Why Xiaomi Redmi 8 is hot like an iron and what to do about it?
Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 Often faced with the problem of overheating โ the phone heats up to 45-50ยฐC when playing, charging or even in standby mode, this not only reduces performance, but also accelerates battery degradation, and in critical cases can lead to automatic shutdown of the device at higher temperatures. 60ยฐC (the protective threshold of this model) In this article, we will analyze the causes of overheating and give you 10 proven cooling methods โ from software settings to hardware solutions.
First, determine whether it is normal or critical heating. For the Redmi 8 (model M1908C3JG/M1908C3JH) are allowed:
- ๐ฅ 40-45ยฐC - under intense load (games, video shooting) 1080p, fast-charging).
- โ ๏ธ 45-50ยฐC โ signal to action: you need to cool the device.
- ๐จ 50ยฐC+ โ risk of trottling (decreased performance) or emergency shutdown.
If your Redmi 8 regularly reaches the top, the problem requires a comprehensive solution.
1.Diagnostics: How to check the temperature of the processor and battery
Before you cool your phone, you need to know what's warming up. Redmi 8's main heat sources are:
- ๐ Battery (5000 mAh) โ Heated when charged or discharged with currents >2A.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor โ trottling starts at 70ยฐC.
- ๐ถ Modem โ warms up at a weak network signal (constant search for a tower).
- ๐ฆ Screen โ especially at maximum brightness (>500 nits).
To monitor the temperature, use the following applications:
- ๐ CPU-Z โ Shows the temperature of the processor and battery in real time.
- ๐ก๏ธ AnTuTu Benchmark โ Tests Heating Under Load.
- ๐ GSam Battery Monitor โ analyzes battery consumption and heating.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the battery temperature exceeds 47ยฐC in standby mode, this is a sign of a malfunction of the battery or power controller, in which case a diagnosis is required at the service center.
| Component | Normal temperature | Critical temperature | Cause of overheating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor (Snapdragon 439) | 30-50ยฐC | 70ยฐC+ | Games, multitasking, viruses |
| Battery | 25-40ยฐC | 45ยฐC+ | Fast charging, battery wear |
| Screen. | 35ยฐC | 40ยฐC+ | Maximum brightness, direct sunlight |
| modem | 40ยฐC | 50ยฐC+ | Weak 4G signal, constant data transfer |
2. Software cooling methods: Android settings that will reduce heating
Start with software optimization โ this is the safest and fastest way to lower the temperature without disassembling the phone.
2.1. disable unnecessary background processes
In MIUI (even in the current versions of Redmi 8), many applications run in the background, loading the processor.
- Go to Settings โ Applications โ Permissions โ Autorun.
- Turn off auto-run for all applications except instant messengers and system services.
- In Settings โ Battery and Performance โ Battery Management, select the โSaving Chargeโ mode.
2.2. Limit processor performance
The Snapdragon 439 processor in Redmi 8 is prone to overheating due to the architecture of 12 nm.
- ๐ฎ Turn off improved graphics in games (in the settings of each game, select Low quality").
- ๐ Include a restriction FPS In Settings โ Additionally. โ Developer โ Limit background processes (set a limit of 30) FPS).
- โก Use the Kernel Adiutor app (root required) to reduce the maximum core frequency to 1.7 GHz (instead of the standard 1.95 GHz).
โ ๏ธ Warning: Forced root-enabled CPU frequency restriction can cause your phone to run in an unstable way. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.
โ๏ธ Checklist for Redmi 8 cooling through settings
3. Hardware Methods: How to Physically Cool Your Phone
If the software methods didn't work, move to physical cooling. Importantly, avoid extreme methods (like a refrigerator) that can cause condensation inside the enclosure.
Removable cover and external coolers
Cases made of silicone or plastic worsen heat transfer to the 15-20%. For Redmi. 8 fit:
- ๐ง Cases with aluminum inserts (for example, Spigen Thin Fit) โ remove heat from the case.
- ๐จ External coolers (e.g. Black Shark FunCooler) 2) โ lower the temperature 5-10ยฐC in games.
- ๐ Thermopasts (e.g. Arctic) MX-4) โ Apply to the processor after disassembling the phone (requires experience).
Proper charging: how not to overheat the battery
The Redmi 8 battery (5,000 mAh) is warmed by:
- โก Quick charge (>10W).
- ๐ Use of non-original cables.
- ๐ฑ Simultaneous charging and games.
Recommendations:
- Use the original adapter (10W) or charge with Quick Charge 3.0 support.
- Do not charge your phone in the sun or near heat sources.
- If the battery is >45ยฐC, turn off the charge for 10-15 minutes.
๐ก
If the phone is warming up even in standby mode, check the battery status in the AccuBattery app. If the capacity has dropped below 70% of the nominal (3500 mAh instead of 5000 mAh), the battery needs to be replaced.
4 Radical measures: disassembling the phone and replacing thermopaste
If neither method worked, the cause could be a dry heat paste between the processor and the radiator. In Redmi 8, the thermopaste is applied in the factory, but after 2-3 years it loses its properties.
The replacement will require:
- ๐ ๏ธ Set of screwdrivers (star) T3, T4).
- ๐งด Thermopaste (e.g. Arctic) MX-4 noctua NT-H1).
- ๐ฅ Dryer or thermo-air station for welding plumes (optional).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
- Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (temperature 80-90 ยฐ C) and put it under a plastic spatula.
- Unscrew 10 screws on a metal plate.
- Remove the plate and clean the old thermopaste with an alcohol tampon.
- Apply the new thermopaste with a thin layer (0.1-0.2 mm) on the processor.
- Put the phone back together.
โ ๏ธ Note: When disassembling the Redmi 8, it is easy to damage the fingerprint scanner plume (located under a metal plate.
What happens if you overheat Redmi 8 to 60ยฐC or higher?
5. Alternative solutions: firmware and custom cores
If your Redmi 8 runs on an older version of MIUI (below 12.5), unoptimized software may be the cause of the overheating. Updating the firmware or installing a custom core will help reduce heating.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Check the relevance of the firmware:
- Go to Settings โ About the phone โ System update.
- If a new version is available, download and install it.
- After the update, reset the cache to Settings โ Memory โ Clear the cache.
Installation of a custom core (for advanced)
Castomic cores (e.g., FrancoKernel or ElementalX) optimize power and cooling management.
- Unlock the bootloader (via the Mi Unlock Tool).
- Install TWRP Recovery (Redmi 8 version is here).
- Download the kernel (for example, from here) and run through TWRP.
Advantages of the custom core:
- ๐ Dynamic processor frequency control (less heating).
- ๐ก๏ธ Support for undervolting (reducing voltage at the cores).
- ๐ Optimized energy consumption (battery heats less).
๐ก
Installing a custom core requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the phone to factory settings and can take away warranty. Use this method only if you're prepared for the risks.
6.When to contact the service: signs of serious malfunctions
If none of the methods worked, the problem may be hardware.
- ๐ฅ Phone heats up to 50ยฐC+ standby).
- ๐ The battery is swollen (seen on the raised screen or back cover).
- ๐ฑ The phone spontaneously turns off when heated.
- ๐ป On the screen appear artifacts (stripes, flickering) when loaded.
- ๐ก The modem stopped catching the network (may indicate chip damage).
Average cost of repair in the service:
| Malfunction | Cost of repair (โฝ) | Repair time |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement of thermopaste | 800-1 500 | 1-2 hours |
| Battery replacement | 1 500-2 500 | 1 day |
| Maintenance of the motherboard (chip soldering) | 3 000-8 000 | 3-7 days |
| Replacement of the processor | 5 000-10 000 | 5-10 days |