How to check fast charging on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, which is still actively used by users. Despite the release of new models, this workhorse with a Mediatek Helio G90T processor and a 4500 mAh battery remains relevant due to the balanced characteristics. However, over time, many owners are faced with the question: does fast charging work on my device? After all, even the original chargers can fail, and the non-original ones do not provide the declared 18 watts.

In this article, we’ll break down three reliable ways to test fast charging on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, including smartphone settings, specialized apps, and hands-on tests with an ammeter. You’ll also learn which chargers are compatible with this model, why fast charging can suddenly stop working, and how to fix it. If you notice that your phone is charging longer than usual or warming up when connecting to the network, this is the guide for you.

1. Verification through smartphone settings: what the system shows

The easiest way to make sure fast charging works is to look at the built-in settings of the Redmi Note 8 Pro. The manufacturer has provided a display of the type of charging in the MIUI interface, but not all users know where to look for this information.

To verify:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the charger (preferably the original 18W).
  2. Unlock the screen and swipe down to open the notification bar.
  3. Find a battery icon that says Fast Charging (or Turbo charging in English firmware) if it's not available, your RAM doesn't support accelerated charging or the function is disabled.

Note that some custom firmware or older versions of MIUI (below 12.0) may not display this inscription, so move on to the next method.

⚠️ Note: If you use wireless charging, the words "Fast Charging" can not appear - Redmi Note 8 Pro does not support Qi-standard. Maximum power in this case will not exceed 5 watts.

It's also worth checking if the manual fast charging is off.

  • πŸ”§ Go to Settings. β†’ Battery and productivity β†’ Battery settings.
  • πŸ” Scroll down and find Quick Charging (or Optimized Charging).
  • ⚑ Make sure the slider is on. If it's not on, your version. MIUI does not support manual control of this function.
πŸ“Š What Charger Are You Using for the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Original Xiaomi 18W
Quick Charge 3.0 is not original.
Charging from another smartphone
Wireless charging
I don't know.

2. Diagnostic applications: Ampere and AccuBattery

If the system settings aren't clear, specialized utilities will come to the rescue, and the two most reliable charging apps are Ampere and AccuBattery, which show the actual current and voltage coming to the battery, allowing you to determine exactly if fast charging is working.

How to use Ampere:

  1. Download the app from Google Play (the free version is quite functional).
  2. Connect your smartphone to the charger and open the Ampere.
  3. Pay attention to the indicators: πŸ”Œ CHARGING (AC) β€” type of connection (network ROM). ⚑ ~1500-1800 mA – current strength during fast charging (normal for Redmi Note 8 Pro). πŸ”‹ ~9B - voltage (should be higher than standard 5V).

If the app is ~500-700mA and 5B, your RAM is running normally.

  • πŸ”Œ Use a non-original cable or adapter.
  • πŸ”‹ Port port USB-C contaminated or damaged.
  • πŸ“± Power saving mode is enabled (disables fast charging).

AccuBattery gives more detailed statistics, including battery wear and charging history, to check for fast charging:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Connect your smartphone to the network and wait for AccuBattery to collect data (usually 5-10 minutes).
  3. Go to the Charge tab and look at the graph, and if you charge fast, the curve should go up sharply in the first 30 to 40 minutes.

Try another USB-C cable

Connect the original Xiaomi 18W RAM

Turn off the power saving mode

Clean the charging port of dust

Reboot your smartphone-->

3. Practical test: charging time from 0% to 100%

The most reliable, but longest way is to keep a full charge. Xiaomi’s original 18W charger should charge the Redmi Note 8 Pro from 0% to 100% in about 1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours. If the process takes 3 hours or more, fast charging clearly does not work.

How to run the test:

  1. Discharge your smartphone to 0% (until it turns off).
  2. Connect to the charger and turn on the smartphone.
  3. Take a time and watch the percentage of charge: πŸ”‹ 0-50% – should be charged in 30-40 minutes (maximum speed). πŸ”‹ 50-80% – another 30-40 minutes (speed drops slightly). πŸ”‹ 80–100% – The last 20% charge more slowly (normal for lithium-ion batteries).

If your smartphone is gaining 50% in 1.5-2 hours, this is a sign of problems with:

  • πŸ”Œ Charger (not original or broken).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery (wearing more than 50%).
  • πŸ“± Firmware (failure to manage power).

⚠️ Warning: Do not discharge your smartphone to 0% regularly, which reduces battery life.

ConditionsCharging time 0-100%Reason.
Original Zoo 18W1 hour 40 minutes - 2 hoursFast charging works
The unoriginal 5W ZU3-4 hoursRegular charging.
18W ZU + worn-out battery2.5–3.5 hoursThe battery has degraded.
18W ZU + damaged cable2.5 hours + +Bad contact.

4. Compatible chargers: what’s right for the Redmi Note 8 Pro

The Redmi Note 8 Pro supports Quick Charge 3.0, but with some nuances.The original charger from Xiaomi has the following characteristics:

  • πŸ”Œ Model: MDY-08-EM (18W).
  • ⚑ Exit: 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A.
  • πŸ”‹ Protocol: Quick Charge 3.0 (backward compatibility with the QC 2.0).

If the original RAM is lost or broken, alternatives can be used:

Complete list of compatible SDs
Recommended chargers for Redmi Note 8 Pro: πŸ”Œ Xiaomi Mi Charge Turbo (30W) β€” run-in 18W. πŸ”Œ Anker PowerPort III Nano (18W, Quick Charge 3.0). πŸ”Œ Baseus GaN 2 (30W) β€” automatically adjusts to 18W. πŸ”Œ Samsung EP-TA200 (15W) β€” Slowly but compatible, incompatible or dangerous: ❌ Zoo from the iPhone (5W) β€” slow-load. ❌ Cheap No-name Adapters Without Certification. ❌ ZU with only exit 5V/1A (For example, from old button phones).

Important: Even if the charger supports Quick Charge 3.0, the cable must be of high quality. Cheap USB-C cables often do not withstand high currents and limit speed. The best option is the original cable from Xiaomi or certified analogues (for example, Anker PowerLine).

Also note the connector: Redmi Note 8 Pro uses USB Type-C, but some older RAMs may have USB-A. In this case, an adapter will be required, but it can reduce power.

πŸ’‘

If you travel frequently, bring a compact RAM with Quick Charge 3.0 support (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Compact 18W) that is lighter than the original, but provides the same charging speed.

5. Why fast charging may not work: top-5 cause

If all the tests show that fast charging is not activated, the reasons may be both software and hardware, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

  1. The polluted port USB-C Dust, pile and debris in the port worsen contact. Clean it with a plastic toothpick or compressed air (canister!
  2. After 500-800 charge cycles, the battery capacity decreases, and the controller can limit the current. Check the wear in the AccuBattery. If the value is below 80%, it's time to change the battery.

Power saving mode activated

Functions like Ultra battery saver or Optimized charging can artificially limit current. Disable them in Settings β†’ Battery.

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone is very warm when charging (more than 45)°C, immediately disconnect it from the mains! This may be a sign of a short circuit in the battery or a malfunction of the power controller.

πŸ’‘

If fast charging stopped working after a smartphone drop or moisture hit, the problem is most likely hardware (damaged controller or battery).

6. How to restore fast charging: step-by-step instructions

If the diagnosis shows that the problem is software-based, try the following steps to restore fast charging:

  1. Sometimes accumulated temporary files interfere with the correct operation of the power controller. To clean: Go to Settings β†’ Memory β†’ Clean. Click Clear cache (do not delete user data!). Reboot your smartphone.
  2. Reset battery settings MIUI has a hidden battery reset feature: Open Settings β†’ About phone. Press MIUI 7-10 times until you become a developer!. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developer. Find Reset battery statistics and activate.
  3. In older versions of MIUI (below 12.0) there could be bugs with charge management. Update: Go to Settings β†’ About phone β†’ System update. If an update is available, download and install it.
  4. Virus Check Some malicious apps can block power functions.Scan your smartphone via Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.