How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to MIUI 13: All ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones of 2019, but its official support ended with MIUI 12.5.However, many users want to get the features of MIUI 13: improved performance, new animations and optimized power consumption. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating – from official (if they are still available) to alternative methods with custom firmware.

It's important to understand that Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) never received MIUI 13 in official builds for global or Chinese versions, but enthusiasts created unofficial ports, and some regions could get an update through beta programs, and we analyzed all the options and collected proven instructions — taking into account the risks and nuances for each method.

If you’re not ready to experiment with firmware, consider optimizing the current version of MIUI or switching to custom shells like Pixel Experience or LineageOS, which often run more stable than unofficial MIUI 13 ports.

1. Verification of the current version of MIUI and compatibility

Before you try to upgrade, make sure your Redmi Note 8 Pro can get a MIUI 13 at all.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Check the lines MIUI version and the device model.
3. Write down the current firmware version (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.3 Stable).

Officially, MIUI 13 for begonia was only released as part of the China ROM beta test, and if you have global or European firmware, the chances of automatic updates are zero.

Critical information: If your phone is locked through Mi Account ("This device is locked"), unofficial firmware cannot be installed without unlocking the bootloader.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek Helio processor G90T custom-made MIUI 13 may cause overheating due to unoptimized cores. Check forum reviews before installing 4PDA or XDA Developers in the last 3 months.

Official Update to MIUI 13 (if available)

The only legal way to check for an update is through the system menu, which is only suitable for Chinese versions (China ROM) or devices registered with the Mi Pilot beta program.

Instructions:

1. Connect to stable Wi-Fi (update weighs ~2.5GB).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If you see a MIUI 13 package, download it and install it.

If the update is not available, try changing the firmware region through Settings → Additional → Region (select China).

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Charge the phone before 60%+|Connect to Wi-Fi (not mobile Internet)|Shut down. VPN/proxy|Check the vacant space (minimum) 4 GB)-->

⚠️ Attention: After updating to MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, some users have reported a bug with autobrightness (screen dimming to a minimum).Solution: roll back to the top. MIUI 12.5 or manually adjust the brightness in Settings → Display.

3. Install MIUI 13 via Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If there is no official update, you can install the unofficial MIUI 13 port via TWRP. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for power users.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and wait 7-14 days).
2. Install TWRP for begonia (download the current version from twrp.me).
3. Download MIUI 13 firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (recommended sources: XDA Developers or 4PDA).
4. Download to TWRP (Switch off → Click Power + Vol+).
5. Make a full backup (Backup section in TWRP).
6. Wipe out the Dalvik, Cache, Data, System (except Internal Storage) sections.
7. Install. ZIP-Firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
8. Restart (the first launch will take 10-15 minutes).

The list of proven MIUI 13 firmware for begonia:

• 🔹 MIUI 13 by StagOS – stable build with minimal bugs.
• 🔹 MIUI 13 Port by Shiva – Optimized for Helio G90T.
• 🔹 MIUI 13 Global Ports – with pre-installed GApps.

Important: After installing custom MIUI 13 may not work:

• 📱 Fingerprint (requires Fingerprint Fix patch).
• 📶 VoLTE/VoWiFi (Check the operator's settings).
• 🔋 Fast charging (sometimes limited) 10W).

4. Update via Fastboot (for advanced)

Fastboot is suitable if you don’t have TWRP or the firmware comes in.tgz/.img format. This method is more risky, as it requires accurate follow-up of commands.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ PC with installation ADB & Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
• 📄 Firmware MIUI 13 in fastboot format (e.g. from Xiaomi.eu).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in the folder from fastboot.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (Switch off → Power + Vol-).
3. Run the script. flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux/Mac).
4. Wait until the end (don’t turn off USB!).

If the script gives you a remote: partition table doesn't exist, then manually execute the command:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Update via Fastboot on Redmi Note 8 Pros are sometimes dropped IMEI. To avoid this, save before the firmware IMEI The team: adb shell su -c 'dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/nvram of=/sdcard/nvram.img' After the firmware, restore it through TWRP.

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Before you run through Fastboot, disable the antivirus on your PC – it can block scripts flash_all.bat suspiciously.

5. Solving common errors after the update

Even if the upgrade is successful, the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 13 can still experience bugs, and these are the most common problems and solutions.

If root access is lost after the update, it must be re-installed via Magisk:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (GitHub).
2. Run ZIP through TWRP.
3. Restart and check root with the su command in the terminal.

Tip: If MIUI 13 is not running smoothly, try retracing MIUI 12.5 with the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All).

Alternatives to MIUI 13: custom firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro

If MIUI 13 didn’t live up to expectations, consider other firmware optimized for begonia:

• 📱 Pixel Experience – Android 13 with security updates.
• 📱 LineageOS 20 - stable firmware without unnecessary applications.
• 📱 ArrowOS - with settings for every little thing.
• 📱 Havoc-OS – for lovers of customization.

Advantages of custom firmware over MIUI 13:

• ✅ No Advertising and Unnecessary Xiaomi Services.
• ✅ More support for updates (Android) 13/14).
• ✅ Best Optimization for Helio G90T.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Maybe it won't work. IR-blaster (DU remote).
• ❌ No signature chips. MIUI (For example, Second Space).
• ❌ Manual installation of GApps is required.

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AOSP-based castom firmware (such as Pixel Experience) often runs faster than MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro due to the lack of a heavy shell.

7. Backup before Updating

Before any firmware manipulation, be sure to save data. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can do this in several ways:

• 🔄 Mi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
• 💾 Local Copy: Through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🖥️ ADB Backup: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab
• 📁 Manual copying: transfer files from /sdcard/ PC-only.

What must be kept:

• 📞 Contacts (exports to VCF).
• 📸 Photo and video (folder) DCIM).
• 🔑 Passwords (from Settings) → Passwords and security).
• 🎮 Save games (folder) Android/obb).

⚠️ Warning: If you use Mi Cloud for backup, make sure you have enough space (MIUI 13 requires ~3GB for the full copy. Free only gives you 5GB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note update 8 Pro