How to completely disable MIUI 12 optimization on Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 has brought a lot of changes, including an aggressive optimization system that was supposed to improve performance and autonomy. However, on budget models like the Redmi 8, these “improvements” often result in spontaneous closure of applications, delays in notifications and even overheating. If your smartphone became worse after upgrading to MIUI 12, the problem is likely to be in the background optimization.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can disable MIUI 12 optimization on the Xiaomi Redmi 8, from standard settings to hidden commands via ADB and third-party tools. It’s important to understand that completely disabling optimization can increase battery consumption by 15 to 25 percent (based on Redmi 8/8A user tests), but it will take back control of the background processes. Ready to restore your smartphone to its former responsiveness?

Why MIUI 12 Optimization is Interfering with Redmi 8

On paper, MIUI optimization should save charge and speed up the system, but in practice it works on an all-or-nothing basis. On Redmi 8 with its Snapdragon 439 and 3-4 GB of RAM, aggressive process control results in:

• 🚫 Closing background apps after 1-2 minutes of inactivity (even messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp).
• ⏳ Delayed notifications up to 10-15 minutes (due to suspension of synchronization).
• 🔥 Overheating in multitasking – the system tries to “optimize” processes, but instead overloads the cores.
• 🔄 Spontaneous reboots when used intensively (e.g. during games or video shooting).

The problem is compounded by the fact that Xiaomi does not give the user full control over these processes.Even manually adding apps to the list “no optimization” through Settings → Apps → Permissions → Auto-Run often does not help – the system resets settings after rebooting.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 8 with older firmware MIUI 12.0.8 some of the optimisation disablement methods may not work due to Xiaomi blocking. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 1: Disabling optimization through standard settings

The safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which will not be 100% effective, but will reduce the aggressiveness of the system.

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Mode
2. Select Performance Mode (if not, skip this step).
3. Go back to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Special Permissions” → “Battery Optimization”.
5. In the list, find critical applications (messengers, navigators) and set the value “No restrictions” for them.

This method only works for individual applications, and more radical measures will be needed to turn off optimization globally.

Backup data through Settings → Additional → Backup

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure your phone is USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap on version)

Download ADB Tools on PC (required for Methods 3 and 4)

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Method 2: Using a Hidden Menu of Engineering Settings

MIUI 12 has a hidden menu for developers to disable optimization, which does not require root rights, but is temporary (until the next system update).

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select “Battery Information”.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Battery Optimization.
4. In the list of applications, set the status of “Do not optimize” for all critical programs.

This method does not work on all Redmi 8 firmware. If the menu does not open, move on to the next method.

Method 3: Disable ADB Optimization (without root)

The most effective way to use ADB-It doesn't require superuser rights, but it requires the phone to be connected to a PC. The advantage of the method is that the changes are applied at the system level and are not reset once you reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer via USB and allow debugging (a request will pop up on your phone).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Disable optimization for all applications: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle force-idle
5. To return the standard settings, use: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle unforce

To selectively disable optimization for specific applications, use the command:

adb shell dumpsys battery unplug && adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.BATTERY_CHANGED --ez plugged false --ei level 100

⚠️ Attention: After completion ADB-commands some system applications (such as Mi Security) may start to issue errors. To fix this, restart the phone and reset the cache to Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Clear the cache.

Through standard settings

Used ADB.

I installed custom software.

I haven't tried anything, just read.

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Method 4: Completely disabling root-rights optimization

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights gives you complete control over optimization, a method that's only suitable for power users, because it's not guaranteed and can lead to unstable system operation.

What will be required:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader on Redmi 8.
• 📱 Established custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Magisk module or patch to disable miui_optimization.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk Manager and get root rights.
2. Download Disable MIUI Optimization (available on XDA Developers)
3. Install the module via Magisk and restart the phone.
4. Check the result: Optimization should be turned off globally.

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If your phone is running out of power after optimizing, try installing the Greenify app (requires root), which allows you to manually control the sleep mode of your apps without relying on MIUI algorithms.

Method 5: Alternative firmware (Castom software)

If none of these methods worked, the last option is custom firmware. Redmi 8 has a good track record:

• 📱 Pixel Experience – pure Android without optimization MIUI.
• 🔄 LineageOS – stable firmware with open source.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS – firmware with advanced performance settings.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No aggressive optimization MIUI.
• ✅ Longer support for updates (even for older models).
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the kernel and task scheduler.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of guarantee.
• ❌ Risk of unstable operation (especially in early builds).
• ❌ Lack of branded functions MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo).

⚠️ Warning: Before installing custom firmware, be sure to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool. On Redmi 8, this takes up to 72 hours of waiting (due to Xiaomi's policy). Do not interrupt the unlocking process – this can lead to hard-brick (irreparable damage to the device).

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Installing custom firmware is the only way to completely eliminate MIUI 12 optimization, but it is only suitable for advanced users willing to sacrifice warranty and stability for performance.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the ways, but Redmi 8 still slows down or shuts down apps spontaneously, consider the following options:

1. Retracement MIUI 11.Some users note that Redmi 8 version MIUI 11 was more stable. To roll back, you'll need firmware through Fastboot. 4PDA or XDA).
2. Unfortunately, the Redmi 8 with its Snapdragon 439 and 3GB of RAM is not physically designed for modern versions of MIUI. If budget allows, consider models with a Snapdragon 6xx or Dimensity (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
3. Use lightweight alternatives: Install a launcher like Nova Launcher and replace standard MIUI applications with lighter ones (e.g. Simple Gallery instead of Mi Gallery).

If you decide to stay on MIUI 12 but want to minimize problems, keep an eye out for updates. Xiaomi sometimes releases patches that fix the most critical optimization bugs. To check for updates, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling MIUI 12 optimization