How to upgrade Xiaomi Mi 8 to the latest version of MIUI: all the ways and nuances

The Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still a popular smartphone among users who appreciate performance and camera. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI and Android, owners are faced with the question: how to safely update the device so as not to lose data and avoid errors? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to update – from automatic OTA to manual firmware through Fastboot, and also tell you how to avoid typical problems.

It is important to understand that Mi 8 (codename dipper) officially supports upgrades to MIUI 14 based on Android 12. Newer versions (such as HyperOS) may require unofficial firmware, which is fraught with stability risks.

Before you start, check the current version of the software: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If your firmware is very outdated (for example, MIUI 10), you may need a phased update - you will not be able to jump right to the latest version.

1. Preparation of the smartphone for the update

Incorrect preparation is the main cause of update failures, and even if you opt for an automatic method (OTA), the following steps will help avoid problems:

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. When discharged during firmware, the device can turn into a brick».
• 📱 Free up at least 2-3 GB of storage. Updates weigh 1.5-2.5 GB, plus you need some storage for temporary files.
• 🔄 Make a backup of the data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or with Mi Cloud.Cloud storage Xiaomi provides 5GB for free.
• 🌐 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. Update via mobile Internet may be interrupted due to unstable signal.

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. If you have previously unlocked it (for example, to install custom TWRP), official updates may not be installed, in which case you will have to use manual methods (Fastboot or Recovery).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 8 has an unofficial firmware installed (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience), return to the new version. MIUI You can only do it through a complete flashing with loss of data. Before you check the compatibility of Android versions (for example, with Android 13 on Android 12 rollback is not always possible).

Method 1: Automatic Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade over-the-air, which is suitable for most users if:

• 📲 You have official firmware. MIUI modificationless.
• 🔓 The bootloader is not unlocked.
• 📶 There is a stable connection to the Internet.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, a Download button will appear.
3. After download, click Set and confirm the reboot.

It takes 10 to 20 minutes. The smartphone will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process, even if the screen goes out for a long time (maximum 5 to 7 minutes during the application optimization phase).

⚠️ Warning: If after the update Mi 8 began to warm or quickly discharge, reset the cache: go to Recovery (click Power). + Volume up when your phone is off) and select Wipe Cache.This won't delete personal data, but can solve performance issues.

3. Method 2: Update via Recovery

If the automatic update fails (e.g., due to the error "Cannot verify update"), you can manually install firmware via Stock Recovery, a method suitable for official firmware in.zip format.

Download the MIUI version for Mi 8 (dipper) from the official website:

• 🌍 Global ROM (international versions).
• 🇨🇳 China ROM (Only for Chinese devices).

Important:

Mi 8 SE

Mi 8 Pro

Installation instructions:

1. Move the downloaded.zip file to the root directory of internal memory (not to folders!).
2. Turn off your phone and go to Recovery: Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select the language (if required), then Install update.zip to System.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).

If Recovery doesn't have Install update.zip, you have custom recovery (TWRP) installed.

1. Select Install and specify the path to the.zip file.
2. Before installing, make Wipe Dalvik/Cache (don’t touch Data unless you want to lose files!).

4. Method 3: Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 We need to revert to an older version. MIUI.
• 🛠️ The smartphone does not turn on or is stuck on the Mi logo.
• 🔓 Requires to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

To run through Fastboot, 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 website).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi8_Fastboot).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers (if your computer doesn’t recognize your phone in Fastboot mode).
3. Turn off the Mi 8 and go to Fastboot: Clip Power + Volume Down.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, the device needs to be determined.
5. Select a folder with firmware, specify Clean all mode (if you need to save data - Clean all and lock do not choose!).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If after firmware through Fastboot Mi 8 requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - restore access through the official website!

5. Solving common errors in the update

Even when following the instructions, Mi 8 users are faced with errors, and consider the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 "Cannot verify update" - appears when you try to install firmware through Recovery.Solution: Check file integrity update.zip (Compare the hash to the official amount, or download it again, and make sure you don't have custom Recovery.
• 🔄 "Stuck on Mi logo - occurs after a failed firmware solution: Go to Fastboot and repeat the firmware with a full cleanup (Clean all).
• 📵 "No command in Recovery means that the system partition is corrupted. Solution: Install firmware via Fastboot or reflash Recovery.
• 🔋 "Battery low" - even at a charge of 50% can appear if the battery is worn out.Solution: Connect the phone to charge and try again.

If the sound is gone after the update, the camera is not working or the mobile network is missing, reset (Settings → Additional → Reset) This will return factory settings without deleting files (photos, videos, documents will remain).

💡

Before resetting, untie your Google and Mi Account account in Settings → Accounts. This will eliminate activation problems after reset (especially for devices with a locked bootloader).

6. Upgrade to HyperOS: Is it worth trying?

HyperOS is Xiaomi’s new shell, replacing MIUI. However, there is no official HyperOS support for the Mi 8, but enthusiasts are porting it to older devices via unofficial firmware.

The advantages of switching to HyperOS:

• ⚡ Smoother animation and optimization.
• 🆕 New features (e.g. improved multitasking mode).
• 🔒 Updated security patches.

Cons and risks:

• 🚨 No official support – bugs (e.g., non-functioning) are possible NFC print-sensor).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to unoptimized core.
• 🛠️ Difficulty rolling back MIUI (You'll need a full re-flash).

If you still decide to try HyperOS, look for firmware on the verified forums:

• 🌐 Xiaomi.EU (European builds).
• 📱 XDA Developers (Castom ports).

Important:

TWRP Recovery

💡

For the Mi 8, only MIUI 14 is officially available on Android 12. Any other versions (including HyperOS) are installed at your own risk and may cause the device to malfunction.

7. How to check the success of the update

After installing a new firmware, make sure everything works correctly:

1. Check out the MIUI version in Settings → About the phone.
2. Test the basic functions: 📞 Calls and mobile Internet. 📷 Camera (front and main). 🔊 Speakers and microphone. 🔋 Charging (check if the phone is not warm).

Run several applications to ensure the stability of the system.

If you find problems, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🧹 Clear the app cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🛠️ Reset your settings (if the errors are critical).

To check the performance after the update, use benchmark applications:

• 📊 AnTuTu Benchmark (estimates overall performance).
• 🎮 3DMark (graphics-test).
• 🔋 AccuBattery (Battery consumption monitoring).

Compare the results with the Mi 8 benchmarks (for example, in AnTuTu it should score ~250-280 thousand points on MIUI 14).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi 8 update