important code is ##4636##. It opens a testing menu where you can see detailed statistics on battery usage, Wi-Fi connection and running processes, a tool often used to analyze the causes of a battery's rapid discharge.
What if the code doesn't work?
Using diagnostic codes is safe for user data, but running hardware tests can temporarily shut down some phone functions (e.g., the screen will go out during the proximity sensor test).
Security and biometrics setting
The security section of Redmi 9 is one of the most important because it manages access to data and payment functions. This is where the fingerprint scanner, which is located on the back of this model, is set up, and calibration and addition of new fingerprints are done under the Password and Security subsection.
The system allows you to create multiple fingerprint profiles, which is convenient for family members or for different conditions of use (for example, a separate finger to unlock with gloves), and it also configures face unlock, which uses a front camera.
An important element is the management of application permissions. MIUI is known for its aggressive energy saving policy, so it often blocks the background work of messengers. In the security section, you can manually allow auto-start for WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, so that messages arrive on time.
⚠️ Note: When you turn on the "Find device" function, be sure to link the Mi Account. Without this step, locking the screen when you lose your phone will not work, and the attacker will be able to reset the device to factory settings.
Regularly checking the security log with built-in antivirus helps to identify potentially dangerous applications downloaded from unverified sources. While Android has its own protection, an additional layer of security from Xiaomi will not be superfluous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to reset all settings Redmi 9 to factory?
Why did the settings icon from the desktop disappear?
Can you change the font of the system without superuser rights?
How to turn on the developer mode if it does not appear?
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Properly configuring the power saving settings for each application is more important than constantly cleaning RAM manually.
In conclusion, Xiaomi Redmi 9 management provides a wide range of customization options for users, knowing all the ways to enter settings and understanding the menu structure allows you to turn a standard smartphone into a powerful tool that is fully adapted to your individual needs.