Update MIUI 11 to MIUI 12 on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all ways + error solving

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that can dramatically change the user experience. The transition from MIUI 11 to MIUI 12 for owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro promises not only fresh design, but also improved performance, new features like Super Wallpapers, optimized power consumption and advanced privacy settings. However, not all users know that the upgrade process is nuanced — especially for the model with the Mediatek Helio G90T processor, which historically received updates with delays.

In this article, we will analyze all available ways to update – from official OTA to manual firmware via Fastboot and Recovery, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors like “Couldn’t verify update” or hanging on the MI logo. You will learn which versions of MIUI 12 work steadily on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, how to save data before updating and what to do if the smartphone stopped turning on after a failed firmware.

If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is purchased in China (CN version), the update algorithm will differ from the global (Global) or European (EEA) versions. It is also important to note that MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13 are not officially supported on this model - the maximum available version for most regions is MIUI 12.0.3.0 or 12.0.8.0.

1. Update Preparation: What to Do Before Firmware

Before you start updating, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss, “brick” device or inability to roll back to the previous version.

First, check the current MIUI and the firmware region. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI. If your version is MIUI 11.0.8.0 or newer, the upgrade to MIUI 12 is available officially. If the version is older (for example, 11.0.6.0), first install intermediate updates through Settings → Software Update.

Second, free up at least 3GB of storage on the internal drive. The firmware weighs about 2 to 2.5GB, plus the system will need space for temporary files, remove unnecessary apps, cache, and transfer photos to a memory card or to the cloud.

Finally, back up. Use the built-in Settings tool → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or Google Photos)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (write or use) QR-code)
• 🎮 Save games (synchronize with your Google Play account)

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If you use two-factor authentication in banking applications, make sure you have backup access codes.Once updated, some applications may require re-authorization.

2.Official update via OTA: the safest method

The easiest way to upgrade is to wait for a notification of the availability of a new firmware or check it manually, which is suitable for most users, since it does not require technical skills and saves all data.

To check for an update:

1. Open the settings → Update the software.
2. Click on the icon. ⋮ (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Update Package.
3. If the update is available, the system will prompt you to download it. Confirm the download.
4. After downloading, click Reboot and install.

It takes 10 to 20 minutes. The smartphone will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process, even if the screen stays black for a long time (up to 5 minutes during the application optimization phase).

If the update does not come, the following reasons are possible:

• 🌍 Your region has not yet received firmware (check on the official website). MIUI).
• 🔄 You have a custom firmware installed or a bootloader unlocked.
• 📵 The smartphone is not connected to stable Wi-Fi (update via the mobile network can be blocked).
• 🔒 Mi Account is not linked to the device (required for some regions).

Manual update via Recovery: if OTA doesn't work

If automatic updates are not available, you can install firmware manually through Recovery, which saves user data but requires you to download the correct firmware file.

First, download the official service pack for your model from the MIUI website. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, select files marked:

• begonia is the coded name of the model.
• Recovery is a type of firmware;
• Stable is a stable version (not a developer!).

For example, a global version will fit a file form: miui_BEGONIAGlobal_V12.0.3.0.QGGMIXM_.... After downloading:

1. Rename the file to update.zip (required!).
2. Move it to the root folder of internal memory (not in folders!).
3. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language, then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

Download firmware from the official website |Rename to update.zip|Transfer to the root of memory |Check battery (>50%)|Disable password protection (if any)

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If the smartphone has been stuck on the MI logo for more than 10 minutes after installation, reset it via Recovery (Wipe Data → Wipe All Data) and delete all data, but it will return to service.

Update via Fastboot: for power users

The Fastboot method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You want to install firmware with a complete system cleanup;
• 🔄 Recovery method does not work due to damaged partitions;
• 📦 You need to flash another version (for example, change the region from the CN Globally).

This will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot;
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original);
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz format for Fastboot;
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware.tgz in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the firmware folder.
4. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Locking bootloader).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Critical information: Clean all and lock mode will block the bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware in the future. Use it only if you are sure that you will not modify the system.

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Fastboot firmware deletes all data, including files in internal memory, and is recommended only if other methods fail or a clean system is required.

5. Solving errors when updating MIUI

Even when following instructions, users encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If you have a bug after the update (for example, the NFC does not work or the battery goes down quickly), try:

• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Reset);
• 📥 Refresh the same version MIUI over-the-top;
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption).

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If the speaker has lost sound after the update, check the settings of Settings → Sound → Sound effects. Sometimes resetting these parameters solves the problem.

6.Recoil from MIUI 12 to MIUI 11: is it possible?

Technically, it is possible to roll back on the previous version, but this is associated with risks. Xiaomi uses the Anti-Rollback mechanism, which blocks the installation of old firmware if a new one has already been installed on the device.

If you want to return MIUI 11, follow these rules:

1. Download the MIUI 11 firmware with a build number higher than the one you had before the upgrade.
2. Use only the Fastboot method.
3. Do not try to flash a version older than the one that was originally on the device (for example, if the smartphone was running a MIUI 10, you will not be able to flash MIUI 11.0.1.0).

Attention! If you fail to roll back, the device can turn into a brick. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center.

7.Alternative firmware: MIUI 12.5 and custom ROM

Officially, the Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn’t get MIUI 12.5 or newer versions, but enthusiasts are creating unofficial ports, such as firmware from Xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience offering:

• 🆕 More recent version of Android (up to 12);
• 🚀 Optimized productivity;
• 🔒 Less embedded software (bloat).

However, custom firmware has disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of guarantee;
• 📵 Possible problems with NFC, camera-touch;
• 🔋 Faster battery discharge.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool;
2. Install TWRP Recovery;
3. Switch firmware and GApps (Google services).

For detailed instructions, look for 4PDA or XDA Developers forums, but remember: it’s a risky process that requires technical knowledge.

FAQ: Frequent questions on updating MIUI on the Redmi Note 8 Pro