How to properly start a Xiaomi phone: from unpacking to the first setup

The first switch on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a process that seems simple only at first glance. Even experienced users sometimes face unexpected problems: hanging on the logo MIUI This article covers all scenarios, from the basic launch of a new device to the restoration of the used device, locked after reset.

We will not only analyze the standard activation procedure through Settings. → Language → Wi-Fi connectivity, but also nuances that are not covered by official instructions, such as why some Redmi models require a link to a Mi Account even when you first turn on, or how to get around the error "This device is linked to another account" without losing data. Special attention is paid to problems with the bootloop and methods of their elimination through the Fastboot mode.

If you bought your phone with your hands or after repair, a separate section will help you determine if it was blocked through Find Device (the equivalent of Find My iPhone), and here you will find the latest ways to unlock without contacting the service center, taking into account the latest policy updates Xiaomi 2026.

Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before pressing the power button

Before you press the power button, make sure that three key conditions are met. Ignoring them can cause malfunctions. MIUI or even to hardware failure (for example, when the lithium polymer battery is improperly charged).

First, check the battery level. Xiaomi’s new smartphones often come with a charge of 30-50%, but if the device was in storage for more than 6 months, the battery could run out to a critical level. Connect the original cable and power supply (preferably from the kit) and wait for the charging indicator to appear on the screen. The minimum threshold for safe switching on is 15%.

Second, prepare. SIM-Nano-format card (or eSIM for supported models such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5). Make sure the card is activated with the operator - some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) You need to connect to the network to complete the setup. SIM, Put them in the slots. SIM1 and SIM2 tagged.

Third, prepare the data for Mi Account (if you plan to use it). Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the requirements for accounts: for some regions (including Russia), linking your phone to an account became mandatory at the setup stage. Create an account in advance on account.xiaomi.com or through the Mi Community app to avoid hanging out during the activation stage.

• 🔋 Charging: Use only the original cable and adapter (especially for Quick Charge 4-enabled models)+ Non-original chargers may trigger the power controller protection.
• 📱 SIM-Card: For dual-SIM models (Redmi) 10C, POCO X5 Pro) check the support for ranges 4G/5G Some devices do not work with virtual operators (for example, Tele2 firmware).
• 🔐 Mi Account: If you are buying a used phone, make sure the previous owner untie the device from his account. Otherwise, you will encounter an error "Device is locked".

⚠️ Note: If the phone is purchased on the secondary market (Avito, Yula), never agree to the seller's offer to "reset settings right in front of you." This can be a ploy to hide the binding to the Mi Account. Check the lock status through the service mi.com/global/verify down IMEI.

Standard Enablement: Step-by-step instructions for new phones

If you unpack a new Xiaomi smartphone (or device after a complete reset), follow this instruction.The process may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 added the step of setting up the smart assistant Xiao AI, skipable).

1. Power on. Press the Power button (usually located on the right side) for 3-5 seconds until the logo appears. MI. On some models (Black Shark 5 Pro) you need to hold the button until vibration is triggered.

2. Language selection. In the greeting phase, scroll up/down and select Russian (or Ukransk, Kazakh for other regions). If you don't have the language, tap on Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add it manually.

3. Network connection. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list. If you don't have a network, click Skip, but note that without the Internet, you can't download updates and activate some features (e.g. Google Services). 5G (Xiaomi 12T Pro) manual range selection may be required.

4. Personalization. You can do this here.

• 🎨 Select the theme of design (Light / Dark / Car).
• 📱 Consent to sending diagnostic data (we recommend disabling for confidentiality).
• 🔒 Set up unlocking: PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint (if you have a scanner).

5. Sign in to accounts. The system will offer:

• 📧 Sign in to Mi Account (required for data synchronization).
• 🔳 Sign in to Google Account (required to access the Play Market).
• 💬 Activate Xiaomi Cloud (you can skip it).

6. Complete setup. After loading the desktop, check:

• 📶 Network presence (antenna icon in status bar).
• 🔋 Charge level (if less than 20%, connect charging).
• 🔄 Availability of updates (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

⚠️ Note: If the phone requires a password from the previous Mi Account at the setup stage, it means that the device is tied to someone else’s account, and attempts to bypass the lock through a reset will result in a hard lock (called “Hard Brick”). The only solution is to contact the previous owner or contact the service center with proof of purchase.

Starting after resetting or firmware: solving typical problems

If the Xiaomi phone does not turn on after resetting to the factory settings (Hard Reset) or flashing, the reasons may be different: from the damaged partition. EFS Before the bootloader locks, let's look at the most common scenarios and how to fix them.

Scenario 1: The phone is stuck on startup the logo MI or Fastboot.

This is a typical symptom of a damaged firmware or module conflict.

• 💻 Fastboot Flash: Connect your phone to your PC, download the official firmware from Xiaomi Firmware and use the Mi Flash Tool utility. For models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 11 and later), you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Scenario 2: Require you to enter a password from your Mi Account after resetting.

