Thanks for choosing Xiaomi: What to do next and why it’s the best choice

You just became the owner of a Xiaomi device -- congratulations on a great choice! This brand has been proving for over a decade that high technology can be available without compromise in quality. But what to do after you buy it? How to maximize the potential of your new gadget? And why are millions of users around the world choosing Xiaomi?

In this article, we're not just going to say thank you for choosing Xiaomi, but we're going to show you how to get started, what hidden features are worth activating first, and how to avoid the typical novice mistakes. From Redmi and POCO smartphones to Mi Band smartwatches and Mi Routers, each ecosystem product has unique chips that you might not know about. Ready to learn more?

Why Xiaomi is the Right Choice: 7 Key Benefits

Xiaomi has gained worldwide popularity for a reason. Here's what you've gained by staying with this manufacturer:

• 💰 Price-quality ratio: The same characteristics as the flagships of Samsung or Apple, but on the other hand, the 30-50% It's cheaper. For example, Xiaomi smartphone. 13T Dimensity-based 8200-Ultra It's worth the average iPhone. 12, But it's better than that in productivity.
• 🔄 Device ecosystem: One Mi Account links a smartphone, laptop, smartwatch, light bulbs and even a vacuum cleaner.Try sending a notification from Mi Band 8 to your Mi TV TV Q2 — It works!
• 📱 MIUI — Firmware with soul: The Android-based shell offers unique chips like Double Apps (two VK accounts on the same phone) or Read Mode with Eye Protection.
• 🔋 Battery Innovations: HyperCharge Technology in Xiaomi 12S Ultra charges up to 100% in 19 minutes, and in budget models like the Redmi Note 12, the battery lasts 2 days when you use it.
• 📦 Set without deception: In the box there is always a case, film on the screen and even an adapter (unlike the same Apple, which save on small things).
• 🌍 Global support: Russian firmware, service centers in 50+ active community in forums such as 4PDA or Mi Community.
• 🔧 Ease of repair: Xiaomi parts are cheaper than Samsung, and many models don’t require special tools to disassemble (see the repair section).

But there is a downside: some users experience overheating budget models or intrusive advertising in MIUI. How to avoid this? Read on.

The first steps after purchase: setup and activation

You unpacked the box, you turned on the device -- what's next? Follow this algorithm to keep the big points in mind.

1. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Even if the device is new, there could be an update in stock.
2. Sign in to Mi Account. Without an account, cloud backup, phone search and synchronization with other Xiaomi devices will not work.
3. Adjust the face/fingerprint. In models with AMOLED-screen (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) fingerprint scanner built into the display – activate it in Settings → Passwords and security.
4. Disable unnecessary services. MIUI likes to send notifications about “useful” features. Go to Settings → Notifications → Additional and disable MIUI Recommendations.

Important: If you bought a device in China (local version), some features may not work without manually flashing the global version. MIUI. This is the case with Google Services, Russian language and 4G-ranges.

Don’t forget about the hidden settings:

• 🔍 Turn on Developer Mode: Go to About Phone and Tap Version 7 Times MIUI. Now in Additional settings will appear menu for fine tuning.
• 🎵 Activate Dolby Atmos Sound in Settings → Sound will improve the sound even in cheap headphones.
• 📶 Set up the Double. 4G (if there are two slots for SIM): Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Use both. SIM for 4G.

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If your Xiaomi started to slow down after a month of use, try turning off the animation interface. To do this, in the developer settings, set the window animation scale, the transition animation scale and the animator duration on the Off.

Xiaomi’s Hidden Features You Didn’t Know About

The manufacturer has hidden a lot of useful chips in its devices.-5 most interesting:

Did you know that Xiaomi can run Windows? Models like the Xiaomi Pad 5 or Mi Notebook Pro support Windows 11 installation through the company's official tools.

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect the device to the PC via USB-C.
3. Select Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

Typical Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even the best devices have nuances, and this is what newcomers often face -- and how to solve it.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is starting to warm up a lot, check if Performance Mode is included in Settings → Battery: This mode overclocks the processor, but can overheat in hot weather.

