Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide for the user from A to Z

Xiaomi smartphones have gained popularity thanks to a combination of powerful features, innovative features and affordable price. However, even experienced users sometimes get lost in the abundance of settings MIUI, the brand shell. This article will help you understand all the nuances from the first inclusion to hidden features that the manufacturer does not advertise.

We won’t list the obvious things like “how to make a call” – we’ll focus on the unique features of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices. You’ll learn how to properly configure the system after purchase, optimize performance, use gestures and hidden features, and avoid the typical errors that shorten the life of the gadget.

We will focus on interaction with Xiaomi services (Mi Account, Cloud, Community) – without them, many functions work incorrectly, but their configuration often raises questions, and we will also discuss how to safely update the firmware, manage application permissions and solve common problems.

First Installing and Basic Setup

When you first turn on a Xiaomi smartphone, the system offers to go through the process (initialization), where it is important to take your time and carefully consider each step, many parameters will then have to be manually reconfigured.

At the language selection stage, pay attention to the region: pre-installed services depend on it (for example, there is no Google Play in the Chinese version). For Russia, the optimal option is Russia or Global. If you bought a device abroad, you may need to change the region through Settings → Additional → Region.

• 📱 Mi Account binding: without it, cloud backup, device search, and some security features will not work. Create an account or log in to an existing one.
• 🔒 Data Protection: Set up a pattern lock, PIN Or a fingerprint. AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13) are available face scanning.
• ☁️ Cloud services: enable synchronization of contacts, notes and photos with Mi Cloud. Free 5 GB of storage.
• 🔄 Data portability: if you change your smartphone, use the “Cloning Apps” function through Settings → The phone. → Data portability.

After you have completed the initial setup, check for firmware updates. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Importantly, the first day after the update, the smartphone may be slower than usual - this is normal, the system optimizes background processes.

MIUI interface: gestures, panels and hidden functions

The MIUI shell is very different from the pure Android, and there's no app bar, all the icons are on desktops, and to open a list of all the installed programs, swipe up.

One of the key advantages of Xiaomi is its flexible gesture setting, such as:

• 👆 Double tap to wake up the screen (included in Settings) → Lock screen → Double touch).
• 🔄 Swipe down the notification panel for quick access to control panels (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).
• 🎵 Music control gesture: draw letters on the screen turned off to launch the player or camera (configured in Settings) → Additionally. → Gestures).

The hidden feature of MIUI is Second Space Mode (Settings → Special Options → Second Space) and it's a separate work profile with its own apps, settings and data, useful if you want to separate personal and work data or give your child a smartphone without the risk that it will ruin the main profile.

Firmware Update: How to Do It Safely

Regular MIUI updates bring not only new features, but also security vulnerabilities, but an incorrect update can lead to a device "brick" (breakdown).

⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the upgrade process, even if it takes more than 30 minutes.In Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processors (e.g., Qualcomm CPUs, POCO X3) interruption can block the bootloader and a special cable will be required to restore the EDL.

If after the update, the smartphone began to slow down, follow the following steps:

1. Restart the device (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Disable the interface animation in the developer menu (set all values on the animation disabled).

Check the battery charge (minimum 50% |)

Connect to stable Wi-Fi|

Backup of important data |

Close all working applications-->

Optimizing performance and battery

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their energy efficiency, but over time, even they start to run out faster, the main charge eaters are background processes and unnecessary services.

In the Settings menu → Battery and performance pay attention to:

• 📊 Consumer statistics: you can see which apps use the most power, like Facebook or TikTok, which can eat up to 20 percent of the charge in the background.
• ⚡ Power saving mode: turn it on at low charge. MIUI 14 available "Ultra Mode" which disables all background processes.
• 🔄 Auto-Run Applications: Turn Off Auto-Boot for Unnecessary Programs in Settings → Annexes → Autostart control.

For advanced users: In the developer menu (Settings → Additional → Developers), you can limit background processes to 2-3 at a time. This will increase the time of work, but some notifications may come with a delay.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi has become quickly discharged after upgrading to MIUI 14, check Adaptive Brightness settings. In newer versions, it's more aggressive and can brighten the screen without needing. Turn it off in Settings. → Screen. → Adaptive brightness.

For models that support fast charging (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro with 120W): avoid using cheap cables. They can not only slow charging, but also damage the battery. Xiaomi’s original accessories are labeled as MDY-12-XX (where XX is the model number).

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If your smartphone is slower, try turning off Windows Animation and Transition Animation in the developer menu, which will speed up app openings by 15-20%.

Security: Data and Account Protection Mi

Mi Accounts are not just a way to synchronize data, but they also provide the key to many security features, such as:

• 🔐 Restore access to the smartphone when you lose your password.
• 📍 Use the "Find the Device" function (i.mi.com).
• 🔄 Reset your phone via Mi Cloud in case of theft.

To protect your account:

1. Link your phone number and backup email to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – this will prevent hacking even if someone recognizes your password.
3. Periodically check the list of devices connected to your account (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Device Management).

If you're selling or transferring a smartphone to another person, it's not enough to just reset your settings.

1. Sign out of Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Perform a complete reset via Settings → About Phone → Resetting.
3. After reset, don’t connect to Wi-Fi – the new owner must set up the device from scratch.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi Note 11) may require you to reset your old Mi Account password even if you are logged out.This is a measure of protection against theft. To avoid problems, untie your device from your account before resetting on account.xiaomi.com.

Communication and Networking: 5G, Wi-Fi and Mobile Internet Setup

Xiaomi smartphones support all modern communication standards, but sometimes manual adjustments are required for maximum performance. For example, 5G models (such as Xiaomi 12T or POCO F4) may have power saving mode enabled by default, which limits Internet speed.

To optimize the network operation:

• 📶 Network Priority: C Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network select 5G/4G/3G/2G (motor vehicle for maximum speed.
• 🔗 Double. SIM: If you use two cards, set up which one will be the main one for calls and mobile Internet.
• 📡 Wi-Fi 6: In supported models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) enable Wi-Fi 6 in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Wi-Fi standard.

If the mobile internet is not stable, try:

1. Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Manually select the operator in the Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network selection (sometimes automatic search connects to an overloaded tower).
3. Disable VoLTE (Voice over LTE) if there are problems with communication – in some regions this feature is unstable.

For travel enthusiasts, MIUI has a hidden feature called "Flight Mode with Wi-Fi," which allows you to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth even when the main flight mode is on, activated through the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).

Camera Work: Hidden Features and Professional Modes

Xiaomi cameras are often underrated – many users are unaware of the hidden features of the Camera app. For example, models with the Sony IMX766 sensor (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra) have Pro mode available with manual shutter speed, ISO and white balance settings.

To open professional settings:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Swipe your finger across the screen from left to right to open the list of modes.
3. Choose Pro or Professional.

The secret chips of Xiaomi camera:

• 📸 Double press the power button: quickly launches the camera even on a locked screen (configured in Settings) → Lock screen → Quick camera launch).
• 🌙 Night mode for selfies: available in the front camera – turn it on manually in the dark.
• 🎥 Video recording in HDR10+: In support models (e.g. Xiaomi 13), enable this mode in the video settings for more juicy colors.
• 🔍 Macro mode: in smartphones with an additional macro module (for example, Redmi Note) 11 Pro+) Bring the camera closer to the object 2-4 cm for super-detailed images.

If the photos are blurry, check:

• Clean lenses (wipe with soft cloth).
• Updates for the Camera app in Google Play.
• Stabilization settings in Camera Settings → Additional → Stabilization (enable Improved Stabilization for video).

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In models with a Leica camera (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), branded color profiles are available: "Leica Authentic" for natural tones and "Leica Vibrant" for saturated colors. Switch to camera settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions