How to Upgrade Android to Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 Proven Ways + Error Solving

Xiaomi Redmi 8 (codenamed olive), released in 2019, is still popular with users due to its balanced characteristics and support for a large community. However, with the release of new versions of Android and MIUI, owners are faced with the question: how to safely update the firmware to get current features, security fixes and improved performance? In this article, we will analyze all available methods of updating – from official to alternative – and also tell you how to avoid typical errors and what to do if something goes wrong.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 8 originally shipped with Android 9 Pie and MIUI 10, but later received updates to Android 10 (MIUI 12). Official support from Xiaomi for this model ended in 2022, but there are ways to install more recent firmware versions through custom builds. We will take a detailed look at each option, evaluate their pros and cons, and give recommendations for preparing the device for the process.

If you've never upgraded your firmware yourself before, don't worry: the instructions are new to the game. For power users, we've added advanced methods, including unlocking the bootloader and installing customized recavers. Let's start with the simplest of them all: checking the current version of the software and officially updating it through the settings.

1. Check the current version of MIUI and Android

Before you start updating, you need to know exactly which version of the firmware is installed on your Redmi 8, which will help determine whether new versions are available for your device, and avoid installing incompatible software.

To learn the MIUI and Android version, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. At the top of the screen, you'll see: MIUI version (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.4 Stable); Android version (e.g. Android 10 QKQ1.190910.002); Model code (should be M1908C3IG for global or M1908C3IC for Chinese).

Pay attention to the firmware region (Global, China, EEA, Russia) and it's critical: you can only install firmware that is designed for your region! For example, if you have Global, don't try to flash China, it will lead to broken Google services and other problems.

Also check the bootloader status, if it's unlocked, you can install custom firmware, and you can check it by going to Fastboot mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume Down buttons before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. If the bottom of the screen says Unlocked, the bootloader is unlocked.

⚠️ Warning: Installing firmware outside your region may result in a loss of warranty, mobile networks or a “brick” (an inoperable device). Always check the model code (M1908C3xx) with firmware.

2. Official Update through Settings (OTA)

The easiest and safest way to upgrade to Redmi 8 is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) feature, which is suitable for users who don’t want to take risks and prefer stable official builds.

Instructions for updating:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update "over the air" can weigh up to 2 GB).
2. Charge your phone at least 60% or connect to a charger.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Press the Check Update button.
5. If the update is available, click Download and wait for the download to complete.
6. After downloading, select Reboot and install.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is slowing down or discharged quickly after the OTA- update, reset settings via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. This will resolve most software conflicts.

Manual update via Recovery (fastboot)

If the OTA- update is not available, but Xiaomi has a newer firmware version for your model, you can install it manually via Recovery or Fastboot. This method requires more action, but is also safe if you follow the instructions.

First, download the correct firmware from the official website:

1. Go to the MIUI download page.
2. Enter the Redmi 8 model or select it from the list.
3. Choose the stable or development version. Stable is recommended for most users.
4. Download a file with the.zip extension for Recovery or.tgz for Fastboot.

For installation via Recovery:

1. Place the downloaded.zip file in the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not in folders!).
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select an update file.
3. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
4. After restarting, the phone will automatically update.

To install via Fastboot (if Recovery does not work):

1. Unpack the downloaded.tgz archive in the folder on the PC.
2. Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down).
3. Launch the file. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
4. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

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Use Fastboot only if other methods have failed – this method resets all settings and data, even if you haven’t done the wipe!

4. Update through Custom Recavery (TWRP)

If the official firmware is no longer coming out for Redmi 8, but you want Android 11/12 or a more recent version of MIUI, you can install custom firmware via TWRP. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for power users.

Before you start, consider:

• ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" - if the phone fails, it may stop turning on.
• 🔓 Warranty Loss – Unlocking the bootloader voids the official warranty.
• 📱 Data loss – make sure to backup before installing.

Steps to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Apply for unlock through Xiaomi's official website. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Wait for confirmation (can take up to 72 hours).
2. Install TWRP: Download the current version of TWRP for Redmi 8. In Fastboot mode, execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olive.img

Sweep through the custom firmware:

• Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI from a third-party developer).
• Reboot to TWRP (click Power + Volume Up).
• Make Wipe → Advanced Wipe (select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
• Install the firmware through Install → Select the file.

