How to upgrade MIUI to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 remains a popular device even years after its release, thanks in large part to strong support from the manufacturer and the community. Regular updates to the MIUI operating system are critical not only to new features but also to close security vulnerabilities. Users often face the need to manually start the installation process of a new version if automatic notifications do not come long.

There are several proven methods to update your gadget’s software: you can use the built-in OTA mechanism, download the installation package manually, or use your personal computer for a deeper flashing, and the specific method you choose depends on the current version of the system, the region in which the device was purchased, and the desired end result.

In this article, we will discuss all available options in detail, with a special focus on preparing the device for the procedure. The correct sequence of steps minimizes the risk of errors and helps to avoid loss of personal data. It is important to understand the differences between the global and Chinese versions of firmware before starting any manipulation of system files.

Preparation of Redmi Note 8 to install a new firmware

Before you start directly updating MIUI, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, ignoring this step can lead to interruption of the process or loss of important information, the first step is to create a complete backup of all user data, including contacts, messages and media files.

Make sure the battery is at least 60 percent, and while current charging algorithms are efficient, flashing can be energy-intensive, especially if it takes a long time, and check for free space in internal memory, as installation files can take up a significant amount of storage.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, be sure to back up your data to the cloud or to your computer. In case of a failure during the update, it may be impossible to restore information without a backup.

A stable Internet connection is another key success factor: If you plan to download an update directly from your smartphone menu, use a reliable Wi-Fi network to avoid connection breaks. 4G/5G mobile Internet is also acceptable, but it should provide high data rates.

Users who choose the method of updating through a computer will need to install the appropriate drivers and the presence of an original or high-quality USB cable. Poor cables often cause communication between the PC and the device to be interrupted at the most critical time.

Automatic update via the settings menu (OTA)

The easiest and safest way to get a new version of MIUI is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism, which does not require a computer or special knowledge, and the system will check the servers for current packets and suggest that they be downloaded.

To start the check, go to Settings → About the phone and click on the MIUI version logo. If the update is available, a download button will appear. In some cases, the system may not see the update immediately, then click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Check for Updates.

If you are in a region where the update is being rolled out in stages, you can try to change the region in settings. Go to Settings → Additional Settings → Region and selecting, for example, India or Indonesia, sometimes helps to access the latest versions of the software earlier.

The installation process is done automatically after the file is uploaded. The smartphone will reboot and the Xiaomi logo will appear on the screen with a progress indicator. At this time, the device cannot be used, and it must remain connected to the network or have sufficient charge.

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Automatic update via OTA is the most secure method for ordinary users, since it eliminates the risk of choosing the wrong firmware file.

Manual Update installation via Recovery Mode

If the automatic check does not find updates, you can perform the installation manually using Recovery mode. ZIP-Firmware archive from the official website or a proven resource. It is important to choose a file specifically for your model and region, EU, Russia).

Copy downloaded firmware file to the root of the device's internal memory. You don't have to rename the file, but the path to it should be easy. Then go to the update menu, click on three dots, and select Select firmware file.

After the choice ZIP-If the file is right for your current version, the device will reboot to Recovery mode and start the installation process, and this method allows you to upgrade to a newer version, even if you have a newer version. OTA-The channel is not activated for your device.

⚠️ Note: When manually installed, make sure that the downloaded firmware file is specifically for the Redmi Note. 8 (codename ginkgo/ginkgon). Installation of firmware from another model will lead to the inoperability of the device.

There is also the option of entering Recovery mode via a button combination when the phone is off (usually Volume up + Power).In this menu, you can select the Wipe Data option for full cleaning if the update requires a clean start, but this will delete all data.

Update and flash through your computer (Mi Flash Tool)

For advanced users who want to completely reflash the device or restore it after crashes, the Mi Flash Tool is designed. This method requires the smartphone to be put into Fastboot mode. To enter this mode, turn off the phone and simultaneously press the buttons Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo with the image of a hare appears.

Download and install the Mi Flash Tool program on a Windows computer. You also need to unpack the firmware archive (format.tgz) into a short path folder, preferably at the root of the C disk, so that the path name does not have Cyrillic and spaces.

C:\rom\ginkgo_global_images_V12.0.3.0.QCOLXMIXM

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press the Refresh button to make your device feel like it's a device. Select Clean all for full flashing or Clean all and lock if you want to lock the bootloader (global firmware only).

Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed. The green success indicator in the Status column will report successful completion. The phone will automatically restart, and the first download can take several minutes.

Change of the firmware region and transition from CN to Global

Many users buy Redmi Note 8 versions designed for the Chinese market because of their lower cost. However, Chinese firmware (CN) is devoid of Google services and contains a lot of unnecessary software.

Without an unlocked bootloader, you can't install global firmware over Chinese because of region checks. Unlocking requires you to submit an application via Mi Unlock and wait 7 to 30 days. Once you get permission, you can flash the device through Fastboot.

Trying to upgrade on top of the old system from another region will result in a cyclical bootloop.

⚠️ Warning: When flashing from Chinese to global, anti-rollback protection may work. Make sure that the new firmware version of Android is not lower than the one installed now, otherwise the device may be locked forever.

Once the global version is successfully installed, you’ll get full access to Google Play, multilingual support, and optimized notifications. However, the update rate for global versions may differ from the Chinese version, where new features are first introduced.

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Use the Mi Community app or official forums to track the bootloader’s unlock status and get an authorization token.

Solving errors and problems during the update

During the update process, various errors may occur, such as “Failure to update”, “File is corrupted” or a logo hanging. If the system says that the file cannot be installed, check the integrity of the downloaded archive and its compliance with the current version of the software. Sometimes an interim update to a certain version is required before switching to a new one.

If the phone is stuck on the logo after the update, try resetting to factory settings via Recovery Mode. To do this, press Volume Up + Power, select the language and press Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. This action will delete all files, but can resuscitate the system.

In cases where the device is not turned on or detected by a computer, you may need to use EDL (Emergency Download Mode) and an authorized Mi Account for firmware, a last resort that requires contacting a service center or qualified specialists.

Cleaning your cache regularly before updating also helps avoid conflicts. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Memory and clear the cache, or use the built-in Security app to optimize your system.