What you need for Xiaomi: from buying to setting up the device

Xiaomi’s ecosystem today encompasses not just smartphones, but smartwatches, TVs, routers, robot vacuum cleaners, and even electric vehicles. But before buying or using the brand’s devices, many people are faced with the question: what exactly does Xiaomi need to work stably, reveal all the functionality and not become a source of problems?

The answer depends on the type of technology. The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ will require one set of accessories and knowledge, and the Mi TV Q2 75" or the Mi Smart Door Lock is completely different. In this article, we will discuss all the key aspects from model selection to preparation for the first inclusion, firmware updates and solving typical problems.

If you've already decided on a device, go to the appropriate section. If you haven't already, start with the selection block, where we compare the Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO lineups to the current 2026 criteria.

1. How to choose a Xiaomi device: smartphone, TV or smart appliances

The first and most important step is to decide on the type of device, and the brand offers more than 20 categories of equipment, but the main directions are:

• 📱 Smartphones: Xiaomi (flagships), Redmi (budget/medium segment), POCO (play-and-production models).
• 📺 TV: Mi series TV Q, A, ES (Google-enabled TV or MIUI TV).
• 🌐 Routers and Mesh Systems: Mi Router 6/6E, Redmi Router AX6.
• ⌚ Wearable electronics: Mi Band 8, Watch 2 Pro, Smart Glasses.
• 🏠 Smart home: Yeelight lamps, Mi Home Security sensors, Mi Robot Vacuum robot vacuum cleaners.

Key selection criteria:

Important: Xiaomi devices often have regional restrictions, such as smartphones for the Chinese market (CN-Version: not supported by Google Services and has a different frequency set 4G/5G. Before buying, check the model markings on the website mi.com.

2. accessories for Xiaomi: what to buy right away, and without what you can do

Even the most advanced device will not reach its potential without the right accessories, and we will analyze the mandatory and recommended additions for different types of equipment.

For smartphones.

• 🔋 Charger: models of Redmi Note 12 And the newer ones don't come with chargers (67W/120W) The original Mi Turbo Charge adapter is needed.
• 🛡️ Case and glass: even gorilla glass 5 will not save from falls. for Xiaomi 14 Ultra we recommend cases with camera protection.
• 🎧 Headphones: for models without 3.5 mm connector (POCO F5) You will need a Type-C or Bluetooth 5.3 headphones.

For TVs.

• 📶 Wi-Fi Adapter: If the TV does not support Wi-Fi 6, the router — 6E, You will need an external adapter.
• 🎮 Gamepad: for cloud gaming (Xiaomi Game Center) or emulators.
• 🔊 Soundbar: built-in speakers even Mi TV Q2 It will not replace external acoustics.

What NOT to buy:

• ❌ Cheap cables USB-C Without certification, the port can be burned down.
• ❌ "Universal "neckout" cases for sensors (for example, for Mi 11 Lite with IR port).
• ❌ No-name accessories for smart homes – often not compatible with Mi Home.

💡

Before buying accessories, check their compatibility at the Mi Compatibility Center website. For example, charging the Mi 65W will not be suitable for the POCO X5 Pro (needs 120W).

3. Firmware and updates: how not to break the device

One of the key things about Xiaomi is the firmware update. The manufacturer regularly releases security patches and new versions of MIUI, but the process has nuances.

Refreshment methods

• 🌐 By air (OTA): The safest method. The way: Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI.
• 💻 Through Mi Flash Tool: for manual firmware (for example, when switching from CN Globally).
• 🔄 Recovery Mode: if the device is not turned on. Button combination: Power + Loudness up.

Common errors in the update:

⚠️ Note: if you are updating the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12 on MIUI 14 through the Mi Flash Tool, be sure to unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).

Download the official firmware from the Xiaomi website

Check the battery power (minimum 60%)

Disable antivirus (can block firmware files)

Make a backup to Settings → Additional → Backup

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4.First setup: What to do in the first 30 minutes

After buying a Xiaomi device, many users miss critical customization steps, which later cause problems, such as a step-by-step algorithm for smartphones, TVs and smart devices.

For smartphones.

1. Activation of Mi Account: Without it, cloud services, device search and some MIUI features will not work.
2. Fingerprint/Face setting: Setting path → Passwords and security → Add fingerprint.
3. Disabling unnecessary services: 📊 Miui Optimization (in Settings) → For developers, it speeds up work, but collects data. 🔕 Advertising in MIUI: switch off in Settings → Passwords and security → Authorization and withdrawal → Personalized advertising.

For TVs.

• 📡 5GHz Wi-Fi connection (if the router supports) for stable streaming 4K HDR.
• 🎯 Screen calibration: C Settings → Display and sound → Select Mode for Natural Colors Mode.
• 🔄 Google Play Services Update: Netflix, YouTube will not work without it 4K.

5. Typical problems and how to avoid them

Xiaomi devices are known for their good price/quality ratio, but they also have typical "diseases" that the manufacturer does not mention.

Smartphones

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: background processes are to blame MIUI. Solution: Turn off Auto Sync in your Mi Account. Freeze unnecessary apps through Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

Bad 4G/5G signal

Redmi 9A

POCO M3

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Phone information

Televisions

• 🎵 Loses sound when connecting to the soundbar: check the audio format in Settings → Sound. → Digital audio format (select the following): PCM).
• 🖥️ Hanging while viewing IPTV: Turn off Hardware Acceleration in player settings (e.g. Loliplayer).