Hey Android enthusiasts! MIUI 14 has landed, and it's packed with features that can seriously level up your smartphone experience. But with so much going on, it's easy to miss some of the coolest tricks and hidden gems. That's why I've put together this guide to help you unlock the full potential of MIUI 14. Get ready to be amazed!
MIUI 14 isn't just an update; it's a complete overhaul of the user interface, bringing a fresh, modern look and feel to your Xiaomi device. From enhanced privacy features to improved performance, there's something for everyone in this release. Let's dive in and explore the top tips and tricks to make the most of MIUI 14.
1. App Vault Customization
The App Vault is your personalized hub for quick access to essential features and information. MIUI 14 takes customization to the next level, allowing you to tailor the App Vault to your specific needs. You can add widgets for weather updates, news headlines, calendar events, and even shortcuts to your favorite apps. This means you can access everything you need without even opening the app drawer.
To customize your App Vault, simply swipe right on your home screen to access it. Then, tap the + button to add widgets or the settings icon to rearrange or remove existing ones. Experiment with different widgets to find the perfect combination that suits your daily routine.
Pro Tip: Use the App Vault to create shortcuts to frequently used settings, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile data. This can save you time and effort when you need to quickly toggle these settings on or off.
2. Enhanced Privacy Protection
Privacy is a top priority in MIUI 14, and Xiaomi has introduced several new features to help you protect your personal data. One of the most notable is the enhanced permission manager, which gives you more control over which apps can access your location, contacts, microphone, and camera. You can also choose to grant permissions only while the app is in use, preventing it from accessing your data in the background.
To access the permission manager, go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager. Here, you can see a list of all the permissions and the apps that have requested them. You can then revoke or grant permissions as needed. MIUI 14 also includes a privacy dashboard that provides a comprehensive overview of your app activity, allowing you to see which apps are accessing your data and when.
Pro Tip: Regularly review your app permissions to ensure that only trusted apps have access to your sensitive data. Be especially cautious of apps that request permissions that seem unnecessary for their functionality.
3. Super Wallpaper Customization
Super Wallpapers are dynamic, animated wallpapers that bring your home screen to life. MIUI 14 offers even more customization options for Super Wallpapers, allowing you to personalize them to your liking. You can choose from a variety of themes, including Earth, Mars, and Saturn, and customize the zoom level and animation speed.
To set a Super Wallpaper, go to Settings > Wallpaper > Super Wallpapers. Here, you can preview the different themes and customize their settings. Super Wallpapers can be resource-intensive, so if you're concerned about battery life, you can disable them or choose a less demanding theme.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different Super Wallpaper themes and settings to find the perfect look for your home screen. You can also use third-party apps to create your own custom Super Wallpapers.
4. Floating Windows
Floating Windows are a multitasking feature that allows you to open apps in small, resizable windows that float on top of other apps. This is perfect for tasks like taking notes, watching videos, or chatting while browsing the web. MIUI 14 makes it even easier to access and manage Floating Windows.
To open an app in a Floating Window, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to access the recent apps menu. Then, tap and hold on the app you want to open and select Floating Window. You can then resize and move the window as needed. MIUI 14 also allows you to dock Floating Windows to the side of the screen for quick access.
Pro Tip: Use Floating Windows to multitask more efficiently. For example, you can watch a YouTube video in a Floating Window while browsing the web or taking notes.
5. Memory Extension
MIUI 14 includes a Memory Extension feature that allows you to use a portion of your phone's storage as virtual RAM. This can improve performance, especially when running multiple apps or playing demanding games. The amount of virtual RAM you can allocate depends on your phone's storage capacity.
To enable Memory Extension, go to Settings > Additional Settings > Memory Extension. Here, you can choose the amount of storage you want to use as virtual RAM. Keep in mind that using Memory Extension can reduce the amount of available storage on your phone.
Pro Tip: If you frequently experience lag or slowdowns on your phone, try enabling Memory Extension to see if it improves performance. However, if you have plenty of RAM already, the benefits may be minimal.
6. Optimized Battery Life
MIUI 14 includes several features to help you optimize battery life. One of the most effective is the Battery Saver mode, which reduces background activity and limits performance to extend battery life. You can also use the App Battery Saver to restrict background activity for individual apps.
To access the Battery Saver settings, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver. Here, you can enable Battery Saver mode and customize its settings. You can also access the App Battery Saver by tapping on an app in the Battery Usage list.
Pro Tip: Use the Battery Saver mode when you know you'll be away from a charger for an extended period of time. You can also use the App Battery Saver to restrict background activity for apps that you don't use frequently.
7. Redesigned Control Center
The Control Center in MIUI 14 has been redesigned with a cleaner, more modern look. It provides quick access to essential settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, and brightness. You can also customize the Control Center to add or remove toggles as needed.
To access the Control Center, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. To customize the Control Center, tap the edit icon in the top-right corner. Here, you can add or remove toggles and rearrange them to your liking.
Pro Tip: Customize the Control Center to include the toggles you use most frequently. This can save you time and effort when you need to quickly access these settings.
8. Improved Dark Mode
Dark Mode is a system-wide theme that reduces eye strain and saves battery life by using darker colors. MIUI 14 includes an improved Dark Mode that is more consistent and supports more apps. You can also schedule Dark Mode to turn on and off automatically at specific times.
To enable Dark Mode, go to Settings > Display > Dark Mode. Here, you can toggle Dark Mode on or off and customize its settings. You can also schedule Dark Mode to turn on and off automatically by tapping on the Scheduled option.
Pro Tip: Use Dark Mode to reduce eye strain and save battery life, especially at night. You can also schedule Dark Mode to turn on automatically at sunset and turn off at sunrise.
9. Enhanced Security Features
MIUI 14 includes several enhanced security features to protect your phone from malware and other threats. One of the most important is the Security app, which scans your phone for viruses, malware, and other security risks. You can also use the Security app to manage app permissions, block unwanted calls and messages, and optimize your phone's performance.
To access the Security app, simply tap on its icon in the app drawer. Here, you can run a security scan, manage app permissions, block unwanted calls and messages, and optimize your phone's performance. MIUI 14 also includes a built-in anti-fraud feature that warns you about potential scams and phishing attempts.
Pro Tip: Regularly run security scans with the Security app to protect your phone from malware and other threats. You should also be cautious of suspicious emails, messages, and websites.
10. Quick Ball Customization
The Quick Ball is a floating shortcut menu that provides quick access to essential functions like taking screenshots, locking the screen, and navigating back. MIUI 14 allows you to customize the Quick Ball to include the functions you use most frequently.
To enable and customize the Quick Ball, go to Settings > Additional Settings > Quick Ball. Here, you can toggle the Quick Ball on or off and customize its settings. You can also choose which functions are included in the Quick Ball and rearrange them to your liking.
Pro Tip: Customize the Quick Ball to include the functions you use most frequently. This can save you time and effort when you need to quickly access these functions.
11. Reading Mode
Reading Mode adjusts the color temperature of your screen to reduce eye strain, especially when reading for extended periods. MIUI 14 offers enhanced Reading Mode options, allowing you to customize the color temperature and intensity to your liking. You can also schedule Reading Mode to turn on and off automatically at specific times.
To enable Reading Mode, go to Settings > Display > Reading Mode. Here, you can toggle Reading Mode on or off and customize its settings. You can also schedule Reading Mode to turn on and off automatically by tapping on the Scheduled option.
Pro Tip: Use Reading Mode to reduce eye strain when reading for extended periods, especially at night. You can also schedule Reading Mode to turn on automatically at sunset and turn off at sunrise.
12. Dual Apps
Dual Apps allows you to create two separate instances of the same app, allowing you to use multiple accounts on the same device. This is perfect for social media apps, messaging apps, and other apps where you need to manage multiple accounts.
To enable Dual Apps, go to Settings > Apps > Dual Apps. Here, you can select the apps you want to create dual instances of. MIUI 14 will then create a second icon for the app on your home screen.
Pro Tip: Use Dual Apps to manage multiple social media accounts, messaging accounts, or other accounts on the same device. This can save you time and effort compared to logging in and out of different accounts.
13. Second Space
Second Space creates a completely separate profile on your phone, with its own apps, settings, and data. This is perfect for separating work and personal life, or for sharing your phone with someone else without giving them access to your personal data.
To enable Second Space, go to Settings > Special Features > Second Space. Here, you can create a new Second Space and customize its settings. You can then switch between the two spaces using a shortcut on your home screen.
Pro Tip: Use Second Space to separate work and personal life, or to share your phone with someone else without giving them access to your personal data. You can also use Second Space to test new apps or settings without affecting your primary profile.
14. Video Toolbox
Video Toolbox provides a set of tools for enhancing your video viewing experience. It allows you to take screenshots, record the screen, cast the video to a larger display, and even play videos in the background. MIUI 14 enhances the Video Toolbox with more customization options and improved performance.
To enable Video Toolbox, go to Settings > Special Features > Video Toolbox. Here, you can toggle Video Toolbox on or off and customize its settings. You can also choose which apps the Video Toolbox is available in.
Pro Tip: Use Video Toolbox to enhance your video viewing experience. You can take screenshots, record the screen, cast the video to a larger display, and even play videos in the background.
MIUI 14 is a feature-rich update that offers a wide range of customization options and improvements. By exploring these tips and tricks, you can unlock the full potential of your Xiaomi device and enjoy a smoother, more personalized Android experience. So, go ahead and dive in – you might just discover your new favorite feature!
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