The first launch of Xiaomi Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions with photos and tips

You just bought a Xiaomi Redmi. 9 — One of the most popular budget smartphones 2020-2026 The year, which is still relevant due to balanced characteristics and support for updates MIUI. But even experienced users may have questions when first switching on: how to insert correctly SIM-Map, what to do with the request of the Xiaomi account, what settings to optimize immediately after launch?

This article will not just retell the standard instructions out of the box, but will reveal the hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not say: for example, why the Redmi 9 can brake after the first setup, how to avoid being bound to the region when activated, and what features are there to do? MIUI You can also find solutions to 5 common problems that owners face when they first start: from the error "failed to connect to Xiaomi servers" to the lack of sound in the dynamics.

Whether you bought a new phone or a used one, the initial setup procedure is the same, but there are critical differences in the preparation of the device, for example, when buying from hand, be sure to check the status of your Mi Account through iMieei.info before resetting, this will protect you from blocking after flashing.

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

Many users rush to turn on the smartphone immediately after unpacking, but there are 3 mandatory steps that will save you setup hours later:

• 🔋 Battery charging – even if the indicator shows 50%, plug in Redmi 9 to the original ZO 10-15 First powering with the battery discharged may cause installation failure MIUI.
• 📶 Verification SIM-Cards – the device supports nano-SIM + microSD (up to 512GB), but not all carriers are properly running VoLTE on this phone. HD-Calls for Redmi 9 (model) M2003J15SS).
• 🌍 System language choice - if you bought the phone abroad, the first run may be in Chinese/Indian. + Power for 10 seconds to reset region to global firmware.

Pay special attention to the memory card slot. In Redmi 9, it's hybrid: either two or three. SIM-card SIM + microSD. If you plan to use a memory card, insert it before the first turn on — slot formatting through settings MIUI may lead to error"SD-map damaged".

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 9 from AliExpress or other overseas sites, check the firmware version through Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Indian (IN) Chinese (CN) Versions can block Google Play and services without manual unlocker.

2. Step-by-step instructions for the first inclusion: from the logo to the desktop

Now, to the launch process itself, follow the instructions strictly by step, as skipping any step can result in a Mi Account being blocked or an application installation failure:

1. Press the power button on 3-5 So, the second that the Redmi logo comes up, and at that point, the phone might be hanging on. 1-2 minutes is normal for the first time.
2. Language selection – scroll down to find Russian (if you don’t have it, you have Chinese firmware – see Firmware section).
3. Wi-Fi Connection – Select your network and enter a password. Redmi 9 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), but may not see a network at 5 GHz if the router uses a 160 MHz channel width.
4. Activating a Xiaomi account is the most critical point here. If you already have a Mi Account, enter the data. If not, click "Skip" (but note that without an account, cloud backup and device search will not work).
5. Fingerprint/face settings – you can skip it, but you better set it up right away. The scanner sensor on Redmi 9 is located on the side (in the power button), so keep your finger strictly perpendicular when registering your fingerprint.
6. Data portability — if you had an old smartphone, select Copy with Android. Use the cable OTG Wi-Fi Direct (but not Bluetooth) is not stable. MIUI 12+).
7. Set up Google services — type in a Google account or create a new one, without which the Play Market and contact sync will not work.

Once the setup wizard is complete, the phone will restart. This process can take up to 5 minutes — don't interrupt it even if the screen is out. If after the reset you see a black screen longer than 10 minutes, perform a hard reset. + 15 seconds power).

3. Optimization MIUI After the first start: what to turn off so that it does not brake

Redmi 9 It runs on the MediaTek Helio processor. G80 s 3/4 GB of RAM (depending on version) This means that out of the box" MIUI It can slow down because of background processes. 5 Required settings that will improve productivity:

• 🚀 Turn off animation: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to turn on developer mode. Then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, install all animations on 0.5x.
• 🔄 Limit background activity: in the same developer menu, turn off "Background Process Limitation" and set a limit of 2 processes.
• 📱 Remove unnecessary applications: MIUI 12+ Installs up to 15 pre-installed apps (including Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps) that can be deactivated via Settings → Annexes → Managing applications (but not completely removing!).
• 🔋 Optimize the battery: go to Settings → Battery → Battery settings and disable "Adaptive Charging" (it reduces battery life). Also add frequently used apps to the "No Limits" list".
• 🛡️ Turn off the adverts in MIUI: In Settings → Mi Account → Advertisements deactivate all switches. Also disable "Personal recommendations" in Settings → Confidentiality.

