Xiaomi Redmi 8 setup: a complete guide from first on-line to fine optimization

Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to balanced performance and support for MIUI. However, many users face problems with initial configuration, from non-obvious menu items to the need to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware. This article will help not only to get through the basic configuration after purchase, but also reveal the hidden features of the device, which the manufacturer does not advertise.

We'll look at the steps from unpacking and first powering on to fine-tuning the system to extend battery life and improve performance, and focus on unlocking the bootloader, a key point for anyone planning to install alternative firmware or obtain root rights, and look at common mistakes that beginners make and give safety recommendations.

Important: the instructions are relevant for all versions of the Redmi 8 (including versions with 3/32 GB, 4/64 GB and special editions for different regions). If you have another model of the Redmi series (for example, Redmi Note 8), some points may differ - check the compatibility in the official documentation.

Preparing for the first inclusion: what to do before setting up

Before you start setting up, follow a few preparatory steps that will save time and prevent typical problems, such as battery drain during an upgrade or data loss during a reset.

• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 50% – this is critical for stable operation during the initial setup and possible software updates.
• 📶 Prepare. SIM-Card and memory card (if you plan to use) Redmi 8 supports microSD up to 512GB, but the slot is hybrid (instead of the second one). SIM).
• 🌐 Make sure you have Wi-Fi access at a speed of at least 5 Mbps – this will be required to download updates and sync your account.
• 🔐 Create or remember the data for your Mi Account (if you don’t have one) without it, you can’t use Xiaomi’s branded services, including cloud storage and device search.

If you have bought a smartphone with your hands, be sure to reset to factory settings before use. To do this, press the power button and the volume button for 10 seconds until the Recovery menu appears. Select Wipe Data (use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for confirmation) This will delete all data from the previous owner and prevent problems with the account binding.

⚠️ Note: If the seller did not untie his Mi Account when buying a used Redmi 8, the smartphone may be blocked after reset.

First Enablement and Basic Configuration of MIUI

After pressing the power button, Redmi 8 will start the initial setup wizard, which takes 5-10 minutes and includes several key steps:

1. Language and region choice: We recommend that you install Russian (Russia) or English (United States) – this will ensure the correct operation of Google and Xiaomi services.
2. Connect to the network. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter your password. If you can't connect, check if your router supports 802.11n (2.4 GHz) standard - Redmi 8 does not work with 5 GHz networks.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account. If you already have an account, log in. If you don't, create it right at this point. Without Mi Account, you won't be able to use the branded store for those and some security features.
4. Setting up the lock screen. PIN-The last option is the most convenient, but requires the pre-registration of the fingerprint in the Settings menu. → Screen lock and password.

During the personalization phase, the system will offer to enable or disable various features such as Mi Cloud, Smart Assistant and Advertising in MIUI.

• 🔄 Turn off Auto Update MIUI — This will prevent unexpected reboots during important tasks.
• 📊 Include usage statistics – this will help track application activity and optimize battery power.
• 🚫 Disable Personalized Recommendations and Advertising in MIUI — This will reduce the load on the processor and save traffic.

Once the setup wizard is complete, the smartphone will prompt you to update the software. If a new version of MIUI is available, don't delay the update - it may contain critical security patches.

Unlocking the bootloader: why you need and how to do

The bootloader on Redmi 8 is locked by default.

• 🔓 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Restore the device through TWRP after major disruption.

Official unlocking is only possible through the Mi Unlock Tool, but there are limitations to this process:

Step-by-step instructions for unlocking:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Include OEM Unlock in the Developer Menu.
3. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down when your phone is off).
4. Start the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, and it can also lead to a loss of warranty if the device was bought in official Xiaomi stores.

Optimizing performance and battery

Redmi 8 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor and 3-4 GB of RAM. For comfortable work, you need:

• 🧹 Limit the background activity of applications. Go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Autostart and disable Autostart for unnecessary programs.
• 🔋 Enable charge saving mode in Settings → Battery. This will limit performance, but extend the life up to 1.5 times.
• 📱 Turn off the system animation. To do this, turn on Developer Mode (7 clicks on Version). MIUI) and set the window animation scale, the transition animation scale and the animator duration scale on 0.5x or off.

For advanced users, if your smartphone is slowing down, try resetting /cache via Recovery. This won't delete user data, but will clear temporary system files.

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Press the <power button> + <volume up> before the Mi logo appears.




3. From the Recovery menu, select the Wipe Cache Partition.




4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

If the performance problem is related to heating, check:

• 🔥 Are the vents covered with a cover.
• 🎮 Are not running resource-intensive games or applications in the background.
• 🔄 Does firmware updates need to be updated (sometimes heating is caused by software errors).

💡

Use the AccuBattery app (available on Google Play) to monitor battery status, which will show the actual battery capacity and help optimize charging cycles.

Network and Internet settings: 4G, Wi-Fi and access points

Redmi 8 supports 4G LTE networks, but you need to configure the settings correctly for stable operation:

• 📶 For maximum internet speed, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type and select 4G (recommended).
• 🔄 If the speed 4G Low, try manually selecting the operator in Settings → Mobile network → Network operators.
• 📡 To improve the Wi-Fi signal, turn off the Smart Wi-Fi switching function in Settings → Wi-Fi → In addition, it sometimes leads to unexpected shutdowns.

If you use your smartphone as an access point:

1. Go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Access Point settings.
2. Install Channel 6 or 11 manually, as they are less crowded in urban settings.
3. Enable WPA2-PSK in your security settings and set a complex password (at least 12 characters).

To solve connection problems:

💡

If Redmi 8 doesn’t catch the network after the MIUI update, try resetting the network settings to Settings → System → Resetting → Network Settings Reset.

Hidden features and chips MIUI for Redmi 8

MIUI contains many hidden features that most users are unaware of, and here are the most useful features for Redmi 8:

• 🔍 Double tap to wake up: turn on Settings → Lock screen → Double tap to wake up. Now you don't have to press the power button to unlock the screen.
• 🎵 Multimedia gestures: in Settings → Special facilities → Multimedia gestures can be assigned to actions (e.g. pause/playback) to double-click the screen.
• 📸 Hidden camera: in the Camera application, swipe your finger across the screen to the left - Documents to scan text and QR-code.
• 🔋 Ultra-Savings Mode: C Settings → Battery → The ultra-low consumption mode can be limited to the basic functions (calls, SMS), Extend the working time to 3-4 days.

For customization enthusiasts:

• 🎨 Set the topics. MIUI from the official store (Themes) → Online themes: Some themes are changing not only wallpaper, but also icons, fonts and animations.
• 🔄 Turn the screen on 180.° In Settings → Screen. → Autoturn - useful for reading lying down.
• 🔊 Activate Mono Audio in Settings → Special features – this combines sound from both speakers into one channel (helpful for hearing problems).

If you want to customize the interface even more, consider installing a launcher from third-party developers, for example:

• Nova Launcher is a flexible customization of icons and gestures.
• Lawnchair is a lightweight launcher with Pixel themes support.
• Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and Office 365.

Backup and reset to factory settings

Regular backups will prevent data from being lost in crashes or updates. Redmi 8 has two ways to create a backup:

1. Local Backup: Go to Settings → System → Backup. Select data to save (contacts, messages, applications). Click Create backup and wait until it is completed. The backup file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory.
2. Cloud Backup: In the same menu, select Cloud Backup. Sign in to Mi Account and select sync data. Backup will be available on Xiaomi servers (up to 5GB free).

For a complete reset to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting.


2. Select Reset all settings.




3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: If you sell or transfer your smartphone to another person, be sure to untie your Mi Account in Settings → Mi Account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device.

💡

You can only restore a MIUI backup on the same device or model with the same firmware version. Use Google Account or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup to transfer data to another smartphone.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi 8