Xiaomi Redmi 8T — One of the most popular budget smartphones, combining performance, battery life and modern features. Even if you have never used Android devices or Xiaomi products before, this gadget will be a great choice. However, many owners do not use half of its capabilities, limiting themselves to basic calls and instant messengers.
In this guide, we will take everything from the first turn on and setup of Redmi. 8T Before you go to the camera, optimize the battery, and solve typical problems, you'll learn how to update your firmware, adjust your gestures, use your device. IR-It's a port for controlling equipment and even how to extend the life of the battery, and if you're switching from an iPhone or other Android device, you'll find all the answers to the adaptation questions.
We will pay special attention to the unique chips of Redmi 8T, which are not in other smartphones of this price segment: for example, how to use a slot for two SIM-map + microSD at the same time, or why is it so good at holding a charge when you're in active use. Ready? Let's get started!
First Entry and Initial Setup
When you first turn on Xiaomi Redmi 8T, You have a master setup in front of you. MIUI — It takes 5-7 minutes, but what you do is you make sure you're comfortable:
1. Language and region choice: Install Russian (Russia) is important for the correct operation of Google and Xiaomi services. If you choose another region (for example, China), some features may not work well.
2 Wi-Fi connection. At this point, the smartphone will suggest connecting to the network. Make sure you do this so you can immediately update the firmware and install critical security patches. If there is no Wi-Fi, you can skip the step, but then the later will have to update via the mobile Internet (which is not always secure).
- 📱 Advice: If you have Redmi 8T firmware-based (MIUI Global, select Russia region. For Chinese version (MIUI China is better to flash global firmware immediately, otherwise there will be problems with Google Play.
- 🔒 Security: At the setup stage, you will be asked to create a Mi Account. This is not necessary, but it is useful: you can sync contacts, notes and find the phone in case of loss.
- 🛡️ Data protection: Enable Device Encryption (one step will be taken to offer) and it will slow down by 5 to 10 percent, but it will protect your data when stolen.
⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 8T "hand" and it has already been configured by the previous owner, be sure to reset to factory settings (Settings → The phone. → Reset settings; otherwise, you risk being exposed to other people’s accounts, viruses or restrictions.
Once the setup wizard is complete, the smartphone will suggest updating the firmware. Don't put it off - the latest versions MIUI They fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features, and it'll take 10 to 20 minutes to update depending on the speed of the Internet.
Gesture management and navigation in MIUI
Xiaomi Redmi 8T work MIUI, And it offers three navigation options: classic buttons, Xiaomi gestures, and Android gestures.
Classic buttons (3 buttons)
This is a common option for those who are moving from older smartphones, with three buttons at the bottom of the screen: Back, Home and Recent apps. 8T (6.3 inches).
2. Xiaomi gestures (full screen)
The most popular option among Xiaomi owners is that there are no buttons, instead of swipes:
Swipe up - return to the main screen.
Swipe up and hold – Opening a list of recent apps
Swipe left or right - back.
3. Android gestures (like on Pixel or Samsung)
Analogue of gestures from the “pure” Android 10+. Here swipe up opens up the recent ones, and swipe down the left/right edge back up, which is a choice that's appealing to those who are used to other brands.
| Type of navigation | Pluses | Cons | Who's good for it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic buttons | Habitually, intuitively. | Takes up screen space. | Newcomers, older users |
| Xiaomi gestures | Maximum space, comfortable with one hand | Addiction 2-3 days | Most users |
| Android gestures | Compatibility with other devices | Less intuitive for beginners | Those who are moving from other brands |
To change the navigation type, go to Settings → Display. → Full screen mode. Try all three options for 1-2 days and choose the most convenient.Most Redmi users 8T They stop at Xiaomi gestures – they are optimized for this model as much as possible.
Go to Settings. → Display. → Full screen mode
Select the type of navigation (we recommend "Gests Xiaomi")
Practice for 5 minutes with new gestures
Return to the settings if something is uncomfortable
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Battery Optimization: How to Prolong Battery Life
Redmi 8T It's famous for its 4,000mAh battery, but even it needs the right care. Many users complain about fast discharge, although the problem is often the wrong settings. Here's how to make it last longer:
1. Disable unnecessary background processes
By default. MIUI It allows applications to run in the background even when they're not in use:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Auto-run and disable auto-run for unnecessary programs (especially instant messengers and games).
- B Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management select Balanced or Charge Saving mode.
2. Set up the "Adaptive Battery"
This feature analyzes your habits and limits the activity of rarely used applications. → Battery and productivity → Adaptive battery: Once activated, the smartphone will “learn” your habits for 2-3 days, and then start saving charge.
3.Control the brightness of the screen
The display is the main energy consumer. Set autobrightness in Settings → Display. → Brightness and turn off Adaptive backlight (it often works incorrectly). Manually reduce the brightness to a comfortable level - usually 40-60% is enough even in daylight.
- 🔋 Charging tip: Use Xiaomi's original (18W) power supply.Fast charging in Redmi 8T It only works with proprietary charges. Cheap analogues can damage the battery.
- 🌡️ Temperature: Do not use your smartphone at temperatures below 0°C or higher than 35°C. This reduces battery life.
- 📵 Flight mode: If the charge is below 20% and you need to save energy, turn on Flight Mode and leave only Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Note: If the Redmi battery 8T Became discharged in 2-3 hours (despite the fact that earlier held the day), check the settings → Battery and productivity → Battery use. If there's an unknown app hanging there with a consumption of 20%+, Delete suspicious programs and scan your phone with antivirus (e.g. Malwarebytes).
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To quickly check which app is eating the battery, you can use the battery usage chart in the "Battery Use" section, and the system will show detailed statistics for the last 24 hours.
Working with the camera: hidden functions and settings
Redmi camera 8T — It's four modules: the main 12 MP, the wide-angle 8 MP, the macro 2 MP and the depth sensor 2 MP. On paper, it sounds impressive, but without the right settings, the images are of medium quality:
1. Turn it on. HDR automatically
Function HDR (High Dynamic Range improves detail in dark and light areas of a photo. In the standard camera app, it turns on manually, but you can configure automode:
- Open the camera. → Settings (cogs) → HDR and choose the Auto.
For best results, keep your phone as still as possible when shooting.
2. Use the Night mode to shoot in the dark
Even with a Redmi budget camera 8T You can take good pictures at night if you turn on Night mode (moon icon in the camera interface:
Use a tripod or support - exposure can reach 3-5 seconds.
Do not move or move the subject during the exhibition.
For the best result, take several pictures in a row and choose the most successful.
3. Macrographing: How to Photograph Small Objects
The 2 MP macro module allows you to photograph objects from a distance of 2-4 cm.
- Hold the camera to the subject before Macro's lights.
Do not use zoom, it will only worsen the quality.
- Shoot in good light (macro is very sensitive to lack of light).
| Camera mode | When to use | Tips for Better Results |
|---|---|---|
| Automobile | For everyday pictures | Wash the lens, avoid sunscreen shots |
| Portrait | For photos of people with blurred backgrounds | Distance to the object - 1-2 meters, good lighting |
| Night. | Shooting in the dark | Use a tripod, don't move the phone. |
| Macro | Small objects (flowers, insects, textures) | Distance 2-4 cm, bright light |
If the standard camera app doesn’t suit you, try alternatives like Google Camera (requires manual installation) or Open Camera, which give you more control over settings, but can be less stable.
How to Install Google Camera on Redmi 8T?
IR-Port: How to Manage Technology with Redmi 8T
One of the unique features of Redmi 8T — port-infrared (IR), It's a feature that allows you to control TVs, air conditioners, projectors and other things, and many users don't even know about it, although it can replace a few remotes:
1. Addition of a new device
- Open the Mi Remote app (already preinstalled in the MIUI).
- Press. + in the upper right corner and select the type of equipment (for example, TV).
- Follow the instructions on the screen: direct IR-port of the smartphone (top edge) to the device and hold the on button on the screen until the technique responds.
2. Configure frequently used commands
After adding the device, you can:
Rename it (for example, "Bedroom Television").
Add shortcuts to the main screen for quick access.
Set up voice control via Google Assistant (e.g., say “OK Google, turn on the TV”).