This lock occurs if the previous owner did not untie the device from his account, and you can legally circumvent it only if:

• 📄 You have a check or a sales contract (to apply for Xiaomi support).
• 🔓 Previous articleThe owner is ready to send the unlock code through the personal account.

Illegal methods (for example, through Deep Flash Cable or exploits in the Internet) MIUI) It can lead to total loss. IMEI or lock-up by serial number.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after falling or getting moisture, don't try to charge it. First, dry the device in rice or silica gel for at least 24 hours. Attempting to turn on with a wet board can cause short circuit and damage to the power controller.

Unlock the bootloader: when it is needed and how to make it

The bootloader in Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure that prevents unauthorized firmware changes, but for some operations (install customized hardware). ROM, Root access, recovery after soft brick, it must be unlocked.

When unlocking is required:

• 📱 Installation of alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Getting root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Recovery after a failed update.
• 🛠️ Replacement of Recovery with TWRP.

Official way of unlocking:

1. Connect the device to Mi Account (in your phone settings).

2 Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on your PC.

3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode:

Administration → For developers → Unlocking OEM (enable)


Turn off the phone → Press down Power + Volume Down

4 Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Enter the Mi Account details and follow the instructions.

Important nuances:

• ⏳ Waiting: After linking your account to your device, wait 7 days (for new accounts) or 30 days (for accounts with suspicious activity).
• 📵 Limitations: Some models (POCO F4 GT, Xiaomi 12S Ultras have additional protection – they require special permission from Xiaomi.
• 🔒 Risks: Unlocking resets all data and can result in loss of warranty.

Activating Functions After First Start: What to Set Up First

After successfully turning on the phone, Xiaomi is recommended to perform several critical settings that will help avoid performance, security and autonomy issues in the future.

1. Battery optimization:

• 🔋 Turn off Auto Brightness in Settings → Display (saves up to 15% charge).
• ⚡ Turn on Battery Mode. → Ultra for extending working hours.
• 🔌 Turn off overnight fast charging (prolongs battery life).

Safety:

• 🔒 Set up Application Blocking in Settings → Password and security.
• 🛡️ Turn on Google Play Protect in Google Settings.
• 📱 Activate Find Device (similar to Find My iPhone) in Settings → Mi Account.

Performance:

• 🚀 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Additionally. → Special Opportunities (for games).
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 📴 Turn off auto-run of unnecessary apps in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.

Network settings:

• 📶 Select Network Priority 4G/5G In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🌐 Set up. DNS 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) to speed up the Internet.
• 📵 Turn off Wi-Fi Assist if the tariff is restricted for traffic.

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After the first turn on, be sure to check for updates in Settings → The phone. → System Update: Firmware older than 3 months may contain vulnerabilities exploited by viruses (e.g. via Bluetooth or other means of communication). NFC).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if instructions are followed correctly, users often face non-obvious problems, and here is a list of common errors and ways to fix them, based on an analysis of calls to Xiaomi service centers for 2023-2026.

Error 1: “Device failed to activate” (linked to Mi Account).

Reasons:

• 📍 The region of the account does not match the region of the phone (for example, the phone is for China, and the account is for Russia).
• ⏳ New account (less than 7 days after creation).
• 🔒 The device has enabled the Anti-Theft function from the previous owner.

Solution: Change your account region in Mi Account settings or create a new account with the right region. If the problem is in Anti-Theft, you will need the help of the previous owner.

Mistake 2: The phone can't see SIM-map.

Reasons:

• 📱 Incorrectly inserted SIM-map (check the orientation of the chip).
• 📡 Module damaged. IMEI (often).
• 📵 No support for your carrier ranges (relevant for grey phones).

Solution: Reboot your phone. If it doesn't work, check it out. IMEI In Settings → The phone. → General information, if IMEI No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Recovery will be required. QCN-file (only in the service).

Error 3: Staying on the "Optimizing app X of Y" stage.

This problem occurs after the update. MIUI Or resetting. Cause: application data conflict with the new version of the system.

Decision:

1. Wait 1-2 hours (sometimes the process is completed on its own).
2. If the freeze lasts more than 3 hours, run Wipe Cache via Recovery.
3. In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (Wipe Data).

Mistake 4: “Invalid IMEI" or "Baseband Unknown".

This is a critical error, meaning the loss of network identifiers.

• 🔧 Failed firmware or reset through TWRP.
• 🛠️ Damage to the modem partition.

Solution: Recovery IMEI It is possible only through service utilities (Mi Flash in mode). EDL) or replacement of the motherboard. MTK Engineering Mode or QPST) They may make the problem worse.

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If after the update the sound disappeared in the speaker, check the settings Settings → Sound. → Audio Effects. Sometimes resetting the sound settings (the Reset button in the upper right corner) solves the problem.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions