How to update Android on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 T

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 T, released at the end of 2019 based on the Snapdragon 665 processor, originally shipped with the shell MIUI 10. During its life cycle, the device received several major updates of the operating system, getting to MIUI 11 and MIUI 12 based on Android 10. For many users, the question of the relevance of the software is acute, as new versions of Google applications and services require more recent security protocols.

The process of software modernization on Xiaomi devices has its own features, different from stock Android. The owner of the device should clearly understand the difference between updating through the interface and complete flashing, so as not to lose data or turn the gadget into a “brick.” In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of updating the software for your model.

It’s worth noting that the official major Android updates for this model have already been completed by the manufacturer, but getting the latest security patches and system optimizations remains an important task to keep the device running smoothly.

Check the current version and availability of updates

Before you start taking action, you need to diagnose the current state of the system, often users try to establish what is already downloaded but not activated, or vice versa, look for new versions where they are not officially available. The first step is always to analyze the current build.

To do this, open the settings menu and go to About Phone, which displays MIUI and Android, click on the large MIUI logo icon in the center of the screen, automatically contact the server and check for new packages, and if an update is found, the Download button will appear.

Sometimes, automatic search doesn’t work because of data caching or server regional features, so you can use the hidden developer menu inside the Security app or the special code in the call, but you should try the standard way first. If the system says you are using the latest version, it means that OTA-The channel is closed for your region.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased with Chinese firmware (CN) and reflashed to Global by unofficial means, automatic updates over Wi-Fi may not be available or result in a cyclical reboot.

Preparation of the device for the update procedure

Successful installation of a new firmware depends on the preparatory stage; disregarding basic security rules can lead to loss of personal data or damage to system memory partitions; backup is the first thing to think about.

Create a backup of contacts, messages and photos. The Redmi Note 8 T is best suited for using the Mi Cloud cloud service or synchronizing with a Google account. USB-Make sure the battery is at least 60% as the installation process is energy intensive.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 60-70% before any manipulation of the.
• ☁️ Create a full backup of data in the cloud or on an external medium.
• 💾 Free up the minimum 5-8 GB of internal memory for temporary installation files.
• 📶 Use a stable Wi-Fi connection to download heavy service packs.

Free up space in the internal storage. Even if you upgrade over the air, the system requires space to unpack the archive. It's recommended to have about 8 gigabytes free. If there's not enough memory, delete unused applications or transfer media files to a microSD card.

Automatic update via OTA (Air)

The easiest and safest way to get a new version of software is through the OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism, which doesn't require a computer connection or special skills, but it downloads the archive itself, checks its integrity and suggests a reboot.

The process is this: you go to Settings → About the phone and click on the logo of the MIUI version. If the server gives an update, it starts to boot. Once the download is complete, the phone will suggest a reboot. During installation, the screen can go out and turn on several times - this is normal behavior.

However, for the Redmi Note 8 T, the OTA channel may be limited: If you are in a region where sales of this model are officially discontinued, the server may not see your device, in which case the system will write “No Updates”, even if the new version exists for other regions.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the installation process after rebooting.Screen with logo MIUI and the progress lane may hang up to 10-15 Forced shutdown at this point will damage the loader.

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OTA-Update is the most secure method to save all user data, but it depends on the availability of servers for your region and the current firmware version.

Manual installation of firmware through Recovery

If the automatic search does not yield results, you can use the method of manual installation. This requires downloading the full firmware archive (Recovery ROM) from the official website or verified resources. The file should have the.zip extension and weigh about 2-3 GB.

Copy the downloaded archive to the root of the phone’s internal memory (not the folder, but directly to the main space). Then go to the Settings → About phone menu and click on the MIUI logo again. Now click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Select a firmware file”.

The system will find the archive and suggest that you start updating, and once confirmed, the phone will reboot to Recovery mode and start installing. OTA-The channel is closed, provided that you are putting the version newer than the current or the same (for recovery).

The path to the file selection menu:


Settings → About Phone → (Click on MIUI logo) → Menu (3 points) → Select a firmware file

It's important to keep an eye on the firmware region. You can't install the global version on top of the Chinese version (and vice versa) without completely clearing the data (Wipe Data). If you try to put the Global ROM on a CN without resetting, the phone will go into a cyclical bootloop.

Use of Mi Flash Tool and Fastboot

For advanced users, there is a method of firmware through a computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. This method requires an unlocked bootloader (Unlock Bootloader), which is a separate procedure that takes from 3 to 7 days of waiting.

This method allows you to completely clear the phone of old software and install a completely new system, which is useful if the phone has accumulated a lot of system debris, errors or if the device is locked in a certain region, you need to download the Fastboot version of the firmware (extension.tgz) and unpack it on your PC.

The process of firmware through Fastboot looks like this: the phone is transferred to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when the screen is turned off and USB is connected), the Mi Flash program is launched, the firmware folder is selected and the “Flash all” button is pressed.

Common Errors and How to Resolve Them

Xiaomi users often encounter errors during the update process, and one of the most common is the message “Failed to Update” or “File cannot be installed,” which often happens when you try to roll back to an older version of the system or when you violate the integrity of the file.

If you see an error when installing through Recovery, check the file name. It should not be changed by the user. Also make sure you do not attempt to "downgrade" without completely clearing the data. MIUI Blocks the installation of the old version on top of the new version.

• 🚫 Error "Zip file is damaged" - the file is not completely downloaded, you need to restart the archive.
• 🔒 “Can’t verify update” error: trying to install firmware from another region without resetting.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot – conflict of system files, reset via Recovery (Wipe Data) is required).
• 📉 Retraction of the version — MIUI It prevents you from returning to old Android without unlocking the bootloader.

If the phone is stuck in the reboot cycle, you can log in to Recovery mode. Press the power and volume button "+." From the menu, select Wipe Data. Remember, this action will delete all photos and contacts, so backup is critical.

⚠️ Warning: After the Wipe Data reset, the phone will look like new. Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account and Google account, otherwise the device may be locked by security. FRP.

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If the update is “hanging” at the file verification stage for more than 20 minutes, try forcibly restarting the phone (press the power button for 15 seconds) and repeating the procedure, having previously cleared the cache of the “Component Update” application.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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The Redmi Note 8 T is a reliable device, but its official support for new versions of Android is complete.To get the latest features now requires a transition to custom solutions or use optimized versions of MIUI.