How to improve the performance of Xiaomi Redmi 8: from basic optimization to extreme overclocking

Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to balanced characteristics: Snapdragon 439 processor, 3/4 GB of RAM and a battery of 5000 mAh. However, over time, even this “long-playing” device begins to slow down – especially when multitasking or in modern games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile. The reasons for the brakes lie not only in the “iron”, but also in the software features of MIUI, which over time “clogged” with background processes.

In this article, we will analyze 10 proven ways to improve the performance of Redmi 8 – from basic (cleaning the cache, disabling animations) to advanced (overclocking the processor, installing custom firmware). Particular attention will be paid to the unique problem of overheating of this device due to a weak cooling system, which leads to trottling (automatic frequency reduction) already at 45.°C. All methods tested on current versions MIUI 14 and Android 12, but will be suitable for older builds.

1. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and unnecessary processes

The first step to speed up is freeing up RAM and storage. Redmi 8 with 3GB of RAM is particularly sensitive to background processes: even 5-6 running applications can cause slowdowns. Start with built-in tools:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean and delete unnecessary files (especially pay attention to the “Junk Files” and “App Cache” section»).
• 🗑️ Remove duplicates: Use the built-in Cleaner app (or Files by Google) to find and remove repetitive photos/videos.
• 🚫 Disabling Bloatware: Many Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) cannot be removed, but can be deactivated via Settings → Annexes → All applications → [choose] → Shut down.

For deep cleaning, we recommend SD Maid (available on Google Play), which deletes residual files after uninstallation of programs and cleans SQLite databases, which eventually swell. Importantly, after cleaning, reboot the device - this will free up the dalvik-cache (Android virtual machine cache), which can take up to 1 GB.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in folders /system or /vendor manually, this can lead to a bootloop. Use only proven root-enabled applications (if any).

Delete the app cache

Deactivate unnecessary system programs

Check the vault for duplicates

Clear downloads (Download folder)

Reset the device-->

2. MIUI optimization: disabling animations and background processes

MIUI is known for its chips, but many of them slow down the interface, like animations between screens taking up to 300ms, and background synchronization of the Mi Account is constantly loading the processor.

• ⚡ Turn off animations: activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI In Settings → About the phone, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, install:
• 🔄 Limit background activity: in the same developer menu, turn off background check and set a limit on background processes (maximum) 2-3).
• 📵 Disable Auto Updates: In Settings → Annexes → Auto Update Select “Never” – This Will Prevent Background Downloads of Updates via Google Play.

Another hidden resource eater is MiuiDaemon, the system process that handles push notifications, which can be disabled via ADB (PC required):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.xmsf

After that, notifications from Xiaomi (such as weather or promotions) will not come, but performance will increase by 10-15%.

MIUI 14 (Android 12)

MIUI 13 (Android 11)

MIUI 12 or older

Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

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3. Acceleration and cooling: how to avoid trottling

Redmi 8 suffers from a weak cooling system - when loaded (for example, in games), the Snapdragon 439 processor quickly heats up to 50-55 ° C, after which trottling (automatic frequency reduction) works, as a result of FPS in games drops by 30-40%.

1. Software-based heating restriction: Use the Throttling Test (from Play Market) CPU app to track what temperature trottling starts at. Then, through Kernel Adiutor (root required), reduce the maximum core frequency by 10-15%. For example, if the standard large core frequency is 1.95 GHz, set 1.7 GHz. This will reduce performance by 5%, but eliminate FPS drawdowns.
2. Physical cooling: Buy a radiator for your smartphone (like Baseus Magnetic Cooling Fan) or use the tools you can use – like putting your phone on a metal surface (but not on the battery!).

⚠️ Note: If you decide to overclock the processor (for example, via SetCPU), remember: Snapdragon 439 manufactured 12-It's a process technology that doesn't tolerate the voltage increase. 10% It will cause the device to overheat and shut down through 5-10 play-off.

4. Alternative firmware: should you switch to caste?

Stock MIUI is optimized for a wide range of devices, but it doesn’t always work perfectly on Redmi 8. Alternative firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS) can give you performance gains by:

• 🗃️ Remove Bloatware (unnecessary system applications).
• ⚡ More aggressive memory management (e.g, LMK — Low Memory Killer in Custom Cores Kills Background Processes Faster).
• 🔧 Possibilities for fine-tuning CPU/GPU (through EX Kernel Manager or FrancoKernel).

There are, however, downsides:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• ❌ The risk of “bricking” with incorrect firmware.
• ❌ Possible bugs (e.g., non-functioning) NFC camera).

