The Digital Wellbeing feature in Xiaomi Redmi 8 was introduced as part of the policy MIUI It monitors the activity in applications, sets limits on screen time, and even blocks access to programs after the daily norm has run out. For some users, these limitations become an annoyance, especially when the system starts interrupting important applications or requires input. PIN-continuation.
In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to disable Digital Well-being on Redmi 8 (including Redmi 8A and Redmi 8 Pro models), taking into account the features of MIUI 12-14 firmware. It is important to understand that complete deactivation is not possible in all versions of the software - the manufacturer gradually tightens control over this feature, and we will also analyze the hidden consequences of disconnection, which are not written in the official instructions.
Why Digital Well-Being is Hindering Redmi 8 Users
On paper, the feature looks useful: it helps reduce smartphone time, reminds of breaks and even offers usage statistics.
- 🔒 Blocking applications without warning – the system can interrupt the messenger or game at the most inopportune moment, requiring input PIN-code.
- ⏱️ Resetting timers after updating — MIUI Sometimes resets user restrictions settings, returning them to default values.
- 📊 Inaccurate statistics – the feature often overstates usage time given the background activity of applications.
- 🔧 Conflict with other functions MIUI — For example, with a “Do Not Disturb” or parental control.
Users who use their smartphone for work or school are particularly affected, for example, if you set a YouTube limit of 1 hour but forgot to turn it off before an important webinar, the system will block access at the most critical moment. Unfortunately, MIUI does not have an "exclusions for individual applications" option - restrictions apply globally.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The simplest method is to deactivate the function through the settings menu, which works on most versions of MIUI (including 12, 12.5 and 13), but has a limitation: you can not completely remove Digital Well-being - you can only turn off monitoring and notifications.
Step instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to Digital Well-Being and Parental Control.
- Slip the gear icon in the upper right corner (or click Settings in the menu).
- Turn off the switches: 📱 Monitoring of application use ⏰ App timers 🔔 Notices of Digital Well-Being
Delete the timer
After this, the system will stop tracking your activity and blocking applications, but the application itself will remain in the system and consume up to 50 MB of memory. ADB-Teams (about this in the next section).
☑️ Preparing for the Digital Well-Being Disconnection
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)
If the standard shutdown didn’t work or you want to completely uninstall the Digital Wellbeing app with Redmi 8, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which doesn’t require superuser rights, but requires connecting the phone to your computer.
Important: Before starting work, turn on debugging via USB:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Activate the debugging switch over USB.
Now connect Redmi 8 to your PC and execute the following commands in the terminal (or Windows Command Line):
adb devices
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midropThe first team checks the device's connection, the second one opens the ADB shell, the third and fourth one remove the Digital Well-Being components for the current user, and once the phone is restarted, the app will disappear from the settings menu.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB It can lead to unstable work. MIUI. In rare cases, after such manipulations, notifications stop working or errors appear in the settings menu. If you notice a failure, reset the settings to the factory.
Method 3: Resetting to factory settings (radical method)
If the first two methods didn't work, or if you want to get rid of all traces of Digital Well-Being guaranteed, the last option is to completely reset your phone, which will delete all user data, so use it only as a last resort.
Instructions:
- Create a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data.
- Enter the password (if set) and confirm the reset.
- After the reboot, skip the Digital Well-Being setup step (it appears during the initial setup process).
The advantage of third-party solutions is that they don't force applications to be blocked, they just provide statistics. For example, ActionDash shows detailed reports on each application, but doesn't require you to enter it. PIN-code-in-law.
⚠️ Note: Some time-control apps (e.g. AppBlock) request device administrator rights. Be careful, these permissions can be used to spy on or lock your phone. Only install Google Play-proven programs rated above 4.5.