The Redmi Note 8 Pro series of mobile devices based on the powerful MediaTek Helio G90T processor are still popular, but support from the manufacturer is gradually being phased out. Many users are faced with the fact that the standard air update (OTA) stops coming or the download process is interrupted due to unstable connection. In such situations, the only solution is manually flashing through a personal computer, which allows not only to install the latest available version of MIUI, but also completely clean the system of accumulated software debris.
Using a PC to upgrade has a number of undeniable advantages, including connection stability and the ability to choose a firmware region. You can switch from the Chinese version to the global version, fix bugs in the Bootloader, or even roll back to an earlier version of the system if the new one does not work correctly. However, this method requires care, since any interruption of data transmission can lead to serious consequences for the software part of the smartphone.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail two main methods of updating: through Fastboot mode using the MiFlash utility and through Recovery mode using the application. ADB-Each of them has its own characteristics and is suitable for different scenarios of recovery or upgrade of your device system.
⚠️ Warning: Before you start any firmware manipulation, be sure to back up all your important data. The process of updating through your computer often involves completely cleaning up the device's internal memory.
Preparation of equipment and choice of firmware version
The first step is to find and download the correct firmware file that matches your model. For Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed ginkgo), there are different versions: Global, European, Russian and China. It is important not to confuse them, as installing the wrong region can lead to a device lock or inoperability of some functions, such as NFC or banking applications.
Firmware files are divided into two main types: Recovery (extension.zip) and Fastboot (extension.tgz). To update through the computer in most cases, we need a Fastboot version, which contains the full image of the system, bootloader and radio module. You can download current files from official resources or verified archives, such as Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
In addition to the file itself, you will need a high-quality USB-cable, preferably original or certified, capable of transmitting data at high speeds. Cheap charging cables often do not provide stable connection, which is critical when writing system partitions. 5-10 GB free space for unpacking archives.
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Use it. USB-port located directly on the motherboard (back of the system unit), rather than on the front panel or through the USB-hub to avoid voltage surges and connection loss.
The table below will help you determine the type of firmware that is necessary for your case:
| Type of firmware | File extension | Method of installation | Data retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery | .zip | Through the Recovery or Updater menu | Possibly (no cleaning) |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Through MiFlash (PC) | No (full clean-up) |
| Fastboot (Clean) | .tgz | Through MiFlash (PC) | No (full clean-up) |
| Fastboot (Save Data) | .tgz | Through MiFlash (PC) | Yes (for the same regions only) |
Installation of drivers and software
The computer will not be able to interact correctly with the smartphone without drivers installed. To work with the Redmi Note 8 Pro in firmware mode, ADB Drivers and Fastboot Drivers are required. Without them, the Device Manager will display unknown hardware, and the MiFlash utility simply will not see the connected phone.
It is recommended to install the official Mi Unlock Tool package, as it automatically pulls up the necessary drivers when you first try to unlock or diagnose. Even if your bootloader is already unlocked, the presence of this software ensures that all communication components between Windows OS and Android device are correctly installed.
- 📥 Download and install Mi. PC Suite or Mi Unlock from the official website.
- 💻 In Device Manager, check for no yellow exclamation points after connecting your phone.
- 🔌 Connect the switched off smartphone by clamping the volume down button to check the Fastboot mode.
If Windows reports a driver installation error, try manually pointing the path to the driver folder through Device Manager. USB-port or disabling the driver digital signature check in Windows boot settings.
What to do if the driver is not installed?
Update method through MiFlash Tool (Fastboot mode)
This is the most reliable way to update the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, which allows you to completely rewrite all memory partitions. MiFlash utility is the official tool of Xiaomi engineers and gives full control of the process. Before you start, make sure that the battery is charged at least 60%.
First, you need to remove the downloaded firmware archive. Please note that the folder path must not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces, otherwise the program may give an error when reading files, C:\ROM\ginkgo_global.
Next, transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the device completely, then press the volume down button and connect it. USB-You're going to see a bunny in an orange cap repairing an android on the screen, and then you're going to run MiFlash on the administrator's behalf.
☑️ Checklist before firmware
In the program interface, press the Refresh button to find the connected device. The list should show the serial number of your Redmi Note 8 Pro. If the device is not found, check the drivers in the Device Manager. Then specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware by pressing the Select button.
At the bottom of the window, select firmware mode. Select clean all for a clean installation, which will delete all data. If you want to save data (only when updating within one region), select save user data. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete, which can take 5 to 15 minutes.
⚠️ Note: During the firmware process, it is strictly forbidden to disconnect the cable or interrupt the power of the computer. Interrupting the write to the system or boot partition can cause the phone to stop turning on (bootloop).
Update with ADB and Recovery (Alternative Method)
If MiFlash is not possible or the bootloader is blocked, you can use Recovery mode. This method requires that the device has already installed a newer version of the firmware, or you are updating to the same version to restore files. ROM (zip-format).
Copy the firmware file into the phone’s internal memory (not the root, but any folder, such as Download). Then go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click three dots in the corner. Select the firmware file and specify the downloaded archive.
If the standard updater doesn’t allow you to install a file (for example, when you try to roll back a version), you will need to log in to Recovery mode. Turn off your phone, press the volume button and power button. In the menu that appears, select a language, then Wipe Data (if necessary) and Install (or Connect with MIAssistant to connect to a PC).
When using MIAssistant mode, connect your phone to your PC, run the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB tool folder, and type in the command:
adb sideload name file firmware.zipThis method is less reliable for major Android updates, but is great for reinstalling the current version of MIUI or fixing minor software glitches without completely reflashing all partitions.
Solving common mistakes and problems
When you upgrade the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro through your computer, users often encounter error codes, and one of the most popular is Error: Miss matching image, which means you’re trying to install firmware that isn’t designed for that device, or the bootloader version doesn’t match the system version.
Another common problem is Error: Flash all except data and storage and then failure. USB-Try replacing the cable, using another cable. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 instead of 3.0 for compatibility or restart your computer.
- 📉 99 percent freeze: Don't panic, it can take a long time. If nothing changes after 20 minutes, try reconnecting the cable.
Also worth mentioning is the issue with Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers if the phone isn’t detected at all. In the case of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (MediaTek processor), a specific Preloader driver is sometimes required, which is installed when you plug a phone that is turned off with a clamped volume button.
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Most firmware errors are not due to a phone malfunction, but to a bad one. USB-cable, unstable port, or antivirus that blocks data recording.
First Start and Configure After Updating
Once the process is completed, the phone will automatically restart, and the first launch after an update via MiFlash can take up to 10-15 minutes to complete, which is normal as the system optimizes applications and creates new system files.
At the initial setup stage, you will be prompted to connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Mi Account. If you have done a full cleanup, all your data will be deleted. Now is the time to restore a backup from the Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud.
Pay attention to the Android security version and security patches. Make sure that after manually installing updates, the system sees the current status. Sometimes you need to manually check the updates again through the standard menu to pre-installe small patches.
It is also recommended to check the main modules: camera, microphone, speakers and fingerprint sensor. If everything is functioning correctly, then the update Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro was successful and the device is ready for everyday use.