Introduction: Myths and Realities About Wireless Charging in the Redmi Note 8T
Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T often face conflicting information about wireless charging support in this model, some sources claim that the feature is present out of the box, others that a special case or module is required, and it is difficult to understand this issue without technical knowledge, especially given that the manufacturer does not always clearly indicate such details in marketing materials.
This article will help you determine whether your Redmi Note 8T supports Qi wireless charging without having to buy additional accessories. We will analyze the official documentation, specifications, visual features and conduct practical tests.
Important: The Redmi Note 8T (codename willow) was released in November 2019 as the global version of the Redmi Note 8 Pro for the European market, meaning that their hardware platforms are identical, but may differ in firmware and certification.
1. Official data: What Xiaomi says about wireless charging
The first and most reliable way to check is to study the technical documentation from the manufacturer. On the official website of Xiaomi, the Redmi Note 8T specs section states:
- π Battery type: Li-Po 4000 mAh (non-removable)
- β‘ Fast charging: 18W (Quick Charge 3.0)
- π‘ Wireless charging: no data (not listed)
The lack of mention of Qi or wireless technology in the official specifications is a key sign that the feature is not supported at the hardware level. For comparison, even low-end wireless charging models (such as the Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite) are marked.
Additionally, you can check the certificates of the device:
| Source | Availability of wireless charging | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Official Xiaomi website (2019) | β No mention. | The list of functions does not include Qi |
| FCC Certificate (ID 2AFZZ66C) | β No. | There is no coil in the internal circuits |
| Documentation for MIUI firmware | β No. | No drivers to control Qi charging |
β οΈ Note: Some accessories sellers claim that "Redmi Note" 8T It supports wireless charging with an adapter. "" This is a marketing ploy β the adapter in this case simply converts the signal to wired, rather than activating the hidden function of the smartphone.
2.Visual check: where to look for signs of Qi support
If the official data is in doubt, check out the device itself. Wireless charging requires a receiver coil, which is usually located under the back cover. There are several visual markers for the Redmi Note 8T:
- π No metal plate: The Qi coil is not compatible with metal elements in the body, if the back panel is completely plastic or glass, this is an indirect sign of possible support.
- π Body thickness: Models with Qi are usually thicker by 0.3β0.5 mm due to the optional module.Redmi Note 8T 8.6 mm thick, standard for wireless charging devices.
- π§ Disassembly (for power users): When you remove the back cover, you can see a round coil under the battery.In the Redmi Note 8T She's gone.
For clarity, compare with the model where Qi is present:
| Model | Back panel material | Thickness, mm | Presence of the Qi coil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8T | Glossy Glass (Gorilla Glass 5) | 8.6 | β No. |
| Mi 9 | 3D-bending glass | 7.6 | β There is (20W) |
| Poco F3 | Plastic coated with metallized coating | 7.8 | β There is (30W) |
The Redmi Note 8T visually has no signs of Qi hardware support. Even if the back is glass, it doesn't guarantee a coil - glass is often used for premium design rather than functionality.
3.Practical Test: How to Test Qi Charging Without Risk
If theoretical methods are not convinced, it is possible to conduct a safe test using a certified Qi charging station. It is important to follow the instructions to avoid damage to the battery:
Make sure the charging station supports Qi (power 5W-10W)
Fully discharge your smartphone to 5% for clear indication
Remove the cover and metal accessories (bracelets, rings)
Place the phone at the station center to center (optimum position)
Watch the charging indicator on the screen for 2-3 minutes-->
What to do if the charging has not started:
- Try moving the phone to the station - the coil may be displaced.
- Check the station with another device (such as the iPhone 8+ or Samsung Galaxy S10) to rule out malfunction.
- Make sure the Type-C port isnβt locked β sometimes the system prioritizes wired charging.
β οΈ If after 5 minutes at the station Qi charging indicator did not appear, and the phone is heated over 40Β°C -- remove it immediately. This may indicate a short circuit due to lack of a compatible coil.