⚠️ Warning: Once custom firmware is installed, Google Pay, Netflix in HD and some banking applications may stop working due to lack of certification for Widevine L1 and SafetyNet. This is solved by installing Magisk and root masking modules.

5. Solving Common Update Errors

Even when following the instructions, Redmi 8 users sometimes encounter errors, and let’s look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

Error: "Cannot verify update" (Cannot verify update)

This error occurs when you try to install firmware through Recovery if the file is corrupted or intended for another model.

• 🔹 Solution 1: Re-download the firmware from the official website and check the checksum (MD5).
• 🔹 Solution 2: Rename the file to update.zip and try again.
• 🔹 Solution 3: Use Fastboot instead of Recovery.

Mistake: “This MIUI "version cannot be installed on this device" (This version) MIUI inconsistent)

This means that you are not trying to install firmware for your region or model.

• 🔹 Solution: Check the model code (M1908C3xx) and download the firmware strictly for your version (Global/China/EEA).

Error: Hanging on the MIUI logo after the update

This is most often due to data conflict or incomplete installation.

• 🔹 Solution 1: Press down Power + Volume up 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
• 🔹 Solution 2: Run Wipe Cache through Recovery.
• 🔹 Solution 3: If it doesn't work, reflash the firmware through Fastboot.

Error: "Anti-rollback check fail" (Error of protection against rollback)

This error occurs if you try to install an older version of MIUI after a new one. On Redmi 8, rollback protection works when you try to return from MIUI 12.5 to MIUI 12 or lower. The problem can only be solved through Fastboot with a full cleaning or custom firmware installation.

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If the sound is gone or the sensor is not working after the update, try to roll back to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot. To do this, download the old firmware from the Xiaomi website and sew it with a full wipe (fastboot -w command).

6.Preparation for the upgrade: backup, charging, free space

Regardless of the method of updating chosen, preparing the device is a critical step, and neglecting it can lead to data loss, crashes or even the phone crashes.

1. Data backup

Updating your firmware, especially through Fastboot or TWRP, can erase all data.

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: sync with Google Account or export through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to your PC or upload to Google Photos.
• 🎮 Apps and settings: Use Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 📄 Documents: Move to a memory card or to the cloud.

2. Checking the vacant space

To upgrade via Recovery or OTA, the internal drive must have at least 3-4 GB of free space.

• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary applications in Settings → Apps.
• 📂 Transfer files to a memory card or PC.
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

3. Battery charging

The minimum charge level before upgrading is 50%. If the battery runs out during the process, the phone can turn into a brick.

4. Disabling Antivirus and VPN

Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast or Kaspersky) can block firmware from downloading, mistaking it for a malicious file. VPN and proxy can interfere with connection to Xiaomi servers when OTA- updates. Disable them before starting the process.

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If you upgrade via Fastboot, use Xiaomi’s original USB- cable and USB 2.0 port on PC – this minimizes the risk of connection breakdown.

7.Alternative methods: MI Flash Tool and ADB Sideload

If standard methods don’t work, you can use additional tools: MI Flash Tool (for firmware via PC) or ADB Sideload (for installation via Recovery without a memory card).

Method 1: MI Flash Tool (for Windows)

This method is suitable if the phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo.

1. Download and install the MI Flash Tool.
2. Download Fastboot firmware for Redmi 8 (.tgz file).
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols on the way.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
5. In MI Flash Tool, click Select, select the firmware folder, then Refresh (your phone should appear).
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

Method 2: ADB Sideload

If you don’t have a memory card but have a working Recovery, you can download the firmware directly from your PC:

1. Download ADB and Fastboot Tools.
2. Place the firmware file (.zip) in the adb folder.
3. Reboot your phone to Recovery and select Apply update → Apply from ADB.
4. On PC, execute the command: adb sideload name file.zip

Both methods require Xiaomi drivers installed on your PC. If Windows doesn't recognize the device, download the drivers from the official website.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 8