New smartphone Xiaomi: step-by-step start and setup of the system

Buying a new device from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO is always an exciting moment, but immediately after unpacking the user often meets not only a clean screen, but also the need to go through many stages of initial configuration. Modern Android shells, such as MIUI or the latest HyperOS, offer a huge number of features that by default may not be configured or, conversely, contain redundant advertising and telemetry. Proper start with the gadget allows you not only to secure personal data, but also significantly extend battery life, as well as save yourself from constant visual noise in the future.

Many beginners make the mistake of skipping the steps of calibrating a display or ignoring the creation of a full Mi Account, relying only on Google services. This approach deprives the smartphone owner of the possibility of using ecosystem functions, cloud storage and remote management of the device. In this guide, we will analyze every step you need to take in the first hours of use to turn a boxed Android into a perfectly debugged tool for work and entertainment, taking into account all the nuances of current versions of firmware.

Initial activation and region selection

The process of familiarizing yourself with the device begins immediately after the system is turned on, when the system offers you to choose a language and region. The choice of the region “Russia” or “Kazakhstan” (depending on where you live) is critical, since it determines the set of pre-installed applications, the operation of widgets and the availability of certain system services. Don’t immediately agree to all the terms of the user agreement without reading them: pay attention to the paragraphs related to data transfer to improve the user experience, as they can be manually disabled to improve privacy.

Then the system will suggest connecting to a Wi-Fi network, which is a necessary step to activate the theft protection and check for security updates. SIM-support-card 5G, Make sure that the mobile network settings are immediately selected for the correct mode of operation, although the initial download will still pass through Wi-Fi (CN-version), you may need to select the "China" region in the first stage for successful activation, after which the region can be changed in the settings.

Special attention should be paid to setting the date and time. Although they usually tighten automatically, in some cases, especially when using custom DNS or corporate networks, time can get lost, which will lead to errors when logging into accounts. Check if the tick on "Use Network Time" is correct, and if necessary, perform manual sync through the Settings menu → Additional settings → Date and time.

⚠️ Note: When choosing a region “India” or “Indonesia”, system applications may include additional advertising content specific to these markets, and some global features may not be available. MIUI/HyperOS.

After selecting a region, the system may offer to install a protective glass or case if you use branded accessories with a NFC-It's a convenient feature, but it's not mandatory. If you're using third-party protection, just skip this step. It's important to understand that incorrectly calibrating the sensor at this point (if necessary) can cause the screen response to malfunction later on.

Set up Mi Account and Synchronization

The centerpiece of the ecosystem is the Mi Account. Unlike the Google account, which is primarily responsible for the app store and mail, the Xiaomi profile allows you to use the Find Device feature, cloud storage for photos and contacts, as well as synchronizing notes and voice recorders. When creating or logging in to an account, be sure to enable two-factor authentication to protect against hacking, since this profile often accesses banking applications and personal data.

The sync menu can be used to fine-tune what data will be stored in the cloud, and it is recommended that you activate sync for contacts, messages, notes and galleries, which will keep your information safe even if your smartphone is lost or broken.

Special attention should be paid to Find Device, which allows you to remotely lock your phone, erase data or play back an audio signal even when the device is in sleep mode. To work correctly, this feature requires that the security settings allow location and data transfer even in the background. Check the status of this option in the Security → Find the device.

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Without a linked and verified Mi-account, it is impossible to fully use anti-theft functions and ecosystem scenarios of a smart home.

If you’re switching from another Android smartphone, the system will suggest using a built-in data migration tool that allows you to flip apps, photos and settings over Wi-Fi Direct without using a computer. However, experienced users often recommend performing a clean setup by installing apps manually to avoid transferring system debris and conflicting settings from the old device.

System update and display calibration

Immediately after activation, the device may suggest updating the operating system. HyperOS and the latest versions of MIUI regularly receive security and processor optimization patches, so it is not recommended to ignore this step.The upgrade process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour during which the phone will not be available, so make sure that the battery is at least 50%, or better connect the device to the charger.

After updating and rebooting, it's worth checking the display. Samsung's or TCL's current AMOLED and OLED arrays, used in Xiaomi smartphones, require proper color rendering. Go to the Settings menu → Screen → Color scheme and choose the mode that's most pleasing to the eye. Standard "Saturated" mode can be too bright, so many users prefer "Standard" or "Classic" mode for more natural colors.

Also important is the refresh rate of the screen. If your smartphone is equipped with a display that supports 90 Hz, 120 Hz or even 144 Hz, make sure that the settings choose the value of “Default” or “Maximum”, not “60 Hz”, This significantly affects the smoothness of interface animations and page scrolling in the browser, making use of the device more comfortable.

Be sure to configure DC Dimming, or flicker protection, if available in your model, which reduces eye strain when using a smartphone at low brightness during the dark, eliminating the PWM effect that can cause headaches in sensitive users.

Optimizing battery and performance

Modern Snapdragon and Dimensity processors are highly efficient, but for maximum autonomy, you need to adjust the power saving correctly. The system automatically learns your usage habits, but in the early days you can help it by manually limiting the background activity of rarely used applications. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications, select unnecessary programs and set the “Strict Limits” energy saving mode.

Special attention should be paid to the function “Memory Extension”. If your smartphone has little internal RAM (for example, 6 GB), turning on virtual memory can help in multitasking, but this will lead to faster wear and tear of the drive. For devices with 8 GB of RAM and more, this feature is often better to keep off, since it does not give performance gains, but only consumes storage.

You can customize your profiles for Game Turbo, which allows you to increase touchscreen sensitivity and block notifications while playing, while saving battery power in the background. Don't neglect setting background activity limits for heavy applications that you don't use all the time, such as social networks or marketplaces.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use third-party accelerators and cleaners from the Play Market. MIUI/HyperOS They work more efficiently and do not create unnecessary load on the processor.

It is also recommended to activate Smart Charging or Optimized Night Charging, which studies your sleep patterns and pauses charging at 80%, completing the process to 100% only by the time you wake up, which significantly extends the life of the lithium polymer battery, preventing it from overheating and chemical degradation.

Removing Advertising and Systemic Garbage

One of the most annoying features of the MIUI shell is the built-in advert known as MSA (MIUI System Ads). Fortunately, it can be manually disabled. To do this, you need to go to the ad settings and turn off personalized recommendations. The path to settings can vary, but it's usually located at Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to personal data → msa, where you just turn off the switch.

You can also remove ads from system applications like Explorer, Music, Themes, and Security, and in each of these applications, you can go to the settings (usually three dots or a gear) and find the "Receive recommendations" or "Show ads" option, and then turn it off, which doesn't disrupt the apps, it just removes the banner ads.

In addition to advertising, you should also look at pre-installed apps that are not in use, and many of them, such as Facebook, TikTok or regional services, can be removed in the standard way, and if removal is not possible, they can be “disabled” in the application management menu, which will hide them and prevent them from working in the background, freeing up the system resources.

It is also important to check the permissions for system applications. Often cleaning or security applications request access to contacts or locations unnecessarily. Restricting access rights improves not only productivity, but also the digital hygiene of the device owner.

Setting up security and privacy

Data security in a modern smartphone comes first, in addition to installing a complex pattern lock or a computer. PIN-Xiaomi's fingerprint scanner works fast, but for maximum reliability, it's better to use a combination: a fingerprint for unlocking and a complex password for critical operations. ID) It is convenient but less secure than a print, as it can be fooled by a photo.

In the Privacy Protection menu, you can configure Second Space or Hidden Album, and the second space creates a completely isolated environment in the phone with a separate set of apps and files, accessed through a different fingerprint or password, ideal for separating work and personal data, or for transferring the phone to children.

The system also offers a Privacy Masking feature that automatically hides the contents of notifications on a locked screen until you look at the device, which prevents information from being leaked from outsiders in public transport or the office, which can be activated in the notification and status bar settings.

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Back up your encryption keys and passwords in a secure place (paper), as when you reset your settings without access to your Mi Account, data recovery may become impossible.

Check the Permissions Manager section regularly to see which apps have accessed the microphone, camera or geolocation in the background. Xiaomi’s security system records these requests and tags them in the status bar with appropriate indicators, allowing you to quickly identify suspicious activity.

Table: Comparison of screen modes

For the optimal balance between image quality and power consumption, it is important to choose the right display mode. Below is a comparison of the main parameters available in the screen settings of new Xiaomi smartphones.

Choosing the right mode not only affects the perception of content, but also the load on the GPU. For example, “saturated” mode requires more resources to render extended color space, which can be noticeable in games with long session duration.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions