How to properly start a Xiaomi smartphone: from unpacking to the first setup

The first inclusion of the new Xiaomi smartphone is an exciting moment, especially if you have not previously used the devices of this brand. MIUI, This is a very different experience from pure Android or other vendors, and in this article we will not only look at the basic steps of launching, but also reveal hidden settings. MIUI 14/15, which the manufacturer does not advertise in official instructions.

It is important to understand that the startup process may vary depending on the model (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro).+ vs POCO X6 Pro, regional firmware (global, Chinese, European) and even the way you buy (official dealer vs. gray import) we will take all these nuances into account so you can avoid typical mistakes such as blocking your Mi Account account or problems with connecting to the mobile network.

If you have a used device or a brick after a failed firmware, there is a separate section at the end of this article with recovery instructions, and for new device owners, we'll start with the first step: unpacking the box and preparing to turn on.

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

Before you press the power button, make sure you follow all the steps you have taken, which will help you avoid problems with charging, networking, or even physical damage to the device.

Check the configuration – in the standard box Xiaomi should be:

• 📱 Smartphone in protective film
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (for 2022 and newer models) or Micro-USB (for older devices)
• ⚡ Charger (if the model supports fast charging, check the power of the unit – for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ demand 120W)
• 📄 Warranty card and documentation (in some regions may not be available)
• 🔑 Paperclip for the tray SIM-Cards (sometimes replaced by paper-based ones)

Pay attention.

Xiaomi

18W

Charging before first switching on is one of the most controversial issues.The manufacturer recommends charging the device before the first switch on. 100% before first use, but this rule only applies to older lithium-ion batteries.Modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note) 11 Xiaomi 12) They're equipped with lithium polymer batteries that don't require pumping. 15-20 minutes to allow the charge level to exceed 20% — That's enough for the initial setup.

⚠️ Warning: If you have purchased a smartphone with your hands and it is discharged "to zero", do not connect it to fast charging immediately (5W-10W) for 30 minutes to avoid power surges that could damage the power controller.

2.First on: Power button and language selection

When the device is sufficiently charged, press and hold the power button (usually located on the right side face) for a period of time. 3-5 A few seconds before the logo appears. MI. At this stage, one of three things can happen:

• 🔄 The device will immediately go to the setup wizard (norm for new devices)
• ⚙️ Fastboot menu will appear (if you previously ran firmware through the Mi Flash Tool)
• 🚫 The screen will remain black or hang on the logo (a sign of a software failure)

If you see the master settings MIUI, Follow the instructions on the screen:

1. Select the interface language (we recommend Russian (Russia) for global firmware or English (United States) for Chinese).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (required! without the Internet, you can not activate Mi Account and some services).
3. Accept the terms of use (please note the item on the collection of diagnostic data - it can be turned off in the settings).

An important nuance for Chinese firmware: if you purchased a device with firmware for the domestic market of China (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro) CN), The customizator will be in Chinese to change the language:

1. At the stage of choosing a language, tap the icon (globe) in the upper right corner.
2. Scroll down and select English (United States).
3. After you have completed the setup, install the global firmware via the Mi Flash Tool or OTA-Update (if available).

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If the smartphone doesn’t respond to the power button, try plugging it into charging for 10 minutes, then press and hold the power button. + increase volume for 10 seconds, and this will force the device to start in recovery mode.

3. Set up Mi Account and synchronize data

Mi Account is not just a way to back up, but also key to Xiaomi’s many features, including:

• 🔑 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) for installing custom firmware
• ☁️ Sync contacts, notes and photos through Mi Cloud
• 📱 Remote Device Control in the Event of Loss (Find Device)
• 🛡️ Access to branded services (Mi Home, Mi Fit, Mi Pay)

Without an account link, you won’t be able to enjoy many features, including air updates (OTA).

To create or log in to an account:

1. At the setup stage, select Sign in to Mi Account (or Create Account if you don’t already have one).
2. Enter a valid email or phone number. Importantly, for Russian users, we recommend using email (for example, Gmail or Yandex), as you may have problems with confirming your email. SMS.
3. Come up with a strong password (minimum length – 8 characters, with capital letters and numbers).
4. Confirm your account via email or SMS.

⚠️ Note: if you buy a used smartphone, be sure to check whether the previous Mi Account is untied. Otherwise, the device can be locked through the Find Device function, and you can unlock it only from the previous owner or through the official Xiaomi service (with a check of purchase).

Once the account is linked, the system will prompt you to back up, and we recommend activating the following options:

• ☑️ Contacts
• ☑️ Communications (SMS)
• ☑️ Notes (Mi Notes)
• ❌ Photos (better to use Google Photos for greater reliability)

Mi Cloud

5GB

4. setting up a mobile network and SIM-map

Xiaomi offers smartphones with support for 1, 2 or even 3 SIM-maps (depending on the model, POCO F5 The Pro has a hybrid slot: either 2 Nano-SIM or 1 Nano-SIM. + microSD. Check before installing the cards:

• 📱 Compatibility with your operator (especially important for your business) 5G — Not all models support Russian ranges n78 and n28).
• 🔄 The presence of the Dual function 4G (simultaneous SIM net 4G, not available on all devices).
• 📶 VoLTE and VoWiFi support (calls via email) LTE and Wi-Fi).

Insert SIM-map:

1. Turn off your smartphone (required!).
2. Find a tray for SIM on the left or right side (depending on the model).
3. Insert the paperclip into the hole and carefully remove the tray.
4. Place the Nano-SIM card(s) with metal contacts down. For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ And the new orientation is on the tray.
5. Put the tray back in place before you click.

After turning on the device, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks and set up:

• 🔄 Priority SIM for calls and mobile internet.
• 📞 Call forwarding (if you use two) SIM).
• 🌐 Access points APN (for MTS, Beeline, Tele2 and Megaphone settings are usually loaded automatically, but sometimes manual input is required).

If the mobile internet is not working:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. Check if data transfer is enabled in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.
3. Make sure that the correct network mode is selected (for example, 4G/5G instead 3G).
4. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting mobile network settings.

5. Update firmware and optimize performance

After the first turn on, the system may suggest updating the firmware. Don't ignore this notification - the latest versions MIUI They contain security fixes, performance improvements, and support for new features:

• 🔋 Make sure the battery level is above 50%.
• 🌐 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (an over-the-air update can weigh in) 2-4 GB).
• 📱 Backup important data (updating rarely results in data loss, but it’s better to be safe).

To update the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, click Download (wait until the download is complete).
4. After downloading, select Install Now or Install at night (unless you want to interrupt your smartphone use).

⚠️ Note: if you have purchased a smartphone with Chinese firmware (CN ROM), Don't update it through the standard menu! First install global firmware (Global) ROM) Mi Flash Tool, otherwise the device may be blocked due to regional restrictions.

After the update, we recommend optimizing the system:

• 🧹 Clear the cache: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Restart the device (this will help you apply all the changes).
• 🛠️ Turn off unnecessary background processes: Settings → Annexes → Auto-Start (turn off auto-start for underutilized applications).

6. fix problems during the first launch

Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have problems, and let's look at the most common scenarios and their solutions.

6.1 The smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the logo

If after pressing the power button, the screen remains black or hovers on the logo MI:

• 🔋 Check charging: connect the original cable and power supply, wait 10-15 minutes, then try to turn it on again.
• 🔄 Forced reboot: Hold the power button + volume-up 10-15 seconds.
• 🛠️ Log in Recovery Mode: Turn off the device, then hold the power button + increase the volume before the menu with Mi Bunny appears. Here you can reset the settings (Wipe Data) or install firmware through the ADB Sideload.

6.2. The sensor or buttons are not working.

If the screen does not respond to touch correctly or the buttons (volume/power) do not work:

• 🧤 Remove the protective film (sometimes it interferes with the sensor’s operation).
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🛠️ Check the sensor settings: Settings → Display. → Sensor sensitivity (for some models, for example, POCO X5 Pro).
• 🔧 If the buttons are not working physically, repair may be required (moisture or mechanical damage).

Mi Account activation errors

If you try to log in to your account, errors appear (I failed to connect to the server, Incorrect password, etc.):

• 🌐 Check your internet connection (it’s better to use mobile data if Wi-Fi blocks access to Xiaomi servers).
• 🔑 Make sure you enter the correct password (registration matters!).
• 📧 If your account is linked to an email, check the Spam folder – it’s possible that the confirmation email got there.
• 🛡️ Turn it off. VPN (Some servers may block access to Mi Accounts).

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If the smartphone requires the old password from the previous owner’s Mi Account, the only legal way to unlock it is to contact the Xiaomi service center with purchase documents.

7. Additional settings for experienced users

If you want to squeeze the maximum out of the smartphone, after the basic setting, we recommend you to perform the following actions:

Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

By default, Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, and you will need to unlock it if you plan to:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Remove pre-installed applications (bloatware).

The unlocking process:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device (required!).
2. Go to the site. en.miui.com/unlock and apply for unlocking.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode.
4. Wait. SMS with confirmation (may take up to 72 hours).

⚠️ Attention: unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the device! also note that some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.

7.2. Disabling advertising and data collection

MIUI It's known for integrated advertising and diagnostic data collection, to turn it off:

• 📵 Advertising in system applications: Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Account. → Advertising → Turn off all switches.
• 🔍 Data collection: Settings → Confidentiality → Special permits → Diagnostics and feedback → Turn off the sending of diagnostic data.
• 📱 Advertising in Mi Browser: Open your browser → Settings → Additionally. → Advertising preferences → Turn off personalized advertising.

Customization of gestures and interface

MIUI Offers flexible interface settings:

• 👆 Navigation gestures: Settings → Display. → Navigation through the system → select Gestures MIUI Or Android Gestures.
• 🌓 Dark theme: Settings → Display. → Dark subject. → Select Turn on automatically and set the schedule.
• 🔤 Font size and scale: Settings → Display. → Text and display size.

8.Restore the smartphone after a failed launch

If the smartphone doesn’t turn on, hovers on the logo or doesn’t work properly after the update, try the following recovery methods.

8.1 Reset to factory settings via Recovery

This method will delete all data, but will return the smartphone to a working state:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Hold the power button. + Increase volume until the Recovery menu appears (the Mi Bunny icon in the cap).
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

8.2 Install firmware via Fastboot

If the smartphone does not load even in Recovery, you will need firmware through Fastboot:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive and copy the path to the folder with the firmware.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
4. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode: turn it off, then hold the power button + volume-reducing.
5. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
6. Select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device must be determined).
7. Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data and can lock your device if you use firmware for another region (e.g., trying to flash Global). ROM Always check the firmware compatibility with your device!

8.3 Unlocking through EDL (emergency)

If the smartphone is in a “brick” state (does not respond to buttons, is not determined in Fastboot), you may need to firmware through the device. EDL (Emergency Download Mode: This method requires special equipment (EDL cable or Deep Flash Cable and knowledge of QFil or Mi Flash Tool commands in mode EDL.

For beginners, we recommend contacting the service center, as incorrect actions in the EDL They can permanently disable the device.

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If your smartphone doesn't turn on after a bad firmware, don't panic. In 90% of cases, the device can be restored via Fastboot or Fastboot. EDL. The main thing is not to use dubious firmware and follow official instructions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the launch of Xiaomi smartphones