How to run Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: from unpacking to the first settings

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, released in 2019, is still a popular choice thanks to the powerful MediaTek Helio G90T processor, 64-MP camera and a capacious 4500 mAh battery. However, even such a time-tested smartphone requires a proper first start – its performance, safety and life depends on it. In this article, you will find detailed instructions for unpacking, turning on, basic configuration and optimization of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, as well as solving the typical problems that beginners face.

Whether you bought a new device or a used one, the first steps are equally important. We will discuss how to avoid common errors (for example, the wrong setting of the Mi Account, leading to locking), which settings should be changed immediately after turning on, and how to prepare the smartphone for long service. MIUI, Battery setup and safety – these are often not given due attention, which leads to problems.

1. Unpacking and external inspection of Redmi Note 8 Pro

Before you first turn on, be sure to check the configuration and external condition of the device. In the standard box Redmi Note 8 Pro must be:

• 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (model) M1906G7G or M1906G7E)
• 🔌 Charger (18 W, type) USB-C)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C → USB-A
• 📄 Documentation (guarantee card, short guide)
• 🔑 Paperclip for the tray SIM-map

If you are buying a used device, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Screen integrity: Check for scratches, chips or "broken" pixels (turn on white background).
• 🔋 Battery status: ask the seller to show the data in Settings → Battery → Battery condition: Optimal wear up to 15%.
• 📶 The antennas are in operation: insert SIM-Check the signal level in different places.

⚠️ Note: If the box or smartphone itself has a sticker that says "Global Version", it means that the device is designed for the international market and supports Russian. ROM) Requires a mandatory firmware for correct operation.

Also check the USB-C connector and speakers for contaminants. If you notice dust or oxidation, clean them gently with a dry toothbrush or compressed air. Don't use alcohol or wet wipes, it can damage the seals.

2.First Including: What to Do Before Configuring MIUI

Before you press the power button, follow a few important steps:

1. Charge your smartphone to at least 30%. Although the Redmi Note 8 Pro can be powered up with 5-10% charge, low battery levels during the first setup can cause crashes.
2. Prepare. SIM-The device supports the map: 📱 Two nano-SIMs (4FF) or 📱 One nano-SIM. + microSD memory card (up to 256 GB).

Use a paper clip from the kit to open the tray (the hole is on the upper end).

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi

Now you can turn on your smartphone. Press the power button (on the right side) for 3-5 seconds until the Redmi logo appears. The first turn on can take up to 2-3 minutes - this is normal, since the system performs (initiation) of components.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi logo turns off the screen or says "Fastboot", it may mean that the device has custom firmware installed or it was turned off incorrectly.

Charge your smartphone to 30%|

Insert SIM-card and/or microSD|

Connect to Wi-Fi|

Prepare data for your Mi Account (email/phone)|

Check the power button and charging socket-->

3. Step-by-step setting up MIUI after first switching on

After you download the system, you will be met by the MIUI setup wizard. Follow the instructions, but pay attention to the key points:

1. Language selection: Install "Russian (Russia)". If this option is not available, your device is on Chinese firmware - you will need firmware reflashing.
2. Region: Select "Russia" for the correct operation of Google services and local applications.
3. Connect to the network: Connect to Wi-Fi. If there is no network, you can use mobile Internet, but this will slow down the download of updates.
4. Mi Account: Many people make a mistake here. Don't miss this step - without a Mi Account, you won't be able to use cloud storage, find your device when you lose it, and get setting restrictions (for example, you can't turn off ads in MIUI).

When creating a Mi Account:

• 📧 Use a valid email (preferably Gmail or Mail.ru).
• 🔐 Create a strong password and save it in your password manager (e.g. Google Password Manager).
• 📱 Confirm your phone number – this will help restore access if you forget your password.

After authorization, the system will offer:

• 🔄 Recover data from another device (via Mi Cloud or cable). If you switch from another Xiaomi, this step will save time.
• 🛡️ Set up protection: turn on screen lock (recommended) PIN-code or pattern lock) and fingerprint unlocking.
• 📱 Personalization: Select the theme (you can change it later in Settings) → Topics).

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If you buy a used smartphone, be sure to reset to factory settings before setting up. To do this, select “Clear Data” in the settings wizard, or do it later through Settings → About Phone → Reset.

4 MIUI Update: Why it's critical for Redmi Note 8 Pro

The Redmi Note 8 Pro came with MIUI 10 based on Android 9, but updates to MIUI 14 (Android 12) are available today.

• 🛡️ Fixing Vulnerabilities: Older Versions MIUI contain critical security errors that can be used to hack.
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Newer versions better manage power consumption, especially with MediaTek Helio working G90T.
• 📸 Camera Improvement: Photo and video processing algorithms are regularly updated.
• 🎮 Support for new games: Some modern games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) require an up-to-date version of Android.

To update MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click "Check Updates."
3. If you have a new version, download it (we recommend using Wi-Fi).
4. After download, click "Install" and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: If your device is on Chinese firmware (China) ROM), The standard update through Settings will not work, in which case you will need to manually run through the Mi Flash Tool with the bootloader unlocked. You will find detailed instructions in the section "How to reflash the Redmi Note 8 Pro with China" ROM Globally".

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Updating MIUI to the latest version is the first step to a stable smartphone, and skipping this stage risks running into lags, overheating and security issues.

5. Battery Optimization: How to Prolong Battery Life

The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a 4,500mAh battery, but its actual capacity depends on charging cycles and temperature conditions, so that the battery lasts longer:

• 🔌 Use the original RAM. Charging from other manufacturers may mismanage current, which accelerates wear and tear.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating. Do not play heavy games (e.g, PUBG Mobile at maximum settings) during charging.
• 🔋 Keep the charge in the range of 20-80%. Constant charging up to 100% reduces the life of lithium polymer batteries.
• 📵 Turn off unnecessary background processes. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery usage and limit the activity of applications that severely drain the device.

We also recommend that you include the following settings:

1. Adaptive brightness: Settings → Display → Adaptive brightness.
2. Dark theme: Settings → Display. → Dark theme (saves up to 15% of charge on the AMOLED-The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a screen. IPS-matrix, so the effect will be less).
3. Battery Mode: Settings → Battery → Battery Mode → “Balanced”.

To check the status of the battery:

1. Enter the dialer code ##4636##.
2. Select "Battery Information".
3. Look at Battery Health, and the optimal is 90 percent or higher.

6.Security setting: Protection against hacking and theft

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, like any Android device, is vulnerable to data theft or physical loss.

• 🔒 Turn on the screen lock. It's best to use it. PIN-A code (at least 6 digits) or a pattern lock. A fingerprint is convenient but less reliable.
• 📍 Activate "Find the Device": Go to Settings → Google → Security → Find the device. Enable the Remote Lock and Remote Clean options".

Disable the installation from unknown sources

Settings → Privacy → Special Permits → Installation of Unknown Applications

Allow APK installation only for verified sources (e.g. APKMirror).

Set up a backup.

• 📧 Mi Cloud: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Backup.
• ☁️ Google Drive: Settings → Google → Backup.

If you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi, turn on the VPN. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can:

• ProtonVPN (free rate with traffic restriction)
• Windscribe (10GB per month for free)
• 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare (protects) DNS-request).