Xiaomi Pad 6: How to use a tablet from A to Z

Xiaomi Pad 6 is a powerful tablet with a 2.8K screen and Snapdragon 870 processor that combines the performance of a flagship with the convenience of a portable device. However, even experienced Xiaomi users may face questions: how to set up MIUI for tablets, what controls are supported, and how to make the most of accessories like Xiaomi Smart Pen.

In this guide, we'll not only break down the basics of turning on, off and charging, but also the hidden features, from multitasking setup to autonomy optimization. How to connect a keyboard, set up DeX mode to work with a tablet like a PC, and why a 3800K color temperature reading mode reduces eye strain by 40% compared to a standard display. Ready to turn your Pad 6 into a versatile tool for work, study and entertainment?

First Installing and Basic Setup

When you first turn on the Xiaomi Pad 6, the system will offer you to go through the initial setup process, and it is important not to miss the key points that will affect the future use of the system:

  • 🌍 Language and Region Choice: Specify Russia or another region to avoid problems with Google Play and local services.
  • πŸ”„ Data portability: If you had another Xiaomi device, use the Mi Mover feature to transfer contacts, photos and applications over Wi-Fi.
  • πŸ”’ Mi Account: Without it, cloud backups, note synchronization, and some features won’t work MIUI.
  • πŸ“± Setup of the lock screen: We recommend you to choose a pattern lock or a fingerprint - they are more convenient PIN-code.

Once you have completed the setup wizard, check for system updates in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Update MIUI. Xiaomi regularly releases security and optimization patches for the Pad 6, especially in the first months after release.

⚠️ Note: If you miss the Mi Account binding during the setup phase, some features (e.g. Find Device for tablet search) will not be available. β†’ Accounts. β†’ Mi Account.

πŸ“Š Why you are using the Xiaomi Pad 6?
Work/study
Games
Reading/media
Drawing
Another option

Gesture management and navigation in MIUI

The Xiaomi Pad 6 runs on MIUI for tablets, a modified version of the shell optimized for larger screens. There are no physical buttons, so all navigation is based on gestures:

  • πŸ‘† Return to the home screen: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger for 0.5 seconds.
  • πŸ”™ Swipe right to left from any edge of the screen (similar to the Back button on smartphones).
  • πŸ“‹ Multitasking: Swipe up from the bottom edge and hold your finger – a list of recent apps will open.
  • πŸ–₯️ Separate screen: Open multitasking, drag the app up before the dividing line appears.

If gestures seem uncomfortable, they can be turned off or configured in Settings β†’ Display β†’ Full-screen gestures. For example, users who are used to the iPad often change the sensitivity of swipes.

Gesture.Action.The alternative
Swipe up + delayMain screen screenHome button in the navigation bar
Swipe from right to leftBack up.The β€œBack” button in the navigation bar
Swipe up without delayMultitaskingDouble press of the "Recent" button
Retention of the annex iconContextual menuNo alternative.

πŸ’‘

To quickly return a closed application, swipe up from the bottom edge and immediately swipe left or right in miniature in multitasking.

Connecting accessories: keyboard, stylus and mouse

Xiaomi Pad 6 supports a wide range of accessories that turn it into a full-fledged workstation:

  • ⌨️ Keyboard: The official keyboard Xiaomi Pad 6 Keyboard connects via Bluetooth and magnetic connector. To set it up, go to Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ keyboard.
  • πŸ–ŠοΈ Smart Pen: Supports 4,096 levels of press sensitivity. To activate drawing functions, install the Notes app or WPS Office.
  • πŸ–±οΈ Mouse: Any Bluetooth mouse is connected via Settings β†’ Bluetooth. Use Settings to fine-tune your cursor. β†’ Special facilities β†’ Control of the index.

When connecting Smart Pen, pay attention to charging: the stylus is charged by a magnetic attachment on the side of the tablet. Full charge takes ~1 hour, and autonomy is enough for 8 hours of active use.

⚠️ Warning: If the stylus is no longer responsive to the press, check if the energy saving mode is turned on in the tablet settings.

Check the stylus charge (indicator on screen)|Affix the stylus to the magnetic pair connector |Update the stylus firmware in Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ Smart Pen|Configure sensitivity in the drawing app

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Multitasking and DeX Mode: How to Work More Effectively

One of the key features of the Xiaomi Pad 6 is support for DeX mode (similar to Samsung DeX), which turns the tablet into a desktop PC.

  1. Connect the tablet to the monitor via USB-C β†’ HDMI adapter.
  2. Enable the mode in Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ DeX.
  3. Use the mouse and keyboard to fully work with the windows.

DeX mode is available:

  • πŸ“‚ Multitasking with windows: Drag apps, resize them.
  • πŸ–₯️ Support for external displays: resolution to 4K@60Hz.
  • πŸ”„ Phone Sync: If you have a Xiaomi smartphone, you can share files and clipboard.

For normal multitasking (without connecting to a monitor), use a separate screen:

  1. Open the first appendix.
  2. Swipe up to call for multitasking.
  3. Drag the second appendix up until the dividing line appears.
How to turn on DeX mode without a monitor?
Technically, this is possible through the Second Screen app (available on Google Play), but Xiaomi does not officially support this way.

Battery optimization and charging

The battery capacity of the Xiaomi Pad 6 is 8840 mAh, but the actual operating time depends on the settings.

  • πŸ”‹ Adaptive charging: Include in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Charging settings: The system will limit charge to 80% to keep the battery healthy.
  • πŸŒ™ Dark subject: On AMOLED-The screen is not black, which saves up to 15% of the charge.
  • πŸ“΅ Restriction of background activity: C Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Autostart Turn Off Autostart for Unnecessary Applications.

For fast charging, use the original 33W adapter. The full charging cycle takes ~1.5 hours. If the tablet warms up while charging, disconnect it from the grid for 10-15 minutes - this is a normal reaction at high loads.

Mode of useApproximate working hoursOptimization Council
Reading (airplane mode)12-14 hoursReduce the brightness to 50%
Video (YouTube, Netflix)8:10 hoursTurn on Adaptive Brightness
Games (Genshin Impact)4-5 hoursLimit FPS to 60 fps
DeX mode + keyboard6-7 hoursConnect the tablet to the socket

πŸ’‘

Use the original Xiaomi cable for charging – cheap analogues may not support fast charging 33W, which will increase charging time by 30-40%.

Sound and media settings: speakers, headphones, Dolby Atmos

The Xiaomi Pad 6 is equipped with four speakers with Dolby Atmos support, but by default the sound can seem flat.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Sound quality.
  2. Select a Movie or Music profile.
  3. Activate Dolby Atmos and adjust it to your preferences (we recommend Dynamic mode).

To connect the headphones:

  • 🎧 Wired: Use an adapter USB-C β†’ 3.5 mm (not included in the package).
  • πŸ“Ά Bluetooth: Supports the aptX Adaptive codec and LDAC high-quality.

⚠️ Warning: If the sound in the headphones is interrupted, check if the Power Saving mode is turned on - it limits the performance of the Bluetooth module.

For music lovers, it's useful to set a uniform equalizer, and you can do this in the Mi Music app or through third-party programs like Wavelet.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

How to reset Xiaomi Pad 6 to factory settings?
Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Settings Reset. Choose to Erase All Data and Confirm Action. Note that this will delete all files, including photos and documents. We recommend you back up to Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Backup.
Can I install Windows on the Xiaomi Pad 6?
Officially, no. But enthusiasts port Windows 11 ARM to Snapdragon devices, which is complicated, requires unlocking the bootloader, and can lead to loss of warranty, and for stable operation, it is better to use DeX mode or Linux through UserLAnd.
Why is the tablet not charged from the power bank?
Chances are, your power bank doesn’t support Quick Charge 3.0+ fast charging protocol. Try using the original Xiaomi adapter or power bank with a power output of at least 18W. Also check the cable – it should support data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable).
How to turn on the Active Display (AOD)?
Xiaomi Pad 6 doesn’t have hardware support AOD (because IPS-screen, but you can simulate this mode using applications like Always On AMOLED. Keep in mind that this will significantly reduce battery life.
Does the tablet support external SSD-accumulator?
Yes, you can connect external NTFS, exFAT or FAT32 drives via USB-C β†’ USB-A adapter. NTFS may require additional software, such as Paragon NTFS, to work with NTFS.