The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, released in 2018, is still a popular device thanks to its transparent design and powerful processor for its time. However, official support for the device from the manufacturer ended with Android 10, leaving many owners behind modern features and security updates.
The process of installing a new version of the OS on a device for which it is not officially intended requires a deep understanding of the Android architecture. You will have to unlock the bootloader, install a custom recovery and find a stable firmware build from the development community. This is not just an update “over the air”, but a full-fledged flashing of the device.
Any interference with the software code of a smartphone can lead to a loss of warranty (if it is still relevant) or, in the worst case, to the transformation of the device into a “brick”. Officially, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro does not support Android 13, so all actions you perform at your own risk using third-party solutions.
Reality of Update: Official Paths and Custom Firmware
The first thing you need to understand the owner of the Mi 8 Pro: regular funds through the Settings menu → About the phone → Update system to get the thirteenth version of Android is impossible. Xiaomi stopped releasing updates for this model a few years ago. The maximum that you will receive officially are security patches that are current at the time of the release of Android 10.
The only way to work is to use custom firmware (Custom ROM), enthusiasts and developers create modified versions of the operating system based on the source code of AOSP (Android Open Source Project) or ports from other devices. For the Mi 8 Pro (codenamed ursa), there are popular builds such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI ports from other models.
⚠️ Attention: Custom firmware installation permanently changes the status of the device. Some banking applications and services (Google Pay, Mir Pay) can stop working without additional manipulations to hide root rights and change the digital fingerprint of the device.
The upgrade process is divided into several critical steps, and skipping any of them or disrupting the sequence of actions can lead to a cyclical reboot or complete inoperability of the gadget, USB-cable and stable internet connection.
Preparation of the device and collection of necessary tools
You should start with a thorough preparation of the workplace and the smartphone itself. You will need a PC with Windows operating system (preferably 10 or 11), since most drivers and utilities are sharpened for this platform. USB-cable, preferably original, to exclude communication breaks during data recording.
On the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, you need to make a full backup of all data. During the installation of the new OS, internal memory will be completely formatted. Photos, contacts and correspondence will be deleted without the possibility of recovery by standard means.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
To work, you'll need to download and install the ADB and Fastboot package on your computer, a set of console utilities that allow you to control your device from a PC, and you'll also need drivers for Xiaomi to make your computer correctly identify your smartphone in different modes of operation.
- 📥 Download the archive with platform tools (Platform-tools) from the official website of developers.
- 💾 Download the firmware file (usually in.zip format) specifically for the ursa model.
- 🔧 Install Xiaomi drivers USB Driver on your computer.
- 🔋 Make sure that the battery charge of the smartphone is at least 60-70%.
Once you have all the files uploaded, create a separate folder on disk C, where you can put the tool archive and the firmware file. Short paths to the files will make it easier to type commands on the command line and reduce the risk of error when typing.
Unlocking the bootloader: The first critical step
Bootloader is a program that starts before the operating system starts and checks the integrity of the software. On Xiaomi devices, it is blocked by default, which prohibits the installation of untested systems. To install Android 13, it must be unlocked.
To do this, go to About Phone in your smartphone settings and quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times to activate the developer menu. Then, in the advanced settings, enable "Debugging by USB" and "Factory Unlocking".
Importance of the Mi Account
Next, you need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility to your computer. After starting the program and logging into your account, connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clamping the volume down button when you turn on), the unlocking process will erase all data from the device, so the backup warning here is more relevant than ever.
If Xiaomi servers are overloaded or there is a network error, the process can be delayed.In some regions, you need to use a VPN to successfully connect to the unlock server. Once you successfully complete the Unlocked status in the bootloader, the device will restart.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The Recovery Menu can only install Xiaomi’s digitally signed firmware. To install a third-party Android 13, we’ll need TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), an advanced open-source menu.
The recovery image file (.img) should be strictly designed for the ursa model. Using an image from another model, such as the regular Mi 8 (dipper), will cause the touchscreen or cameras to fail in the new menu, making further firmware impossible.
The installation process is as follows: connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC. Open the command line in the tool folder and type a command to flash the recovery partition:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-ursa.imgAfter a successful recording, it is important to prevent automatic booting into the system. Immediately press the combination of power buttons and volume up to force you to log into the newly installed TWRP. If you just reboot the phone, Xiaomi's custom recavator can overwrite custom.
⚠️ Attention: First launch TWRP You can ask for a password to unlock the screen, and if you don't remember it or type it incorrectly, the data partition will be inaccessible to write, and you will have to format it).
On the menu. TWRP First, backup your current system (Backup) by selecting Boot, System, and Data. This is your insurance policy in case the new firmware is unstable. SD-map or transfer to PC.
Android 13 installation process and initial setup
Now, to the main stage. In the TWRP menu, go to the Wipe section and clean the Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Vendor and Data partitions. Do not clear the Internal Storage partition if the firmware file is on internal memory, otherwise installation will become impossible.
Next, select Install, search for the previously downloaded zip archive from Android 13, and confirm the swipe installation. The process can take from 3 to 10 minutes, during which time the log of the operations performed will be displayed on the screen.
Once you've completed the installation, you get a successful installation menu, and it's important to take the time to restart. If you're planning on getting a superuser (Root) license, install the Magisk archive right now, without rebooting between the firmware and the magic.
| Action. | Section in TWRP | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing the data | Wipe → Advanced Wipe | High (data loss) |
| ZIP installation | Install | Medium (incorrect file) |
| Resetting settings | Wipe → Format Data | Critical (requires the input of "yes") |
When you complete all operations, press the Reboot System button. The first launch of a new system can take up to 5-7 minutes, which is normal, as applications are optimized and new caches are created.
Solving common problems and errors
After switching to Android 13, the old Mi 8 Pro hardware can have specific problems, often with Bluetooth or unstable Wi-Fi, which can be solved by reflashing the relevant partitions (firmware) or installing compatibility patches.
Another common problem is bootloop. If the phone is stuck on the logo, you need to go back to TWRP, do Wipe Data / Format Data (typing the word "yes") and repeat the firmware installation cleanly, without saving data.
💡
Use a firmware version marked "Stable" or "Official" and avoid "Nightly" or "Beta" builds for everyday use, as they may contain critical bugs.
Camera problems on custom firmware are common. Xiaomi's native algorithms are difficult to port. The solution often becomes installing a Google Camera (GCam) specifically tuned to your device's sensors, which even improves the quality of images compared to the runoff.
If the proximity sensor stops working after the update (the screen does not go out during a call), try calibration through the engineering menu or special applications from the Play Market. In rare cases, you need to firmware the calibration file of the sensors from a backup.