After these changes, restart your phone. You'll notice that:

• The opening time of applications will be reduced by 20-30%
• Autonomy will increase by 10-15% (medium-load)
• Disappear pop-up banners in the settings menu

⚠️ Note: If you notice that Redmi 9 has overheated after optimization (temperature above 45)°C), check the processor settings in the developer menu. Reset the "Heat Power Limit" to the default settings.

4.Activating Xiaomi Account: Why It Matters and How to Avoid Lockdown

Many users miss the Mi Account binding on their first launch, not realizing that it is fraught with constant restrictions.

• 🔒 Unlock the loader for custom firmware
• 🔄 Recover data from cloud reserve
• 📍 Use the function "Find the device"
• 🛠️ Get updates by air (OTA)

But there's a flip side to this: if you bought a Redmi 9 with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your account, the phone may be locked after you reset.

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account
2. If you see someone else’s email, ask the seller to untie the device via account.xiaomi.com
3. If the seller is not available, check. IMEI on imei.info for blocking

To create a new Xiaomi account:

1. Select "Create an Account" in the authorization menu
2. Enter a valid email (not temporary!) and create a strong password.
3. Confirm your mail and phone number (required for recovery)
4. Enable two-factor authentication in Settings → Mi Account → Security

5. Firmware Update: How to Check and Install the Latest MIUI Version

Redmi 9 is out with the MIUI 11 based on Android 10, but available as of 2026 MIUI 14 (Android 12). firmware update critical for:

• 🔒 Correcting security vulnerabilities
• 🎮 Optimizing performance in games
• 📸 Improved camera performance (especially night mode)
• 🔋 Extension of battery life

Check out the current version of the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → MIUI version
2. Compare it with the latest versions on the official website: MIUI Downloads
3. If the version is outdated, click "Update Check"

If the update does not come "over the air", download the full firmware package (.zip) and install manually:

1. Download the firmware for your model (M2003J15SS — Global version from Xiaomi Firmware Updater
2. Place the file in the root directory of internal memory (not in folders!)
3. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Click on three dots in the upper right corner →"Select a Service Package"
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take). 10-15 minute)

⚠️ Note: If you have a manual installation error "Can't update", check whether the phone model matches the firmware (for example, the same model, M2003J15SS vs M2003J15SC — Chinese version) Is there enough space on the phone (needs at least 3 GB of free space) Is the firmware file damaged (check check the checksum) MD5)

💡

Before updating, make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup. Select Local Backup and save the file to a memory card or PC, which will save your data if the update goes wrong.

6.Security setting: fingerprint, face unlock and encryption

Redmi 9 has a side fingerprint scanner and facial unlock support (via the front camera), but by default, these functions are not optimal. Here's how to set them up correctly:

🔐 Fingerprint setting

• Add the same finger 3 times at different angles, which will increase the accuracy of recognition.
• Turn off "Vibration upon touch" in the scanner settings - this saves battery.
• Turn on "Unlock when the screen is off" for quick access.

👤 Face unlocking

• Set up a well-lit room with your glasses off (if you wear them).
• Turn off "Require confirmation after reboot" - this will speed up access.
• Add an alternative. PIN-code in case the camera does not recognize a face in the dark.

🔒 Encryption of the device

If you store sensitive data, enable encryption:

1. Go to Settings. → Security → Encryption
2. Install. PIN-password or code (at least 6 characters)
3. Connect your phone to charge – the encryption process will take 30-60 minute
4. Don't interrupt the process! The power outage will cause data loss.

After encryption:

• 🔹 Data will be protected even if your phone is stolen.
• 🔹 Some applications (such as banking) will be more stable.
• 🔹 But productivity could fall on 5-10% hardware-based encryption

💡

If you are selling or transferring your phone to another person, make sure to complete a reset via Settings. → The phone. → Reset and select "Clear Everything" that will delete all data, including your linked Mi Account.

7.Typical errors at first start and how to fix them

Even with the exact instructions, Redmi 9 users are having trouble. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

📵 The phone will not turn on after unpacking.

Reasons:

• Battery discharged (despite factory charging)
• Factory marriage (occurs in 0.3% of cases)
• Faulty charger

Solution: Connect the original RAM (5V/2A) and hold it. 30 If the light doesn't turn on, try another charger. If it doesn't work, contact the service (power controller may fail).

🌐 Not connected to Wi-Fi.

Reasons:

• The phone is trying to connect to 5GHz, but the router doesn’t support this range.
• Wrong settings IP (DHCP switched off)
• Failure in the Wi-Fi module (rarely, but it happens)

Decision:

1. Reboot the router
2. In the Wi-Fi settings on your phone, click "Forget the network" and connect again.
3. Try connecting to another network (for example, distribute the Internet from your phone)
4. If nothing helps, reset your network settings: Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Resetting network settings

🔊 No sound in the speaker.

Reasons:

• Active "Do Not Disturb" mode
• Stub in the 3.5 mm connector (phone "thinks" that the headphones are connected)
• Failure in sound mixer

Decision:

1. Check the volume slider (sometimes it resets after updating)
2. Put in and take out the headphones. 3-4 once or blow the plug
3. Reboot the phone.
4. If the sound is not only in a particular app (like YouTube), clear its cache: Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Clear the cache

📱 Applications are constantly closed

Reasons:

• Lack of RAM (3 GB in the basic version)
• Mistakes in MIUI Optimization
• Conflict with Google Play Services

Decision:

1. Turn off Adaptive Brightness in the display settings – it eats up to 200 MB of RAM
2. In the developer menu (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers, disable Do Not Save Actions and set a background process limit of 3 processes.
3. Update Google Play Services with Play Market
4. If the problem is in a particular application (such as VK or Telegram), turn off battery optimization for it: → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find the right one. → No restrictions.

🔋 The battery is discharged for 3-4 hour

Reasons:

• Background activity of Google Play Services
• Continuous search for the network (if not) SIM-map)
• On. GPS or mobile data in roaming

Decision:

1. Check the consumption statistics in Settings → Battery → Battery use: If Android System or Mediaserver comes first, cache reset is required.
2. Turn off "Autosynchronization" in your Google account
3. Turn on the Battery mode in the notification curtain
4. If nothing helps, calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

8. Additional tips: accessories, covers and hidden features

To unlock the full potential of Redmi 9, take a look at these non-obvious features:

🎁 Useful accessories

• 🔋 Power Bank 20000 mAh – with a battery capacity of 5020 mAh, the full charging cycle will take ~3 hours.
• 🎧 Bluetooth headphones – Redmi 9 supports aptX and AAC, But there may be a problem with the latency of the sound in the games.
• 📷 External battery for the camera – if you shoot video in 1080p, The battery is stored in 1.5 hours of continuous recording.

🔧 Hidden functions MIUI

• Double tap to wake up: Settings → Lock screen → Double touch to wake up
• Navigation gestures: Settings → Additionally. → Full-screen gestures (select the"MIUI" Instead of Android gestures, they are smoother)
• Reading mode: Settings → Screen. → Reading mode (reduces eye strain and saves charge)
• Second Space: Settings → Special facilities → Second Space (creating a second desktop with separate applications)

🛡️ Covers and protection

Redmi 9 screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, but this does not save from scratches when falling.

• Use a hybrid case (silicone) + hard back panel - it better dissipates the impact.
• Stick a protective film (oleophobic coating of factory glass is erased for 3-6 months).
• Avoid magnet covers – they can affect the operation of the compass sensor.

If you like customization, install a launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion) and a theme from the Mi Theme Store. MIUI.

💡

For maximum performance in games (PUBG, Call of Duty) turn on Game Mode in the notification curtain, which will turn off background processes and increase the clock speed of the processor.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi's first launch 9