How to launch a new Xiaomi smartphone: a full guide from unpacking to fine tuning

You’ve just become the lucky owner of Xiaomi’s new smartphone – whether it’s the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the gaming Black Shark 6 Pro or the budget Redmi Note 13. The first turn on of the device may seem simple, but the correctness of the initial setup depends not only on the usability, but also the security of your data, system performance and even battery life. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic steps of activation, but also the hidden settings. MIUI, This will help you unlock the full potential of your gadget.

Many users miss the critical moments of the first launch, from enabling data encryption to optimizing application background activity, while these are the ones that determine how smoothly your Xiaomi will run in a month or a year. We have collected proven recommendations relevant to all modern models (2022–2026 (b) including the latest versions MIUI 14/15 hyperos.

1.Preparation for the first turn on: what to do before pressing the power button

Before turning on your smartphone, follow a few preliminary steps – this will save time and save you from potential problems:

• 📦 Check the complete set: in the box should be a smartphone, cable (usually) USB-C), power adapter (if provided), paperclip for tray SIM-maps and documentation. POCO Redmi adapter may not be available – check this on the manufacturer’s website.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 30-40% before first turning on. Modern Xiaomi supports fast charging (up to the first time). 210W Redmi Note 12 Turbo, but the first cycle is better spent at standard power.
• 📱 Prepare your old smartphone (if you plan to transfer data): install the Mi Mover app from Google Play or the App Store, check for backups in Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 🌐 Set up Wi-Fi: First run will require a network connection to activate Google and Xiaomi services. Get your network password in advance or prepare a mobile hotspot.

Pay special attention to the tray for SIM-Most models of Xiaomi 2023-2026 use a hybrid slot: either two nano-SIMs or one. SIM + microSD card (up to) 1TB Xiaomi 13T The exception is the flagships of the Ultra series, where the slot is only for SIM. Use the original paper clip from the kit to avoid damage to the mechanism.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a smartphone from a Chinese store (such as AliExpress or Gearbest), check the firmware region in the settings after turning on. (China versions) ROM) They do not support Google services and may have language restrictions.

2. First inclusion: step-by-step instruction with pictures

Press and hold the power button (usually located on the right) for 2-3 seconds until the logo appears on the screen. MI. Further action depends on the model:

1. Language and region choice: Scroll up to find Russian (or other language you need), and the real region depends on the services available (e.g. Mi Pay does not work in all countries).
2. Wi-Fi connection: Select your network and enter a password. If Wi-Fi is not available, you can use mobile data (insert in the password). SIM-map).
3. Acceptance of Agreements: Read the Terms of Use MIUI You can also turn off the sending of diagnostic data (Do not send option).
4. Account login: 🔑 Mi Account: Create a new one or log in to an existing one. This is a must for data synchronization, unlocking the bootloader and accessing the Mi Cloud. 🤖 Google Account: Play Market, Gmail and other services will not work without it. If you don't have an account, create it now.
5. Security setting: 🔒 pattern lock/PIN: Set a reliable unlock code (at least) 6 This is necessary for data encryption. 👆 Fingerprint: On models with sensors (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Lite) add a print for quick unlocking. 👀 Facial recognition: Works only on IR sensor devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 For budget models, it's just a front-facing camera -- you can skip it.
6. Data portability (optional): 📲 Old Android: Use Mi Mover (requires installation on both devices) and transfer contacts, messages, photos and some settings. 🍎 From iPhone: Install Move to iOS on an old iPhone and follow the instructions. Contacts, photos and videos will be transferred (apps - no). ☁️ From the Cloud: Restore a backup from Mi Cloud or Google Drive (if it was created earlier).

Once you've completed the customization wizard, you'll be on the home screen, but that's not all, you'll be optimizing the system so that the smartphone won't work at full capacity.

3. firmware update: why you need to do it right away

Even if you bought a smartphone in the official store, it may have an outdated version. MIUI HyperOS. firmware update solves several critical problems:

• 🛡️ Closing security vulnerabilities (especially important for models with China) ROM).
• 🚀 Improved performance: new versions optimize the processor (for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Xiaomi 14).
• 📱 Adding new features such as improved photo mode or navigation gestures.
• 🔋 Optimizing battery consumption (relevant for models with large screens, for example, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3).

How to update firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi).
3. After download, click Set and wait for the restart. Don't interrupt the process!
4. HyperOS models (such as the Xiaomi 14 series) may require additional agreement to use new features.

⚠️ Warning: If after the update, the smartphone began to overheat or discharge quickly, reset the cache in Recovery mode (click Power). + Volume up when the device is turned off.This will not delete your data, but will clear temporary files that may have been damaged during the update.

💡

Before upgrading, check the battery charge – it should be at least 50%. If during installation the smartphone runs out, this can lead to data loss or a “brick” of the device (especially important for models with eMMC memory, for example, Redmi). 10A).