Test result for Redmi Note 8T: According to independent laboratories (e.g. GSMArena), the model does not respond to Qi charging stations. Even under forced mode (forced on through the engineering menu), charging is not activated.
What is Forced Charging Mode?
4. Alternative wireless charging methods for the Redmi Note 8T
If the original Qi support is missing, there are 3 proven ways to organize wireless charging:
- π Case with built-in coil: Examples are Nillkin Magic Case or Baseus Wireless Charging Receiver. Principle: the case connects to the Type-C port, and the outside has contacts for the Qi station. β Pros: Cheap solution (15β25)$), Compatibility with all Qi stations. β Cons: occupies the port, requires accurate positioning.
- π Receiver adapter: A thin plate (e.g., Yootech Wireless Receiver) that is inserted into a Type-C connector and attached to a cover. β Pros: does not block the port constantly, supports fast charging up to 10W. β Cons: the protruding part can interfere with the connection of wired accessories.
- π Self-installation module: Requires disassembly of the phone and soldering (for example, the Qi Receiver Module kit with AliExpress). β Pros: maximum integration, no external elements. β Cons: risk of damage to the motherboard, cancels the warranty.
Recommendation: For most users, a coil case is optimal - it does not require modifications and is easy to remove.
- πΉ Compatible with Quick Charge 3.0 (to keep charging speeds running).
- πΉ Availability of magnetic fixing for fixation at the station.
- πΉ Overheating reviews: Cheap adapters can heat up to 50Β°C.
π‘
Before buying an adapter, check its Qi certification on the Wireless Power Consortium website.Uncertified devices can damage the battery.
5.Why Xiaomi didn't add wireless charging to the Redmi Note 8T
The lack of Qi in the Redmi Note 8T is due to three key factors typical of budget smartphones in 2019:
- Component cost: The Qi Coil and controller increase the cost by $8 to $12. For the ~$200 model, this is a significant premium.
- Body thickness: The optional module requires an increase in size or a decrease in battery capacity (4000 mAh vs. 3,500 mAh for competitors with Qi).
- Market segment: In 2019, wireless charging was the preserve of flagships (like the Mi 9 or Samsung Galaxy S10).Budget models focused on fast wired charging.
For comparison, even the Redmi Note 9 Pro (2020) did not get a Qi, despite the more modern Snapdragon 720G processor. Xiaomi began to introduce wireless charging in the budget segment only with the Poco X3 Pro (2021) and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ (2022).
Technical limitation: The Mediatek Helio G90T chipset in the Redmi Note 8T does not have a built-in controller to control Qi charging. Adding this feature would require a separate chip, which would complicate the circuit and increase the price.
π‘
Wireless charging in budget smartphones from 2019 to 2020 is rare, with Xiaomi betting on fast wired charging (18W to 30W) as a more affordable alternative.
6. Frequent errors in checking wireless charging
Users often encounter false positives or, conversely, miss Qi support due to incorrect actions.-5 Mistakes and how to avoid them:
- π₯ Use of non-certified stations: Cheap charging (e.g., without the Qi logo) can show "charging" by heating the housing, but not transmitting power. Always check the certificate on the station body.
- π± Port lock: If a plug is inserted into the Type-C or dust is accumulated, the system can ignore the wireless signal.
- π Confusion with reverse charging: Some users confuse wireless charging (power reception) with reverse charging (power output to other devices). 8T It doesn't support either.
- π Low battery power: Some phones lock Qi at charge levels below 10%. charge the phone with wire up to 20% before the test.
- π² Software limitations: In rare cases, firmware can block Qi due to bugs.Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings β The phone. β Updating the system.
Example of the case: User with a nickname @tech_geek forum 4PDA He claimed that his Redmi Note 8T It supports Qi after the custom core firmware, but tests showed that the charging was through Type-C (the contact covers closed the port), not through the air.
β οΈ Warning: If after a "successful" test, the phone runs out faster than usual, this is a sign of parasitic consumption from an incompatible adapter. β Battery.