Xiaomi Redmi 8
October 2019
What kind of charging connector is used in this model
Many people mistakenly believe that all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with the same connectors, but in practice, even in one line of Redmi can be different. 18W, And the Redmi 8 base model has limitations, and we'll see why this is important, and we'll see how to pick up the right cable or adapter to keep the battery from damaging.
In this article, you will find not only the answer to the question about the type of connector, but also practical recommendations for choosing chargers, comparing with other Xiaomi models, as well as analyzing common errors that reduce battery life. If you plan to buy a new cable or adapter, save this page!
Official Charging Characteristics of Redmi 8 Charging Connector
Xiaomi Redmi 8 is equipped with a Micro-USB 2.0 connector, a standard port for charging and data transfer, which was common in budget smartphones until 2020. USB Type-C, Redmi 8 lineup retains legacy interface for two reasons:
- Reduce the cost of the device for the budget segment.
- Compatible with a huge fleet of existing accessories (cables, power bank, car charging).
It is important to understand that Micro-USB in Redmi 8 supports only charging and data transfer over the protocol. USB 2.0 (speeds up to 480 Mbps). That means:
- 🔌 Maximum charging power — 10W (5V/2A), Even if you connect an adapter with higher performance.
- 📱 No support for fast charging (Quick Charge, VOOC etc.), despite the fact that some adapters may be marked "Fast Charge".
- 🔄 Data transfer is limited by speed USB 2.0, which slows down the copying of large files on the PC.
Compare this to other Xiaomi models of the same period:
| Model | Type of connector | Max. Charging power. | Support for fast charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 8 (2019) | Micro-USB 2.0 | 10W (5V/2A) | ❌ No. |
| Redmi Note 8 (2019) | USB Type-C | 18W (9V/2A) | ✅ Yes, Quick Charge 3.0) |
| Mi 9T (2019) | USB Type-C | 18W (9V/2A) | ✅ Yes, Quick Charge 4.+) |
| Redmi 8A (2019) | Micro-USB 2.0 | 10W (5V/2A) | ❌ No. |
Redmi 8 does not support fast charging even when connected with a power adapter 18W+ Due to the limitations of the power controller and the Micro-USB connector, using more powerful adapters will not speed up charging, but may cause the cable to overheat.
Why Redmi 8 isn't here USB Type-C: Technical and Marketing Reasons
Transition to USB Type-C in 2019 was already obvious: this connector provides a higher data transfer rate (up to 10 Gbps per second). USB 3.2), supports backward compatibility and withstands more connection/disconnect cycles. however, Xiaomi deliberately kept the Micro-USB in Redmi 8 for several reasons:
1. Target audience: Redmi 8 was positioned as an ultra-budget smartphone (start price) ~100$) for markets in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, where accessibility was the priority, not cutting-edge technology.
Accessories Compatibility: At the time of release (2019), most power bank, car charging and cables on the market had a Micro-USB connector. The transition to Type-C would require users to incur additional costs for new accessories.
Power restrictions: The charging controller in Redmi 8 does not support fast charging protocols (e.g. Qualcomm Quick Charge or MediaTek Pump Express). 10W.
4.Competitive strategy: Xiaomi sharply divided the lines on charging capabilities:
- Budget models (Redmi) 8/8A) — Micro-USB, 10W.
- Mid-segment (Redmi Note) 8/8 Pro) — Type-C, 18W.
- Flagships (Mi) 9/9T) — Type-C, 27W+.
This allowed to encourage customers to switch to more expensive devices due to additional features.
⚠️ Warning: If you see cables or adapters that say "Fast Charge for Redmi 8" on sale, that's a marketing hoax. 10W Due to the limitations of the connector and controller.
How to choose the right cable and adapter for Redmi 8: checklist
Despite the simplicity of the Micro-USB connector, the wrong choice of accessories can lead to slow charging, overheating or even battery damage.
Original Xiaomi logo or certification (e.g. MFi for Apple accessories)
The cable length is not more than 1.5 m (long cables lose up to 30% of power)
Cross-section of wires ≥ 24 AWG (squirt)
Outlet adapter 5V/2A (10W) — best-case
No physical damage to the connector (bent contacts, cracks)-->
Let's take a closer look at each item:
1. Original vs. third-party accessories:
- Original cable from Xiaomi (article) MJX06ZM) It has strong contacts and maintains current to 2A heat-free.
- Cheap cables (especially "no-name" with AliExpress) often use thin wires (28). AWG), which are melted with prolonged charge.
Cable length:
- Cable length 1 yard ~5% capacity, 2 metre 20-30%. For Redmi. 8 optimal length 0.5–1 metre.
Power adapter:
- The perfect option is the original adapter Xiaomi 5V/2A (model MDY-08-EM).
- Alternative: Adapters from Samsung (EP-TA20) Anker (PowerPort 1) with similar features.
- It is forbidden to use adapters with output 9V/2A or 12V (For example, from the Redmi Note 8 Pro – they won’t speed up charging, but they can damage the power controller.
Physical condition of the connector:
- Make sure that the contacts in the Micro-USB connector are not bent or oxidized, which leads to unstable charging and a "Charge interrupted" error.
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If your smartphone is slowly charging, try brushing the connector with a toothpick (carefully!) or blowing it with compressed air, often because of accumulated dust or villi.
Redmi 8 compatible with wireless charging and power bank
One of the common questions is the possibility of wireless charging for the Redmi 8. Unfortunately, the model does not support the Qi standard or other wireless charging protocols.
