As a seasoned Android expert with years of hands-on experience testing Xiaomi devices, I've found the Mi 5 to be a powerhouse flagship at its price point, packed with cutting-edge hardware. However, it's MIUI's software features that truly elevate it. While many are well-known, here are five lesser-known gems on MIUI 7 that can transform your Mi 5 experience.
MIUI 7 on the Mi 5 delivers intuitive tools and enhancements. Drawing from my own testing, these tips solved common frustrations and unlocked hidden potential.
In my initial hours with the Mi 5 on Android Marshmallow, apps like WhatsApp couldn't access contacts, and Truecaller failed to make calls or view history—without the usual permission prompts. Even app settings were grayed out.
The culprit? MIUI's Authorization Manager, disabled by default for security. Open the Security app, go to Permissions, tap the Settings icon in the top-right, and enable Authorization manager. Now grant permissions freely.
While third-party fingerprint lockers work on Marshmallow, MIUI has a native option hidden deep in settings—more reliable, as I discovered after background kill issues with apps.
Navigate to Settings > Additional Settings > Privacy > Privacy Protection, enable "Lock individual apps," and select apps to secure with your fingerprint. It's also accessible via the Security app, like on the Redmi Note 3.
Note: If unavailable, update MIUI. Meanwhile, third-party Marshmallow-compatible apps work well—check our coverage.
Like Samsung flagships, the Mi 5 has rear capacitive buttons, but if pressing the fingerprint home button feels off, remap it.
Go to Settings > Additional Settings > Buttons and enable Press home button to return to home screen. It takes a day to adjust to the raised button, but it's seamless.
Note: Incompatible with fingerprint app locking—unlocking would redirect to home.
Blue light strains eyes; orange filters help. Skip third-party apps—enable Reading Mode in Display settings for an instant warm filter, ideal for reading.
Customize per app for precision beyond Play Store options.
MIUI's remote app supports many devices, but international users may miss some catalogs.
Install Peal Remote for broader support: TVs, set-top boxes, soundbars, ACs, plus custom setups and channel guides.
These Xiaomi Mi 5 tips have proven invaluable in my testing. Share your favorites or misses in the comments.
SEE ALSO: 15 Features That Make MIUI 5 The Best Android ROM
