How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 to the current version of MIUI

The Redmi Note 8 series, released several years ago, is still popular due to its balanced features and affordable price. However, over time, the operating system and applications require more recent versions to work correctly, which forces users to look for ways to update the software. The update process is a critical stage of the device maintenance, allowing not only to get new features, but also to close security vulnerabilities.

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 model often face a situation where the standard notification of a new firmware version does not come, although innovations are already being discussed on global forums. This may be due to the regional features of the distribution of updates or the specifics of your version of the software. In this material, we will discuss in detail all available methods, from the standard version of the software. OTA-Update to manual flashing through the computer.

Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to clearly understand which version of the operating system you want to install. Incorrect firmware selection (for example, trying to install the Chinese version on top of the global version without unlocking the bootloader) can lead to the failure of the device. For Redmi Note 8 models with a Snapdragon 665 processor, it is critically important not to mix firmware from versions with a Helio G85 processor (Redmi Note 8 2021), since they are physically incompatible.

Preparation of the device for the installation of new firmware

Any interference with the software of a smartphone requires preparation that minimizes the risk of data loss. The first step should always be to create a complete backup of all important information: contacts, photos, correspondence in messengers and documents. Even if you plan to just upgrade "over the air", having a backup is the gold standard of digital hygiene.

Be sure to check the battery status of your Redmi Note 8. Battery should be at least 60% charged, ideally fully charged.The process of writing new system files is energy intensive, and suddenly turning off the smartphone in the middle of the procedure can damage the system partition.

• 📱 Release at least 5-8 GB of free memory in internal storage for downloading and unpacking the update archive.
• 🔌 Use the original. USB-cable and charger if you plan to connect your smartphone to your PC.
• ☁️ Make sure that sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive is successful and your data is stored in the cloud.

It is also worth paying attention to the stability of the Internet connection. To download heavy service packs, which can weigh up to 2-3 GB, it is recommended to use high-speed Wi-Fi. Mobile Internet can be unstable, which will lead to a download error and the need to start the process again.

⚠️ Note: If your device has modified system files installed or root access, the standard update may not be installed or result in a cyclical reboot.

Standard update of OTA through smartphone settings

The easiest and safest way to upgrade the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism, which does not require a computer connection or complex technical knowledge.

To start the check, go to the Settings menu, then select About Phone and click on the large MIUI version icon. If the update is available, the Download button will appear. Once you have finished downloading and checking the files, the system will prompt you to restart for installation.

Sometimes servers are updated in stages, and not all users are not not notified at the same time, so you can try to artificially trigger a check by clicking on the MIUI version several times quickly, which activates the hidden file selection menu, which we will talk about in the next section.

• 🔄 The standard path is secure and stores all user data without having to delete it.
• 🌍 The update comes in waves, so on different devices of the same model it can appear at different times.
• 📉 If the battery runs below 15% during boot, the system will suspend the process before charging.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the installation process after restarting the phone when the logo is displayed on the screen MIUI Forced shutdown at this point could damage the boot sector.

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If the update hasn’t been coming in a few months, try changing the region in settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to Indonesia or India, check for updates, and then return your region.

Manual installation via Recovery Mode (Local Update)

If the automatic update doesn’t work or you want to install a specific firmware version (for example, roll back to a more stable or update manually), the Local Update method is used. To do this, you will need to download the firmware archive in.zip format from the official MIUI Downloads website, making sure that it is designed specifically for the Redmi Note 8 (codename ginkgo).

Once the file is uploaded, place it in the root of internal memory or in a folder. downloaded_rom. Then go to the update menu (as in the previous section), click the three dots in the corner of the screen and select "Select File." The system will check the checksum of the archive and, if correct, prompt you to install it.

It is important to understand the difference between firmware types. For this method, you need Recovery ROM, not Fastboot ROM (which has the extension.tgz). Install the wrong type of archive through this menu is impossible - the system will give a compatibility error.

The installation process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of change and the memory speed of the device. The phone will reboot several times, which is normal behavior. Don't panic if the screen goes out and lights up again - there is a reallocation of system partitions.

Update via computer and Fastboot mode

For advanced users who need to thoroughly clean the system or restore a locked phone with an update, Fastboot mode is designed. This method requires a Windows computer, a driver installed. ADB/Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool utility.

The first step is to put the smartphone in Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the Redmi Note 8 completely, and then press the power and volume buttons at the same time. The image of a hare repairing an android will appear on the screen, which signals a successful transition to bootloader mode.

Once you connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button and your serial number device should appear in the list. Choose the path to the unpacked Fastboot ROM firmware folder. Note the switch in the lower right corner: the clean all option will delete all data completely, and save user data will try to save it (but may cause errors when you change the Android version).

• 💻 A stable connection is required for USB and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔓 Fastboot flashing often (but not always) requires an unlocked bootloader (Unlock Bootloader).
• ⚡ The firmware process cannot be interrupted: disconnecting the cable will lead to a brick of the device.

When you press Flash, you start recording memory sectors, the progress meter will move unevenly, and commands will appear in the log, and when you complete the log, you'll see green "Success," and the phone will automatically reboot to the new system.

Solving errors when updating the Redmi Note 8

During the update process, Xiaomi users may encounter various errors, the codes of which are displayed on the screen or in the program log. One of the most common is the "Can't verify update", which occurs when you try to install firmware with another region (for example, Global on China) without unlocking the bootloader.

Another common problem is the “Zip validation failed” error, which means that the firmware file is corrupted when downloading or does not match the device model. Always check the checksums (MD5) of downloaded files and use only official sources.

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Most update errors are not due to hardware malfunction, but to a mismatch between the firmware version and the device region or a lack of free memory.

If the phone went into a bootloop after the upgrade, try recovery (power + volume up) and reset to factory settings (Wipe Data), which will delete all data, but often saves the system after a failed update.

⚠️ Note: If you upgrade your device with the bootloader unlocked, some banking applications may stop working due to a security integrity breach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)