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Turn off Auto Brightness and set a fixed value 50-60%. Also check which apps are using up charge in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.
• 📶 Bad Network Signal: In Settings → SIM-map → Select the network settings mode Only 4G (preferably - this often improves communication stability.
• 🔊 Quiet sound in the speaker: Clean the speaker hole with a toothpick (not a metal object!). If it doesn't help, check the Dolby Atmos settings.
• 📱 Hangouts and lags: Reset the cache in Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. If it doesn't work, reset to factory settings (but do backup first!).

Pay special attention to security updates. Xiaomi releases patches once a month, but they don't always install automatically.

Settings → About Phone → System Update → Click on three dots in the top right corner → Select Security Updates

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If your Xiaomi doesn’t turn on after the upgrade, try pressing the power + volume button up for 10 seconds. If that doesn’t help, you’ll need firmware via Fastboot (instructions in the repair section).

Xiaomi Ecosystem: How to Connect All Devices

One of the main advantages of Xiaomi is that it has a smart home on a single platform, and here's how to set up interaction between devices:

1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).

For advanced users, there is Mi Home Automations, an automation system that supports IFTTT. For example, you can configure:

• 📱 "If your phone is connected to Wi-Fi at home → lamp".
• 🌡️ "If the temperature is above 25°C → Enable the Mi Air Conditioner".
• 🔋 "If the Mi Band charge is below 20% → send a notification to the phone".

Did you know that Xiaomi can be used as a TV remote? The Mi Remote app (pre-installed on all smartphones) has databases for 5,000+ TV models, air conditioners and other equipment. Just pick a brand, and the phone will turn into a universal remote.

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If your Mi Band isn't synced to your phone, try turning off Bluetooth, rebooting both devices, and reconnecting. Often, that's how the problem is solved.

Repair and maintenance: What can be done on your own

Xiaomi is famous for its repairability, and many operations can be done without going to the service.

Official details can be ordered on AliExpress (Xiaomi Mall or Mi Global Store) or on the Mi Service Parts website. Beware of fakes - the original screen for Xiaomi 11T Pro costs ~ 12,000 rubles, and a Chinese copy - 3000 rubles (but will last a maximum month).

⚠️ Note: When replacing the battery in Xiaomi models 2020+ Make sure to use the original adhesive to fix the battery. Incorrect installation can cause the battery to bloat through the battery. 2-3 month.

If you're not sure about your ability, you can go to an authorized service, you can find the nearest center on the Mi Service website, and you can get average repair prices.

• 🔧 Screen replacement: 5000-15,000 rubles (depending on model).
• 🔋 Replacement of the battery: 2000-4000 rubles.
• 📱 Firmware after an unsuccessful update: 1500-3,000 rubles.

Where to buy Xiaomi profitable: tips for choosing

Xiaomi prices can vary by 2 times depending on the place of purchase.

• 🛒 Official stores: Mi Store (mi.ru) - warranty 2 year, but prices are higher than the market 10-15%. Xiaomi Shop on the Wildberries/Ozon — often-discount 30%.
• 🌍 Foreign sites: AliExpress (Xiaomi Official, Mi Global Store) - cheaper on the market 20-40%, but delivery 2-4 Banggood -- sometimes you get free shipping sales.
• 🔄 B/U Market: Avito - check out IMEI Facebook Marketplace – they often sell devices from Europe with a guarantee.

What to look for when buying?

1. Firmware region: Chinese versions (CN) do not have Google Services.Look for global or European (EEA) versions.
2. IMEI: Must match on the box, in the phone (*#06#) and in the settings.
3. Battery: In Settings → Battery → Status check Capacity. If less than 85% of the factory, the phone is actively used.
4. Warranty: In Russia, the official warranty is valid only when buying from authorized sellers (list on the Xiaomi website).

Did you know that Xiaomi can be bought in installments without overpayment? Banks like Tinkoff or Sberbank offer 0% for 6-12 months when buying in official stores. For example, Xiaomi 13 Lite for 30,000 rubles can be taken in installments for 10 months for 3000 rubles / month.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions