Hello (not sure if this is the right place)

I have a cheap electric guitar for almost a year but just recently join this site (the YT method doesn't work lol)

So, i have a MiniAmp/Distortion from VOX as only method of amplification/effect. Mostly when i take leasons here or practice myself i use the guitar "Unplugged" as a kinda quiet acustic one. I feel I've advance a lot just with the fundamental lessons but as soon i connect the MiniAmp every progress seems to vanish into a mess of noises

I read somewhere that you should practice with distortion on to learn to control the noises, other talk about noise supressors and Amp setups or other stuff, but im not listening to random advices anymore, I want answers from the people who really know (This site i hope)

¿should i try to used it with distorion everytime?

¿its ok to learn the basics unplugged?

¿do i need a better gear?

Any advice is really helpful, its really discouraging to see that everything i learn means nothing at the moment i plug it in

Thanks