How to speed up Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: from cleaning cache to alternative firmware

Why the Redmi Note 8T is slowing down and how to fix it

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T with Snapdragon 665 processor and 4 GB of RAM initially showed excellent performance, but over time, even this reliable device begins to “hang”: applications open for a long time, animations twitch, and games appear friezes, the reason for this is accumulated digital garbage, outdated firmware or unoptimized MIUI settings.

The main reasons for slowing down: 1. Fully memory (less than 10% of free space slows down the system). 2. Background processes and autoloading of unnecessary applications. 3. Fragmentation of the file system after long use. 4. An outdated version of MIUI with bugs or unnecessary Xiaomi services. 5. Overheating due to clogged ducts or worn-out thermal paste (relevant for devices older than 3 years).

This article presents unique acceleration methods for the Redmi Note 8T, including hidden MIUI 14 settings, processor kernel optimization, and secure removal of system applications without root rights. Let’s start with the simplest ways and get to the radical ones – with a complete reset or flashing.

1. Memory cleanup: from cache to junk files

The first thing to do is to make room for storage. The Redmi Note 8T has only 64/128GB of storage, and when there is less than 5-7GB of free space, the system starts to slow down due to constant overwriting of data. Start with manual cleaning:

• 📁 Delete unnecessary files: go to the files → Categories → Large files and delete old videos, APK, backup.
• 🧹 Clear the app cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Use a built-in cleaner: Safety → Cleanup → Deep cleaning (removes until removed) 1-3 GB of garbage).
• 📥 Move files to a memory card: If you have a microSD-enabled model, move photos and music to Settings → Warehouse → Data portability.

Pay special attention to the Download folder - unnecessary ones often accumulate here. APK-files and duplicate images. Also check the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails: It stores thumbnails of photos that can be safely deleted (they will be restored automatically).

💡

If less than 10GB is free after cleaning, consider transferring some applications to a memory card via Settings → Apps → [Select] → Storage → Change. But remember, not all programs support this feature.

2. Optimization of background processes and autoboot

MIUI is known for aggressively controlling background processes, but sometimes it works against the user. Many applications (especially social networks and instant messengers) continue to consume resources even when they are folded.

1. Turn off auto-start: Go to Settings → Applications → App Management → [Select App] → Auto-run and deactivate unnecessary programs. Especially for games, banking apps and taxi services – they do not need to work in the background all the time.
2. Limit background activity: In the same app menu, look for Battery → Background activity and select Limit for programs that don’t need to update themselves (e.g. news aggregators).
3. Set up Performance Mode: Activate it in Settings → Special Features → Performance Mode. This will turn off some MIUI visuals and speed up animation.

For advanced users, if you have root access, you can turn off Xiaomi system services that eat resources, like com.miui.analytics (statistics collection) or com.xiaomi.mipicks (ad service), but without root rights, it is better not to experiment, it can lead to failures.

Disable Auto-Run for 5+ Unnecessary Applications

Limit background activity of messengers

Activate the performance mode

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

3. Update of firmware: official and custom options

The outdated version of MIUI is one of the main reasons for the brakes. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that fix bugs and optimize the processor. Check the current version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. The latest stable version for the Redmi Note 8T is MIUI 14 based on Android 12.

How to update officially:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (update weighs 1.5-2.5 GB).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates and wait for the download.
4. Before installing, charge your phone to 50%+ and make a backup.

If the official update doesn’t work, consider custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which lacks the heavy MIUI interface and often works faster.

• 🔓 Unlock bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool).
• 📱 Install TWRP Recovery.
• 🔄 Completely wipe (cleaning data).

For the Redmi Note 8T, we recommend the Pixel Experience 13 (Android 13) firmware – it is optimized for the Snapdragon 665 and supports all basic features, including the Google Camera with night mode.

4. Reset to factory settings: when and how to do

If all the previous methods didn't work, the radical solution is hard reset, which will completely clean the phone of garbage, but will delete all the data, so first:

• 📤 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• 🔐 Write down usernames/passwords from your accounts (especially Mi Accounts).
• 📱 Charge your phone to at least 70%.

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Mark Clear all data and confirm the action.
4. After restarting, set your phone as new.

Resetting helps in 90% of cases where the brakes are caused by software errors, but if the problem is in the hardware (a worn-out memory, a degraded battery), the effect will be temporary.

💡

Resetting to factory settings is the most effective way to eliminate software brakes, but it won’t help with physical wear and tear of components (such as slow eMMC memory).

5. Iron Optimization: Cooling and Battery

Overheating is one of the causes of sudden braking. The Redmi Note 8T has a tendency to heat up due to its compact body and medium cooling. If the phone heats above 45°C (checked in Settings → About Phone → Battery Status), the processor begins trottling (automatic frequency reduction), which leads to lags.

How to lower the temperature:

• 🧊 Clean the charging and speaker connector from dust (use a soft brush or compressed air balloon).
• 🔋 Replace the heatpaste (relevant for older devices) 2 In the service center, it's worth it. ~1000-1500 ruble.
• 🎮 Use a cooler gamepad for long-term games (e.g. Black Shark FunCooler 2).
• ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight and do not use your phone while charging for resource-intensive tasks.

Also check the battery status: if its capacity has fallen below 80% of the original (checked in Settings → Battery → Status), this can cause sudden drops in performance. In this case, only a battery replacement will help (the original costs ~ 1500-2000 rubles).

💡

To quickly cool the phone in an emergency, turn it off, wrap it in a thin towel and put it in the fridge (NOT in the freezer!) for 10-15 minutes.This is a temporary solution, but will help avoid trottling.

6.Alternative launchers and developer settings

The MIUI interface is beautiful, but not the fastest. If you don't need Xiaomi's signature chips, install a lightweight launcher:

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – Minimalist, with gesture support.
• ⚡ Lawnchair is an open-source analogue of the Pixel Launcher.
• 📱 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for weak devices.

Also activate the developer settings and make the following changes:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to unlock the developer menu.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and turn on: Turn off window animation (accelerates application opening). Background processes → Standard limit (reduces the load on RAM). Do not save actions (prevents the latest applications from freezing).

These adjustments will make the interface less smooth visually, but will significantly speed up the system’s response, especially for devices with filled memory or worn-out flash memory.

7. Radical methods: memory replacement and kernel firmware

If all software methods are exhausted and the phone is still slowing down, the problem can be hardware degradation. The Redmi Note 8T often fails eMMC memory (especially for devices released in 2019-2020).

• 🐢 Slow recording/reading of files (copying takes place in the 2-3 time-longer than before).
• 🔄 Frequent reboots during intensive work.
• 📉 Sudden falls FPS in the games, despite the free RAM.

In this case, only replacing the memory chip in the service center (cost ~3000-5000 rubles) will help, and the alternative is an optimized kernel firmware (for example, Kernelsu or FrancoKernel), which better manages resources.

1. Unlocked bootloader.
2. Installed TWRP.
3. Experience with ADB and Fastboot.

For beginners, we recommend contacting the service. Incorrect kernel firmware can lead to a brick (complete inoperability) of the device.

Acceleration Comparisons: What Works Better

For most users, the optimal procedure is: Cleaning → Update → Reset → Cast Firmware.

Radical methods (replacement of memory, firmware) are justified only if the phone is used for games or resource-intensive tasks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 8T acceleration