Owners of the popular budget smartphone often wonder how to upgrade the Xiaomi Redmi 8 to the latest available version of the operating system. This device, which came to market a few years ago, continues to be in demand due to its reliability, but software support is gradually being phased out by the manufacturer. The relevance of the procedure depends on which version of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS is available for your particular modification of the gadget.
The upgrade process is not only necessary to get new interface features, but also to install critical security patches. In today’s environment, using outdated software can lead to malfunctioning banking applications and reduce the overall stability of the system. Below we will discuss in detail all available methods, from standard air updates to manual installation of archives.
It’s worth noting that the Redmi 8 has its own technical limitations that will prevent it from getting the latest major versions of Android available on flagships. However, moving to the final version of MIUI 12 or experimental builds significantly improve the visual part and optimize battery consumption.
Preparation of the device for installation of a new version of the software
Before you start the firmware process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps that minimize the risk of data loss or system failure.The first step is to create a full backup of all important files, contacts and settings.
Make sure that the battery charge is at least 60-70 Interrupting the upgrade process due to battery drain can lead to serious consequences, up to the inability to boot the operating system. 5-8 Gigabyte of free space for correct unpacking and installation of files.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, be sure to remove the MicroSD card, if installed, this will prevent accidental formatting or damage to the external media while the system scripts are running.
Check the stability of the Internet connection if you plan to download the service pack via Wi-Fi. An unstable signal can lead to a download of a broken file, the integrity of which will take additional time or require a reboot.
Determination of current version and regional affiliation
The critical step is to accurately determine the modification of your smartphone. The Redmi 8 came in multiple versions for different markets, and firmware from one region may not fit into another or lock the device.
Go to the Settings section → About the phone and pay attention to the line "Version" MIUI". There will be a letter code at the end, for example, Global, EEA (Europe), RU (It is also important to check the type of bootloader: closed or unlocked, although this is not always required for a standard update.
If you're planning to switch from the Chinese version to the global version, simply replacing files won't help - you'll need a complete flashing with the bootloader unlocked. For users who have bought the phone officially in retail, most likely, the region-specific version has already been installed.
Update through the built-in OTA mechanism
The easiest and safest way to update the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is to use the regular Over-The-Air (OTA) mechanism, which checks the servers for new packets and suggests installing them, a method ideal for most users who do not want to go into technical details.
To start the check, go to Settings → About the phone and click on the MIUI version logo. If the update is available, the Download button will appear. After downloading, the system will suggest restarting and starting the installation, which will take 5 to 15 minutes.
☑️ Check before OTA-renewal
Sometimes the phone says "No Updates" even though the new version has already come out, so you can try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Additional Settings → Region) to India or Indonesia, check for an update, and then return your region, often by force checking the server.
Manual installation of archives through Recovery (Update Package)
If you don’t get an automatic update or want to manually update by downloading a firmware file from the official website, use Recovery mode. This method requires you to pre-download the archive with the.zip extension corresponding to your model.
Once you download the file, rename it to update.zip and move it to the root of internal memory. Next, go to the update menu and click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen, selecting "Select firmware file".
The system will check the file and suggest starting the process. Unlike OTA, this method allows you to update even if the device has an older or modified version of the software. However, the transition between different types of firmware (for example, from China to Global) is blocked in this way.
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the installation process manually by pressing buttons or removing the battery.The screen may go out for a few minutes - this is a normal phenomenon, indicating the recording of system partitions.
Comparison of update methods: Characteristics table
To make it easier to choose the way to upgrade your Xiaomi Redmi 8, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand which method is suitable for your situation, taking into account technical skills and the current state of the device.
| Parameter | OTA (Airway) | Through Recovery (ZIP) | Through Fastboot (PC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Risk of data loss | Minimum | Low. | High (full discharge) |
| PC requirements | No need. | No need. | Mandatory. |
| Change of region | Impossible. | Impossible. | Possibly (unlocked) |
| Recovery after failure | Automatic. | It requires action. | Requires skills |
As you can see from the table, the method through Fastboot is the most powerful tool, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and a computer with drivers installed. ADB. For the average user, the best option is OTA hand-held ZIP-archive.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Redmi 8 users may experience a variety of errors during the update process, one of the most common being the message "Failure to check file" when manually installed, which means that the archive version is newer than the current one, but the firmware type is not the same, or the file is corrupted when downloaded.
Another problem is the "bootloop" after installation, and if the phone is stuck on the MIUI logo for more than 15 minutes, try resetting to factory settings through the Recovery menu, and you press the power and volume button up.
What to do if the phone stops turning on?
It's also worth remembering that after a major upgrade, the system can run slowly in the first hours, there's a background optimization of applications and database restructuring, and let the phone lie on charge with the screen off for about an hour to complete the background processes.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade Redmi 8 to Android 13 or 14?
Will my photos and contacts be deleted when updated?
Where to download the official firmware for Redmi 8?
Why isn't the update coming in by air?
Is it safe to put global firmware on the Chinese version?
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After a major system update, it is recommended to fully discharge the phone before turning off and then charge to 100% without interruption, which will help recalibrate the power controller.
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The most reliable way to upgrade to Redmi 8 is to wait for the official one. OTA-Manual methods only be used if the automatic update does not work for a long time.