How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to Android 11: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones released in 2019. Despite the fact that the device originally shipped with Android 9 Pie (MIUI 10), many users still want to upgrade it to a more recent version of the OS. Android 11 brings improved performance, new privacy features and an optimized interface, but official support for this model is limited. In this guide, we will examine all possible ways to upgrade – from official (if they are still available) to alternative methods using custom firmware.

It's important to understand that the Redmi Note 8 Pro is powered by a Mediatek Helio G90T processor, which puts some limitations on the upgrade process. Unlike the Qualcomm Snapdragon devices, you can't just flash any firmware through fastboot, you need a special approach, and we'll go into detail about each step, including preparation, firmware selection, and problem solving.

1. Check the current version of the software and compatibility

Before you start the update, you need to make sure that your device supports Android 11. Xiaomi officially released an update to MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, but Android 11 is available only for a limited number of regions and through beta programs.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Check out the MIUI version and the Android version.
3. Compare this to the latest official builds on MIUI Downloads.

If your version of Android 10 with MIUI 12.5 is the most that Xiaomi officially offers.To move to Android 11, you will need to use custom firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or modified versions of MIUI from third-party developers.

⚠️ Note: Installing unofficial firmware will void the warranty and may cause the device to operate unstable.Be sure to back up your data through Settings before starting the process. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

2. Official method of updating (if available)

In rare cases, Xiaomi may offer an upgrade to Android 11 via beta or regional firmware.

• 📱 Open the System Update (or Settings) application → The phone. → Update MIUI).
• 🔍 Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Checker.
• 🌐 If no update is found, try changing the firmware region through Settings. → Additionally. → Region (e.g. India or Europe).

If the system offers an upgrade to MIUI 12.5 Enhanced or MIUI 13 based on Android 11, you can safely install it via OTA (over the air).

Important: The only official way to get Android 11 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is to flash the Indian beta version of MIUI 12.5.3, but it may contain bugs and doesn't support Google Services out of the box.

3. Preparation for the installation of custom firmware

If there's no official update, there's only one way to do it, which is to install custom firmware, and this process requires unlocking the bootloader, installing customized Recovery (TWRP) and manual firmware.

Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your phone at least 70%

Download firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS 18.1)

Install Mediatek and ADB drivers on PC

Get permission to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

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The first step is to unlock the bootloader.

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in About Phone).
3. Activate. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the unlock instructions.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi can block unlock for 7 to 30 days if you haven't done this before.

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you need to install TWRP Recovery. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, there is a special version of TWRP with Mediatek support:

• 🔗 Download the official TWRP for your model.
• 💻 Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command to ADB: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_begonia.img fastboot reboot recovery

4. Install Android 11 via custom firmware

Now that you have the bootloader unlocked and TWRP installed, you can start running the firmware. We'll look at two popular options: Pixel Experience (pure Android) and LineageOS (stable alternative).

Method 1: Pixel Experience (Android 11)

Pixel Experience offers an interface as close as possible to Google’s stock Android, with support for all of Android 11’s features, including:

• 📱 New navigational gestures
• 🔒 Permits for one-time access
• 📊 Notification bubbles
• 🎵 Built-in equalizer

Installation instructions:

1. Download the latest version of Pixel Experience for begonia (codenamed Redmi Note 8 Pro).
2. Reboot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up).
3. Do a full reset (Wipe → Advanced Wipe, select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
4. Install the firmware through Install → Select the file → Swipe to the right.
5. After installation, run Open GApps (select ARM64 → 11 → pico).
6. Reboot the system.

Method 2: LineageOS 18.1

LineageOS is a more stable alternative, but with a less Googled interface, suitable for those who value performance and minimalism.

• 🔗 Download LineageOS 18.1.
• 🔄 Repeat steps with TWRP (Reset, firmware installation, GApps).
• 🔧 When you first start, set up root access through Settings → System system → For developers, if required.

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If your mobile network is not working after firmware, try flashing a separate modem.img file from stock firmware in TWRP, which often solves communication problems on Mediatek.

5. Solving common problems after the update

Even if you successfully install custom firmware, you may have problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, go back to stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official firmware for your region.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (hold Volume Down + Power).
4. Select the firmware folder and press Flash.

6. Alternative methods: Project Elixir and other firmware

If the Pixel Experience or LineageOS isn’t right for you, consider other custom firmware optimized for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 🧪 Project Elixir - firmware based on AOSP with extended customization settings.
• 🔥 HaventOS – lightweight firmware with a focus on performance.
• 🌿 Corvus OS — Balance between stability and new functions.
• 📱 MIUI 13 Port - Unofficial assemblies MIUI 13 based on Android 11.

All these firmware are installed via TWRP similar to the method described above.Be sure to check user reviews on forums (XDA Developers, 4PDA) before installing - some builds may contain critical bugs.

Installation of MIUI 13 Port requires:

1. Download firmware from XDA.
2. Make sure the version is relevant to your region (e.g. Global or India).
3. Swipe through TWRP with pre-Wipe System.

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Unofficial MIUI ports may contain spyware or advertising, and download firmware only from trusted sources (XDA, official developer cable channels).

7.Optimize Android 11 after installation

After successful firmware Android 11, it is recommended to follow several steps to improve performance and stability:

• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🛠️ Turn off unnecessary background processes in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 🔒 Set up permissions for applications in Settings → Confidentiality.

For additional optimization, you can use Magisk and modules:

• MagiskDelta – to update the firmware without losing data.
• Universal SafetyNet Fix – for the SafetyNet (necessary for banking applications)
• ViPER4Android is designed to improve sound.

If you are experiencing overheating, try limiting background activity through Settings → Battery → Performance Mode or install an alternative core (like Kernelsu).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)