How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to Android 12: all ways with explanations

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but its official support is long over. the last stable version of MIUI for this model was Android 11 (MIUI 12.5), and upgrading to Android 12 requires custom solutions. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to install the twelfth version of the OS, from custom firmware to alternative methods with minimal risks.

It’s important to understand that switching to Android 12 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro is always a compromise. On the one hand, you get a fresh interface, improved performance and new features (like Privacy Dashboard or Material You), on the other, you lose official support, you risk being hit by bugs in the camera or sensors, and you lose warranty (if it was still in effect), we will analyze each method in detail so that you can choose the best option.

Why Xiaomi hasn’t released Android 12 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro officially?

The reason lies in hardware limitations. Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a chipset Mediatek Helio G90T, for which the manufacturer stopped producing drivers after Android 11. Xiaomi, in turn, depends on MediaTek for support of the kernel and proprietary components. Even despite active requests from the community, the company officially announced the termination of updates for this model in 2021.

However, enthusiasts have found workarounds:

• 🔄 Ported firmware from other devices (e.g., based on the Redmi Note 9 Pro with a similar processor).
• 🛠️ Castom builds of the LineageOS or Pixel Experience type adapted for Helio G90T.
• 📱 Unofficial MIUI from Chinese developers (e.g. MIUI 13 based on Android 12).

Each of these methods has its own nuances, for example, ported firmware can work incorrectly with NFC or a wide-angle camera, and custom builds often lack Xiaomi’s signature features (like Second Space or Game Turbo).

Preparation of the smartphone for the update: checklist of mandatory actions

Before you start installing Android 12, you need to follow a number of critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, device “brick” or the failure of key functions (for example, mobile network).

Back up all data (photos, contacts, SMS)| Check battery power (minimum 60%)|Install MediaTek and ADB|bootloader drivers | Download firmware and tools (TWRP, SP Flash Tool) |Disable Mi Account protection (if an account is tied)

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Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi blocks this feature for devices older than 2 years, so you will have to use workarounds:

1. Apply for unlocking via Xiaomi’s official website (may not work for older models).
2. Use alternative tools like Mi Unlock Tool Bypass or Fastboot Scripts.
3. Apply exploit via EDL- Mode (requires an authorized MediaTek account).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. If you have attached the Mi Account, you need to disable it before the procedure begins, otherwise the smartphone will require authorization after flashing.

Also check the current firmware version in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have a global (MIUI Global) or European (MIUI EU) build, some custom firmware may not work – you will need to first check out China Stable.

Method 1: Install unofficial MIUI 13 based on Android 12

This method is suitable for those who want to keep the branded interface Xiaomi, but get a fresh version of Android. informal builds MIUI 13 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro are created by enthusiasts based on firmware for other devices (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) with adaptation to the Helio G90T.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎨 Saving the familiar interface MIUI with new chips (e.g., Side Toolbar or Floating Windows).
• 📱 Most sensors and cameras work (as opposed to AOSP- firmware).
• 🔋 Optimized power consumption through native MediaTek drivers.

Among the shortcomings:

• 🐞 Possible performance bugs or occasional reboots.
• 🔒 No security updates from Google.
• 📵 Problems with 5G (if your region supports this network)

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware archive (such as with XDA Developers) and place it in the root of the device’s memory.
2. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi Note 8 Pro (the version should support Android 12!).
3. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
4. Run Wipe → Format Data (required!), then run the firmware through Install.
5. Once installed, restart. The first launch can take 10-15 minutes.

Method 2: Install custom firmware (LineageOS or Pixel Experience)

If you want to use pure Android without the MIUI shell, the best choice is firmware based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project).

• 📱 LineageOS 19 (Android 12) is a minimalist and stable variant.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with interface and chips from Google Pixel.
• 🔧 ArrowOS – Balance between customization and performance.

The main advantage of AOSP- firmware is the lack of redundant software and regular security updates.

• 📸 The camera runs through Google Camera (GCam), but without full support for all modules.
• 🔋 Autonomy may decrease by 10-15% due to unoptimized drivers.
• 🎮 Game mode and other MIUI chips are missing.

Instructions for installation of LineageOS 19:

1. Download firmware and GApps (Google Services Package) from LineageOS.
2. Install TWRP (the version should support dynamic partition!).
3. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery
4. Make Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. First, run the firmware, then GApps.
6. Reboot. The first launch will take up to 20 minutes.

⚠️ Warning: Some LineageOS builds for the Redmi Note 8 Pro do not support VoLTE (voice calls via 4G).

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If the mobile network does not work after installing AOSP- firmware, try manually selecting the operator in the settings or flashing a modified modem.img from the firmware theme.

Method 3: Update via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable for those who prefer to work with Fastboot and are ready to manually firmware each partition, it is more reliable than installing via TWRP, but requires accurate follow-up of the instructions.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz format (e.g. from Xiaomi.eu or custom).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step process:

1. Unpack the archive with the firmware in the folder with Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down when turned on).
3. Run the firmware script: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot reboot
4. If the firmware contains a script flash_all.bat, you can use it for automatic installation.

The advantage of the Fastboot method is that it has a lower risk of error when you run system partitions, but it requires command line knowledge and doesn't forgive typos, for example, if you make a mistake in the name of the vendor.img file, the phone may not boot.

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Fastboot firmware is suitable for restoring the device after a "brick" or installing official assemblies (if they suddenly appear).

Solving problems after upgrading to Android 12

Even with a successful Android 12 installation, you may encounter bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If after the update the phone does not turn on or hung on the logo:

1. Try to boot into TWRP and repeat the firmware.
2. If TWRP is not available, use the SP Flash Tool to recover via EDL- Mode.
3. In extreme cases, run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

⚠️ Warning: If navigation gestures stop working after the Pixel Experience firmware, activate them in System → Gestures → System Navigation. Some builds hide this item by default.

Should you upgrade to Android 12 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026?

The answer depends on your priorities. Let's weigh the pros and cons:

Arguments FOR:

• 🆕 New Android 12 features: Privacy Dashboard, Microphone/Camera Indicators, improved notifications.
• 🛡️ More recent security patches (if the firmware supports updates)
• 🎨 Modern interface with Material You support.
• 📱 Ability to install apps that require Android 12+.

Arguments against:

• 🐢 Possible performance decline (especially on custom firmware).
• 📵 Risk of losing the functionality of sensors or cameras.
• 🔧 Lack of official support and stability assurances.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (by 5-15% compared to stock firmware).

The alternative is to stay on Android 11, but install MIUI 13 or MIUI 14 through ported builds, giving a fresh interface without the risks associated with updating the Android version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note update 8 Pro