How to Upgrade Xiaomi Mi 8 SE last-minute MIUI: 3 proven methods

Xiaomi Mi 8 SE — One of the brand's most popular compact flagships, released in 2018.Despite its age, the device is still supported by enthusiasts and receives unofficial updates. However, official support from Xiaomi ended in 2021, which complicates the update process for inexperienced users. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update firmware, including: OTA, Recovery and Fastboot, and how to avoid errors and “brick” devices.

It is important to understand that the Mi 8 SE (The codename sirius has a unique architecture based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset, which imposes restrictions on compatibility with some custom firmware. For example, installing firmware for the Mi 8 (dipper code) will cause the device to fail due to different hardware configurations. SE.

If you've never manually updated your firmware before, don't worry. We'll detail every step, including getting the device ready, picking the right version. MIUI And for advanced users, we'll give you avanzados methods like unlocking the bootloader and installing through the system. ADB Sideload.

1.Preparation of Xiaomi Mi 8 SE renewal

Before you start upgrading, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken: neglecting them can lead to data loss, disruption, or even a device “brick” (inoperability), starting with checking the current firmware version and battery status.

The first thing to do is make sure that the battery is sufficiently charged, and the upgrade process can take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes, and interruption due to battery discharge almost always leads to serious consequences, with a recommended charge level of at least 60%. Also check that the device does not overheat: if the body temperature is above 40°C, let him cool down.

Battery charge ≥60%|Data backup created|Antiviruses are disabled and VPN|Downloaded the correct firmware version for sirius|Connecting to a stable Wi-Fi (for the purpose of OTA)-->

Check the current version. MIUI. To do this, go to the Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Write down or take a picture of this information, which you will need to select the right firmware. Pay special attention to the firmware region (Global, China, EEA) and build type (Stable, Developer) for example, if you have installed MIUI 12.5.3 Stable (EEA), You only need to update to a newer version. EEA Stable, not Chinese or Global.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China and is powered by Chinese ROM, installation Global/EEA Firmware without prior unlocking the bootloader will lead to a network lock (it will not work). SIM-In this case, an additional procedure for converting the region will be required.

Last but not least, the data backup is a step. the update doesn't usually erase user files, there's always a risk of failure. MIUI (Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset) or third-party solutions like Titanium Backup (requires root) also copy important files to your computer or cloud.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade by air (OTA). It is suitable for users who already have an official firmware installed and do not want to take risks. MIUI automatically checks for updates and suggests you install them, but sometimes this process can be accelerated.

To manually run the update check:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on the item System Update.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if it's already downloaded) or Check Updates.
4. If an update is found, click Download and wait for the download to complete.
5. After downloading, the system will offer to install the update - confirm the action.

If the update is not, but you know that for your model it came out, you can try to force install. OTA-- That's what the package is:

• 🔍 Download the desired.zip file OTA From the official Xiaomi website (select the Mi 8 section) SE right region).
• 📁 Place the file in the root folder of internal memory (not in the folder!).
• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a Service Package.
• 📥 Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

Once a month|Only when critical updates appear|Never update.|Only through custom firmware.-->

⚠️ Attention: If during installation OTA If you see a Couldn't verify update package, it means that the file is corrupted or intended for another model (MD5) Using a utility like HashMyFiles.

Advantages OTA-update:

• ✅ Does not require unlocking the loader.
• ✅ Stores all data and settings.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Updates are delayed (sometimes months).
• ❌ You can’t switch to another branch (for example, from Stable to Developer).

💡

OTA-Update is the best choice for beginners, but only suitable for transitions between close versions. MIUI (for example, 12.5 → 12.5.1).

3. Method 2: Update via Recovery (TWRP)

If OTA Unavailable or you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you will need to use custom Recovery, such as TWRP. This method is more flexible, but requires an unlocked bootloader and some technical skills.

First of all, make sure you have:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader (instruction below).
• 📱 Installed TWRP Recovery for Mi 8 SE (The version should support your firmware type).
• 🔋 Battery charge ≥70%.
• 💾 Backup of all data (installation through TWRP It can erase internal memory).

Instructions for installing firmware through TWRP:

1. Download the desired firmware.zip file (official or custom) and place it on the external one. SD-card or internal memory (if it is not formatted).
2. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
3. V TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark points Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Cache, Data (if you switch to another firmware, for example, with a different firmware). MIUI LineageOS).
4. Return to the main menu and select Install, then specify the path to the downloaded.zip file.
5. Confirm the installation with a swipe and wait for the process to be completed.
6. After installation, select Reboot System.

Warnings when working with TWRP:

• 🚨 Do not install firmware for other models (for example, for Mi 8 or Mi 9). SE). It'll lead to a Brick".
• 🚨 Do not format the Internal Storage section if it contains firmware files.
• 🚨 After installing custom firmware, Widevine may stop working L1 (no HD Netflix, Disney.+ etc.).

4. Method 3: Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

If the first two methods are not suitable (for example, the device does not turn on or requires a complete firmware reflash), you can use Fastboot mode and the Mi Flash Tool utility.This method restores the device to a factory state and is often used to "reanimate" the Mi 8. SE after the failed experiments with the firmware.

For this method, you will need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔓 Unlocked loader.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\mi8se_fastboot).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Xiaomi (unless they are installed automatically).
3. Turn off the phone and press the volume down. + Food to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-hushanka will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your computer. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
6. At the bottom of the window, select firmware mode: clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing firmware). clean all and lock – cleaning and locking the bootloader (only for official firmware!). save user data – saving data (not always working correctly).

Refresh

Flash

Once complete, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, it means that the bootloader is blocked. Unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 72-360 hours).

Advantages of Fastboot firmware:

• ✅ Restores the device even after a major failure.
• ✅ Allows you to install any official firmware, including China → Global.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Erase all the data.
• ❌ Requires unlocking the loader.
• ❌ If you make mistakes, you can get a "brick".

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on after Fastboot, try repeating the process with another version. MIUI Or use the tool. EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

5. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 8 SE

Most of the update methods (except for the OTA) Xiaomi blocks it by default to protect against unauthorized changes.The unlocking process takes 3 to 15 days and requires the Mi Account to be linked to the device.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Create a Mi Account and confirm it via email and phone.
2. On your phone, go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap it 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: Debugging by USB Unlocking OEM (It may be called a factory unlock).

Mi Unlock Tool

Loudness down + Nutrition

Fastboot

Mi Unlock Tool

Unlock

Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Important nuances:

• 🔐 If the program says Couldn't unlock. Wait 168 hours, then you need to wait 7 days (168 hours) from the moment of the first link of the account to the device.
• 🔐 Unlocking will reset all data on the phone!
• 🔐 Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) may stop working on devices with an unlocked bootloader.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader is a must for custom firmware and Recovery. OTA-update.

6. Solving common errors during the update

Even with strict adherence to instructions, errors can occur, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: "Couldn't verify update package" OTA)

Reason: A damaged update file or version mismatch.

Decision:

• Download the file. OTA official website.
• Check the checksum (MD5) of the file.
• Make sure the file is designed for the Mi 8. SE (sirius).

Error 2: "This package is for'sirius' devices; this is a'" TWRP)

Reason: The firmware is designed for another model (e.g. Mi 8).

Solution: Download the correct firmware for sirius. Check the file name - it must contain sirius or Mi8SE.

Error 3: Hanging on the MI logo after firmware

Cause: Kernel incompatibility, lack of necessary files, or incomplete installation.

Decision:

• Enter in. TWRP and re-set.
• If it doesn’t work, run the device through Fastboot.
• Check that the firmware is suitable for your type of device (Global/China/EEA).

Error 4: "Mi Flash Tool" gives you "flash not done"

Cause: Problems with drivers, cable, or bootloader lock.

Decision:

• Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• Install drivers manually through Device Manager.
• Check if the bootloader is unlocked.
• Try another mode in Mi Flash Tool (clean all instead of clean all and lock).

Error 5: Losing the network after firmware

Reason: Installed firmware from another region (e.g. Chinese) ROM on a global device).

Decision:

• Scroll through the correct version MIUI via Fastboot.
• If you need Chinese firmware, convert the region using the Mi Region Changer tool (requires root).

If none of these solutions worked, please refer to the XDA-Developers forums or 4PDA, Where are the topics of the Mi 8 SE error-debate.

7.How to return the official firmware after custom

If you have experimented with custom firmware (like LineageOS or HavocOS) and want to return to the official firmware MIUI, The process is a little more complicated than a regular update, as it requires a complete flashing through the Fastboot.

What you'll need:

• 📥 Official firmware for the Mi 8 SE Fastboot format (download from the official website).
• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if it was blocked after installing custom firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder on the computer.
2. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
3. Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Select the firmware folder and clean all mode.
5. Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed.
6. After restarting, perform the initial MIUI setting.

⚠️ Note: If some features (e.g., camera or fingerprint sensor) have stopped working after returning to the official firmware, this may be due to version incompatibility. MIUI.

If you want to lock the bootloader back (for example, for security or banking applications), run the firmware in clean all and lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool. However, note that this will again reset all data and block the ability to install custom firmware.

8.Alternative firmware for Xiaomi Mi 8 SE

If official updates MIUI They don't come out anymore, but you want to get a fresh version of Android, you can look at custom firmware, they offer newer versions of the OS, no bloatware, and additional features. However, installing them requires an unlocked bootloader and may deprive you of some features (for example, Widevine). L1 viewable HD-content).

Popular custom firmware for Mi 8 SE:

Before installing custom firmware, read the reviews on the forums and check that:

• 🔹 The firmware supports your model (Sirius).
• 🔹 There is an installation manual and a list of known bugs.
• 🔹 You are ready for possible loss of functions (NFC, camera, Widevine).

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock the loader.
2. Install. TWRP Recovery (version should support Mi 8) SE).
3. Download firmware and, if necessary, GApps (Google services).
4. V TWRP run the Wipe → Advanced Wipe (System, Data, Cache, Dalvik).
5. Install firmware, then GApps (if necessary).
6. Reset the device.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check if it supports Project Treble. If so, you can upgrade without fully flashing through GSIs (Generic System Image) in the future.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi update 8 SE