How to cancel the update to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones of 2019, but its owners often face problems after automatic updates MIUI. New firmware can bring not only improvements, but also critical bugs: from battery discharge overnight to complete inoperability of the camera or module. NFC. If you notice that after the update, the device began to slow down, overheat or lose communication - it's time to act.

In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios for canceling the update: how to stop downloading the firmware at the download stage, roll back the system to the previous version, block automatic updates forever, and what to do if the smartphone has already been updated and β€œblocked”. The instructions are relevant for all versions MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14) and modifications of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (6/128 GB, 8/128 GB.).

Before proceeding, check the current firmware version: go to Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI. If you haven't installed an update yet, but you've downloaded it, you have a chance to uninstall it without consequences. If the smartphone has already rebooted with the new firmware, you'll need more radical measures.

1. How to stop downloading the update at the download stage

If the Redmi Note 8 Pro has started downloading an update but it hasn't been installed yet, there are a number of ways to interrupt the process, and the key is to act quickly before the firmware file is fully loaded.

Method 1: Shutdown Wi-Fi/mobile

  • πŸ“Ά For Wi-Fi: Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar, and click on the Wi-Fi icon. This will interrupt the download if it was going through the wireless network.
  • πŸ“‘ For mobile internet: disable data transfer in the same menu or go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Transfer of data.
  • ⚑ Emergency: Enable Flight Mode (aircraft in the notification panel) This is guaranteed to stop the loading, but will disable all connections.

Method 2: Cleaning the update cache

If the update is already partially downloaded, it can be removed through the storage settings:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find System Update (or Updater) in the list and tap it.
  3. Select Warehouse. β†’ Clear the cache.
  4. Return to the menu and click Stop (if the button is active).

πŸ’‘

If after cleaning the cache, the update starts to download again, go to Settings β†’ Accounts and synchronization β†’ Xiaomi and temporarily disable synchronization with servers MIUI.

Method 3: Remove the update file manually

The downloaded firmware is stored in the folder /sdcard/Download/rom or /sdcard/DownloadedRom. To remove them:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC or use a file manager (such as Mi File Explorer).
  2. Cross the path. /sdcard/Download/rom.
  3. Delete files with the.zip extension (for example, miui_HMNote8Pro_*.zip).
  4. Reset the device.
What to do if the rom folder is missing?
Sometimes Xiaomi hides a firmware folder, in which case you can search for it in the file manager for "rom" or use a PC with hidden files enabled.

2. How to cancel the installation of the update if it has already been downloaded

If the firmware is loaded but not yet installed (the notification says "Ready to Install"), you have one last chance to cancel the process without resetting.

Method 1: Cancellation through notification

  • πŸ”” Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
  • πŸ“₯ Find the notification β€œSystem Update Ready to Install” and tap it.
  • ❌ In the window that opens, click Cancel or Delete (depending on the version). MIUI).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone to reset the update process.

Method 2: Blocking through ADB (for advanced users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can block the installation through ADB (Android Debug Bridge:

  1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (tap 7 times on build number, then go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers).
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater
  3. Restart the device. Updates will no longer be installed automatically.
πŸ“Š How often do you update your firmware on Xiaomi?
Every new version
Only if there are critical bugs
Never update.
Only on the recommendation of the service center

Method 3: Recovery Removal (if the update has blocked the system)

If after clicking β€œCancel” the smartphone still tries to install the firmware when restarting, try to remove it through Recovery:

  1. Turn off the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
  3. Select Wipe & Reset β†’ Wipe Cache (Do not reset your data!).
  4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot β†’ System.

πŸ’‘

If you reboot the update again, you don't have the firmware file removed. Repeat the steps in Section 1 or use it. ADB.

3. How to roll back firmware to the previous version MIUI

If the update is already installed and critical errors are detected (for example, 64 MP camera is not working, it stopped turning on). NFC If you lose autonomy, the only sure way to get back to stability is to roll back the firmware. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, there are two ways to do this: Fastboot or Recovery.

Important: rollback will reset all data on your smartphone! make a backup through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset or by using Mi PC Suite.

Method 1: Recoil through Fastboot (recommended)

For this method, you will need a PC with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

  1. Download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (select the Fastboot version).
  2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
  3. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
  4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
  5. Select the firmware folder, press Refresh, then Flash.
  6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

Method 2: Recovery (if Fastboot is not available)

This method is simpler, but it doesn’t work with all versions. MIUI.

  1. Download the firmware in Recovery format ROM (zip file from the official website.
  2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory.
  3. Enter Recovery Mode (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
  4. Select Install update.zip to System.
  5. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

Make a backup copy of the data|Download the correct version of the firmware (Fastboot or Recovery)|Charge your smartphone at least 50%|Install Xiaomi drivers on PC (for Fastboot)|Disable the antivirus (can block the Mi Flash Tool)

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4.How to permanently disable automatic update MIUI

To make sure that the Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn’t download updates without your knowledge, you can block the process completely.

Method 1: Disabling in settings

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ System update.
  2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Turn off the options: βš™οΈ Automatic booting over Wi-Fi βš™οΈ Automatic installation of updates βš™οΈ Notifications of updates

Method 2: Locking through a hosts file (without root)

This method blocks the smartphone access to the update servers Xiaomi:

  1. Install a file manager with access to system files (e.g., file manager, FX File Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/etc/hosts.
  3. Add the following lines to the end of the file: 127.0.0.1 update.miui.com 127.0.0.1 data.miui.com
  4. Save the changes and restart the device.

Method 3: Freeze the system application (requires root)

If you have root access, you can completely freeze Updater:

  1. Install Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher.
  2. Find in the list of applications com.android.updater.
  3. Select the option to Freeze or Disable.

