How to use Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: from basic settings to advanced features

Why the Redmi Note 8 is still relevant in 2026

Launched in 2019, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 remains one of the most popular budget smartphones on the market – and for good reason. Even 5 years later, the device continues to amaze with balanced performance: 48-megapixel main camera, Snapdragon 665 processor, capacious battery for 4000 mAh and support for fast charging 18W. But its main advantage is full compatibility with modern versions. MIUI 14 and Android 12, which allows you to use all the latest applications without lags.

However, many owners still do not reveal the full potential of their Redmi Note 8.Some do not know how to properly adjust the battery mode to extend the life of someone faces freezes. MIUI After updates, and some are even afraid to change anything in the settings, for fear of "breaking" the phone. This article will help you understand all the nuances - from basic actions (how to take a screenshot or reset settings) to advanced ones (unlock the bootloader, firmware through Fastboot).

We have collected only proven instructions relevant to the Redmi Note 8 (models). M1908C3JG, M1908C3JH, M1908C3JI), with the latest updates MIUI. If you have a different version (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or Note) 8T), Some of the functions may be different, we will warn you about this separately.

Basic Features: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Even if you have been using the Redmi Note 8 for a long time, some of the features are not very good" MIUI They can go unnoticed, like, did you know that you can turn off ads in system applications without root rights, or that this phone has a hidden Black Screen mode to save power?

To start with, the simplest is gesture and button management, and the Redmi Note 8's default navigation buttons (like the old Android) are enabled, but they're easy to replace with gestures:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Navigation panel.
2. Select Full Screen gestures (we recommend the option) MIUI — It is more intuitive than Android).
3. To return back, swipe your finger from the edge of the screen on the left or right.

Another useful feature is "Double tap to wake up," which allows you to turn on the screen by touching it twice (works even when the phone is on the table). → Display. → Lock and password → Double touch to wake up.

⚠️ Note: If buttons in some games are missing after activation of gestures (for example, in the game). PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty, bring back standard navigation for a while. Some apps aren't optimised for gesture control.

It is equally important to set up notifications. MIUI They are divided by default into "Priority" and "Normal", but you can disable this sorting:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Notifications and status bar.
• 🔍 Select Notification Sort and turn off Category Divide option.
• 🔔 For individual apps (like Telegram or WhatsApp), adjust the sounds and vibrations manually.

Camera: how to shoot as a pro on a budget smartphone

The Redmi Note 8 has four cameras: a 48MP main camera (up to 12MP pixel binning), an ultra-wide-angle camera (8MP), a macro (2MP) and a depth sensor (2MP). On paper, this sounds impressive, but in practice, many users get blurry images or incorrect color reproduction. It's all about settings!

The first thing to do is to turn off the automatic processing in the camera app. MIUI It defaults to aggressive smoothing and saturation, which spoils the naturalness of the photos:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ (Settings) → Modes of shooting.
3. Turn off the Improvement options AI and HDR (leave HDR landscape-only).

For low-light shooting, use night mode, but with one trick: Redmi Note. 8 It is better to cope with noise, if you hold the phone absolutely still during the day. 3-5 So, you can just push your hands against the wall, or you can use a mini-station.

If you need to shoot a video, remember: Redmi Note 8 record-keeping 4K@30fps, But no stabilisation. For smooth frames, you'd better choose Full. HD@60fps switched-on EIS (Also note the microphone, which is good at recording voice but not good at suppressing noise. Use an external microphone for interviews or streams. USB-C.

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To switch between cameras quickly, double tap the screen in shooting mode, which will change the lens to ultra-wide. Another double tap will return the main camera.

Performance and Optimization: How to Speed Up the Redmi Note 8 in 2026

As time goes by, every smartphone starts to slow down, and the Redmi Note 8 is no exception. MIUI And it's outdated, and fortunately, most problems are solved without resetting to factory settings.

The first step is to clean up the cache and the garbage. MIUI There's an integrated optimization tool, but it doesn't remove everything:

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Memory. → Clean and run a deep cleaning.
• 🗑️ Remove the cache of individual applications in Settings → Annexes → Application management (sort by size).
• 📱 Disable or uninstall apps you don’t use (especially Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps) – they consume resources in the background).

If the phone is hot and discharges quickly, check the processor activity:

1. Install the CPU Monitor app from Google Play.
2. See what processes load the Snapdragon 665 cores even in standby mode.
3. Turn off auto-start for unnecessary apps in Settings → Permits → Auto-start.

For gaming performance, we recommend:

• 🎮 Enable Game Mode in the Notification Curtain (disables background processes).
• ⚡ Install Game Turbo from the Mi App Store (optimizes) FPS heat).
• 🔧 In the game graphics settings, select Balanced Mode instead of High (the difference is as minimal as the difference is). FPS grow up 10-15%).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The phone is getting really slow, try to roll back to the previous version via Fastboot, MIUI 14.0.4 for Redmi Note 8) contain errors affecting performance.

Battery: how to extend the life of the battery 2-3 year-end

Battery. 4000 MACh in Redmi Note 8 — It's one of the great advantages of the model, but over time, it inevitably decreases in capacity. 80-90% battery health, even through 3 This is what really works:

1. Avoid full discharge and recharge. Optimal charge range — 20-80%. If you leave your phone overnight, use a smart charger (in the case of a phone). MIUI There is a built-in function Optimized charging in Settings → Battery).

2.Control temperature.Redmi Note 8 starts to degrade battery at temperatures above 40°C. Do not play heavy games while charging and do not leave your phone in direct sunlight.

3. disable unnecessary background processes:

• 🔄 Limit synchronization for applications in Settings → Accounts and synchronization.
• 📡 Turn off Constant Network Search in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🌐 Use Power Saving Mode in the Notification Curtain when Charge is below 30%.

If the battery is already fast-setting (for example, it keeps the charge less than it is). 4-5 Check her health for hours:

1. Enter the dialer code ##4636##.
2. Select Battery Information and see Health Level.
3. If the value is lower 70%, It is time to replace the battery (the original one is worth it). ~1500-2000 ₽).

Updates and firmware: how to safely upgrade to the latest version MIUI

Xiaomi officially stopped supporting the Redmi Note 8 with security updates in 2023, but users can still install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) or upgrade to the latest stable one. MIUI But there are risks, from the breeze to the loss of a phone. IMEI.

If you are a beginner, it is better to limit the official updates through the OTA:

• 📲 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Click Check Updates and wait for download (if available).
• ⚠️ Before installing, make sure the battery charge is >50% and stable Wi-Fi connection.

For experienced users, the instructions for firmware through Fastboot:

1. Download the last stable one. MIUI Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) from en.miui.com.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder and connect the phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down). + Power with the phone turned off).
3. Launch the file. flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux/Mac).

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot firmware resets all data! pre-backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Also make sure you have the bootloader unlocked (otherwise the phone will lock).

If you want to try custom firmware, we recommend Pixel Experience (pure Android) or LineageOS 20 (based on Android 13).

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Xiaomi account and wait 7 days).
• 📥 Install custom recovery (TWRP for ginkgo).
• 🛠️ Switch firmware and GApps (Google services).

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Unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8 erases all data and can lead to a loss of warranty, and some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) stop working on custom firmware due to lack of certification.

Repair and upgrade: what can be replaced yourself

The Redmi Note 8 is one of Xiaomi’s most maintainable smartphones, and with its removable back cover (sticky but easily detachable) and modular design, you can replace almost any part without specialized hardware.

1. Screen replacement.Redmi Note display 8 (model JDI NT36672A or BOE NT36672A) worth ~3000-4000 ₽. You'll need a replacement:

• 🔧 Plastic spatula and suction cup.
• 🔥 Fryer (for softening glue).
• ⚡ New screen with glue tape.

Important: When you disconnect the battery plume, first disconnect the battery to avoid short circuits!

2. Replacement of the battery. As mentioned earlier, the original battery serves as a battery. ~2-3 When you replace them, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Marking (BM4B or BM4C).
• 🔌 Connector state (often oxidized over time).
• 📏 Thickness (original - 3.85 mm, fakes are thinner).

3. Clean the charger connector. If the phone is not charging or the charge is jerking, the problem is 90% of the time it's not charging. USB-C For cleaning:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the battery (or disconnect it from the board).
2. Use a wooden toothpick and alcohol to remove oxides.
3. Blow the port with compressed air (not your mouth!).

⚠️ Warning: When you replace the speaker or microphone with the Redmi Note 8, it is easy to damage the flexible plume that goes to the motherboard. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service (repair price - from 800) ₽).

Redmi Note 8 can also be upgraded to:

• 📷 Camera – for example, install a module with Redmi Note 8 Pro (requires soldering of the plume).
• 💾 Memory – Replace eMMC with faster memory (but it’s difficult and expensive).
• 📶 Antenna – if the network catches poorly, sometimes it helps to replace the antenna module.

Hidden features and life hacks for Redmi Note 8

MIUI It hides a lot of useful features that most users don't even know about.-5 Life hacks specifically for Redmi Note 8:

Black Screen Mode 1" (AMOLED-Although the Redmi Note 8 has a simulation. IPS-screen, you can turn on a dark theme with a black background, which reduces the load on the eyes and saves charge:

• 🌑 Go to Settings. → Display. → Dark subject.
• 🔘 Turn on the black background option (AMOLED).
• 🎨 Install dark wallpaper (for example, from the collection) MIUI).

2. Dual apps: If you need to use two WhatsApp or Telegram accounts on the same phone:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Select the messenger and confirm the creation of a copy.
3. The second account will be displayed with an icon 🔹.

3. Hidden recording of conversations. Redmi Note 8 has a built-in voice recorder that can record phone calls (even if the interlocutor is not aware).

• 📞 During the call, press three points (⋮) top-right.
• 🎤 Select a Conversation Recording.
• 🔊 Files are saved to the recorder → Call records.

⚠️ Note: Recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may be illegal in your country. In Russia, this is regulated by Article 138.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of the secrecy of correspondence").

4. Developer mode and speed up animations, so that the phone runs faster:

1. Activate Developer Mode by pressing the MIUI version 7 times in Settings → About Phone.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the options Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Animator Duration – set the value 0.5x.

5. Secret diagnostic codes, these commands will help check the health of the phone:

• 📱 ##4636## - information about battery, network, data usage.
• 🔍 ##6484## - Camera, display, sensors test.
• 🔊 ##64663## - Audio (dynamics, microphone).

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To quickly turn on the flashlight, double-click on the power button (the function is enabled in Settings). → Display. → Power button → Lantern).

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the Redmi Note 8