4. Optimization MIUI: Hidden settings for maximum performance

MIUI And HyperOS offers dozens of hidden features that don't turn on by default:

Remove unnecessary system applications|Disable auto-start background processes|Enable productivity mode|Set up navigation gestures|Activate a dark topic for AMOLED-screen-->

Removal of embedded debris

Many Xiaomi apps (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) duplicate Google features and only take up space.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unnecessary application (such as Cleaner) and click Remove.
3. If the Remove button is inactive, click Disable – this will stop background activity.

Disable Autostart and Notifications

By default. MIUI It allows applications to run in the background and show notifications, and it drains the battery and slows down the system:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.
2. Turn off auto-run for all applications except instant messengers and system services.
3. In the Notifications section, disable unnecessary alerts (such as from games or news widgets).

Activation of performance mode

For gaming smartphones (Black Shark, POCO F5) or flagships (Xiaomi 14) available hidden performance mode, which overclocks the processor and improves cooling:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Performance mode (on some models, the path may be different).
2. Select the High Performance or Game Mode profile.
3. Activate the Optimization option FPS smooth-eyed.

On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Pro), this mode is called Extreme Performance and is included in Settings. → Battery → Power regimens.

5. Security setting: protection against hacking and data leakage

Xiaomi is regularly targeted by hackers due to the popularity of the brand.

• 🔐 Enable encryption: Go to Settings → Lockdown and protection → Encrypting the phone, it's going to take 30 to 60 minutes, but then it's going to be secure even if you steal the device.
• 🛡️ Activate Mi Protect: This is an anti-theft feature that allows you to remotely block or erase data from your smartphone. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Find the device.
• 🚫 Disable the installation from unknown sources: Settings → Confidentiality → Special permits → Install unknown applications. Allow only for trusted applications (e.g. APKMirror).

Additional measures for Chinese firmware (China) ROM):

If your smartphone is in China ROM, It's not Google certified, and it may contain Chinese applications with vulnerabilities preinstalled:

1. Install Google Play Services manually (download) GMS Installer from the forum XDA Developers).
2. Block Chinese Services through Settings → Apps (see Chinese names, for example – browser).
3. Consider the possibility of re-flashing on Global ROM (manual).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), Find Device only works when the Internet is turned on and geolocation is on. If you turn off these services, remote locking becomes impossible.

Battery Optimization: How to Prolong Battery Life

Batteries in Xiaomi smartphones (even with support) 210W charging) degrades over time to slow down the process:

• 🔋 Turn off overnight fast charging: Constant high-power charging reduces battery life.Use standard adapter (10W–18W) night-charging.
• 🌡️ Control the temperature: If the smartphone is heated above 40°C (checked in Settings) → Battery, disconnect it from charging and let it cool down.
• 📉 Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery → Power modes choose Balanced or Saving Charge.
• 🔄 Calibrate the battery once every 2-3 months: discharge the smartphone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

For models with HyperOS (Xiaomi 14 series), Adaptive Charging is available, which automatically limits charging power at night. → Battery → Additionally.

💡

The most harmful scenario for the battery is to play heavy games (such as Genshin Impact) while charging fast at the same time.°C, which is critical to its resource.

7. Flashing on Global ROM: whenever necessary

If your smartphone comes from China ROM (common problem when buying on AliExpress or in unofficial stores, you will need to reflash it on Global ROM. It's necessary for:

• 🌍 Access to Google services (Play Market, Gmail, YouTube).
• 🗣️ Full-fledged Russification (in China) ROM Many menus remain in Chinese).
• 🛡️ Remove pre-installed Chinese apps (e.g. Xiaomi Community, Mi Pay for China).
• 🔄 Regular updates through OTA (China ROM Updates may be delayed or absent altogether).

Step-by-step instructions for firmware:

1. Install Global. ROM: Download the official firmware for your model from the site MIUI Downloads. Go to Recovery Mode (Plug Power). + Volume up. Select Install. update.zip and indicate the path to the downloaded file.

Set up your smartphone again

section

⚠️ Note: Unofficial firmware (custom) ROM (LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for example, is warranty-free and may cause a module to fail. NFC Or cameras. Use only official firmware from Xiaomi.

8. Personalization: Themes, gestures and chips MIUI

One of the strengths MIUI And HyperOS is a deep customization of the interface:

• 🎨 Topics and icons: Open Themes on the home screen and choose your favorite style (there are free and paid options). To change the app icons, go to Themes → Badges.
• 👆 Navigation gestures: In Settings → Display. → Gestures can be chosen between classic buttons, swipes or full-screen gestures (like on iPhones). On HyperOS models, additional gestures are available, such as Double-touch to lock.
• 🔊 Sound diagrams: In Settings → You can download new ringtones and vibrations or disable system sounds. For models with stereo speakers (Xiaomi 13 Pro), you can adjust the effects of sound.
• 📱 Screen split: Open Recent apps, press the app icon and select Separate Screen. On large screens (Xiaomi Mix Fold 3) you can use up to 3 apps at a time.

For models with HyperOS, a function is available AI Subtitles - automatic real-time audio decoding (useful for calls or videos) → Special facilities → Subtitles.

💡

If you don’t like the standard launcher MIUI, Install an alternative (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) that will allow you to configure a grid of icons, animations and even hide unnecessary system applications.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions