Updated 30-Jan-2022
See also LineageOS on the Xiaomi Mi Pad 4
Google Play Store on Xiaomi Mi Pad 4
While the Xiaomi Mi Pad 4 ships with Google Play installed, if one does a factory reset, then the resulting MIUI 9.x does not bundle with Google Play Store or the GBoard keyboard. There are several steps needed to get it set up, including:
- Find, download, install Google Play Store + Google Play Services
- Install and enable the Google Gboard, and Gboard Keyboards
Evie Launcher and Launcher Configuration
I find the Evie Launcher to be a good, modern, and clean interface. Basically it prevents one from getting lost or accidentally creating new screens, which is a fundamental flaw on both Android and iOS default launchers.
Firefox Browser
The Firefox Browser is the go-to browser for all devices. Also, search is using Duck Duck Go.
Things to Turn Off, and On
- Quick Ball = off
- Battery Percentage Display = on
- Enable buttons, turn off full-screen gestures
Other Apps
- Foscam Viewer
- Telegram
- Google Contacts
- Duo
- Gmail
MIUI 9 vs. MIUI 10
MIUI 9 focused on speed, removing many components that were generally not used by consumers. MIUI 10 will have much more so-called intelligence, which will likely slow it down to a crawl (unless the AI is turned off, in which case MIUI 10 might be as fast as MIUI 9. For now, I'm holding off on MIUI 10 for most devices (except for the Xiaomi Redmi 6A which does have it come as an OTA update).