How to update Android to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, released in 2019, is still a popular smartphone among users who value performance and the camera at an affordable price. However, with the release of new versions of Android and MIUI, owners are faced with the question: how to safely update the firmware so as not to lose data and turn the phone into a “brick”? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to update — from standard OTA to manual firmware through Fastboot, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the update “hangs”.

It’s important to understand that the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) has support limitations: official Xiaomi updates for this model stopped in 2023. However, there are alternative methods — for example, installing custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. But before you go to radical measures, it’s worth trying the standard options.

1.Preparation for the update: what to do before the start

Before you upgrade to the Redmi Note 8 Pro, follow a few critical steps that may cause data loss, disruption, or even a “brick” of the device.

First, check the current version of MIUI and Android. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone. In the MIUI version block, you will see the current firmware (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5), and in the Android version, the underlying OS (e.g. Android 11), which will be required to select the correct file to update.

Second, free up space in memory. Update through OTA requires at least 2-3 GB of free space, and for manual firmware up to 5 GB. Delete unnecessary files, app cache or transfer data to a memory card.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60%. Better connect your phone to charge while you upgrade.
• 📡 Stable Internet connection. OTA-Use Wi-Fi, not mobile internet.
• 🔐 Backup. Create backup contacts, photos and apps through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or with Mi Cloud.
• 🔧 Disable root access and unlock the bootloader (if activated).This may prevent the installation of official firmware.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 Pro was purchased in China (the domestic version), updates via the global server MIUI This will require a manual firmware to migrate to the international version.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and most secure method is an over-the-air update (OTA) that Xiaomi regularly releases security patches and minor updates through this channel.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click "Check Updates." If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
3. After downloading, click “Install” and wait for the phone to restart.

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
• 🌐 Change the region in the settings SIM-maps (e.g. India or Europe) as some countries update later.
• 📥 Download OTA-hand-pack MIUI Downloads and install it via “Select Update File” in the System Update menu.

⚠️ Attention: If after OTA-update phone began to slow down or discharge quickly, perform reset to factory settings through Settings → Additionally. → Resetting. This will solve most software conflicts.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If OTA doesn't work or you want to install a specific version of MIUI, you can use Recovery mode, which is suitable for installing official firmware in.zip format.

First, download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, choose files marked Recovery ROM. Pay attention to the region (Global, China, EEA) - it should match your current firmware!

Download firmware for the begonia (Redmi Note 8 Pro)

Check integrity ZIP-file size (size must match the size of the site)

Rename the file to update.zip (optional, but simplifies search)

Charge your phone at least 70%

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Follow the instructions:

1. Copy the update.zip file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
2. Turn off your phone and press the Volume Up + Power button combination to enter Recovery Mode.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English), then Install update.zip to System.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
5. After the reboot, the phone will have a new firmware.

⚠️ Note: If after updating via Recovery phone is stuck on the logo MIUI For more than 15 minutes, perform a hard reset via the same Recovery (Wipe Data) menu. → Wipe All Data. This will delete all data, but it will bring the phone back to working order.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is used to install official firmware in.tgz or.zip format (for PCs).

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or freeze in the bootloop (cyclic reboot).
• 📥 We need to downgrade the version. MIUI (downgrade).
• 🔧 Requires to restore the “brick” device.

For this method, you will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility. Download it from the official Xiaomi website and firmware for your model (Fastboot ROM).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\begonia_global).
2. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power button to enter Fastboot Mode (a picture of a rabbit in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode (full reset) or Save User Data (data storage, but not always stable).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (10-15 minutes).

If the phone does not turn on after firmware through Fastboot, and the Mi Flash Tool contains a critical partition flashing error is not allowed, then your device has a locked bootloader. You can unlock it only through the official permission of Xiaomi (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).

5. Method 4: Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If the official updates are no longer coming out, and you want to get a fresh version of Android (like Android 13 or 14), you can install custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface, like on Google Pixel.
• ⚡ HaventOS – Optimized for Performance.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP).
3. Download firmware and GApps (Google services, if they are not included in the list).
4. Completely format the System, Data, Cache partitions.

For detailed instructions and links to firmware, look for XDA-Developers or 4PDA forums. Note that custom firmware may contain bugs, and banking applications (such as Sberbank Online) may not work due to lack of certification.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check the modem compatibility of your Redmi Note 8 Pro. Some builds may not support 4G networks at certain frequencies (for example, in Russia, these are the ranges 791-796 MHz).

6.Typical Update Errors and How to Fix Them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:

If the update has lost sound, the camera is not working or the mobile network is missing, most likely the firmware was installed incorrectly.

1. Check if the firmware version matches the phone model (begonia for the Redmi Note 8 Pro).
2. Perform a reset settings through Settings → Additional → Reset settings.
3. If the problem persists, return to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot.

💡

Check the reviews on the forums before installing any firmware. For example, some LineageOS builds for the Redmi Note 8 Pro have problems with NFC or dual camera performance.

7. 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 the version of MIUI and Android. It should match the one you installed.
2. Check the operation of the main functions: 📶 Mobile network and Wi-Fi. 📷 Camera (main and front). 🔊 Sound (speakers, microphone, headphones). 🔋 Charging (connect the charger).

Run several applications to ensure the stability of the system.

If you upgrade to a new version of MIUI, note the changes in the interface, such as MIUI 14:

• 🎨 New animations and themes.
• 🔒 Improved privacy protection.
• ⚡ Optimizing battery consumption.

If after the update the phone began to discharge faster, perform the battery calibration:

1. Discharge the phone before automatically shutting down.
2. Charge to 100% without interruptions (use the original RAM).
3. Turn off the charge and again discharge to 0%.
4. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions