How to Upgrade Xiaomi Mi 8: Official and Alternative Ways

Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still a popular smartphone among enthusiasts thanks to its powerful hardware (Snapdragon 845) and support for custom firmware. However, official updates from Xiaomi for this model have long been discontinued — the last stable version of MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11 came out in 2021. This does not mean that your device is doomed to outdated software: in 2026 there are at least 4 ways to update the Mi 8, including switching to custom firmware or manual installation of security patches.

In this guide, we will look at all the current methods, from automatic updates through Settings to firmware through Fastboot and recovery from the “brick.” We will pay special attention to preparing the device, because the wrong actions can lead to data loss or complete failure of the smartphone. If you have never done firmware, start with the official methods — they are as safe as possible and do not require unlocking the bootloader.

1. Verification of the current firmware version and compatibility

Before you upgrade to the Xiaomi Mi 8, make sure your device supports the chosen method.

1. Find out the model and region. There are 3 major modifications to the Mi 8: 📱 M1803E1A — Global version (Global version) 📱 M1803E1C — Chinese version (China) 📱 M1803E1T — Taiwanese

The model can be checked in Settings → About Phone → Model or on a sticker under the lid (if removed). Installing firmware not for your region can lead to problems with the mobile network or camera.

Check out the MIUI and Android version

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI

If your version matches the latest official version, automatic updates through Settings will not be available, in which case you will move to manual methods (sections 3-5).

⚠️ Note: Firmware for Mi 8 SE (M1805E7A) Mi 8 Pro (M1807E8A) Installation of inappropriate software will lead to a "brick" (inability to download).

2. Preparation of the smartphone for the update

Regardless of the method chosen, several critical steps must be taken before firmware is implemented, and neglecting them can lead to data loss or system damage.

Archive important data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the battery power (minimum 60%)

Ensure the stability of the Internet connection (for OTA)

Download the correct version of the firmware for your model

Prepare a USB cable (preferably original)

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Backup is a mandatory step., We recommend using:

• 📁 Mi Cloud – for contacts, notes and photos (in Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud).
• 🔄 Google Drive – for backup applications and SMS (In Settings → Google → Backup).
• 💾 Local Copying – Transfer files to PC or flash drive (folders) DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp).

The battery should be at least 60% charged. If the device turns off during firmware, it can damage the boot partition and the smartphone will not turn on. Also check the cable and USB port - they must transmit data reliably (especially important for Fastboot and EDL methods).

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If you have a bootloader unlocked, run fastboot oem edl before firmware to check your connection to your PC, which will help you avoid installation errors.

Method 1: Automatic update via OTA

The easiest and safest method is an Over-The-Air (OTA) update, which is suitable if:

• 🔄 Your current firmware is official (not customized).
• 📶 The device is connected to stable Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Battery charge over 50%.

Instructions:

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

If the system says “No Updates” but you’re sure your version won’t be the last, try:

• 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• 📡 Use it. VPN (Sometimes updates come later in some regions).
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 days – Xiaomi servers can delay the distribution OTA.

⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through OTA smartphone hangs on the logo MI longer than 10 minutes, do not try to turn it off with the power button. wait until the process is completed (up to 30 minutes) or reset via Recovery (section 6).

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OTA-Updates are only suitable for transitions between close versions. MIUI (for example, 12.0.1 → For radical changes (e.g. with MIUI on LineageOS) use manual methods.

Method 2: Manual installation of firmware through Recovery

If automatic updates are not available but you want to stay on the official MIUI, you can manually install the firmware via Recovery.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for:

• 📥 Install security patches (if they came out after your version).
• 🔄 Recovery after failure OTA-update.
• 📦 Transition to another regional version (e.g. China to Global).

Step 1. Download the correct firmware

The official firmware for Mi 8 can be downloaded from the following websites:

• 🌐 Official portal MIUI (Choose Stable for a stable version).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative source with archived versions).

The file must have a name of the type miui_MI8Global_V12.5.3.0.QEAMIXM_..., where:

• MI8Global is a model and region.
• V12.5.3.0 is the MIUI version.
• QEAMIXM is the code for the Android version (Android 11).

Step 2. Install firmware through Recovery

1. Rename the downloaded file to update.zip and transfer it to the root folder of internal memory.
2. Turn off your smartphone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Choose your language (if required) and then:
4. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

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

The Fastboot method is suitable for:

• 🔧 Installation of official firmware in case of system damage.
• 🔄 Transition to another version MIUI (for example, from China to EEA).
• 📦 Recovery after a failed update OTA/Recovery.

Important: This method requires an unlocked bootloader. If it is blocked, first unlock through the official Xiaomi tool (the process takes up to 7 days).

Step 1: Install the necessary tools

• 🖥️ ADB Fastboot – download Platform Tools from Google.
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz format - download from the official website (choose Fastboot).
• 🔌 Drivers - install the Mi USB Driver for correct device recognition.

Step 2. Run the device.

1. Unpack the firmware.tgz in the folder with the platform-tools.
2. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and check the communication command: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the device.
4. Run the firmware (Windows): flash_all.bat or (Linux/macOS):./flash_all.sh
5. Wait for the completion (10-15 minutes) and automatic reboot.

⚠️ Note: If an anti-rollback error appears in the process, it means you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, This is a case where you need to run a firmware through EDL (section 7) or custom Recovery installation (TWRP).

6. Method 4: Install custom firmware (LineageOS, PixelExperience)

Official updates for the Mi 8 have long been discontinued, but enthusiasts continue to support the device through custom firmware.

• 🆕 Up-to-date version of Android (up to 13-14).
• 🚀 Great performance (no extra software from Xiaomi).
• 🔒 Regular security updates (monthly patches).

Step 1. Unlock the bootloader

Without this step, custom firmware installation is impossible.

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
3. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power) and connect to the PC.
4. In the program, press Unlock and wait until it is completed (it may take up to 720 hours to wait!).

Step 2. Install TWRP

TWRP is a customized Recovery required for firmware unofficial software. Download the current version for Mi 8 from the official website.

Installation:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-dipper.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-dipper.img

Step 3. Sweat the custom firmware

Popular firmware for the Mi 8 in 2026:

Installation instructions:

1. Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
2. Reboot to TWRP (Loudness Up + Power).
3. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache
4. Install firmware, then GApps (if necessary).
5. Reboot to the system.

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Custom firmware requires regular manual updates, and keep an eye out for new releases on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

7.Recovery after a failed update

If after firmware Xiaomi Mi 8 does not turn on, stuck on the logo or went to bootloop (cyclic reboot), try the following recovery methods:

Method 1: Resetting through Recovery

• 🔄 Hold the Loud up. + Food to enter Recovery.
• Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (this will delete all user data!).
• Reset the device.

Method 2: Firmware through EDL (Emergency mode)

If the smartphone does not respond to buttons or is not detected in Fastboot, you will need firmware through EDL (Emergency Download Mode).

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool Programming.
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz format for your model.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C with data transfer support.
• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked, you will need an authorized Mi Account).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone, press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect to your PC – the device should be defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
2. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
3. Wait until the process is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL drop off IMEI Once they're restored, they'll have to be manually restored through an engineering menu (#4636##) or software like that. SN Writer Tool.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

When upgrading the Xiaomi Mi 8, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If your error is not listed in the table, check the firmware logs.

1. Connect the device to the PC in Fastboot mode.
2. Enter the command: fastboot getvar all
3. Post the conclusion to the 4PDA or XDA forums describing the problem.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions