Xiaomi’s new phone: 7 steps to get started

You just unpacked the box with Xiaomi's new smartphone -- a shiny machine with a factory film, a 0% battery and a dozen unopened features -- but where to start? Just turn it on and use it is a bad idea. Incorrect initial setup can lead to slowdowns, quick battery drains, or even loss of warranty (for example, if you unlock the bootloader immediately without preparation).

This article is not an abstract review, but a practical guide with checklists, warnings and hidden chips, which even official instructions do not mention, and we will learn how to avoid typical errors when you first turn on (for example, why you can not immediately insert). SIM-You can use a map to make some models, what settings to change first, and how to prepare your phone for a long and stable operation. Ready? Start from scratch.

1. First turn on: what to do before pressing the power button

Many users rush to turn on the new Xiaomi right after unpacking - and in vain.There are 3 critical points to check before the first launch:

• 🔋 Battery charge.Most Xiaomi smartphones come with a charge 30-50%. If the indicator is less 20%, Do not turn on the device – connect to the original charger on the 30-40 First power on low charge may cause battery calibration to fail.
• 📶 Verification SIM-In hybrid slot models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO X5 Pro) two persons cannot be used simultaneously SIM-Think ahead about whether you want to have a second SIM or a memory extension.
• 🛠️ External inspection. Check the case for scratches, check the buttons (Nutrition, Volume) and connectors (USB-C, If you have any defects, take a picture of them and contact the seller - the warranty case is easier to issue in the first 14 days.

And you should pay special attention to factory film, which is that on many models, like the Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60, it's not just protective, it's oleophobic, it prevents finger marks. Don't take it off, because it often hides service stickers that can be damaged and void warranty.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone from Chinese stores (such as AliExpress or Gearbest), check the firmware region in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI). Chinese versions (China) ROM) They do not support Google services and may have language restrictions, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader and flash it to the global version.

Activation and configuration of MIUI: which items should not be missed

When you press the power button, you'll be greeted by the MIUI Setup Wizard, where many users make critical mistakes by hastily pressing "Next."

1. Language and region choice: Install Russia or Ukraine (if you are in these countries) – this affects the services available (e.g. Mi Pay or Mi Home). If you choose China, some features may not work properly.
2. Use a stable network – the first system update can weigh up to 1-2 GB. Avoid public hotspots (such as in a cafe) as they can block Xiaomi servers.
3. Sign in to Mi Account. If you already have a Xiaomi account, sign in. If not, create it, as without it you can not use cloud backup, unlock the bootloader and some features (for example, Find Device).
4. Fingerprint/face settings in models with AMOLED-The print scanner is optical – for its correct operation, you need to register your finger in good lighting.

One of the most controversial issues is personalization. MIUI. The system will suggest you choose the theme, fonts and animations, and the advice here is simple: if you're a beginner, choose Standard Theme and Default Animations. Too aggressive visuals (e.g., "Morfing" or "Morfing "3D-Floating icons can increase the load on the processor and reduce battery life.

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If you bought your phone with your hands, make sure to reset to factory settings before setting up via Settings → Additional → Reset. The previous owner could have tied the device to their Mi Account, which will block you from accessing certain features.

3. System Update: Why It Needs to Be Done Before Installing Applications

Many users install all the apps they need and then they think about the updates, which is a big mistake.

• 🐞 Fixing critical bugs: New firmware often closes vulnerabilities that can be exploited by viruses. MIUI 14.0.3 fixes bug that allows attackers to access files via Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Performance optimization: Updates often include improvements to specific models. e.g. in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ post-update MIUI 14.0.6 15% reduced power consumption when watching video.
• 📱 Application compatibility: Some programs (e.g., banking or government) require an up-to-date version of the OS to work properly.

How to properly update the system:

1. Connect your phone to charge (or make sure it is >50%).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates and wait for the download.
4. If you have an update, click Download and install. Don't interrupt the process!

If the update weighs more than 500MB, use Wi-Fi. There may be errors when downloading via mobile internet, especially if the carrier is limiting speed.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T) After a major update, you reset your Application Resolution and Battery Optimization settings. Once you install the update, check these items manually, or some programs may stop sending notifications.

Battery Optimization: How to Prolong Battery Life From Day One

The battery is the most vulnerable part of any smartphone, and settings that are wrong in the first few days of use can reduce its life by 20-30%, and this is what you need to do right after you set it up.

During the first 3-5 cycles (full discharge + charge up to 100%), the battery is calibrated.

• 🔌 Use only the original charger (or certified with Quick Charge support). Cheap charging can damage the power controller.
• 🌡️ Do not overheat the phone while charging. If the case becomes hot, disconnect from the network on the 10-15 minute.
• ⚡ Avoid charging until 100% in the first days — 20% → 80%. This will extend the life of the battery. 10-15%.

In models that support wireless charging (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Mix Fold 3), the first 2-3 cycles are better charged via cable, which helps the power controller correctly determine the capacity of the battery.

5.Security: How to protect data and prevent theft

Xiaomi offers a lot of data protection tools, but by default many of them are disabled.

• 🔐 Lock the screen. Set a Pin or a pattern lock (at least 6 points) Fingerprint and facial recognition are convenient, but not reliable enough.
• 📍 Find Device (Device Search). Enable in Settings → Google → Security → Find the device and in Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Search for Xiaomi device, which will allow you to block the phone remotely in case of theft.
• 🛡️ Malware protection. Turn on security. → Virus scanning and real-time protection. Also install Google Play Protect.
• 🔄 Backup. Set up automatic backup in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Select Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

Pay special attention to application permissions. Many programs (especially from third-party sources) request access to SMS, Contacts or Locations without needing. Check the permission list in Settings → Applications → Permissions and disable the unnecessary ones.

If you plan to use Mobile Banking or Government Services, turn Secure Mode into Settings → Special Options → Secure Mode, which will prevent screenshots and screen recording in sensitive applications.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) firmware MIUI 13.0.5 has a vulnerability that allows you to bypass the lock screen through Restore Mode. Upgrade to the latest version to close this gap.

Installation of applications: what can and cannot

Now that the phone is configured and updated, you can start installing apps, but there are pitfalls here.

• 📥 Install only from Google Play or Mi App Store. APK-Files may contain viruses or spyware.
• 🧹 Cache cleanup after installation 10-15 Apps clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clean up. That'll prevent the system from slowing down.
• 🔄 Auto Update. Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play → Settings → Auto-update applications. Better to manually update, pre-checking reviews of the new version.
• 🚫 Blacklist. Don't install: Clean Master, DU Speed Booster and other "optimizers" -- they only slow down the system (CPU Tuner, SetCPU) – this can cause overheating. piercing versions of programs (such as Spotify Mod or YouTube Vanced) – they often contain malicious code.

For models with a small amount of memory (for example, Redmi A2+ 64GB), it is recommended to use lightweight versions of applications:

• Facebook Lite instead of the standard Facebook
• Messenger Lite instead of Messenger
• Twitter Lite (PWA-version instead of official client.

If you play mobile games frequently, install Game Turbo from the Mi App Store.This is an official app from Xiaomi that optimizes performance during gaming sessions.

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Before installing any application, check its rating and reviews. If the program has a rating below 4.0 or recent reviews contain complaints about viruses, it is better to refuse to install it.

7 Hidden MIUI features: what to turn on right away

MIUI hides a lot of useful features that most users don't even know about, and here are the most useful ones:

• 🔍 Search by settings. At the top of the Settings menu is a search bar. Type in a keyword (e.g., "battery" or "gestures") and the system will show all relevant items.
• 📲 Double tap to wake up. Turn it on to Settings. → Lock screen → Double tap to wake up. Now you don't have to press the power button to unlock your phone.
• 🔊 Smart switching of sound. In Settings → Sound and vibration → Smart switching of sound can be set to automatically switch to silent mode at certain times (for example, at night).
• 📎 Quick notes. Swipe down the lock screen with two fingers to quickly create a note or reminder.
• 🔄 Parallel applications. In Settings → Annexes → Parallel apps can create a second account for instant messengers (for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram on the same phone).

For owners of models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Xiao) POCO F5 Pro) it is useful to enable Reading Mode in Settings → Screen. → Read mode. It reduces blue light and makes text clearer.

If you use headphones a lot, turn on Audio Effects in Settings → Sound and Vibration → Audio Effects. You can set up an equalizer, a bass amplifier, and even a surround sound simulation here.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions