The first inclusion of a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment, opening up access to a huge number of possibilities. Modern devices in the Redmi series run on the shell MIUI or the new HyperOS, which are significantly different from the standard Android, familiar to many users. Understanding the basic principles of the system will help you avoid typical mistakes and immediately start using the gadget at full capacity, without wasting time searching for the right options.
The initial setup process takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. The system will prompt you to choose a language, connect a Mi Account (similar to Apple ID for Xiaomi ecosystem) and set up biometric protection. Be sure to create or log in to Mi Account in the first minutes of use, as this is the only way to unlock the device in the event of a forgotten password or lock. Ignoring this step can lead to difficulties with restoring access to the device in the future.
Once the basic configuration is complete, you will have a desktop with pre-installed apps, many of which, like GetApps or Mi Video, may not be needed immediately, but you should be careful to remove system components. You should focus on personalizing the interface: installing widgets, changing the theme of the design, and setting up gesture controls that make navigating your smartphone much more convenient than traditional buttons.
Primary system setup and optimization
After the first activation of Xiaomi Redmi system will automatically start the wizard of the initial setup. At this stage, it is important to carefully read the offered options, as some of them may include intrusive advertising or statistics collection. Disable recommendation services in the section "Receive recommendations" so that the interface remains clean and does not distract with notifications from the company's services.
A critical step is to update the operating system. Manufacturers often release security and stability patches immediately after the device is out of the box. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check for updates. If the system offers to download a service pack larger than 1 GB, make sure that the battery is at least 50%.
☑️ Xiaomi's initial setup
Special attention should be paid to the screen setting and refresh rate. In models with AMOLED-matrix, it is recommended to turn on Extended or Pro mode for more saturated colors, or Classic for natural color reproduction. To save energy, you can activate a dark theme throughout the system, which is especially true for smartphones with OLED-displays, where black means off the pixel.
⚠️ Note: When setting up a region, select “Russia” or your country of residence, which affects the operation of system applications, the availability of advertising recommendations and the availability of certain features, such as call recording or registration themes.
MIUI interface and navigation
The MIUI shell offers two main ways to navigate: the classic three buttons at the bottom of the screen and modern gesture control. You can switch between them from the Settings menu → Desktop → Navigation system. Gestures allow you to use the entire display area for content, swipe back from the edge and open the application menu swipe from the bottom up with a pause.
The desktop in Xiaomi has its own features that distinguish it from pure Android. There is no separate button "Applications Menu" by default, all shortcuts are on desktops, but this can be changed. In the desktop settings, turn on the "With the Classic App Menu" mode if you are familiar with the separation into the home screen and a list of all programs, this will make the transition from other brands less stressful.
The Second Space, Xiaomi’s unique security feature, creates a completely isolated copy of the system inside your phone, protected by a separate password or fingerprint, and you can use that space to store sensitive photos, documents, or simply to separate work and personal apps without having to buy a second phone.
What is Second Space?
Application management and security
Xiaomi has its own antivirus and application manager preinstalled, run security checks regularly through the Security app to clear the cache and find potential threats. While the built-in scanner can sometimes be unnecessarily aggressive, it effectively blocks malware installation from unknown sources.
Use a built-in tool to manage application permissions. Unlike standard Android, you can customize what data the program sees in detail, for example, you can give an application access to geolocation only when you use it, or you can completely deny access to contacts if you don't need it, which greatly improves digital hygiene and protects personal data.
Task Manager works differently in Xiaomi than in other shells. Close apps only if they are stuck or consume too much resources. Modern versions of Android manage RAM efficiently themselves, and constantly cleaning all windows can even slow down the smartphone, forcing the processor to restart heavy processes.
| Function | Where to find out. | What do you need? |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-blocker | Safety → Tools | Disabling Advertising in System Applications |
| Accelerator | Safety → Cleanup | Freeing RAM |
| Battery | Settings → Battery | Analysis of energy consumption by applications |
| Authorization | Settings → Passwords | Application access management |
Camera and photography
The Camera app in Redmi smartphones has a wide range of features that often stay hidden from beginners. In addition to the standard Photo mode, try using Pro mode for manual shutter speed, ISO and focus control, which will allow you to take more artistic shots, especially in difficult lighting conditions or when shooting a night city.
For selfies and video bloggers, the video blog mode is available, which automatically applies stabilization and background blur effects. Don't neglect the framing grid settings - turn it on in the camera settings to always keep the horizon even and follow the rule of thirds when building a frame composition.
💡
Use Documents mode in the Text Scanning Camera app, which automatically aligns perspective, removes glare, and makes text readable, turning your smartphone into a pocket scanner.
Artificial intelligence (AI) photo processing is enabled by default. The camera automatically detects the scene (food, sky, greens) and tweaks saturation. If you prefer natural colors without "overshare" and excessive brightness, turn off the AI slider in the upper corner of the viewfinder before shooting.
Battery and energy optimization
Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their capacious batteries, but the right setup will prolong their life. In the Settings → Battery section, you can choose one of the modes of operation: “Balanced”, “Economic” or “Ultra”. For everyday use, the best fits a balanced mode that limits background activity without a strong impact on performance.
One of the main reasons for quick discharge is the background apps. In the battery menu, you can see a list of programs that consume the most energy. For instant messengers, set the background activity limit to "No restrictions" so that messages arrive on time, and for games and videos, set strict restrictions.
⚠️ Warning: Do not charge your phone in the cold or in direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures can irreversibly damage the chemical structure of a lithium polymer battery, reducing its capacity.
The Night Charging Optimization feature helps extend battery life, so your smartphone learns your habits and charges up to 80% immediately, and the remaining 20% is taken up just before you wake up, which reduces battery life, slowing down battery degradation.
💡
Compliance with the temperature charging regime and the use of the original power supply are key factors in the durability of the Xiaomi Redmi battery.