3. Solving problems with IR-port
If the remote is not working:
Make sure there are no obstacles between the smartphone and the appliances (glass, walls).
- Check that IR-port not covered by cover or film.
- Update the remote database in Mi Remote (Settings) → Update the base).
- 📺 Compatibility: Mi Remote supports more than 50,000 models of equipment from 2000+ If your device isn't on the list, try picking a similar model.
- 🔄 Alternatives: If Mi Remote doesn't work, try Unified Remote or AnyMote apps. They require customization but support more devices.
- 🔋 Saving charge: IR-The port consumes minimal energy, so its use has almost no effect on battery life.
⚠️ Attention: Don't direct IR-port 8T Infrared radiation is harmless, but bright LEDs can cause temporary discomfort.
Double. SIM + MicroSD: How to Use Slots Properly
Redmi 8T It supports two nano-SIM cards and a microSD card up to 256 GB, but with one caveat: the second slot is hybrid. SIM, Or microSD. Here's how to allocate resources optimally:
1. Slot use options
- Two. SIM-Cards: convenient if you have work and personal numbers.
- One. SIM + microSD: optimal for most users. 64GB of internal storage runs out quickly, especially if you shoot a lot of videos or install games.
- MicroSD Only: An unlikely scenario, but possible if you use your smartphone as a media player without a smartphone. SIM.
2. How to transfer data to a microSD
If you have chosen the option with a memory card:
- Go to Settings. → Memory. → Transfer of data to SD-map.
Choose which data to transfer (photos, videos, some applications).
- Important: Not all applications can be moved to SD — It depends on the developer. Games and instant messengers usually remain in the internal memory.
3 Priority Setup for SIM- Cards
If you use two SIM:
- B Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks can be selected which card will be used for calls, SMS and mobile Internet by default.
- Data switching is also configured here (for example, if the main one is SIM Internet is over, traffic will be taken from the second).
- 📱 Advice on choice: If you travel frequently, it is best to use two SIM: One for local operators, one for permanent numbers, and you can insert the memory card into the adapter and carry it with you, if you want.
- 🔄 Formatting: Before using a microSD for the first time, format it as Inner Memory (the system will suggest) and this will speed up the work, but the card will not be read on other devices without formatting.
- ⚡ Card speed: For Redmi 8T Take a microSD class A1 or A2 (For example, SanDisk Ultra A1). Cheap cards slow down video recording and app installation.
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A hybrid slot is a compromise between the two. SIM-Select priority: if you want to connect (for example, for work), use two SIM. If you need more space for photos and videos, use a microSD.
Updating the firmware and solving typical problems
Regular updates MIUI They fix bugs, add new features, and improve performance, but sometimes the upgrade process doesn't go as planned, and we'll figure out how to update properly and what to do if something goes wrong.
1. How to update firmware
There are two ways:
- By air (OTA):
Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Check Updates and wait for the download.
After downloading, click Reboot and Update.
- Manually (via Recovery):
- Download the firmware for Redmi 8T From the official Xiaomi website (select the Global Stable version).
- Rename the file to update.zip Put it in the root of the phone’s memory.
- Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Threefold (⋮) → Select a firmware file.
2.Typical update errors and their solutions
- "Failed to upgrade": usually due to space shortages, free up at least 2 GB of internal memory and try again.
- Hanging on the logo MI: If the phone does not turn on after the update, press the power supply. + Volume up for 10 seconds to log in to Recovery. then select Wipe Data (reset) and repeat the update.
- Loss of communication after update: go to Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and select the operator manually.
- 🔄 Firmware rollback: If you have bugs after the update, you can go back to the previous version via Fastboot (PC and cable required). 4PDA redmi-themed 8T.
- 📡 Beta: If you want to try new features before release, join the beta program MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Threefold (⋮) → Beta testing program. But remember, beta versions may contain bugs.
- 🔒 bootloader lock: On Redmi 8T If you plan to install custom firmware, unlock it through the official Mi Unlock tool (you need a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the upgrade process (don't turn off the phone, don't remove the battery). If the battery runs out during the upgrade, plug in the charge and wait for the automatic reboot. If the phone doesn't respond for more than 30 minutes, contact the service center.