Set up Xiaomi’s new phone: a complete guide from unpacking to fine optimization

The first steps with the new smartphone Xiaomi: what to do right away

You just unpacked the box with the new Xiaomi – you are not just a gadget, but a whole ecosystem of possibilities hidden under the shell. MIUI. But before you dive into the settings, you need to do a few critical actions that will determine how the device will work. Even if you're a seasoned user, newer versions of firmware often make changes to standard procedures.

The first turn on of the phone starts with the initial setup wizard, but it only covers the basic parameters. We will tell you what to look for before connecting to Wi-Fi, what security settings should be changed immediately, and how to avoid common errors that will have to be corrected later through a system reset. For example, did you know that the choice of region during the activation stage affects not only the interface language, but also the availability of some Xiaomi services?

This article is relevant for all modern models - from the budget Redmi Note 13 before the flagship Xiaomi 14 We've taken into account the features of the latest versions. MIUI 14/15 And HyperOS, which is a huge change in how you configure your system. 2023–2026 The following recommendations will help to unlock its potential for 100%.

Activation and first start: step-by-step instructions

When you first turn on Xiaomi, the system offers to go through the customization wizard, where it is important to take your time and carefully consider each step:

1. Language and region choice: Specify Russia or Europe, which will determine the available services (e.g. Xiaomi Cloud works differently in different regions). Select Russian (Russia) for the language to avoid problems with system messaging translation.
2. Connect to the network. Use Wi-Fi, not mobile Internet, so updates and syncs will go faster. If you don't have a router at hand, skip this step and return to it later in Settings. → Wi-Fi.
3. Sign in to Mi. Create a new account or sign in to an existing one. Without a Mi Account, you won’t be able to use branded services, including cloud backup and device search. If you already have an account, make sure it’s not tied to another region, which can limit functionality.

After the basic setup, the system will suggest moving data from the old phone.

• 📱 Transfer from Android: Use the cable USB-C → USB-C (Wireless transfer via Mi Mover is slower and can be interrupted.
• 🍎 iPhone portability: Install the Move to iOS app on an older iPhone, but be prepared for the fact that not all data (such as notes or call history) will be transferred correctly.
• 💾 Recovery from backup: If you have a backup in Xiaomi Cloud, select it at this stage.Local backups (from your computer) can be restored later via Settings → The phone. → Backup.

The right region (Russia/Europe)

Connected to stable Wi-Fi

Created/accessed to Mi Account

Important data from the old phone

Updated the firmware to the latest version-->

⚠️ Note: If you missed creating a Mi Account during the setup stage,Later you can do this in Settings → Accounts & Sync → Mi Account, but some features (like Find Device) will be unavailable until you log in.

Firmware Update: Why You Should Do It First

Even if your Xiaomi is just out of the box, its firmware may not be the freshest.The manufacturer regularly releases updates to:

• 🛡️ Security Vulnerabilities Fixes (Critical Patches Release Monthly).
• 🔧 Performance optimization (especially important for newer chipsets, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3).
• 🆕 Additions of new functions (B) MIUI 15 support comes in AVIF-Images and improved energy saving).

To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If you have an update, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi) and install it, and it takes 10 to 20 minutes to reboot the phone.

If the update weighs more than 1GB, it is a major update (e.g., with a MIUI 14 on HyperOS:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50% (preferably up to 80%).
• 📶 Connect to stable Wi-Fi – mobile internet can interrupt the download.
• ⏳ Do not use your phone during installation – it can cause crashes.

Stock MIUI (unchanged)

HyperOS (new shell from Xiaomi)

Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

I don't know what that is.-->

⚠️ Warning: If after the update the phone began to overheat or discharge quickly, reset the cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Cash.It often solves performance issues after major updates.

System optimization: what to disable and what to enable

MIUI And HyperOS offers a lot of features, but some of them are just wasteful:

🔋 Energy conservation and productivity

• 🚀 Performance mode: Enable in Settings → Battery → Battery modes → Performance. This will turn off background optimization for games and heavy applications.
• 🔄 Adaptive Update Rate: If your phone has a 120Hz or 144Hz screen, turn on Adaptive Mode in Settings → Display. → Upgrade frequency. This saves charge without loss of smoothness.
• 🛑 Auto-Run Applications: Disable Auto-Run for Unnecessary Applications in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Auto-start. This will reduce background activity.

📱 Interface and convenience

• 🎨 Dark theme: Include in Settings → Display. → HyperOS has introduced a Super Dark mode that makes black deeper (saves charge on the user). AMOLED-screen).
• 👆 Navigation gestures: If you prefer swipes instead of buttons, select Settings → Display. → Full-screen gestures, new versions MIUI gestures have become more fluid.
• 🔍 Search by system: disable unnecessary sources in Settings → Search → Search Sources to Speed Up Results.

💡

If your Xiaomi supports Memory Extension (extension of RAM due to built-in flash memory), turn it on in Settings. → The phone. → Memory. → Expansion RAM. This is especially useful for models with 6–8GB of RAM, such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ or POCO F5.

🛡️ Security and privacy

By default. MIUI It collects anonymous data to improve services, if you're concerned:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Send an error report and disable the option.
2. B Settings → Confidentiality → Special permissions check which apps have access to your location, microphone or camera.
3. Enable Application Locking in Settings → Confidentiality → Blocking apps to protect instant messengers and banking applications.

Communications setup: mobile network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Even if you successfully connected to Wi-Fi during the initial setup, there are nuances worth checking for stable operation:

📶 Mobile and Internet

• 📡 Network selection: If you have coverage issues, manually select the communication standard. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type preferred. Most operators have optimal mode 5G/4G/3G/2G (motor-car).
• 🔄 Roaming: If you travel frequently, turn on Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data roaming, but watch the operator's tariffs.
• 📶 Signal amplification: C Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Improve network coverage, turn on the option for weak signals (may increase battery consumption slightly).

🌐 Wi-Fi and access points

To avoid connection problems:

• 🔒 Forget the network: If Wi-Fi is connected but the Internet is not working, delete the network and reconnect. → Wi-Fi and select Delete.
• 📡 Modem mode: if you plan to distribute the Internet, turn on Settings → Access Point and modem → Modem mode: HyperOS has an option to limit traffic for connected devices.
• 🔄 Autoconnect: Disable automatic connection to public networks in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Connecting to open networks to avoid security risks.

🎧 Bluetooth and other wireless technologies

For stable operation of headphones, fitness bracelets and other devices:

• 🎵 Bluetooth Codecs: If you have headphones that support aptX or LDAC, Select the appropriate codec in Settings → Bluetooth → Sound settings (cog next to the device).
• 🔋 Bluetooth Energy Saving: Turn off Settings → Bluetooth → Energy savings if you notice communication breaks.
• 🔄 Dual Connection: HyperOS has the ability to connect your phone to two Bluetooth devices at the same time (e.g. headphones and smartwatches). → Bluetooth → Double audio.

Personalization: themes, wallpaper and interface

MIUI It's famous for its customization capabilities, but not everyone knows how to make the most of them:

🎨 Setting themes and wallpapers

• 🖼️ System Themes: Go to Settings → Wallpaper and themes. You can download free themes here, including animated ones. Pay attention to themes marked HyperOS, which are optimized for new devices.
• 📱 Dynamic Wallpaper: HyperOS has a wallpaper that changes depending on the time of day.
• 🎭 Icon Style: If you don’t like standard icons, install the icon package through GetApps (Xiaomi’s branded store) or Play Market.

📱 Main screen setting

To make the interface more convenient:

• 📂 Appbar: If you are used to “pure” Android, turn on the appbar in Settings → Main screen screen → Main screen style → With the app panel.
• 🔄 Grid size: change the number of icons on the screen in Settings → Main screen screen → Grid size. Maximum value (5×6) Suitable for phones with large screens.
• 🎯 Launch gestures: HyperOS can assign swipes across the screen to quickly launch applications. → Special facilities → Gestures and movements → Launch gestures.

🔊 Sounds and vibrations

Personalize the soundtrack:

• 🔔 Sound schemes: in Settings → Sound and vibration → Select one of the pre-installed sound circuits or download your own.
• 📳 Touch Vibration: If you don’t like tactile recoil, turn it off in Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration on touch.
• 🎶 Equalizer: improve the sound of headphones in Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality → The equalizer. The bass boost preset is good for music.

💡

If you are using Xiaomi with AMOLED-You can use a dark theme and static wallpaper to reduce battery consumption, and animated wallpaper and light themes can increase power consumption by 15 to 20 percent%.

Security: Data protection and the prevention of theft

Xiaomi’s smartphone stores a huge amount of personal information, so security should be given special attention.

🔒 Screen locking and biometrics

• 🔐 Password/pattern lock: Set a Complex Password in Settings → Screen locking → Avoid simple combinations like 1234 or date of birth.
• 👆 Fingerprint: Add multiple fingerprints (such as index fingers of both hands) to Settings → Screen locking → Fingerprint. Newer models even use wet fingers.
• 👁️ Facial recognition: if your Xiaomi supports 3D-Face scanner (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Pro) include it in Settings → Screen locking → Facial recognition is faster than a print, but less safe.

🛡️ Protection against theft and loss

If the phone gets lost or stolen, these settings will help you get it back or at least protect your data:

• 📍 Find Device: Enable in Settings → The phone. → Find Device, which will allow you to track the location of the phone, block it remotely or erase data.
• 🔄 Lockdown SIM-maps: install PIN-code SIM-maps in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-This will prevent your number from being used on another phone.
• 📱 Reset Protection: Enable Settings → The phone. → Reset protection. This will require you to enter a password from your Mi Account even after-hard reset, which will make theft more difficult.

🔐 Application and data protection

To prevent anyone from accessing your messages or payments:

• 🔒 Blocking applications: set a password for messengers and banking applications in Settings → Confidentiality → Application lockdown.
• 📂 Hidden folders: Hide your personal files in the Gallery or Explorer by holding your finger on the file and select Hide.
• 🔄 Device Encryption: If you store sensitive data, enable encryption in Settings → Confidentiality → Encrypting the device. Note that this can slow down the phone a little bit.

⚠️ Note: If you have turned on Reset Protection but forgot your Mi Account password, it will not be possible to unlock your phone after hard reset).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions