How to Update Android to Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: 3 Proven Ways + Error Solving

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro (codenamed Olivelite) was released in 2019 with MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie, but many users still face problems when updating the system. Official support for the device ended in 2022, but upgrade to MIUI 12.5 or even Android 11 is still possible – both through standard channels and alternative methods.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update the firmware on the Redmi 8 Pro, including automatic OTA, manual installation through the Mi Flash Tool and custom firmware through TWRP. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors (for example, Error 7 or hanging on the Mi logo) and how to fix them. If your smartphone has not received updates for a long time or is unstable, here you will find a solution.

1. Verification of the current firmware version and compatibility

Before upgrading, it is critical to know the current version of MIUI and the firmware region (Global, China, EEA), which depends on which firmware you can install and avoid errors like Anti-rollback protection.

To check the version:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Remember the full number (for example, V12.5.1.0.RCPCNXM).
• 🌍 Scroll down to Region, which will determine the firmware type (Global, China, India, etc.).
• 🔍 Compare it to the latest official versions on the website MIUI Downloads (select Redmi 8 Pro).

Important! The firmware for Redmi 8 (without the "Pro") is not suitable for the Redmi 8 Pro - they have different hardware platforms (olive vs olivelite). Installing incompatible firmware will lead to a device blink (complete inoperability).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 8 Pro was purchased in China (China firmware), switching to Global may block some features (e.g. Google Services.

2. Method 1: Automatic update via OTA

The easiest method is to use the built-in Air Update (OTA) feature, which is suitable if:

• 📶 You have an official firmware without modifications.
• 🔄 The phone has received updates before (no lock). OTA).
• 📱 Enough space on the device (minimum 2 GB free).

Instructions:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update via mobile Internet may be interrupted).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, download it.
4. After downloading, click Reboot and Update.

If the update is not available:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and repeat the check.
• 📡 Try to connect to another network (sometimes). OTA blocked at the provider level).
• 🕒 Wait 24-48 hours – Xiaomi servers may delay the distribution of updates.

Make a backup copy of the data|Charge your phone at least to 50%|Connect to Wi-Fi|Release. 2+ GB memory|Shut down. VPN/proxy-->

⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through OTA phone is stuck on startup Mi logo for more than 15 minutes, force reboot it (clip power) + Volume up for 10 seconds. If the problem recurs, you'll need to manually flash it.

Method 2: Manual update via Mi Flash Tool

If OTA doesn’t work or you want to install a specific firmware version (like rolling back to a stable build), use the Mi Flash Tool.

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you install an unofficial firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for Redmi 8 Pro (olivelite) from MIUI Downloads. Select the Recovery ROM type for data loss-free updates. Fastboot ROM for full flashing (erase data!).

Install the drivers.

• Download Mi Phone Manager to automatically install drivers.
• Or manually install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (required for EDL mode).
• Launch the Mi Flash Tool: 1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\MIUI\). 2. Open MiFlash.exe on behalf of the administrator. 3. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder. 4. Connect the phone off in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Loudness down). 5. The Mi Flash Tool will have a device (for example, in the, COM3). 6. Select firmware mode: - Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended when changing the region). - Clean all and lock - cleaning + Save user data - data storage (not always stable). 7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5–10 minute).

Mi Flash Tool Firmware Errors and Their Solutions:

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If the phone doesn't turn on after firmware, try recovery mode (press Power + Volume up) and run Wipe Data.This will delete user data, but often solves loading problems.

Method 3: Install custom firmware via TWRP

If the official updates are no longer coming out, but you want Android 11 or the latest version of MIUI, the only option is custom firmware.

• 🔓 Unlocked loader (see Section 5).
• 🛠️ Established custom recaveri TWRP.
• 📦 Firmware compatible with Redmi 8 Pro (e.g. LineageOS 18.1 or Pixel Experience).

Instructions for installing TWRP and custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see section 5).
2. Download TWRP for olivelite: Official version: twrp.me. or unofficial (e.g. from OrangeFox).
3. Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olivelite.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olivelite.img After that, the phone will be loaded into TWRP.
4. Make a backup: In TWRP Choose Backup. Mark Boot, Data, System. Save backup to SD-card.

Install the firmware

• Download firmware (such as LineageOS) and GApps (if you need Google services).
• In TWRP, click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System.
• Press Install and select the firmware file, then GApps.
• After installation, run the Wipe Cache and restart.

The most popular custom firmware for Redmi 8 Pro:

• 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) - stable, without excess software.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel.
• 📱 Havoc-OS – flexible configuration and high FPS play.
• 📱 MIUI EU — formal MIUI China-bound.

⚠️ Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially in the operation of the camera or module NFC. Before installing, check the reviews on the forum XDA Developers for a specific build.

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Installing custom firmware will void warranty and may cause the device to run unstable, and use this method only if official updates are unavailable or unsuitable.

5. Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi 8 Pro

Install custom firmware or manual updates via Fastboot require unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi allows this, but the process takes up to 7 days due to account verification.

Instructions:

1. Link your Mi Account: Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in. → Additionally. → Developer turn it on. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
2. Download Mi Unlock Tool: Official Utility: en.miui.com/unlock. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off your phone, then press Power + Volume down. Connect to your PC via USB.

Start unlocking.

• Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool under the same Mi Account as your phone.
• Press Unlock. If you receive a waiting message, wait for the specified time (usually 168 hours).

Frequent problems when unlocking:

• 🔒 Couldn’t unlock – account not linked to phone or not 7 days.
• 🔌 Device not connected – drivers are not installed or the cable is faulty.
• 🕒 Wait XX hours – wait until the specified time, disconnect the phone from the PC and repeat later.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Current account is different from the account info on the device", delete the Mi Account on the phone, reboot and re-assign it.

6.Typical update errors and their solutions

Even when you follow instructions, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.The phone is stuck on the Mi logo after the update

• 🔄 Squeeze the power. + Volume up 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
• 🛠️ If it doesn’t work, go to Recovery and run Wipe Cache.
• 📥 If the problem persists, go through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean all).

2. Error 7 when installed via TWRP

Reason: Incompatibility of firmware with the device or a corrupted file.

• 🔍 Check that the firmware is for olivelite (not for olive).
• 📥 Download the firmware again (maybe the archive is damaged).
• 🛠️ V TWRP Run Format Data before installation (washes everything, including internal memory!).

3. After the upgrade, the mobile network or Wi-Fi does not work

• 📶 Go to Settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and select the operator manually.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.
• 📡 If the problem persists, run modem and vendor partitions through Fastboot:

4. There is not enough room for an update

• 🗑️ Free up space: delete unnecessary files, transfer photos/video to PC or SD-map.
• 📁 Use Files by Google to clean up your cache.
• 🔄 If the update weighs >1.5 GB, download it to PC and transfer it to folder downloaded_rom phone-on.

7. Recommendations after update

After a successful upgrade, follow a few steps to ensure your phone is running smoothly:

• 🔄 Restart the device – this will help the system stabilize.
• 📊 Check the basic functions: Mobile network and calls, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, camera and microphone, fingerprint (if used).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: Discharge the phone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times for accurate display of the charge level.
• 🛡️ Update apps via Google Play or Mi App Store.
• 📱 Set up performance: Enable Overclocking GPU In the developer settings (if you play games). Turn off animation to speed up the interface: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 5 times to enable Developer Mode, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, install Windows animation = 0.5x.

If the phone is slower after the update:

• 🧹 Clear the cache: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (pre-make a backup!).
• 🛠️ Turn off unnecessary background processes: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.

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After upgrading to the new version of MIUI, reset your network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Network Reset) to eliminate any possible problems with your mobile Internet or Wi-Fi connection.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 8 Pro

Important! To install via TWRP, you need an unlocked bootloader, and that requires a computer (to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool).