The first launch of the Xiaomi smartphone: from the box to the desktop

You just got a new Xiaomi smartphone — whether it’s the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the budget Redmi Note 13 or the gaming Black Shark 6. But before you enjoy all the features of the device, it needs to start properly. This process seems simple, but beginners often have questions: how long to charge before the first turn on, what to do if the phone does not respond to the power button, or how to skip the binding to the Mi Account.

In this article, we will take a look at the entire process from unpacking to the desktop, including hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not always mention in the manual. You will learn how to avoid typical errors when you first start, what to do if the smartphone is stuck on the logo, and how to properly configure the system for further use.

Preparation for the first inclusion: unpacking and check of completeness

Before you press the power button, make sure you get the full package.In the box with the new Xiaomi should be:

• 📱 Smartphone in protective film (on some models already glued glass)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (for modern models) or Micro-USB (for older models)
• 🔋 Charger (power depends on the model, for example, Xiaomi) 13T Pro completes 120W adapter)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
• 🔑 Paperclip for tray extraction SIM-maps (may not be available in some regions)

⚠️ Note: If you bought a smartphone from a Chinese store (for example, on AliExpress or Taobao), there may not be a European charger in the kit. 220V. Otherwise, you will need to buy an adapter or the original ZU.

Also, pay attention to the condition of the box and the safety stickers, which, if damaged, may indicate that the device has been opened by third parties, in which case it is better to check the smartphone for traces of use or non-original components (for example, a replaced battery).

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If you have bought a used smartphone, make sure to check the battery status through the ##4636## menu before the first switch on (not all models) to avoid problems with fast discharge in the future.

Charging before the first inclusion: myths and reality

One of the most common questions is, do I need to charge my smartphone before I turn on? The answer depends on the model and the state of the battery.

• 🔋 New smartphones (bought in official stores) usually have 30-50% They can be turned on immediately.
• 📦 Long-term storage devices (laid in storage more) 6 months) may have a discharged battery. In this case, connect the charge to 15-20 minutes before first activation.
• ⚡ Used smartphones should be charged to 100% before setting up to avoid sudden shutdown during system updates.

⚠️ If the smartphone does not respond to charging (the indicator does not burn, the port does not warm up), try it:

1. Use a different cable and adapter (preferably original).
2. Connect to another power source (for example, a computer via USB).
3. Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds to force reboot.

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 10 and Mi 11) support fast charging technology, but for the first turn on a regular 5W/10W adapter is enough – it is safer for the new battery.

Buttons and their combinations: how to turn on Xiaomi if it does not respond

Standard procedure to turn on is to hold the power button for 2-3 seconds. But what to do if the smartphone does not respond? Here are all the possible combinations:

If neither combination worked, the problem may be a battery that is dead (you need to hold it for 30+ minutes) or a hardware malfunction (for example, a broken power button plume), in which case you will need to contact a service center.

Language and Region Choice: How to Avoid Firmware Problems

Once you've successfully turned on, you'll see a welcome screen with a suggestion to choose a language, and here's a few things to consider:

• 🌍 Regional firmware: If you chose Russia or Europe, but the default language is Chinese, then Global is on the device ROM This can lead to problems with updates.
• 📱 Models for China: On devices with firmware China ROM (for example, Xiaomi 13 for the domestic market) there may be no Russian language, in which case manual firmware will be required. Global/EU ROM.
• 🔄 Factory reset: If you made a mistake with your language selection, you can reset your settings via Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro: When selecting a region in China, you automatically install the limited firmware (no Google Services).

If your smartphone does not support Russian initially, but has an unlocked bootloader, you can install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) with full localization.

Setting up a Mi Account: can I miss the binding

At the configuration stage, the system will offer to create or log into the Mi Account. This step can be skipped, but there are nuances:

• ✅ You can skip it if you don’t plan to use Xiaomi services (cloud storage, contact sync, Mi Home for smart home).
• ❌ You can’t miss on models with a locked bootloader (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Europe, otherwise it will not be possible to unlock it in the future.
• 🔓 Temporary account: If you bought a used smartphone, the previous owner may not have logged out of your account, in which case you will need to reset via Fastboot (instruction below).

To skip the account binding:

1. On the Mi Account login screen, tap on Skip (or Skip).
2. If the button is not, turn off the Internet (pull out). SIM-map or turn off Wi-Fi).
3. The system will offer to set up a phone without an account, but some features will be limited.

Perform a reset via Fastboot|Contact the seller for remote unblocking|Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check|Try to get around the lock through EDL (Only for experienced users)-->

⚠️ Note: If you missed the account binding, but then decided to create it, you can do it in the settings: → Add an account → However, some features (such as finding a device through Find Device) will not be available without an initial binding.

Initial System Configuration: What Can Be Disabled

Once you have selected your language and account, the system will suggest you configure different settings, and this is what you can safely disable or skip:

• 📊 Sending statistics: Disable in the Diagnostics section → Sending error reports. It doesn't affect work, but it saves traffic.
• 📍 Geolocation Services: You can turn off all applications except maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator).
• 🔊 Voice assistant: Xiao AI (Chinese analogue of Google Assistant can be turned off in Settings → Annexes → All applications → Xiao AI.
• 🔄 Auto-Update Apps: It is best to install only via Wi-Fi to avoid mobile traffic consumption.

Please note the Security section – you can include:

• 🔒 Face unlock (works even in the dark on models with an IR camera, for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro).
• 👆 Navigation gestures (recommended) MIUI Full Screen Gestures for maximum screen usage).
• 📱 No Sound Mode for Quickly Turning Off Notifications.

If you missed settings at this point, you can change all settings later in the Settings menu, but some options (like device encryption) are easier to enable right away than later.

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Disabling unnecessary services (such as Xiao AI or automatic diagnostics) not only saves battery life, but also increases battery life by 10-15%.

Frequent problems at the first start and their solutions

Even if you set it up properly, you can have problems.

If none of the solutions worked, check if your problem is hardware, for example, a broken speaker or camera may indicate a defect, in which case, contact the service center with a check (the warranty for new Xiaomi devices is 12 months).

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If the smartphone warms up during the first turn on, it's OK. A Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Dimensity processor loads up when you index files and update the system. Let the device cool down 10-15 minutes after setup.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions