Update Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to Android 10: official and alternative ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones of 2019, but its support for official updates is long overdue. However, many users still want to get Android 10 on this device — whether for compatibility with new apps, performance improvements, or just for the sake of experimentation. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating, from official (if they are still available) to custom firmware, taking into account the nuances of MediaTek Helio. G90T features MIUI.

It’s important to understand: Redmi Note 8 Pro originally shipped with Android 9 Pie, and the latest official update — MIUI 12.5 is based on Android 11 (for some regions).However, Android 10 as an intermediate version may be required for testing, rollback or use of specific features. From searching for official packages to installing unofficial builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

Before you get started, answer the key question: Why do you need Android 10? If the goal is just a current version of the OS, you might want to consider Android 11 or even Android 12 through custom firmware. If you want stability, the official methods (if they still work) will be preferable.

1. Check the current version of the software and compatibility

Before any firmware manipulations, you need to make sure that your device really needs an update, as well as check its current state.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the Version item MIUI — This will be the current slate (for example, MIUI Global 12.5.3 Stable).
3. Find the Android version below – if it’s already 10 or higher, no further action is required.
4. Write down the model of the device (should be) M1906G7G or M1906G7T for the global/Chinese version).

Pay special attention to the region of firmware:

• 🌍 Global – International version (supported by Google Services).
• 🇨🇳 China - Chinese firmware (without Google, but with local services).
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European version (c) GDPR-restraint).
• 🇷🇺 Russia – Russian localization (may differ from pre-installed applications).

If your Android version is below 10 and in the update settings (Settings) → The phone. → System upgrades are not offered, the official path is probably closed, and then there are only alternative methods, which will be discussed later.

⚠️ Note: Devices with unlocked bootloader and custom firmware may lose the warranty (if it is still valid) and face problems in the work of banking applications, Google Pay or Mi Pay.

2. Official update through MIUI Updater (if available)

Although Redmi Note 8 Pro has been removed from official support for a long time, service packs may still be available in some regions. MIUI Updater, you can check it out like this:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (updates weigh 1.5-2.5 GB).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if there is no such option, there are no official updates).
4. If you find an update, download it and wait for the suggestion to install.

If the system says, This is the latest version or no updates, the official path is closed, and you can try:

• 🔄 Change the region of the firmware through MIUI bootloader (Risky, Can Lead to Brick).
• 📥 Manually download firmware from the site Xiaomi Firmware and install through System Update → Select a Service Package.
• 🔧 Use it. MI Flash Tool for full flashing (requires unlocking the bootloader).

⚠️ Note: Installing firmware from another region may result in loss of communication (modem incompatibility), sensor errors, or complete device failure.

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An official update is the safest way, but for the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026, it is unlikely, and in 90% of cases, you will need manual firmware or custom builds.

3. Preparation of the device for manual update

If the official path is not available, you will have to resort to manual methods.

Make a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)|Charge your phone at least to 60%|Download the right firmware for your model|Install MediaTek drivers (for PC)|Prepare. USB-cable (preferably original)|Disable screen lock (PIN/graphical)

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Pay special attention to backup. Even if you plan to upgrade without resetting, an error in the process can lead to data loss.

• 📱 Local copying to a memory card or PC (via Settings) → Additionally. → Backup and reset).
• ☁️ Cloud services: Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Dropbox.
• 🔧 Specialized utilities such as Titanium Backup (require root).

For hand-flashing through MI Flash Tool or Fastboot will be required:

1. Unlocked bootloader (if you install custom firmware) You need to apply on the Xiaomi Unlock website and wait for approval (can take up to 72 hours).
2. MediaTek drivers for PC (you can download from the official website).
3. Firmware in.tgz or.zip (for Recovery) or.img (for Fastboot).

Critical detail: Redmi Note 8 Pro is built on a chip MediaTek Helio G90T, It's not Qualcomm Snapdragon, which means that the standard tools are like, ADB/Fastboot may not work properly, and some operations will require specialized software SP Flash Tool.

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If you’ve never flashed a smartphone on MediaTek, practice on a less important device or learn how to work with a smartphone. SP Flash Tool: An error in choosing a scatter file can "brick" the phone.

4. Install Android 10 through custom firmware

If there are no official updates, and Android 10 is needed as an intermediate version (for example, for compatibility with older applications), there is a variant with custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS 17.1 – Android 10 without a clean MIUI, but with the support of most functions.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – Android 10 with Google Pixel interface.
• 🇨🇳 Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI Android 10 based (only for experienced users).
• ⚡ Havoc-OS - custom firmware with advanced settings.

Installation process (LineageOS example):

1. Unlock the bootloader (see Section 3).
2. Install custom recovery — TWRP (The version should support MediaTek Helio G90T). You can download it on the official website.
3. Download firmware (.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services) from the LineageOS website.
4. Download to TWRP (hold Power + Volume Up when enabled).
5. Make a complete reset (Wipe) → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik, System, Data, Cache).
6. Install firmware and GApps via Install.
7. Restart (the first launch can take 10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware on Redmi Note 8 Pro often encounter problems with the camera (due to the closed source code of the MediaTek drivers) and modem (networks may disappear). 4G/VoLTE). Before installing, check the reviews on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

5. rollback from Android 11 to Android 10 (if necessary)

If your Redmi Note 8 Pro has already upgraded to Android 11, but you want to return to Android 10 (for example, due to performance or compatibility issues), this is possible, but with reservations:

• 🔙 Official rollback impossible - Xiaomi does not provide downgrade packages.
• 📉 You can use Fastboot to flash the old version. MIUI Android 10 is based, but this will lead to a complete reset.
• 🔧 Through TWRP — If you already have custom recovery installed, you can flash any compatible firmware.

Step-by-step instructions for rollback through MI Flash Tool:

1. Download the full Fastboot firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the Android 10 version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\begonia_global_images_...).
3. Install. MI Flash Tool and MediaTek Drivers.
4. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot.
5. Connect the phone to the PC and in MI Flash Tool Select a Firmware Folder.
6. Press Refresh, then Flash (select the clean all option).
7. Wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes) and restart.

Important: After a rollback, it may be necessary to:

• 🔄 Select vendor and modem separately (if there is no network).
• 📱 Reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Reset.
• 🔒 Re-unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked).

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Retracement to an older version of Android is always risky – there may be problems with the application, sensors or modem, it is recommended to do this only when urgently needed.

6. Solving problems after the update

Even if the upgrade is successful, there are typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If after the update the device is fixated on the logo MI:

1. Hold the Power. + Volume Up 10-15 seconds to log in to Recovery.
2. Choose Wipe Data → Factory Reset.
3. If it doesn’t work, run the firmware again through Fastboot.

To diagnose errors, use the following logs:

adb logcat > log.txt

This command must be executed in Command Prompt with the phone connected (with debugging enabled). USB). Log will help you find the cause of the problem in the forums.

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If banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) have stopped working after firmware, try hiding root with Magisk (Magisk Hide option) or install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.

7. Alternative ways to get Android 10 features without firmware

If the upgrade seems too risky but you need specific Android 10 features, consider alternative options:

• 📱 Use Launcher: Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair for an interface similar to Android 10.
• 🔒 Developer Settings: Enable Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times to tap) → Developer Mode and activate features like Navigation Gesture or Dark Theme for all apps.
• 🛠️ Magisk modules: With Magisk, you can install modules that add Android 10 features (for example, Android 10 Navigation Gestures).
• ☁️ Cloud Services: Some features (e.g., Digital Wellbeing) can be replaced by Google Play.

For installation of Magisk modules:

1. Unlock the bootloader and install Magisk through TWRP.
2. Download the desired module (for example, Android10_Gestures.zip) site XDA Developers.
3. Install the module through Magisk Manager and restart.

Example: To get navigation gestures like Android 10, install Fluid Navigation Gestures or customize built-in gestures MIUI (Settings → Display. → Full screen mode).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note update 8 Pro