How to use the Xiaomi Redmi 8 phone: from basic settings to hidden chips

Xiaomi Redmi 8

MIUI

Many users are struggling with the first switch on: they can’t unlock the bootloader, they’re confused about screen settings, or they don’t know how to turn off annoying notifications. Others want to get the most out of Redmi 8 — for example, set up a double-touch wake-up or activate the developer mode for fine optimization. This article will help both. We won’t retell the Xiaomi manual — instead, focus on practical tips that will save you time and nerves.

If you've just unpacked the box, start with the first switch on section. It's helpful for experienced users to look into the gestures or hidden features sections. And if the phone starts to slow down, don't rush to reset it, check the optimization tips from the block first.

First Installing and Basic Setup

When you first turn on Redmi 8, it offers you to go through the Initial Setup Wizard, and it's important to take your time and choose your options carefully, because some of them will be difficult to change later, for example, if you miss the Mi Account binding, you won't be able to use the cloud backup or Find a Device feature.

In the language selection phase, pay attention to the region: China or India may be the default; Russia may prefer Russia or Europe, which will affect pre-installed services (e.g., Google Pay will appear instead of Mi Pay); and be sure to connect to Wi-Fi – without the Internet, many functions (including software updates) will not be available.

The next key point is the permissions for MIUI. The system will ask for access to location, contacts and files. You can opt out of some permissions, but consider:

• 📍 Location is necessary for navigation (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps) and weather widgets.
• 📞 Contacts are required to sync with your Google or Mi Account.
• 📁 Files and media are required for backup photos in Google Photos or Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you have opted out of the Mi Account binding at the setup stage, the slotter will not be able to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware.This is Xiaomi's restriction for theft protection.

After completing the setup wizard, check the version MIUI In the Settings section → The phone, if the version is older. MIUI 12, update the system through Settings → Update: Older versions may contain vulnerabilities and may work less stable.

Navigation and gestures: how to control your phone without buttons

Redmi 8 supports three types of navigation:

1. Classic buttons (on the screen or touch under the display).
2. Gestures MIUI (swipes instead of buttons).
3. Android gestures (like on "pure" Android).

To change the navigation type, go to Settings → Display. → Full screen. It's easier for beginners to start with classic buttons, but gestures save screen space and speed up the work.

If you've chosen gestures MIUI, Remember the basic combinations:

• 🔙 Back - swipe from right to left from the edge of the screen.
• 🏠 Home - swipe up from the bottom edge.
• 📋 Recent apps - swipe up and hold.

Signs. MIUI There's a hidden feature: if you swipe down the bottom edge of the screen from left to right, you open the Quick Settings panel, and it works even on a locked screen (if you have Settings enabled). → Screen locking → Control of lockdown).

⚠️ Note: In some firmware, gestures may conflict with apps that use swipes around the edges of the screen (such as TikTok or Instagram). → Additionally. → Gestures.

Select the type of navigation in the settings → Display.|Check the sensitivity of swipes|Set up exceptions for problem applications|Try alternative gestures (Android instead of the other hand). MIUI)

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Optimizing performance: how to speed up the Redmi 8

The Redmi 8 is equipped with a Snapdragon 439 processor and 3-4 GB of RAM, which is enough for everyday tasks, but over time the phone may start to slow down.

• 🗑️ Cluttered cache (especially messengers and social networks).
• 🔄 Background processes (applications that work even when closed).
• 📱 Interface animation (slows down transitions between screens).

The first thing you need to do is clear the cache.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Facebook or Instagram).
3. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – it will delete accounts!).

For deep cleaning, use the built-in Security app:

1. Open Security. → Cleanup.
2. Click Deep Clean and select unnecessary files.
3. In the AutoRun section, turn off background work for unnecessary apps.

If the interface seems slow, turn off the animations:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the points Windows animation, transition animation and Animator Duration - set the value to Disable or 0.5x.

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If the phone is slowing down after the update MIUI, Try to revert to the previous version through Settings → Update of the PO → Three points. → Select the service pack. Download the firmware you want from miuirom.org and manually select it.

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

The Redmi 8 is famous for its 5,000mAh battery, but even it requires proper handling, and the rule of thumb is to avoid full discharge (below 5%) and recharging (over 95%) – this reduces the life of lithium-ion batteries, the optimal charge range is from 20% to 80%.

In the settings MIUI There are built-in tools to save energy:

• 🔋 Battery mode - limits background activity. Included in Settings → Battery → Battery mode.
• ⚡ Fast charging – turn it off if you don’t rush (constant use of accelerated charging warms the battery).
• 🌙 The dark subject is on AMOLED-It saves up to 15% on screens, but the Redmi 8 has a screen. IPS, So the effect is minimal.

To see which apps are using up the most charge, go to Settings. → Battery → Battery usage. Pay attention to background consumption -- if an app consumes >5% in the background, limit its activity through Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone suddenly starts to run out in a few hours, check it for viruses through Security → Scanning: Some malware masquerades as system processes (e.g. com.android.system) and steals charge.

For battery calibration (if the charge readings "jump"):

1. Reduce the phone to 0% (until it turns off).
2. Charge up to 100% without interruptions (use the original cable).
3. Turn off the charger and wait for the switch off again.
4. Repeat the charging cycle to 100%.

