Getting into the hands of a new gadget from the Chinese giant often causes mixed feelings: on the one hand, admiration for the characteristics for an affordable price, on the other hand, a slight shock from the abundance of incomprehensible icons and settings. The user, who first encountered the shell of MIUI, may be confused, since the logic of the system is significantly different from pure Android, which is used to many. That is why the question of how to use the devices of the Xiaomi Mi line, remains one of the most popular in technical support.
In this article, we'll look at more than just the basic steps of inclusion, but the nuances that make a regular phone a powerful tool for work and entertainment. You'll learn where the main levers of performance control lie, how to avoid intrusive advertising and make the battery last longer. Deep system setup is the key to comfortable use of the device.
Ignoring the primary configuration can lead to the owner never realizing the potential of their device. Many of the features that seem superfluous by default are actually unique features of the ecosystem. Let's start diving into the world of smart technology so that your experience with the gadget is as positive as possible.
Primary configuration and MIUI interface
Once the device is turned on and the language is selected, the system will offer a standard activation procedure. However, unlike other manufacturers, Xiaomi strongly recommends (and sometimes forces) creating or signing into an existing Mi Account. This is not just a formality, but a central node for managing your digital life, allowing you to synchronize contacts, find your lost phone and use cloud storage.
The MIUI interface is based on the concept of no application menu by default, although this can be changed. All installed programs are located directly on desktops, which requires a more thoughtful approach to organizing space. For beginners, it is important to immediately master the control panel, which is called by swipe down, and the multitasking menu.
And you have to pay special attention to the design theme, because the built-in theme store allows you to change not only the wallpaper, but also the fonts, the icons of system applications, and the notification sounds, and it makes the interface truly personal.
- 📱 Desktop: Long tap on an empty space opens the grid settings, widgets and transition effects between screens.
- 🔔 Notifications: Notification Center is divided into two tabs – messages from applications and feature switches (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
- 🔍 Search: Swipe to the right of the first screen opens a global search that searches for files, applications and information on the Internet.
⚠️ Note: When you first set up, the system may request permission to access a lot of data. Read carefully what you're giving access to, especially if you value privacy.
Management of notifications and authorizations
One of the most criticized, but also the most powerful, features of the shell is its aggressive handling of notifications and permissions. MIUI By default, it blocks the pop-ups of many applications to avoid distracting the user, which can cause messages from messengers to arrive with a delay or not at all.
To fix this, you have to go to the settings of a particular application, and you can specify in detail what permissions it needs: geolocation, microphone, gallery, or background work, and without the right configuration, some functions may not work properly.
☑️ Access rights verification
And we also have to mention the Security folder, which is the system control center, and that's where the ad blocker settings, the antivirus and the battery management are located, and checking this section regularly helps keep the system clean.
| Type of permit | What do you need? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-start | Launching the application without user action | Enable messengers |
| Display over windows | Pop-up windows, calls in messengers | Turn on for social media |
| Geolocation | Maps, taxis, weather | Only when used |
| Microphone | Recorder, voice messages | If necessary, |
| Camera. | Photo, video, QR scanner | For all media applications |
Don't give all apps full rights just in case, which not only reduces security, but also increases battery consumption, as background processes will be constantly active.
Battery optimization and energy saving
The issue of autonomy is a hot topic for any smartphone owner. Xiaomi offers advanced power control tools that allow you to fine-tune the behavior of each application. Standard mode "Safety" offers several job profiles, from "Balanced" to "Ultra".
It is important to understand the difference between background work and active use. The system can kill processes you didn't open recently to save charge. If you want an application to work constantly (for example, an activity tracker or a navigator), it needs to be added to the exceptions.
Secret energy saving regime
To extend the life of a lithium-ion battery, it is recommended to use original cables and power supplies.Fast charging is convenient, but it generates more heat, which is the battery's enemy.
- 🔋 Adaptive brightness: Include this item in the screen settings so that the light sensor adjusts the backlight itself, saving energy.
- 📶 Network search: In areas of poor reception, the phone spends a tremendous amount of energy searching for a signal.
- 📲 Sync: Set up email and cloud sync intervals. Instant sync of all accounts quickly puts the battery down.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use your phone while charging when running heavy games or rendering videos.The combination of heat from the processor and charger can damage the power controller.
Camera and gallery work
The camera in Xiaomi Mi smartphones is a separate universe of possibilities. The basic Photo mode does a lot, but the real magic starts in Pro mode. Here you get full control of shutter speed, ISO, focus and white balance, allowing you to take DSLR-level shots.
The built-in editor in the gallery allows you to perform basic retouching, apply filters and even use elements of artificial intelligence to improve portraits. You don't need to download third-party applications, the functionality of the regular software is enough for 90% of tasks.
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Use Long Shutter Mode to capture waterfalls or night city from a tripod, and the stabilization of the new Mi models allows you to do it even with your hands.
Video is a special feature, and many models support 4K recording at 60 frames per second, and have excellent optical stabilization, and slow motion and timelapse modes are available for bloggers.
Don't forget to clean the lens before shooting. Fat fingerprints are the main cause of blurry and fuzzy photos, which users often mistake for matrix marriage.
Data security and confidentiality
In the era of digital threats, privacy is coming to the forefront, as Xiaomi has integrated a powerful security suite that includes not only locking the screen, but also encrypting individual applications, and you can set a password to launch a gallery, banking apps or instant messengers.
The Second Space feature allows you to create another, isolated desktop with a separate set of apps and passwords inside a phone, which is the perfect solution for separating work and personal life, or for handing the phone to children without the risk of seeing them.
Regular backup is a guarantee of peace of mind. Mi Cloud or local saving to your computer will help you recover data in the event of loss or failure of the device. Don't neglect this opportunity, as loss of contacts and photos can be a serious blow.
- 🔒 Blocking: Use a combination of a pattern lock and a fingerprint for maximum protection.
- 👁 Hiding files: The gallery and file manager have a file hiding feature available only with a special password.
- 📍 Device Search: Make sure the Find Device feature is activated in your Mi Account in case of theft.
⚠️ Note: Do not install applications from unknown sources (APK-This is the most common way to infect a smartphone with viruses-miners.
Useful chips and hidden functions
To conclude, there are some Easter eggs and handy little things that make using the Xiaomi Mi enjoyable. For example, Quick Notes lets you create a reminder by just tapping on the screen twice.
One-Hand mode compresses the interface of large screens, making the top of the thumb reachable, and the built-in IR port (in most models) turns the phone into a universal remote for TV, air conditioning and other equipment.
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Xiaomi Mi is a designer that everyone builds for themselves. Take an hour to learn the settings to get a unique experience.
Use the sidebar to quickly access frequently used applications, and you can swipe it from the edge of the screen in any application, which is very convenient for a calculator, voice recorder or screenshots.
Having mastered these basic and advanced techniques, you will cease to be just a user and become a full-fledged owner who understands how to make the gadget work exactly as you need it.