If you decide to reflash, follow this algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and wait 7 days).
2. Install. TWRP Recovery (Redmi version) 8 — twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olive).
3. Make a backup through Nandroid Backup in TWRP.
4. Firmware (we recommend Pixel Experience 12 for Redmi 8 – it is the most stable).

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Before you run your firmware, check your device model through the fastboot getvar product command. For Redmi 8, the correct answer is olive or olivelite (version with 2GB of RAM).

5. Optimization for Games: Graphics and FPS settings

Like in games. PUBG Mobile or Free Fire Redmi 8 gives out 20-30 FPS It's in the middle settings, to improve performance:

• 🎮 Use Game Turbo: in Settings → Special facilities → Game Turbo Enable Mode and Activate the Improve Options FPS» and “Memory cleansing».
• 🖥️ Lower the resolution: set the game settings 720p (HD) instead 1080p (FHD) — will +10-15 FPS.
• 🔧 Turn off the smoothing and shadows: these effects are heavily loaded Adreno 505 (video chip Redmi 8).
• ⚡ Use it. GFX Tools: annex GFX Tool for PUBG It allows you to force you to set the settings of the graphics, even if the game does not offer them. PUBG Mobile, select:

For an extreme FPS boost, you can turn off one CPU core while playing (via root-right NS Tools).This will reduce heating and trottling, but can cause lags in the background. Test this method carefully!

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The biggest increase in FPS in games comes from a combination of three factors: reduced resolution (720p), disconnected shadows and forced performance mode in Game Turbo.

6. Battery and performance: how to save charge without losing speed

Many users mistakenly think that battery savings always come at the expense of performance. On the Redmi 8, it's not: the right settings will allow you to extend your life by 15-20% without noticeable lags.

• 🔋 Adaptive battery: in Settings → Battery. → Select "Adaptive" Battery Mode, which dynamically adjusts frequencies. CPU load-dependent.
• 🌙 Dark subject. + AMOLED: The Redmi 8 has a screen. IPS, The dark topic still reduces the load on the GPU interface rendering.
• 📶 Background Limitation: C Settings → Battery. → Battery optimization set for unnecessary applications mode "Limit background activity».
• 🔌 Turning off fast charging: if you play while charging, use regular RAM on the 5V/2A — This will reduce the heat of the battery and processor.

For advanced users, ADB can disable AOD (Always On Display) even if it is not officially supported on Redmi 8, saving up to 5% charge per hour.

adb shell settings put global always_on_display_off 1

⚠️ Note: If you use Greenify or other applications to freeze background processes, do not add MiuiHome or SystemUI.

7 Hardware modifications: what can be improved physically

If software methods don’t work well, consider hardware improvements. Redmi 8 is relatively easy to disassemble, and some modifications can be made on your own:

• 🔄 Replace thermopaste: standard paste on Snapdragon 439 effluent 1.5-2 Use the Arctic. MX-4 Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut will lower the temperature. 5-10°C.
• 🛠️ Installation of copper gasket: between the processor and the housing, you can add a thin copper plate (0.3 mm) for better heat distribution.
• 🔋 Battery replacement: If the capacity has dropped below 70%, the battery starts to run out faster and warm up harder. - Original battery for Redmi 8 — MBJ425780 (5,000 mAh).
• 📶 Antenna booster: weak network signal makes the modem run at maximum power, which drains the battery. TL-ANT2406A) It will help in areas of poor coverage.

For the bravest, it's RAM overclocking. Redmi 8 use LPDDR3 frequent 933 MHz. TWRP and a modified core (for example, Perseus Kernel) can be accelerated to 1066 MHz, what will it do? +5-7% However, this will shorten the life of memory chips and may lead to artifacts in games.

Extreme measures: dumping and flashing

If nothing works, there are two radical methods:

1. Hard Reset: Returns the device to factory settings. Backup through Settings before reset → Additional → Backup and Reset. After reset:

Reflashing to a lighter version of MIUI:

MIUI Lite

MIUI for POCO

• Download the firmware from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com (select the version for olive).
• Fastboot with the Mi Flash Tool.
• After the firmware, run format data in TWRP to avoid conflicts.

If the device still brakes after resetting or firmware, the problem may be hardware degradation.

• Run the Throttling Test CPU – if trottling starts at 40°C, the thermosensor may be faulty.
• Check the state of flash memory through AndroBench. If the read speed is below 150 MB/s, the memory is worn out.

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Factory resetting helps in 80% of cases of strong brakes, but only if the problem is software. If the lags are left, the "iron" (memory, processor or battery) is to blame.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi optimization 8