Adapters with a Micro-USB connector:
There are wireless charging receivers (for example, Nillkin Magic Tag), which connect to the Micro-USB port and allow you to charge your smartphone at a Qi station.
Cons: low efficiency (loss of up to 40% of power), overheating, inconvenience of use.
2. Power bank for Redmi 8:
- Any external battery with an output will be suitable 5V/2A and a micro-USB connector.
- Recommended models:
- Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Pro (20000mAh, 18W) — compatible, but the charger will be on 10W.
- Anker PowerCore 10000 (10000 mic, 5V/2A) — best-case.
- Avoid fast charging power bank (e.g. Baseus) 65W), because they will not give you an advantage.
Car Charging:
- We'll get the exit adapters. 5V/2A and a micro-USB connector.
- Example: Xiaomi Car Charger Pro (Dual Port, 36W) — You can use it, but the smartphone will only take it. 10W.
⚠️ Note: Some wireless adapters for Micro-USB can block access to the connector, making it impossible to connect headphones or headphones. OTG-Before buying, check the reviews of a particular model.
Can I modify Redmi 8 to support Type-C?
Common problems with charging Redmi 8 and their solutions
Redmi 8 users often experience slow charging, power interruptions or overheating, and let’s look at the typical causes and ways to address them:
1.The smartphone is not charging or charging too slowly:
Reason: Uses a poor-quality cable or adapter with insufficient power.
- Decision:
- Check the adapter on another device.
Try the original Xiaomi cable.
Clean the connector from dust (see tip above).
Charging is interrupted (message "Charging suspended"):
Cause: Overheating of the battery or power controller.
- Decision:
- Turn off the smartphone from charging for 10-15 minutes.
- Charge at 10-35 temperatures°C (not in the sun or in the cold).
Remove the cover if it blocks heat transfer.
The battery is quickly discharged after disconnection from the network:
Cause: Battery wear or background activity of applications.
- Decision:
- Check the battery status in the Settings menu → Battery → Battery status.
- Turn off auto-run of unnecessary applications (Settings) → Annexes → Auto-start).
- If battery capacity has dropped below 80%, consider replacing it (original battery for Redmi 8 — BM47).
The cable is heated during charging:
- Reason: Uses a thin cable (for example, 28 AWG) power-up adapter (9V/2A).
- Decision:
- Replace the cable with a 24-section model AWG (for example, UGREEN 10130).
- Do not use adapters with higher power. 10W.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No charge. | Cable/adapter damaged | Check on another device, replace it. |
| Slow charging. | Insufficient power of the adapter | Use it. 5V/2A |
| Charging is interrupted | Battery overheating | Let it cool, charge in a cool place |
| Cable is heating up | Thin wires in the cable | Buy a cable with a section 24 AWG |
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If the Redmi 8 stopped charging after falling or getting moisture, the problem may be damage to the connector or power controller, in which case a diagnosis is required at the service center.
Comparison with other Xiaomi models: the evolution of charging connectors
To understand why the Redmi 8 got the Micro-USB instead of the Type-C, compare it to other smartphones of the brand by year:
1.2018:
- Redmi 6/6A — Micro-USB, 10W.
- Mi 8 — Type-C, 18W (Quick Charge 4+).
Trend: Type-C only in flagships.
2.2019 (year of release of Redmi 8):
- Redmi Note 7/8 — Type-C, 18W.
- Mi 9 — Type-C, 27W.
- Redmi 8/8A — Micro-USB, 10W.
Type-C penetrates the middle segment, budget models retain Micro-USB.
3. 2020 and later:
- Redmi 9 — Type-C, 18W.
- POCO X3 — Type-C, 33W.
- Trend: Completely eliminates Micro-USB in all new models.
From this comparison, it is clear that the Redmi 8 was one of the last Xiaomi smartphones with a Micro-USB. Already in 2020, even budget models (Redmi) 9A) switched to Type-C.
Why is this important to Redmi 8 users?
Accessories: It is becoming more difficult to find quality Micro-USB cables every year.
Repair: Micro-USB connector is less durable (average resource is 10,000 connections vs. 50,000 for Type-C).
Future compatibility: New power bank, car charging and docking stations are more often equipped with Type-C only.
If you plan to use the Redmi 8 for a few more years, stock up on 2-3 quality Micro-USB cables and the original adapter.
How to extend the life of the charging connector and battery
The Micro-USB connector and battery are two of the most vulnerable components in the Redmi 8, and following these guidelines will extend their life by 20-30%.
1. Correct connection/disconnection of the cable:
Always hold the connector by the body, not the cable, when connecting / disconnecting.
Avoid sudden movements – this leads to the break of contacts.
Optimal charging mode:
Charge the battery in the range of 20-80% (full discharge and 100% charge reduce the resource).
Do not leave your smartphone on charge all night - this leads to overheating.
Cleaning the connector:
Once a month, clean the connector from dust with a dry toothbrush or compressed air.
Do not use alcohol or wet wipes – this can cause corrosion.
Accessories storage:
Do not keep the cables in a twisted state - this damages the wires.
- Avoid overburdens at the base of the connector.
Temperature conditions:
- Do not charge your smartphone at temperatures above 35°C or below 10°C.
Remove the case if the smartphone heats up during charging.
- 🔋 Optimum temperature for the battery: 15-25°C.
- ⚡ Maximum charging current: 2A (10W) — keep up!
- 🔌 Average Micro-USB connector life: 5,000–10,000 connections.
- 📉 Critical battery wear: below 80% of original capacity.
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If the Micro-USB connector starts to "luft" (the cable is not tight), do not try to "bend" it - this will lead to a short circuit. ~500-800 rubles).