How to update MIUI on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all the ways and instructions

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) is still a popular device due to its balanced characteristics and support for current versions of MIUI. However, with the release of new firmware, many users are faced with questions: how to update the system correctly, what methods exist and what to do if the update “hangs” or caused errors. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of updating – from standard OTA to manual firmware through Fastboot, and also tell you how to avoid typical problems.

It is important to understand that Redmi Note 8 officially supports updates to MIUI 14 based on Android 12 (the latest stable version for this model).Trying to install newer firmware, such as HyperOS, can lead to unstable work or loss of functionality.

If you've never updated your firmware yourself, don't worry: the process is as automated as possible, but even experienced users should carefully study the instructions - especially if you're manually installing through Recovery or Fastboot, where errors can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.

1. How to check the current version of MIUI on Redmi Note 8

Before you update your firmware, make sure you know the current version of MIUI and Android, which will help you avoid installing incompatible updates or re-routing an already current version.

To get a version of the software:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Click on MIUI version and the current firmware (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.2 Stable) will be displayed here.
4. To clarify the version of Android tap several times on the line version of MIUI or find the item version of Android below.

It's also useful to know the code name of your device (it should be ginkgo for the Redmi Note 8), which is useful when you manually download the firmware. → All characteristics → Model.

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If there is no Android version in the About section, try to enter the “android version” request in the search for settings – the system will show the hidden section.

2.Methods to update MIUI on Redmi Note 8

There are three main methods of updating firmware on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8:

• 📲 Automatic update (OTA) — The easiest and safest way to install official stable versions.
• 🔄 Update through Recovery - manually installing firmware without losing data. Requires downloading the update file.
• 🖥️ Fastboot firmware – a complete reinstallation of the system, used in case of serious failures or for downgrade.

Each method has its pros and cons. For example, OTA requires no additional actions, but it may not come to your device for a long time. Recovery allows you to install firmware manually, but does not always save user data. Fastboot is the most radical way to return the phone to the factory state.

The choice of method depends on your task:

Update MIUI via OTA (over the air)

This is the easiest and most recommended way if your device receives official updates. OTA (Over-The-Air) allows you to install a new firmware without losing data and additional manipulation.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (updating via mobile internet can lead to additional costs).
2. Charge the battery by at least 50% (preferably up to 100%).
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, the system will prompt you to download it.
5. After downloading, tap Install and wait for the reboot.

If the update doesn’t come automatically, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes updates come with a delay depending on the region).
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 days – Xiaomi servers can gradually give out updates.

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If after updating through OTA, the phone began to brake, try to clear the cache in Recovery: turn off the device, press Power + Volume up, select Wipe Cache and restart.

4 Manual update via Recovery

If OTA-Update is not available or you want to install a specific version MIUI, You can use the Recovery method, which is suitable for installing official firmware in.zip format without losing data (but backup is still recommended!).

Steps to Update with Recovery:

1. Download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website (select the Redmi Note 8 model, the ginkgo code).
2. Check that the file has a name of the type miui_GINKGOGlobal_V14.0.2.0.SCOMIXM_... (global version).
3. Move the file to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
4. Run System Update in Settings, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select Update File.
5. Specify the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

If after selecting the file, an error appears "Can not check the service pack", then:

• 🔴 The file is corrupted – download it again.
• 🔴 The firmware is not designed for your model (check the Ginkgo code).
• 🔴 You are trying to install an older version (downgrade via Recovery is not possible).

If the installation through the System Update menu does not work, you can use stock Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select the language (if required) and Install update.zip to System.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

5. Firmware via Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is used in extreme cases: if the phone does not turn on, it “hangs” on the logo or you need to install a firmware with a complete reset. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Warning: Fastboot removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps, and without a backup, it will be impossible to recover it.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for Redmi Note 8 (a file in.tgz or.zip format) from an official website or a trusted source (for example, Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (the way without Cyrillic!).
3. Install Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down until the hare appears in the eardress cap.
5. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
6. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
7. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
8. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

• Change. USB-cable (original or high quality cable required).
• Connect your phone to a USB 2.0 port (on the back of your PC).
• Disable the antivirus and firewall.

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

⚠️ Note: If the phone doesn’t turn on or hovers on the Mi logo after being firmware-based on Fastboot, try repeating the process with another firmware version).

6.Typical update errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, Redmi Note 8 users may encounter problems, and let’s look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

1. error "Cannot verify update" (Cannot verify update)

• 🔹 The firmware file is damaged – download it again.
• 🔹 Incorrect file name – rename it to update.zip.
• 🔹 The firmware is not designed for your model – check the Ginkgo code.

2.The phone is stuck on the MI logo after the update

• 🔹 Wait 10-15 minutes – the first launch can be long.
• 🔹 If it doesn't help, clamping down on the power. + Volume up to log into Recovery, and select Wipe Data (Reset settings).
• 🔹 In extreme cases, run your phone through Fastboot.

3. There is not enough room for an update

• 🔹 Clear cache and unnecessary files in the Settings section → Memory.
• 🔹 Transfer photos and videos to PC or cloud.
• 🔹 Remove unused applications.

4 After the update, the sound has disappeared or the sensor is not working.

• 🔹 Perform a reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 🔹 If the problem persists, run your phone through Fastboot with Clean All mode selection.

⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through OTA or Recovery phone started to warm up or discharge quickly, check the battery settings (Settings) → Battery. background processes may not be optimized correctly - try calibrating the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption).

7. How to roll back MIUI update on Redmi Note 8

If the new version of MIUI is unstable, you can return the previous firmware, but the downgrade has limitations:

• 🔙 You can only roll back through Recovery within one version of Android (for example, with a single version of Android). MIUI 14 on MIUI 13, but both are Android 12-based).
• 🔙 To roll back to another version of Android (for example, from Android 12 to Android 11), you will need a Fastboot and an unlocked bootloader.
• 🔙 Before rolling back, make sure to back up the data - they will be deleted.

Instructions for rollback via Fastboot:

1. Download the desired firmware version (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 8).
2. Unpack the archive and connect the phone in Fastboot mode.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and flash the device.

If the phone does not turn on after rollback, try to flash it again or install another version of the firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI update on Redmi Note 8