Update Android on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) is still popular among users, despite the release of new models. However, over time, support for official updates from Xiaomi ends, and users face the need to manually update or switch to custom firmware. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to update Android on the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026, from standard OTA to installation via fastboot and TWRP.

It’s important to understand that the upgrade process depends on the current version of MIUI, regional firmware (Global, EEA, China, Russia) and bootloader status. If your smartphone has not received updates through Settings → Software Update, most likely Xiaomi has stopped official support for your model. But this does not mean that the update is impossible – below we will consider alternative methods, including switching to custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

Before you start, check the current version of MIUI: go to Settings → About → About Phone → MIUI Version. If the version is older than MIUI 12.5, we recommend upgrading to at least it – this is the latest stable official firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro with support for Android 11.

Official Update via OTA (over the air)

The easiest and safest way is to upgrade through the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) system.

• 📱 Your Redmi Note 8 Pro is still getting official updates (check on the official website). MIUI).
• 🔄 Current firmware is not modified (no root rights, custom recovery or modified system files).
• 📶 You have a stable Wi-Fi connection (upgrade weighs 1.5 to 3 GB).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (to avoid failures during installation).

To check for updates:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, download it and follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Note: If after checking the system says "No updates found", but you are sure that they should be, try changing the firmware region through Settings → Additionally. → Region (e.g. Russia to Global) Sometimes this helps to unlock hidden updates.

If OTA-Update is not available, go to the next method - manual installation via Recovery.

2. Manual update via Recovery (without loss of data)

If OTA doesn't work, but you want to stay on the official firmware, you can manually install the update via the stock recave, which saves all the data and settings, but requires pre-preparation.

First, download the correct firmware version for your region from the official website. For Redmi Note 8 Pro, select files marked:

• 🌍 Global – for the international version (e.g., for the international version, begonia_global_images...).
• 🇷🇺 Russia - for Russian firmware (if bought in Russia).
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European region.
• 🇨🇳 China – only if your smartphone is from China (requires unlocking the bootloader).

The firmware file should have a.zip extension and weigh about 2-3 GB. Do not download firmware from third sites - you risk getting viruses or a corrupted file.

Download official firmware for your region |Rename the file to update.zip|Transfer the file to the root of internal memory |Check battery (minimum 60%)|Deactivate password/fingerprint protection (at the time of the update)

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Follow the instructions:

1. Rename the downloaded file to update.zip (exact name is important!).
2. Put it in the root of your internal memory (not in folders!).
3. Turn off your smartphone.
4. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears (this is Recovery Mode).
5. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option), then:
6. Go to Install update.zip to System.
7. Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).
8. After the reboot, check the MIUI version in the settings.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone has been stuck on the Mi logo for more than 15 minutes after the update, then the firmware is not suitable for your region).

Update via Fastboot (with the bootloader blocked)

If previous methods failed and the bootloader on your Redmi Note 8 Pro is blocked, you still have the option of fastboot firmware, USB-The official Mi Flash Tool and cable tool.

Warning: Firmware via fastboot erases all data (including photos, messages, and apps). Backup in advance via Settings → Additional → Backup or Mi Cloud.

Download the necessary files:

• 🖥️ Official firmware for fastboot (file.tgz or.zip, weight) ~3GB).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (Firmware Utility).
• 🔌 Qualcomm Drivers for your PC (unless Windows recognizes your device in fastboot mode).

Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in the folder (for example, C:\begonia_fastboot).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers.
3. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to enter fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
6. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).
8. After successful firmware, the smartphone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then your bootloader is blocked and firmware is only possible through the official Mi Account (device binding is required).

4. Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware

If you want to install unofficial firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid), you first need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process requires waiting and binding an account.

From 2026, unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi takes a minimum of 168 hours (7 days) of waiting after an account is tied, and this rule applies to all models, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro. If you have already unlocked the bootloader before, you will not need to wait again.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
2. Log in to your Mi Account on your smartphone and enable synchronization.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line to activate Developer Mode.
4. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable:

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Unlock

After 7 days, try again - the bootloader will be unlocked.

Once unlocked, you can install custom firmware via TWRP. Popular options for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 📱 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) is fast and stable.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with pure Android and features from Google Pixel.
• 📱 crDroid – Optimized for Performance.
• 📱 MIUI EU — formal MIUI without Chinese services.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check for compatibility with the begonia model (codename Redmi Note 8 Pro). Some firmware is designed for begoniain (Indian version) and may not work.

5. Solving common errors in the update

When updating the Redmi Note 8 Pro, users often face typical problems.

If after the update, the smartphone does not turn on or freezes in the bootloop (cyclic reboot), try:

1. Press Volume up + Power for 20 seconds for forced reboot.
2. If it doesn’t help, then run through fastboot with a full cleanup.
3. Use the Xiaomi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option.

💡

If the IMEI is missing after the firmware or the mobile network is not working, then the /efs folder is damaged. You can restore it only through a backup or service center.

6.How to check the success of the update?

After installing the new firmware, you need to make sure everything goes right.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone and check:

Check the key functions:

• 📶 Mobile network and Wi-Fi.
• 🔊 Sound (speakers, microphone).
• 📷 Camera (main and front).
• 🔋 Charging (cable and wireless if supported).
• Run multiple apps (e.g. YouTube, Google Maps) to check for stability.

adb sideload path to file.zip

The process will take 5-10 minutes, and this method is suitable for installing official and some custom firmware.

OrangeFox Recovery is an advanced customized Recovery with support F2FS It's better for the Redmi Note. 8 Pro than standard TWRP, It works well with sections. dynamic_partitions. You can download it on the official website.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)