I own the Redmi Note 12 5G. This smartphone has been my daily driver for almost 2 years now. Redmi smartphones owned by Xiaomi offer value for money by balancing premium features and cost. Redmi smartphones are powered by Android operating system with a MIUI skin on top. The latest version of MIUI is 14 and it comes with lots of features and customizable settings.
So whether you are completely new to the Redmi brand or you’re an existing user looking for hidden settings you can tweak, this is the right post for you.
Turn on/off Always-on display and lock screen
The first thing I usually lookout for in a smartphone is Always-on display. This feature keeps your lockscreen on with either a clock, calendar, battery usage or notifications. I like this feature because I don’t always have to unlock my phone to have a quick glance at my phone.
To turn on Always-on display, go to Settings > Always-on display & lock screen > Always-ondisplay and toggle it on or off. From here you can choose how you like your Always-on display lockscreen to look like. You can choose various clock types, backgrounds or signatures.
Change Refresh rate
Refresh rate is now a big deal on smartphones. A higher refresh rate offers a smoother browsing and gaming experience, but at the cost of battery life. The standard refresh rate has always been 60Hz for a long time until very recently when smartphones started adding 90Hz and even 120hz refresh rates.
If your Redmi smartphone has various refresh rates, you can adjust the value you want by going to Settings > Display > Refresh rate. Then choose between the supported values. My Redmi Note 12 supports up to 120Hz.
Hide the notch
The Notch has always been a controversial feature in smartphones until it probably isn’t. My Redmi Note 12 5G comes with a little punch hole notch. Most people aren’t bothered by it. But if you are, you can choose whether you wish to hide the notch in the status bar or not. Personally I don’t mind.
If you do, go to Settings > Display > Control center & Status bar > Hide Notch . There, you can choose between Don’t hide and Hide without moving the status bar.
Set default Sim cards and Mobile Networks
Most Redmi smartphones are dual-sim. Even in 2024, dual-sim functionality is a deal-breaker in deciding whether or not to choose a smartphone even as networks are adding e-Sim support. Having two sims gives you the flexibility to choose various networks depending on which has the best deals. For instance, MTN Uganda seems to offer the voice bundle deals for me while Airtel has better data deals. So I tend to setup my phone’s sim cards accordingly.
To set default sim cards, go to Settings > Sim cards & Mobile networks . Then you can choose which sim card is for calls and for data.
Control center style
When I switched from my Oneplus 9 smartphone to a Redmi phone, one of the surprises I encountered was how control center works in MIUI interface. Coming from vanilla Android experience, when you pull down the status bar, you expect to view both quick settings and the latest notifications if any each layered vertically. However, on MIUI, that’s not the default behaviour. Pulling down the status bar on the left side reveals notifications while doing it on the right reveals quick settings or control center. It bothered me at first until I got used to it.
But if your muscle memory is pretty strong, you can change this by going to Settings > Notification & Control Center > Control center style > Control center style. Then choose the style you want.
Turn off notifications
For your own sanity and mental health, this is probably the one setting you want to customize. Reducing a tsunami of notifications will vastly improve on your mental health and productivity. Social media companies will not like this as their products are designed to keep you engaged all the time, but you should be wiser.
To turn off notifications, go to Settings > Notification & Control Center > App notifications. Here you can choose the app you wish to turn off notifications by simply toggling them on/off. The usual suspects Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp are turned off for me. I only selectively enable notifications for important messages.
You can also futher tweak how your smartphone filters in notifications via Digital wellbeing page . You can setup Bedtime mode for instance which grays out your phone and turns off all notifications at night, or Focus mode which pauses distracting apps hides their notifications. To access Digital wellbeing, go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental controls .
Set Private DNS Server
If you want to make your internet go even faster, then you might want to consider swapping the default DNS server that your phone automatically picks from your internet provider. DNS or Domain Name System is like an address book for the internet which helps translate human-readable domain names such as dignited.com to machine-readable formats called IP/Internet Protocol address. How fast and efficient this resolutions happens has a dent on your internet experience. Public DNS servers such as those from internet giants such as Google or Cloudflare tend to be optimized for speed.
To change to a Private DNS server, go to Settings > Connection & sharing > Private DNS. Then enter something like dns.google if you wish to opt for Google’s server.
Backup your smartphone
Since your phone is mobile and always with you, chances of it getting damaged or stolen are very high which calls for a need for backing up your precious data. You can easily backup your Apps, Photos and videos, SMS and MMS messages, call history, device settings and more. It’s pretty easy if you go with Google, the creators of Android. You get upto 15GB free storage by default, but you can add more storage with Google one. Xiaomi also has cloud backup plan and offers upto 5GB on its cloud service.
But if you opt to go with Google, go to Settings > Google > All service > Backup > Backup by Google One. If you lose your phone, you can easily restore your data during the setup process.
Setup Find my device
Related to data backup, you should setup Find my device on your Redmi. This is another plan B just in case your phone gets stolen. It might really help you recover a lost phone, but at least it will enable you remotely, lock and wipe out data on your phone preventing thieves from taking advantage of your private data. When your phone gets stolen, you can easily view its location from the web using a secondary device, play a sound or erase data.
To setup Find My Device, go to Settings > Google > All services > Find My Device > turn on Use Find My Device .
Here’s a video we just made about settings you can customize on your redmi smartphone.
Auto-fill service from Google
Lastly, you can setup Auto-fill service from Google. This is a convenience feature which should save you time (and memory) entering or remembering usernames and passwords to various apps and websites you login to. It works with Google password manager in the background to store addresses, card details and login credentials so you don’t have to remember them or keep them in unsecure places.
To set this up, go to Settings > Privacy > Auto-fill service from Google > Use Autofill with Google .
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
Type your email…
Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
