How to increase RAM on Xiaomi Redmi 8T: all the ways from virtual RAM to upgrade hardware

Xiaomi Redmi 8T with its 3 or 4 GB of RAM is still a popular budget smartphone, but over time, even such modest specs begin to “sink”. Apps slow down, games are laid down, and the system constantly kills background processes – a familiar picture? In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to increase RAM on the Redmi 8T, from software tricks to radical hardware solutions.

It's important to understand that you can't physically replace RAM on a smartphone without specialized hardware and the risk of disabling the device, but there are legal and semi-legal optimization methods that can squeeze 3-4 GB out of the available maximum, and we've tested each one and honestly tell you what to expect from each approach, from virtual RAM to overclocking the processor.

Spoiler: There are no miracles. If your Redmi 8T doesn't pull on modern games or multitasking, no software will turn it into a flagship. But a smart setup can give you a 15-30% increase in productivity — and that's a lot for a budgetary 2019.

1. Virtual RAM: How to get a smartphone to use internal memory as RAM

The easiest and safest way to increase RAM is to activate the RAM (RAM Expansion) function, which forces the system to use part of the internal drive as an additional RAM, which is hidden in the engineering menu on the Redmi 8T, but can be enabled without root permissions.

How does it work? The smartphone reserves 1-3 GB of internal memory (depending on settings) and uses it to caching frequently used applications. The effect: less reboots of background processes, smoother multitasking. Minus: less available space for files and applications.

• 🔧 How to Enable: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (slip 7 once to activate the developer mode. Then open Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Memory extension and select volume (recommended) 1-2 GB).
• ⚡ The effect: Increase in multitasking on 10-20%, but without any noticeable acceleration in games.
• ⚠️ The Pitfall: When using virtual RAM It wears out your internal memory faster (especially if you have a cheap eMMC stick installed).

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If after activating virtual RAM smartphone began to warm or quickly discharge, reduce the volume to 1 GB or turn off the function completely.

Important: on Redmi 8T with firmware older than MIUI 12.5, the function may not work stable. If you have lags after you turn on, reset your settings through Settings → System → Reset your settings → Reset all settings (the data will not be deleted).

System optimization: how to free RAM without additional programs

Before you rush to increase your memory, try to free up the memory you already have. There are many background processes in MIUI that you can turn off without compromising functionality. Here is a checklist of actions that will give you +15-25% free RAM:

Disable the autoload of unnecessary applications|Limit background activity of software|Delete cache and junk files|Turn off animation and visual effects-->

Let's take a closer look at each item:

• 🚫 Autoboot: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Autostart and disable autoboot for all programs except messengers and system services, which will reduce the number of processes that start when you turn on your phone.
• 🔄 Background activity: In the same application management menu, find the Background Limitation section and set the "No Limits" restriction for all games and social networks (paradox, but this prevents their spontaneous restart).
• 🗑️ Cache and garbage: Use the built-in Cleanup utility (broom sign in the settings menu) or third-party apps like SD Maid to delete temporary files. Clear cache once a week.
• 🎨 Animation: Activate Developer Mode (as in the previous section) and in Settings → For developers, set: The scale of the window animation → Animation disabled Transition animation scale → Animation disabled Duration of animation → 0.5x

Once a week.|Once a month|Only when the phone is slowing down.|Never clean.-->

Another work trick is shutting down. MIUI-To do this, install any launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) and make it the default launcher. RAM It's a simpler interface. 8T s 3 This approach gives an increase in the 200-300 MB of free memory.

3. Using microSD as RAM: myth or reality?

There are often instructions on the Internet to turn a memory card into RAM using applications like ROEHSOFT RAM-EXPANDER or Swapfile, which doesn’t work on modern smartphones, including the Redmi 8T, for three reasons:

1. Android architecture: Starting with version 6.0, the system blocks the use of swap files at the user level without root rights.
2. MicroSD:UHS-I speed is 10-20 times slower than RAM.Swap file on it will only worsen performance.
3. Storage wear: Constantly overwriting data to a microSD will quickly disable it (especially cheap A1 cards).

If you want to experiment, you can try creating a swap file on internal memory (not microSD!).

• Root rights (receiving instructions for Redmi 8T in the next section).
• Terminal Emulator app.
• Commands to create swap: su dd if=/dev/zero of=/data/swapfile bs=1024 count=524288 mkswap /data/swapfile swapon /data/swapfile

⚠️ Note: This method shortens the life of internal memory and can lead to data loss.We do not recommend it on a daily smartphone.

4.CPU and core overclocking: a risky way to speed up a smartphone

The Redmi 8T is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor that can be overclocked to increase performance, which will not add RAM, but will allow you to use it more efficiently, minus: overheating, shortening the life of the chip and the risk of “bricking” the device.

To accelerate, you'll need:

1. Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
2. Installed Custom Recavery (TWRP)
3. A core with overclocking support (e.g., FrancoKernel or ElementalX).

Instructions for acceleration:

1. Install the custom core through TWRP.
2. Download Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel Manager.
3. In the CPU section, increase the maximum frequency by 10-15% of the standard.
4. In the GPU section, raise the frequency by 50-100 MHz.
5. Save the settings and restart the smartphone.

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The increase in productivity will increase the 10-30%, It reduces the time of autonomous operation by 15-25%. Use this method only if you are willing to put up with frequent recharges and potential overheating.

⚠️ Note: If after overclocking the smartphone began to turn off when loaded or the temperature of the processor exceeds 70°C, return the standard settings immediately, and running this way for long periods of time could damage the motherboard.

5. RAM replacement: Is it real on the Redmi 8T?

Technically, you can replace the RAM chip with the Redmi 8T, but this is:

• 💰 Expensive: The cost of working in the service center will be 50-70% from the price of a new smartphone.
• ⚠️ Risky: The probability of damage to the motherboard during soldering is about 30%.
• ⏳ Not long: Even after the upgrade to 6-8 GB, weak Snapdragon processor 665 It will be a bottleneck».

If you do decide, here's what you need to know:

• 🔧 Compatible chips: Modules will work LPDDR4X from Samsung, for example, K3UH7H70AM-AGCL) or micron (MT53D512M32D2NP-046).
• 📏 Volume: Maximum that you can install - 6 GB (chips of 3 GB) × 2).
• 🛠️ Equipment: A heat-air soldering station (850) will be required°C), flux RMA-223 experience with BGA-chip.

Replacement process:

1. Take apart the smartphone (instructions for disassembling Redmi 8T – on YouTube).
2. Take off the screen and the battery.
3. Heat the motherboard to 250°C to remove the old chip.
4. Clear the contact areas with alcohol.
5. Install a new chip by aligning it with the tags.
6. Silk the chip at a temperature of 380-400 ° C.
7. Check the chain with a multimeter for a short circuit.

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If you've never soldered BGA-If you make a mistake, you'll damage the circuit board, and you'll have to throw away your smartphone.

Alternative replacement — purchase used Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3 with 6 GB of RAM. This will cost less and guaranteed to give performance gains.

6. Alternative solutions: what to do if nothing helps

If all the methods have been tried and the Redmi 8T is still slowing down, consider these options:

• 📱 Lite versions of apps: Install Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, Twitter Lite – they consume in the app 2-3 less RAM.
• 🎮 Cloud Gaming: Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW You can play heavy games on a weak iron (you need a good Internet connection).
• ⚡ Firmware for pure Android: Castom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience are deprived of a “heavy” shell MIUI They work faster.
• 🔄 Upgrade: If budget allows, consider buying a new smartphone with 6+ GB RAM (e.g., RAM, POCO M4 Pro or Redmi Note 11).

For those who want to make the most of the Redmi 8T, we recommend a combination of:

1. Activate virtual RAM (1-2 GB).
2. Install a custom core with optimizations for the Snapdragon 665.
3. Use the Nova Launcher instead of the standard launcher.
4. Clean the cache once every 3-4 days.

This kit gives the best balance between performance and stability without the risk of damaging the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about increasing RAM on Redmi 8T