Xiaomi’s New Phone: A Complete Guide to First Launch and Setup

You just became the lucky owner of the new Xiaomi smartphone - whether it's the flagship model Xiaomi 14 Ultra, budget Redmi Note 13 or gaming Black Shark 6. The first hours with a new device is always exciting: how to turn it on, what settings to choose to not miss important features, and how to avoid typical beginners' mistakes? This article will help you understand all the nuances - from unpacking the box to fine optimization of the system for your needs.

Smartphone manufacturers rarely provide detailed first-launch instructions, limiting themselves to basic tips. Meanwhile, getting the right initial setup saves up to 30% of the time to continue working with the device and prevents performance issues. We have compiled proven guidelines that are relevant to all modern Xiaomi models based on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, including features for the Russian market.

1. Unpacking and external inspection: what to look for

Before you turn on your smartphone, carefully examine the equipment. in the standard box Xiaomi should be:

• 📱 Smartphone itself (check for scratches and dents)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (length varies from 0.5 to 1 meter)
• ⚡ Charger (power depends on the model - from the 18W before 120W)
• 📄 Guarantee card and brief instructions
• 🔑 Paperclip for the tray SIM-maps (in some models)

Pay special attention to the film on the screen: on budget models (Redmi A2, POCO M6) it is often already pasted from the factory, and on flagships (Xiaomi 13T) it may not be. If the film is missing, we recommend gluing it yourself on the first day - this will protect the screen from microdamage during transportation.

⚠️ Note: If the case shows traces of opening the box (a torn protective sticker, scratches on the metal frame), immediately contact the seller - this may be a sign of a replacement device.

Check the physical buttons: Power, Volume+/Loudness. On some models (Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), the power button is combined with a fingerprint scanner — make sure it responds to touch. Also check the connectors: USB-C should sit tight, without backlash, and speakers have no visible damage to the grille.

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

Connect your smartphone to charging (even if the battery is not discharged) – this will prevent a sudden shutdown during settings.

1. Press and hold the Power button for 3-5 seconds until the MI logo appears.
2. For Russian users, we recommend Russian (Russia) - this will ensure the correct operation of Yandex and Sber services.
3. Connect to a Wi-Fi network. If the router supports 5 GHz, select this network - it is faster and more stable for downloading updates.
4. Accept the User Agreement (without this further configuration is impossible).
5. Select the way to transfer data: 📱 From another Android device (via Mi Mover) 🍎 iPhone (Lightning-Type-C cable required) 🖥️ From the computer (through backup copy) ❌ No transfer (clean installation)

Xiaomi

biometric authorization

In the design selection phase (MIUI offers several options), focus on Light or Dark Theme – experimental options can slow down the system. If your smartphone supports Always-On Display (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), turn this feature on in the screen settings – it shows the time and notifications when the display is off.

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

Even if you bought a smartphone from an official store, the firmware may not be the latest, and manufacturers often release updates in the first weeks after the release of the model, correcting critical errors, to check the relevance of the software:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If you have a new version, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi).
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models for the Russian market (without Google Play) some applications (for example, Netflix or Disney)+) Check compatibility before buying.

💡

Remove unused apps once a month – this frees up to 20% of memory and reduces the load on the processor.

7. Network and communication setup: maximum speed and stability

The right network settings are critical to Internet speed, call quality, and instant messengers. Start with the basics:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose your preferred network type: 📶 5G — if your fare and coverage area are supported (fastest, but consumes battery). 📶 4G/LTE — Optimal balance of speed and energy consumption. 📶 3G/2G — If there are no other networks (substantially slower).

VoLTE

VoWiFi

Access Points (APN)

MTS

Beeline

MegaFon

Tele2.

To improve the speed of Wi-Fi:

• 📶 Switch to 5 GHz (less busy but smaller range).
• 🔄 Turn on Wi-Fi Assist in network settings – the smartphone will automatically switch to mobile Internet with a weak Wi-Fi signal.
• 📡 If the router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Activate this mode - it increases the speed of 30-40% Compatible models (Xiaomi) 13, Redmi K60).

For owners of two SIM-cards SIM):

• 📞 Set your priorities. SIM for calls to Settings → SIM-map → Call settings.
• 🌍 If you are traveling, turn off data roaming for the second. SIM, avoiding unexpected expenses.
• 🔄 Use the Data Switch feature (in the same settings) to change quickly SIM internet-based.

💡

If the smartphone does not catch the network in the room, try to disable the option "Network Search" in the settings SIM-Sometimes manual operator selection gives you a more stable signal.

8 Personalization: Making Xiaomi Unique

MIUI and HyperOS offer a lot of customization options. Start with the look and feel of the game:

• 🎨 Topics: Download free themes in the Themes app (icons, wallpaper, fonts). Popular collections: Minimal UI, Dark Fantasy, iOS Style.
• 📱 Gestures: In Settings → Display. → Full screen mode select Gestures MIUI Instead of the traditional navigation buttons.
• 🔔 Sounds: Replace standard ringtones in Settings → Sounds and vibrations. You can set up individual tunes for each contact for notifications.
• 🖼️ Wallpaper: use dynamic wallpaper (change depending on the time of day) or download yours through the Gallery → Set as wallpaper.

For advanced users:

• 🤖 Install a launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) for flexible desktop settings.
• 🔧 Activate hidden features through Developer Settings: Enable Force 90Hz/120Hz for smooth scrolling (if the screen supports). Turn off window animation to speed up the interface. Activate USB-debugging ADB.
• 🎛️ Configure Quick Settings in the notification bar: add frequently used switches (e.g. Gamepad, Battery Savings).

If you're a creative person, try creating your own theme in the Theme Editor app (available in Mi Community), where you can change icons, interface colors, and even download animations. For inspiration, check out other users' work in the Community → Topics section.

Don’t forget to back up your settings: in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset, you can save themes, wallpapers and system settings to the Xiaomi cloud or Google Drive.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions