How to update the version of MIUI Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, released in 2019, is still a popular device due to its good balance of features and cost. However, over time, the standard operating system can no longer cope with new application requirements, and built-in protection becomes vulnerable to modern threats, which is why the question of how to update the version of MIUI on your gadget becomes critical to maintain its performance.

Software upgrades can vary depending on the current firmware version and the region for which the device is released. Owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) often face limitations in obtaining the product. OTA-Updates if the device was purchased from grey importers, and understanding the nuances of this process will allow you to avoid locks and data loss.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for installing the current shell, from a standard “over the air” update to manual flashing through Recovery. You will learn how to properly prepare the device, what files are necessary for a successful procedure and what to do in case of errors. Following the instructions will help to extend the life of your smartphone.

Preparation of the smartphone for the update procedure

Before you start any manipulation of the system software, you need to conduct thorough preparation. Ignoring this stage often leads to the fact that the installation process is interrupted and the device goes into a cyclical restart. First of all, make sure that the battery charge is at least 60%, or better fully charge the gadget to 100%.

Make sure to back up all your important data. When you switch between major Android versions (like Android 9 to Android 10 or 11) or change your firmware region (from China to Global), internal memory is often cleared. Use Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive cloud services to save contacts, photos and a list of installed apps.

You should also free up enough space in internal memory. A firmware file can weigh between 2 and 4 gigabytes, but the system requires additional space for temporary files and decompressing archives. It is recommended to have a minimum of 5-6 GB of free memory before starting the installer.

⚠️ Note: If your device unlocks a bootloader or has superuser rights installed (Root), a standard air update may be blocked by the security system, in which case you will need a complete data cleanup or manual flashing.

Automatic updates through system settings

The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the software is to use the built-in OTA (Over The Air) mechanism, which is ideal for those who do not want to deal with technical files and risk the integrity of the system. To start the process, go to the Settings menu, then select About Phone and click on the MIUI logo at the top of the screen.

The system will automatically contact Xiaomi servers and check for available updates for your particular model. If a new version is found, you will see a button "Download and Update." After downloading the archive, the phone will suggest restarting and installing the package, the entire process takes from 10 to 20 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet and the amount of changes.

Sometimes the phone says "No Updates" when other devices on the same model already have a new version available, which may be due to phased firmware deployment or regional restrictions, and in such cases you can try clicking on three dots in the corner of the screen and select "Select firmware file" if you have previously downloaded the full package manually.

Manual installation of firmware through Recovery

If the automatic method doesn’t work or you want to upgrade your phone to a more recent version than OTA offers, you can use the manual installation method. To do this, you will need to download the full firmware archive (Recovery ROM) for the Redmi Note 8 Pro model from the official website or proven resources.

Once you download the file, put it in the root directory of your smartphone's internal memory. Don't put it in folders or the system won't see it. Then go back to the update menu (Settings → Phone → MIUI version), click three dots and select "Select firmware file." Find the downloaded archive and confirm the action.

The device will reboot to Recovery mode and start the installation process. The screen will go out, the Mi logo and progress bar will appear. At this point, you can absolutely not interrupt the power or press buttons. Once you complete the installation, the phone will automatically turn on with the already updated system.

Update via Fastboot mode and computer

For advanced users who have experienced serious errors or want to change the region of the device (for example, from China to the Global version), the Fastboot firmware method is suitable, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. You will need to download the firmware image with the.tgz extension and unpack it on your computer.

Turn off your smartphone and enter Fastboot mode, holding the power and volume buttons simultaneously. Connect the device to your PC. Run the installation script (usually). flash_all.bat for Windows), which is in the folder with the unpacked firmware. The process will take several minutes, during which the log of the executed commands will be displayed on the phone screen.

The main advantage of this method is the ability to completely clean the system and change the region, which often solves problems with notifications and work of Google services on the Chinese versions. flash_all All data from the phone will be permanently deleted.

Solving Mistakes When Updating MIUI

Owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro may encounter various problems during the upgrade process. One of the most common errors is the message "failed to update." This often happens if the integrity of system files is compromised or the system partition is modified, in which case a complete reset to factory settings may be required before retrying.

Another problem is the device's "bricking" or getting stuck on the logo. If the phone doesn't boot after the upgrade, try entering Recovery mode (clamping Volume Up + Power) and running Wipe Data, which will delete all data, but often restores the system to work.

Users also complain about fast battery discharge or heating immediately after the upgrade, which is normal in the first 2-3 days while the system optimizes files and rebuilds the cache of applications.

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After a major update MIUI is recommended during the first hour not to load the processor heavy games, so that the system can safely complete the background optimization.

⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to interrupt the firmware process by removing the battery (if it is not removable) or disabling the cable.This is guaranteed to damage the bootloader and require complex repairs at the service center.

Reverse to the previous version of the system

Sometimes the new version of MIUI is less stable or contains errors that were not in the previous build. In such cases, users want to go back. Xiaomi officially allows a rollback only one version back, and then with complete data clearing. Attempting to roll back through the standard update menu to the old version will be blocked by a message about the downgrade ban.

To do a rollback, you need to download the older firmware version and rename the file. For example, if you are on version 12.5.4 and want to go back to 12.5.3, you need to rename the firmware file 12.5.3 to update.zip (if it is called otherwise) and try to install through the file selection menu.

The only guaranteed way to roll back is to use Fastboot mode on a computer with a full clean command, a complex process that requires you to precisely match the bootloader version. If you're not sure about yourself, you'd better wait for the next update to fix the bugs in the current version.

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System rollback (downgrade) is always accompanied by the complete deletion of all user data, so creating a backup before the procedure is a prerequisite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)