This procedure is enough to be carried out once 3 months

Hidden features of Redmi 8, which you did not know

MIUI It hides a lot of useful things that are not obvious at first sight:

1. Double touch to wake up

To turn on the screen, you don't have to press the power button. You just need to touch the sleeping display twice. → Screen locking → Double touch to wake up.

Second Space Mode

This feature creates a separate work profile with its own apps, settings, and even wallpaper, useful if you share a phone with someone or want to separate work from personal work. → Special facilities → Second space.

3. Hidden Panel of Game Instruments

During the game, swipe from the right edge of the screen inside and a panel with quick actions will appear:

• 📵 Block notifications (to avoid distractions).
• 🔊 Volume control (separate for play and microphone).
• 📊 Monitoring FPS (It shows the number of frames per second).

4. Voice assistant without internet

MIUI It has an offline voice assistant that works without a network connection:

1. Go to Settings. → Voice assistant.
2. Download an offline package for the Russian language.
3. Assign a hot phrase (such as "Hi, Mi").

5. Hidden mode "Laboratory"

V MIUI There are experimental features that Xiaomi is testing before release:

1. Activate the developer mode (7 taps according to the MIUI version).
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Laboratory.
3. Enable options like Smart Assistant or Enhanced Animation.

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Second Space creates a completely isolated profile with separate apps and settings, and it's not the same as guest mode, where you can set up two full desktops with different accounts.

Camera: How to take high-quality photos at 12 MP

Redmi 8 It is equipped with a dual camera: the main module on 12 MP (light-force) f/1.8) extra 2 MP (for background blurring) The camera isn't bad for a budget phone, but to get good shots, you need to know a few tricks.

First, always clear your fingerprints, because they spoil clarity. HDR When shooting against light (activates automatically or manually in the camera settings). Third, for portraits, activate Portrait mode, which artificially blurs the background, mimicking the bokeh effect.

Secret chips of the Camera app:

• 📸 Double pressing the volume button – fast start of the camera even from a locked screen.
• 🌃 Night Mode – Hold your finger on the screen after tapping the trigger to make a lighter shot in the dark.
• 🎞️ Shooting in RAW — turn on the camera settings → Image format → RAW post-processing.
• 🔍 Macro mode – zoom the phone to the subject by 3-5 cm, and the camera will automatically switch to macro.

If the photos are blurry, check the stabilization settings:

1. Open the chamber. → Settings (cogs at the top).
2. Enable video stabilization and photo enhancement.
3. For selfies, turn off background blur if it spoils details.

⚠️ Note: When shooting a video in Full HD (1080p) Turn off stabilization if you use a tripod, which can create a jelly effect (distortion of the edges of the frame).

How to protect data on Redmi 8

Redmi 8 supports fingerprint, face and pattern lock unlock, but even if you use biometrics, don’t neglect additional security measures.

The first thing you need to do is encrypt your phone, and that's going to protect your data if it gets into the wrong hands.

1. Go to Settings. → Screen lock and password → Encryption of the telephone.
2. Set it up solid. PIN-code (at least 6 digits).
3. Connect your phone to charge – encryption takes 30-60 minutes.

Second, set up a secure folder for confidential files:

• Open the Files app.
• Go to the Safe folder section and set a password.
• Move the photos, documents or videos you want to hide.

Third, turn on theft protection:

• 🔒 Attach Mi Account to Settings → Xiaomi account.
• 📍 Activate Find the device in Settings → Additionally. → Find the device.
• 🚨 Turn on the lock when theft – the phone will be locked if someone retrieves SIM-map.

If you frequently connect your phone to public Wi-Fi (such as at cafes or airports), use the app. VPN. V MIUI It's got a built-in Mi. VPN, But it's limited by traffic. The alternative is free. VPN Like ProtonVPN or Windscribe (install from Google Play).

Updates and firmware: how to properly update MIUI

Regular updates MIUI They fix bugs, add new features, and improve security, but sometimes updates are more trouble than good, like increasing battery consumption or causing lags:

1. Verification of the current version

Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If the version is older MIUI 12.5, recommended to upgrade.Redmi 8 latest official version — MIUI 12.5 (based on Android 10).

2. Methods of updating

• 🌐 By air (OTA) — The easiest way is to go to Settings. → Update and click Check Update.
• 📱 Local Update – If OTA It does not work, download the firmware from miuirom.org and select the file in Settings → Update of the PO → Three points. → Select a Service Package.
• 🔧 Recovery is for power users, and the firmware is installed via Fastboot or TWRP.

3.What to do if the update is suspended

If the renewal process has stalled on the logo MI:

1. Wait 20 to 30 minutes – sometimes the system processes files for a long time.
2. If nothing happens, press the power button. + Volume up 10 seconds for forced reboot.
3. If the phone is not turned on, try to go to Recovery (Power) + Volume up) and select Wipe cache.

⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt an upgrade via Recovery or Fastboot, which can turn your phone into a brick.If the process takes too long (over 1 hour), wait for the battery to run out completely, then try again.

If after the update the phone began to slow down:

• Clean the cache in Settings → Storage → Clean.
• Reset the settings to factory (but do backup first!).
• If the problem persists, revert to the previous version. MIUI.

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Before upgrading to Recovery, always check the phone model (cactus for Redmi 8) and firmware version. Installing firmware from another model will cause the device to fail!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi 8