πŸ’‘

If some features (such as themes or cloud storage) have stopped working after blocking updates, check if other Xiaomi system services are accidentally blocked.

5.What to do if the smartphone β€œblocked” after the update

Sometimes an unsuccessful update leads to a β€œbrick” (complete inoperability) Redmi Note 8 Pro. Symptoms: the device does not turn on, hung on the logo MI, Or you get a Fastboot Mode error with a red exclamation point, and then you get a disaster recovery.

Step 1: Diagnostics of the brick type

Symptoms.Type of brickDecision
The smartphone vibrates, but the screen is black.Soft-brick (software)Firmware through Fastboot
Hangs on the MI logo or download animationBootloopWipe cache/dalvik firmware
Constantly rebooting to RecoverySystem section damaged.Firmware with full Fastboot firmware
Red exclamation point in FastbootCritical error (anti-rollback)The official version is not lower than the current version.

Step 2: Recovery via Fastboot (for most cases)

If your smartphone responds to buttons and enters Fastboot Mode, follow the instructions:

  1. Download the full Fastboot firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia).
  2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
  3. Connect the smartphone in Fastboot mode (black screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared).
  4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh.
  5. At the bottom, select Clean all and click Flash.
  6. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 15 minutes).

πŸ’‘

If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to flash an older version. Download the same or newer version of the firmware!

Step 3: Recovery through EDL (hard-on)

If the Redmi Note 8 Pro does not respond to any buttons (full brick), you will need firmware through the EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) for this purpose:

  • πŸ”Œ Connect the off smartphone to the PC with the pressed button Volume up + Loudness down.
  • πŸ’» Install the Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (can be found on the website) 4PDA).
  • πŸ“₯ Download the firmware in.mbn format and run through QFil or Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL.
What is an anti-rollback and why is it dangerous?
Xiaomi implements anti-rollback protection that blocks rollbacks on older firmware versions. MIUI The smartphone can lock permanently (hard-brick) before rolling back, always check the build number in the settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI) And download the firmware no older than the current one!

6.How to avoid update issues in the future

To avoid bugs after updates, follow these rules:

  • πŸ” Check reviews: before installing a new firmware, read reviews on forums (4PDA, Xiaomi Community) about bugs in this version.
  • ⏳ Wait 1-2 weeks: do not update immediately after release – wait for the correct builds.
  • πŸ”„ Backup: Before each update, save data through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ“΅ Disable Auto Updates: As described in Section 4, block background firmware loading.
  • πŸ› οΈ Use custom firmware: If the official versions are buggy, try xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience (requires unlocking the bootloader).

Advice for advanced users: if you often experiment with firmware, unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool, TWRP) It is easy to revert to previous versions.

πŸ“Š Have you ever had a problem with a Xiaomi update?
Yeah, the smartphone started to slow down.
Yes, the camera/network has stopped working.
Yeah, it's been out in a few hours.
No, I never had a problem.
I only update at the service center.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you cancel or roll back updates, users often make critical errors that can lead to a smartphone breakdown, and here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

Error 1: Interrupting the firmware through Fastboot

⚠️ If you start firmware through the Mi Flash Tool and disconnect your smartphone from your PC before the process is complete, it can damage the system partition).

βœ… Solution: Always wait for Flash Done message in Mi Flash Tool and automatic device reboot.

Error 2: Installation of incompatible firmware

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is codenamed begonia. If you download firmware for another model (like the Redmi Note 8 with the code ginkgo), the smartphone will blink.

⚠️ Always check the code name of the device in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ Model number: The firmware must include begonia in the name (e.g., begonia, miui_BEGONIAGlobal_*.zip).

Error 3: Ignoring the anti-rollback

Xiaomi blocks rollbacks on older versions of firmware. If you sew an older version, the smartphone can lock permanently with an anti-rollback error.

βœ… Solution: Before rolling back, check the current and target firmware versions on Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

Error 4: Firmware without unlocking the bootloader

If the bootloader is blocked, you will not be able to flash custom firmware or TWRP. Trying to do this will lead to a mistake.

⚠️ Attention! Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the device! Before the procedure, back up and link your Mi Account to the device (in your account settings).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I cancel the update if the smartphone is already restarting?
If the Redmi Note 8 Pro has already started the installation process (the logo is on the screen). MI And you can't interrupt it without the risk of a breeze. Wait for the update to finish, and then roll back the firmware through Fastboot or Recovery if necessary.
Why does the camera not work after the firmware rollback or NFC?
This is a typical problem when rolling back to the old version. MIUI. The fact is that new firmware versions update modem and vendor partitions that may not be compatible with the old system. Solution: Scroll through the full Fastboot firmware with the Clean all tick. If the problem persists, swipe through the newer version. MIUI (Not older than the current one because of the anti-rollback).
How do I know which version of MIUI was installed before the update?
If you don't remember the previous version, try: View screenshots or screen photos with information about the system (if you've done them before). Check the update history in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system β†’ Update history. Use Mi PC Suite – sometimes the program saves the logs of previous firmware.
Can I roll back the firmware without losing data?
Unfortunately, a firmware rollback on the Redmi Note 8 Pro almost always results in a reset.The only way to save data is to back up through Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup or Mi Cloud before you start, and once you roll back, you can restore contacts, messages and some settings, but you'll have to reinstall the apps and their data.
What to do if the smartphone does not turn on after a rollback?
If after firmware Redmi Note 8 Pro does not respond to the power button: Connect it to charging for 30 minutes - sometimes the battery discharges to zero during the procedure. + Power) and run the firmware again. If it doesn't work, try stitching through EDL Mode (requires PC and special drivers) In extreme cases, contact the service center - possibly damaged boot section.