How to overclock Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: 5 proven ways to speed up your smartphone in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T

Snapdragon 665

In this article, weโ€™ll look at the legal and risky ways to accelerate the Redmi Note 8T, from simple system optimization to deep overclocking through engineering menus and custom firmware, which methods can improve performance without harming iron, and which can shorten the life of the device, and weโ€™ll also analyze whether to overclock a 2019 smartphone in 2026 or better consider alternatives.

Warning: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader, which will void the warranty and may result in a device being "bricked." If you're a beginner, start with the safe ways in the first sections.

๐Ÿ“Š Why do you want to overclock the Redmi Note? 8T?
Accelerate games
Remove the lags at MIUI
Extend the life of an old smartphone
Experiment
Another option

1. MIUI Optimization: Safe Acceleration without Risks

Before resorting to radical measures, try to "overclock" the smartphone software. MIUI has built-in tools to clean the system and speed up work, which many users ignore.

Start by cleaning the cache and unnecessary files:

  • ๐Ÿงน Go to Settings. โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clean and delete temporary files, app cache and duplicates.
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ In the section of the Annex โ†’ Application management sort programs by cache size and clear the data for the heaviest onesยป.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Enable Auto Cleanup in the storage settings so that the system removes garbage once a week.

Next, optimize the background processes:

  • ๐Ÿšซ Limit Auto-Run Applications: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Autostart control.
  • โšก Enable Performance Mode in Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Performance mode (not available in all versions) MIUI).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Activate the battery. โ†’ Optimizing the battery โ†’ High performance (reduces work time but speeds up response).

โš ๏ธ Warning: Disabling autoruns for system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may disrupt the operation MIUI. Donโ€™t touch the processes with the Android icon!

These manipulations will increase productivity by 10 to 15 percent without any iron interference, and if the effect is not enough, move on to the next section.

๐Ÿ’ก

Cleaning the cache and limiting background processes is the safest way to speed up the Redmi Note 8T without losing warranty.

2. Overclocking through the engineering menu: hidden settings of the processor

The Redmi Note 8T has a hidden engineering menu (#4636###) where you can manually adjust the Snapdragon 665 processor settings.This method does not require root rights, but changing some parameters can lead to overheating or unstable operation.

Instructions for acceleration:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination ##4636##.
  2. Go to the Phone Information tab (or Testing in some versions).
  3. Click on the Versiรณn de banda base (or Baseband version) several times until the MTK Engineer Mode menu opens.
  4. Choose Hardware Testing โ†’ CPU.

Here you will see the current core frequencies of the Snapdragon 665 (standard: 2.0 GHz for large cores and 1.8 GHz for small cores).

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Increase the frequency of large cores to 2.2-2.3 GHz (maximum - 2.4 GHz, but this is critical for thermopaste).
  • โš ๏ธ Do not touch the voltage (voltage) โ€“ changing it can cause the processor to fail.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ After the changes, restart the device and check the stability in benchmark tests (AnTuTu or Geekbench).

โš ๏ธ Attention: Overclocking through the engineering menu is reset after restarting.

The advantage of the method is a 20-30 percent increase in performance in games and benchmark tests, disadvantages: increased heating (up to 50-55 ยฐ C in load) and a reduction in battery life by 15-20%.

What happens if you overheat the Snapdragon 665?
At temperatures above 60ยฐC, the processor begins trottling (automatic frequency reduction), and at 80ยฐC+, a thermal shutdown (off) is possible. Prolonged overheating accelerates the degradation of the thermopast and can lead to detachment of the chip from the board.

3. Unlocking the bootloader and custom firmware

If standard methods do not work, the next step is to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

  • ๐Ÿš€ Use overclocking cores (e.g. Kirisky Kernel for Snapdragon 665).
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Remove the built-in Bloatware (pre-installed Xiaomi apps).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Set up a task scheduler and governor for better performance.

The process of unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8T:

  1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings โ†’ Xiaomi Account.
  2. Apply for unlocking via Xiaomiโ€™s official website (can take up to 72 hours).
  3. Install the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down).
  4. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock.

After unlocking the bootloader, you can flash custom software through TWRP. Popular firmware for Redmi Note 8T (codename willow):

FirmwareAdvantagesDeficienciesReference
LineageOS 20Clean Android, stable operationNo branded features XiaomiXDA
Pixel ExperienceThe interface is like on Pixel, optimized softwareThere could be camera bugs.Official website
MIUI ProKeeps the brand design, but without BloatwareFewer updatesTelegram channel

โš ๏ธ Attention: Installing custom firmware erases all data from the device. backup through TWRP Or Mi Cloud before starting.

The performance gains on custom firmware are as high as 30 to 40 percent, but they require technical skills, and if you're a beginner, you'd better focus on optimizing MIUI or overclocking through the engineering menu.

Make a backup data | Charge phone to 80%+| Download firmware and TWRP for willow| Install ADB drivers on PC | Disable antivirus (can block files)

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4.GPU overclocking for gaming

For gamers, the main priority is to increase FPS in games. Redmi Note 8T is equipped with an Adreno 610 GPU, which can be overclocked through engineering menus or special utilities (for example, Kernel Adiutor).

GPU overclocking methods:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Through the Engineering Menu: In the section GPU Increase the frequency from the standard 845 MHz to 950-1000 MHz. Be careful: increase FPS into PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty will be 10-15 fps, but the temperature of the chip will rise to 55-60ยฐC.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Kernel Adiutor (requires root): Install the application from F-Droid, select governor performance and increase the frequency GPU 10-15%.
  • โ„๏ธ Cooling: Use a game cooler or lower the screen resolution to HD+ (In Settings โ†’ Display to reduce load.

Test results (comparison of standard and overclocked settings):

Game.Standard FPSAfter GPU overclockingTemperature (max.)
PUBG Mobile (Balanced Settings)30โ€“3540โ€“4558ยฐC
Call of Duty: Mobile (Medium)45โ€“5055โ€“6061ยฐC
Genshin Impact (Low)20โ€“2528โ€“3265ยฐC

For stable operation after overclocking the GPU is recommended:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Use your phone when charging (to avoid voltage drawdowns).
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Control the temperature through AIDA64 or CPU Monitor.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Return the standard settings after the game session.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before overclocking the GPU, check the heat paste at the service center. On the Redmi Note 8T, it often dries after 2-3 years of use, leading to overheating even at standard frequencies.

5. Alternatives to dispersal: when it is better not to take risks

Overclocking is not always a reasonable solution, especially for a 2019 smartphone, and in some cases it is better to consider alternatives:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset to factory settings: If the lags are caused by accumulated debris, complete reset via Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Resetting settings can return speed without risks.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Buying a used flagship: For the same money that you will spend on repairs after a failed overclocking, you can buy Poco X3 Pro or Redmi Note 11 Pro with Snapdragon 860 โ€“ they are 2 times more powerful.
  • โ˜๏ธ Cloud Gaming: Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW Allows you to play heavy games on weak iron through streaming.

When to stop using Redmi Note 8T:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ If the battery is worn out (capacity below 70% of the original).
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ If the phone is already overheating at standard settings.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ If you plan to sell the device in the near future (overclocking reduces its market value).

Remember, the Snapdragon 665 is made with an 11nm process technology, and its overclocking potential is limited physically, and the maximum performance gain that can be achieved without harming iron is 30-40%, but only with perfect cooling.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make critical mistakes when trying to overclock the Redmi Note 8T. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

Error 1: Acceleration without temperature control

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Consequences: Overheating to 70ยฐC+ leads to trottling and shortening the life of the processor.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Solution: Use Cool Master or CPU Monitor for monitoring, if the temperature is above 60ยฐC -- lower the frequencies.

Mistake 2: Installation of an unstable custom core

  • ๐Ÿ’ฅ Consequences: Infinite reboots (bootloop) or rejection Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Solution: Check the reviews about the core on XDA Developers and choose versions marked stable.

Error 3: Overclocking without backup

  • ๐Ÿ—ƒ๏ธ Consequences: Data loss in a firmware failure.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Solution: Make a backup through TWRP Mi Cloud before any manipulation.

Mistake 4: Using questionable utilities to overclock

  • ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ Consequences: Viruses, spyware, or damage to system files.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Solution: Download software only from official sources (F-Droid, GitHub, XDA).

If the phone is unstable after overclocking, return the standard settings through the engineering menu or reflash the original MIUI using the Mi Flash Tool.

Can I overclock the Redmi Note 8T without root rights?
Yes, but the options are limited. You can: Optimize MIUI (cleaning up cache, disabling autostart); use the engineering menu to temporarily overclock the CPU/GPU (reset after reboot); You can always overclock or install custom cores, you need root rights.
How much will the battery life be reduced after overclocking?
At acceleration CPU/GPU on 20โ€“30% Battery consumption increases 15โ€“25%. If the battery is already worn out (capacity is lower) 80%), The scaling can reduce its service life 30โ€“50%. Recommended: Use overclocking only when connected to charging or buy a new battery (original for the Redmi Note) 8T worth ~1500โ€“2000 โ‚ฝ).
What games will be playable after the dispersal?
On the standard settings of the Redmi Note 8T pull-out: PUBG Mobile โ€” 30 FPS (Balanced settings. Call of Duty: Mobile โ€“ 40โ€“50 FPS (Low/medium). Mobile Legends - 60 FPS (After acceleration (CPU up to 2.3 GHz, GPU up to 950 MHz): PUBG Mobile โ€” 40โ€“45 FPS (balanced). Genshin Impact - 25-30 FPS (Low, drawdowns. Free Fire - 60 FPS (For Diablo Immortal or Apex Legends Mobile, performance is still not enough โ€“ these games require a Snapdragon 730.+.
How to return the standard settings after a failed overclocking?
Recoil Methods: Through Engineering Menu: Return Standard Frequency CPU/GPU. Through resetting settings: Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Resetting (will not help if you have custom software stitched) Through Mi Flash Tool: Sweeve the original MIUI In Fastboot mode (instructions on xiaomiflash.com). If the phone doesn't turn on (bootloop), you'll need firmware through the phone. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
Should we get the Redmi Note 8T in 2026?
Depends on your goals: โœ… You use your phone for everyday tasks (social networks, videos, easy games) and want to extend its life for another year. โŒ Donโ€™t be afraid if youโ€™re planning to play modern. AAA-Games or phones are already overheating at standard settings. Alternative: buy used Poco X3 NFC (Snapdragon 732G) post ~10 000 โ‚ฝ โ€” It is 2 times more powerful and supports official overclocking through the Game Turbo.