How to update the version of Android on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, released in 2019 with MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie. Over the years, the model has received several major updates, but many users still face problems when trying to upgrade to the current version. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to update the firmware, including official and alternative methods, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors that can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.

It's important to understand that the Redmi Note 8 Pro has a unique architecture with a Mediatek Helio G90T processor, which puts restrictions on support for new versions of Android. The last official version for this model remains MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11, but even its installation requires proper preparation. If your phone is stuck on old firmware or gives an error when updating, do not rush to carry it into the service: in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved yourself.

1. How to check the current version of MIUI and Android

Before you start updating, make sure you really need it. Incorrect firmware can cause data loss or even your phone to crash.

1. Open Settings on your Redmi Note 8 Pro.
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Click on MIUI version and the current firmware (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.3 Stable) will be displayed here.
4. Slip a few times on the Android version bar to see the basic version of the OS (e.g. Android 11 RKQ1.200826.002).

If you see Android 9 or 10 in the About section, it means your smartphone hasn’t received an update for a long time. Xiaomi officially stopped supporting the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2022, but security updates can come in sporadic through the Internet. OTA (Also worth paying attention to regional firmware: global (Global), Chinese (China) or European (EEA) versions may have different assembly numbers.

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If the "About Phone" section does not contain the "Android Version" item, try to enter the "kernel version" request in the search for settings - the full name of the OS will be indicated there.

Method 1: Automatic Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade through the built-in OTA system, which is suitable if your Redmi Note 8 Pro is not rooted and has no custom firmware.

1. Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi network (updating via mobile internet can lead to additional costs).
2. Charge the battery to at least 60% - at low charge, the system will block the installation.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
5. After downloading, tap Install and wait for the reboot (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

If the system writes no Updates, but you are sure that there is a new firmware for your model, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reset the update cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Show system, find System Update, clear cache and data.
• 🌐 Change region: sometimes updates come later in some countries. Try changing region to India or Russia (in Settings) → Additionally. → Region).
• ⏳ Wait 2-3 days: sometimes Xiaomi servers download updates in batches.

Method 2: Manual installation of firmware through Recovery

If the automatic update doesn't work, or you want to install a specific version of MIUI, you can download the firmware manually and flash it through Recovery, which is suitable for official builds and doesn't require unlocking the bootloader.

Note: Do not use firmware for other models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 without the Pro) and this will cause permanent damage to the system.

Step 1: Download the correct firmware

The official firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) can be downloaded from the following sites:

• 🔗 Official website MIUI (Choose a Global Stable or EEA Stable).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (there is an archive of all versions).

Download a file with the.zip extension (for example, miui_BEGONIAGlobal_V12.5.3.0.RGGMIXM_...). Don't unpack the archives!

Step 2: Install firmware through Recovery

1. Copy the downloaded.zip file into the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not nested!).
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots (menu) → Select a firmware file.
3. Select the downloaded archive and confirm the installation.
4. After restarting, the phone will automatically update.

Download firmware for the begonia (Redmi Note 8 Pro)

Check integrity ZIP-archive (not damaged)

Charge your phone at least 70%

Backup of important data

Disable password/fingerprint protection during the update-->

⚠️ Note: If you have a Can't verify update error when selecting a firmware file, you have downloaded the wrong version (for example, for another model or region). Global/EEA.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, the Fastboot firmware option remains, requiring unlocking the bootloader and working with the computer, but allowing you to install any version of MIUI, including custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).

We warn you that the wrong actions can lead to loss of warranty and complete failure of the phone. If you are not sure of your skills, contact the service center.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

To run through Fastboot, you have to unlock the bootloader. It's official, but it'll reset all the data on the phone. Here's how to do it:

1. Link your Mi-account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool on PC and follow the unlock instructions.

Note: Xiaomi may refuse to unlock if your account is new (less than 30 days) or linked to another device, in which case you will have to wait or use workarounds (but this is risky!).

Step 2: Run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool

You'll need to get the firmware:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool Programming.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\begonia_fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select, specify the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
5. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If an anti-rollback error appears during firmware, you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, It's not the one that's already on the phone, and you can only get it back to work through the phone. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

5. Alternative firmware: should you install a caste?

Official support for the Redmi Note 8 Pro has ended, but enthusiasts continue to release unofficial firmware based on Android 12/13.

Before installing custom firmware, consider:

• 🔓 You will need an unlocked boot loader and TWRP Recovery.
• 📵 Possible problems with the module NFC, wide-angle camera or fingerprint.
• 🔄 Updates will have to be installed manually.
• 🛡️ Phones will become more vulnerable to viruses (no official security patches).

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Custom firmware gives new life to old smartphones, but requires technical skills. If you're not ready for experiments, stay on the official MIUI.

6.Typical Update Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:

If after the update the phone began to overheat, quickly discharge or spontaneously reboot, reset to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the phone will restart).

This will help to eliminate conflicts between old and new files.

7.How to bring back the old version of MIUI (downgrade)

Sometimes after the update, users are faced with bugs or inconveniences of the new firmware. Return the previous version (downgrade) on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, but with reservations:

• 🔙 Downgrade is possible only within one branch of Android (for example, with the MIUI 12.5 on Android 11 on MIUI 12.0.1 on Android 10).
• 🚫 It is impossible to roll back from Android 11 Android 9/10 Free to lock the phone (anti-rollback will work).
• ⚠️ Before downgrad, be sure to make a backup copy through TWRP Xiaomi Cloud.

For the kickback:

1. Download the desired firmware version (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Sweat it through Fastboot (as in Method 3) or TWRP (if installed).
3. After installation, run Wipe Dalvik/Cache in Recovery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 8 Pro update