How to set up Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: from unpacking to hidden chips

Introduction: Why setting up the Redmi 8 Pro requires a special approach

The Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is one of those smartphones that still stay relevant thanks to balanced hardware and custom firmware support. However, standard customization through MIUI often leaves users with a bunch of unnecessary services, aggressive battery optimization and hidden limitations. This article is not about basic phone turn on, but about deep optimization for your tasks, from unlocking the bootloader to fine-tuning performance.

Feature of the model - a combination of Snapdragon 450 s 4/64 GB of memory and battery on 5000 This means that default settings MIUI It's inefficient, because it's trying to speed up the smartphone by aggressively closing the background, which breaks notifications and prevents multitasking.

Important: If you bought a used device, the first thing you do is make a full reset via Fastboot, as the previous owner could have blocked the Mi Account or left a link to another region, the only way to avoid problems with Google updates and services.

Initial setting: what to do immediately after switching on

When you first turn on the Redmi 8 Pro, the system offers a standard customization wizard, and there are a few critical moments that most users miss:

• 📱 Region choice: Specify Russia or India (if global services are needed).The Chinese choice will block Google Play and tie you to Xiaomi's Chinese servers.
• 🔒 Mi Account: Make sure to create it – without it, cloud backups, device search and some features won’t work MIUI.
• 🛡️ Data Protection: Turn off Diagnostics and Personalized Advertising in the Privacy section».
• 🔄 Software Update: Don't update right away! Check the version first MIUI through settings → The Redmi 8 Pro is the latest version — MIUI 14 (Android 11).

Once you have completed the setup wizard, go to Settings → Accounts → Google and enable synchronization of contacts, calendar and mail. This will save you from problems with data recovery during the reset.

⚠️ Note: If you see a notification after setting up, “Device not certified by Google,” then the previous owner changed the firmware, and this is solved by linking the Mi Account to the device in Settings. → Additionally. → Special facilities → Status of the device.

Unlocking the bootloader: why it is necessary

The factory bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is blocked, which limits the user’s capabilities:

• It is not possible to install custom recovery (TWRP).
• Access to system partitions via ADB is blocked.
• You can’t flash an alternative firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience).

The unlocking process is official, but it takes a while.

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Mi Account.
2. Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Start the phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume Reduction).
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and log in to the utility under the same Mi Account.
5. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 72–168 hours).

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data will be reset! make a backup in advance via Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Optimizing performance: how to speed up the Redmi 8 Pro

The Snapdragon 450 isn't the most powerful processor, but it's enough for everyday tasks if you set up the system correctly.

• 🐢 Slowing down when multitasking (MIUI aggressively kills background processes).
• 🔋 Overheating during long-term loads (for example, in games or when recording video) 4K).
• 📱 Lags when scrolling in heavy apps (Facebook, Instagram).

Decisions:

For advanced users, if you have a bootloader unlocked, install a custom core such as FrancoKernel or Perseus, which will fine-tune the CPU frequencies and graphics, reducing heat without losing performance.

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If the phone is faster after optimisation but the battery goes down faster, return the battery optimization settings for system applications (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimisation → Three Dots → Show all apps).

Battery setup: how to extend the life of the battery by 5000 mAh

The Redmi 8 Pro battery is one of the main advantages of the model, but even it requires the right setup. By default, MIUI uses aggressive savings algorithms, which are not always useful.

Main recommendations:

• 🔋 Disable the Adaptive Battery: It often makes the mistake of shutting down the processes it needs. → Battery → Adaptive battery.
• ⚡ Set up charging: Enable charge limit to 80% (extends battery life). To do this, install the AccA app (requires root).
• 🌡️ Control the temperature: If the phone is heated above 40°C, turn off fast charging (18W) and use the standard (10W).
• 📊 Consumption Monitor: Install BetterBatteryStats (requires root) to analyze “gluttonous” applications.

For users without root: in Settings → Battery → Battery Mode, choose Balanced. Charge Savings severely limits performance, and High Performance reduces running time.

Disable the adaptive battery|Set the charge limit to 80%|Check the temperature during charging|Remove unnecessary background applications|Use a dark topic to AMOLED-screen-->

Hidden MIUI features you didn’t know about

MIUI hides a lot of useful features that are not obvious at first glance.

• 🎵 Double touch to wake up: Included in Settings → Lock screen → Double-touch wake-up, even with the screen off.
• 📸 Professional camera mode: In the standard camera app, swipe sideways to Pro. Here you can manually configure ISO, white-balance.
• 🔊 Amplification of sound in headphones: Included in Settings → Sound. → Headphone booster, good for weak headsets.
• 🔒 Hidden apps: You can hide apps from prying eyes through Settings → Annexes → Hidden applications (required) PIN-code).
• 🌐 Parallel spaces: Creating a second desktop with separate accounts. → Special facilities → Parallel spaces.

Another useful feature is the Read Mode, which filters blue light and adapts color temperature during the day. It turns on through Settings → Screen → Read Mode. To automatically turn on a schedule, use Settings → Screen → Read Mode Schedule.

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Second Space mode allows you to create a completely isolated copy of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) with a separate phone number, which is useful for separating work and personal correspondence.

Update firmware: MIUI 14 vs custom firmware

As of 2026, Redmi 8 Pro officially supports MIUI 14 based on Android 11. However, many users prefer alternative firmware because of:

• Absence of advertising in system applications.
• A more recent version of Android (like LineageOS 20 on Android 13).
• Improved optimization for weak processors.

If you decide to stay on stock firmware, update only through Settings → About Phone → System Update. Under no circumstances do not use third-party utilities like Mi Flash Tool without unlocking the bootloader - this will lead to a blink.

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see section above).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot (fastboot flash recovery twrp.img).
3. Make a full backup through TWRP (Backup → Select All).
4. Sweep through firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) and GApps (if you need Google services).
5. Run Wipe Dalvik/Cache before the first download.

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware on the Redmi 8 Pro may have issues with the camera module (no support for 48 MP in some builds) and the fingerprint sensor. XDA Developers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions