How to upgrade Xiaomi smartphone to Android 8.0 Oreo: all ways and pitfalls

Why Android 8.0 Oreo is still relevant for Xiaomi in 2026

Android 8.0 Oreo released by Google in 2017 The reason for this is the stability of the work, optimization for weak processors and the lack of a “heavy” interface. MIUI Many models, like the Redmi Note. 4/4X, Redmi 5/5 Plus or Mi. A1, It was officially received by Oreo, but after the updates to MIUI 10/11 And so, if you go back to the eight or you put it in the first place, it can bring back performance.

However, there is a caveat: since 2022, Xiaomi has completely stopped supporting Android 8 through official update channels" (OTA) You can't upgrade to Oreo, just through hand firmware. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to upgrade, including official firmware, custom builds, and workarounds for models that have never received Oreo from the manufacturer.

Before you get started, answer a key question: Why do you need Android 8.0? If the goal is to improve the performance of an old smartphone, you might want to consider alternatives like LineageOS 15.1 (based on Oreo) or light firmware like the Pixel Experience. If you want stock firmware from Xiaomi, read on.

Redmi Note 4/4X (mido/santoni)

Redmi 5/5 Plus (rosy/vince)

Mi A1 (tissot)

Another Xiaomi model

I don't know the model.-->

List of Xiaomi models that officially support Android 8.0 Oreo

Not all Xiaomi smartphones have received an Oreo update. Below is a table with models for which there are official firmware based on Android. 8.0/8.1. Please note that even if your model is on the list, it does not guarantee a successful upgrade – it all depends on the current version of the software and regional firmware.

If your model isn't in the table, it doesn't mean that an upgrade isn't possible. 4/4X (prada/santoni) Oreo is not officially available, but there are ported firmware from other devices (for example, from Redmi Note). 4X). We will discuss this in the section on alternative methods.

⚠️ Attention: Installing firmware from another model (cross-flashing) is fraught with a "brick" (complete failure of the device). 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Preparing a smartphone for an update: 5 mandatory steps

Regardless of the upgrade method chosen, device preparation is a critical step: skipping one point can cause data loss, firmware failure, or even phone failure, starting with the most obvious but often ignored step:

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

Check the battery power (minimum 60%)

Find out the current version MIUI Android

Download the right firmware for your model

Prepare the cable. USB and PC (for manual firmware)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Even if you upgrade "over the air", a failure can happen at any time.

• 📱 Use the built-in Settings function → Additionally. → Backup (creates a.mbk file)
• ☁️ Upload important files to Google Drive or Mi Cloud (unless your account is blocked)
• 💻 Copy folders. DCIM, Downloads and WhatsApp to your computer via MTP
• 📞 Export contacts to.vcf file via Contacts → Management → Exports

Also check if the bootloader is unlocked. If you've never flashed the phone before, it's probably locked. For official firmware via Mi Flash, you don't need to unlock it, but for custom software (like LineageOS), you need to know the bootloader status.

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, the bootloader is locked.

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If your Xiaomi is not detected in fastboot mode, try using the original cable from the kit or install Mi drivers. USB Driver from the official website.

Method 1: Update via Recovery (for official firmware)

The safest way to upgrade to Android 8.0 is to use In-built Recovery, which is best if:

• 📲 Your model officially supports Oreo (see table above)
• 🔄 Current version MIUI not more than the target (for example, with MIUI 9 MIUI 10)
• 📥 You have a firmware file in.zip format for Recovery

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com.Look for the version marked "Recovery" ROM".
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Press the Power + Volume buttons up to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if you have an option), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (usually 5-15 minutes).
6. After rebooting, reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has been stuck on the Mi logo for more than 20 minutes after the update, force it to turn off (press Power for 10 seconds) and repeat the firmware. If the problem recurs, go through Fastboot (method 2).

For Mi models A1 The process is different: since this device is on pure Android, the update is done through the standard Settings menu. → System system → Update the system, however, if OTA-Updates are not available, you can manually download a file from Google and install it via Recovery (similar to the instructions above).

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Official firmware through Recovery is the most reliable method, but it only works for supported models. If your smartphone is not on the list, read about alternative methods.

Method 2: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

If you can't update through Recovery (for example, because of damaged partitions), you'll have to use the Mi Flash Tool, a firmware utility that you can use through Fastboot, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 🖥️ Computer running Windows (7/10/11)
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (not a cheap replacement!)
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (for custom firmware only)

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiFlash\rom).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for your model.
3. Turn off the phone and shut down the power. + Volume down to enter Fastboot (bunny will appear with the inscription Fastboot).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. In Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the firmware folder, then Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all – Clean all and lock – Clean all and lock + Save user data - saving data (may cause errors)

Flash

If the process is in error (e.g., anti-rollback), then your current version is the same. MIUI It's a newer target, and the firmware is locked, and then you can only roll back through. EDL-The regime (about it in the next section).

Method 3: Alternative methods (for unsupported models)

If your Xiaomi model hasn’t officially received Android 8.0, but you still want to upgrade, there are three options:

1. Ported firmware is the official firmware from other models, adapted by enthusiasts. 4X (santoni) can be installed by Redmi Note 4X (The risk of a brik is high, but if it goes well, you'll get a full Oreo.
2. Custom firmware, such as LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8.1) or Resurrection Remix, requires an unlocked bootloader and customization. TWRP Recovery.
3. Firmware through EDL — Emergency mode, which allows you to flash your phone even with a damaged system, requires special cable or boxing (for example, UFi Box) and knowledge of QFil or MiFlashPro commands.

Let’s take a closer look at LineageOS 15.1, as it’s the most versatile option:

Unlock the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock

Install TWRP Recovery for your model

Download LineageOS 15.1 and GApps (e.g. OpenGapps nano)

Make a full backup of the current system in TWRP-->

Installation instructions:

1. Download LineageOS 15.1 for your model (for example, lineage-15.1-20260310-nightly-mido-signed.zip For the Redmi Note 4).
2. Download OpenGapps (select the platform) ARM64, Android 8.1, a Nano or Pico variant).
3. Reboot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
4. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
5. Install LineageOS, then Gapps (don’t reboot between installations!).
6. After installation, run Wipe → Format Data (required!), then restart.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may not support some features such as VoLTE, Widevine L1 (for Netflix HD) Check the list of bugs on the forum before installing. XDA.

To run through the EDL, you will need:

• 🔧 Special cable with contact closure (or box type) UFi/EasyJTAG).
• 💻 MiFlashPro or QFil.
• 📦 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format.

This is a complex and risky method, and it's usually used to restore bricked phones, and if you're a beginner, you'd better see a specialist.

Typical errors and their solutions

When upgrading to Android 8.0, Xiaomi users most often face five problems, and we put them together in a table with solutions:

If the update has lost Root access, it must be installed again through Magisk (for Android 8.0, the Magisk version is suitable). v20.4 Or newer:

1. Download. Magisk.zip official website.
2. Reboot to TWRP.
3. Install. Magisk.zip Like a normal zip file.
4. Restart and check root through the Magisk Manager app.

If after all the manipulations, the phone stopped turning on (black screen, vibration without image), it can be a soft brick. EDL Or Test Point:

1. Take apart the phone and find Test Points (for each model they are their own, look for schemes on the phone). 4PDA).
2. Close the contacts with tweezers and connect USB-plug-in.
3. The device manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Run your phone through MiFlashPro or QFil.

What to do after a successful update

Congratulations! Your Xiaomi is now running Android 8.0 Oreo. But to keep it running smoothly, follow a few steps:

• 🔄 Make a reset of settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset: This will eliminate any conflicts between old data and the new system.
• 🔒 Turn it on. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB In Settings → For developers (if you plan to further manipulate the firmware).
• 🛡️ Update Google Play Services and all apps through Play Market.
• 📡 Check the mobile network and Wi-Fi. If you have problems, check the modems (firmware-update in the phone). TWRP).
• 🎯 Disable unnecessary system applications through ADB (For example, pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics to disable statistics collection).

To improve performance on Android 8.0, we recommend:

• 🚀 Install Greenify for hibernation of background applications.
• 🔋 Disable animation in Settings → For developers (set all animation values on the 0.5x or Otklaz.).
• 🗑️ Clean the cache once a month through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Use light launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.

If you've updated the Mi A1 Up to pure Android 8.1, pay attention to the project "AOSP Extended is a custom firmware with advanced settings, but no excess debris from Xiaomi.

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After upgrading to Android 8.0, roll back from using “heavy” apps (such as Facebook or Instagram) – replace them with lighter versions (Facebook Lite, Instagram Lite) or the web version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about upgrading Xiaomi to Android 8.0