Why do you want to re-watch the Mi 8 Pro?
Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro (codename equuleus) still remains relevant device due to the powerful “iron”: Snapdragon 845 processor, 8 GB of RAM and AMOLED-But over time, even flagship models start to slow down because of outdated software, redundant services, or unoptimized updates, and flashing helps solve these problems and opens up new possibilities.
The main reasons for reflashing the Mi 8 Pro: 1) Upgrade to the current version of MIUI or Android (for example, from MIUI 10 to MIUI 14). 2) Remove the built-in software (bloatver) and speed up the system. 3) Install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience for “clean” Android. 4) Unlock additional features (for example, ViPER4Android for sound improvement). 5) Restore after “bricking” (for example, after a failed update).
But before we do, it's important to understand that flashing is not a harmless operation, that errors can lead to complete data loss, locking the bootloader, or even "bricking" the device, so we'll go through all the steps from preparation to choosing the firmware method.
Preparation for Flashing: What to Do Before Starting
The first and most important step is to save all the data, and flashing it, especially through Fastboot or TWRP, erases the internal memory of the device.
- 📱 Backup through MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and backup on Mi Cloud or locally.
- 🖥️ Copying on PC: connect the smartphone to USB (in file transfer mode) and copy folders DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp and other important data.
- ☁️ Cloud Services: Upload photos to Google Photos, sync your contacts to Google Account, and export your messages through Google Photos SMS Backup & Restore.
Then check the battery power, it should be at least 60%, and if the device runs out during firmware, it can cause failure and build-up.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better the one that came with the kit) – cheap cables may not provide a stable connection.
- 💻 Computer on Windows 10/11 Linux (for Fastboot and other methods) EDL).
- 🛠️ Qualcomm drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Xiaomi website or through the Mi Flash Tool).
Created a backup of all data|Battery charge ≥60%|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|I've downloaded the right firmware.|Original prepared USB-cable-->
⚠️ Note: If you are using the Mi 8 Pro with a locked bootloader, it will have to be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting due to Xiaomi’s policy.
Unlocking the bootloader on Mi 8 Pro: step-by-step instructions
The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default. To install custom firmware or TWRP, it must be unlocked.
Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
- Connect your phone to the Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website) and log in under the same account as on your smartphone.
Step 2. Waiting for unlocking
Once the account is attached, Xiaomi will start counting down, which is typically 168 hours (7 days), but can take up to 720 hours (30 days) depending on the company's policy.
- 📵 Do not reset the device to factory settings.
- 🔄 Don’t untie your Mi Account from your phone.
- 🔌 Periodically connect to the Mi Unlock Tool to check status.
Step 3: Final unlock
When the timer is zeroed, plug the Mi 8 Pro into Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power) and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Press Unlock - the bootloader will be unlocked.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will automatically reset to factory settings. All data will be deleted, even if you haven't started firmware!
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
Selection of firmware for Mi 8 Pro: official vs custom
The type of firmware depends on the functionality, stability and even the life of the device.
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI (Fastboot/Recovery) | ✅ Stable work✅ Support OTA-update✅ Preserving the warranty (if the bootloader is not unlocked) | ❌ Lots of bloatwehr.❌ Delays with Android updates❌ Limited settings | ⭐⭐ (simple) |
| Custom MIUI (e.g. xiaomi.eu) | ✅ No advertising and unnecessary applications✅ Frequent updates✅ Advanced settings | ❌ Possible bugs❌ No. OTA (You need to update manually) | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) |
| AOSP-Firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) | ✅ Pure Android without a MIUI✅ Fast work.✅ Long-term support | ❌ The camera may not be working or NFC❌ No Xiaomi branded features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) |
| Firmware via EDL (Emergency mode) | ✅ Recovery from “bricking»✅ Bypassing a blocked loader (sometimes) | ❌ Risk of damaging the device❌ Requires an authorized Xiaomi account | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) |
For most users, custom MIUI from Xiaomi.eu retains all the features of the original firmware, but removes advertising and unnecessary services. If you want a “pure” Android, look for LineageOS 20 (based on Android 13).
Where do I get the firmware?
- 🔗 AOSP: XDA Developers (seek themes for equuleus).
💡
Before downloading the firmware, check its compatibility with the Mi 8 Pro (codename equuleus). Installing firmware for Mi 8 (dipper) or Mi 8 SE (sirius) will cause the device to fail!
Mi 8 Pro firmware methods: step-by-step instructions
The choice of method depends on the type of firmware and your goals. Let's consider three main ways:
1. firmware via MIUI Updater (for official updates)
The easiest and safest method, but only suitable for installing official MIUI updates without unlocking the bootloader.
- Download the update file (.zip) and place it in the root of the internal memory.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select the Update File.
- Specify the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
The device will restart and install the update automatically, a method that doesn’t erase data, but only works for incremental updates (not for full flashing).
2. Firmware via Fastboot (for official and custom MIUI)
This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for installing full firmware packages (.tgz or.zip).
- Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and install it.
- Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
- Turn off the phone and turn it into Fastboot mode (Loud down + Power).
- Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- Press Select, specify the firmware folder, then Refresh (the device should appear).
- Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning) mode. + Lock the bootloader) and press Flash.
⚠️ Warning: If you choose Clean all and lock, the bootloader will lock again, and you will have to wait 30 days for the next firmware to unlock!
3. firmware via TWRP (for custom firmware)
For installation AOSP-Firmware or Xiaomi.eu will need custom recavery TWRP.
- Download TWRP for equuleus from the official website.
The first download after installing custom firmware can take 5-10 minutes - do not interrupt the process!
💡
Make sure to use the current version of the recovery to run through TWRP. Older builds may not support new firmware and cause errors.
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise. Let's consider the most common errors and how to fix them:
1. This package is for 'equuleus' devices; this is a'
Reason: You are trying to install firmware that is not designed for the Mi 8 Pro (e.g., Mi 8 or Mi 8 SE).
Solution: Download firmware specifically for the equuleus model. Check the file name - it should contain equuleus or mi8_pro.
2. Hanging on the MI logo after firmware
Reasons:
- Incompatible firmware.
- Incomplete data cleaning before installation.
- A damaged firmware file.
Decision:
- Return to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power Upload).
- Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System.
- Re-install the firmware.
3.Fastboot: Unknown command error
Reason: There is no ADB/Fastboot driver installed or connection issue.
Decision:
- Check if the device is detected in Device Manager (should be Android Bootloader Interface).
- Reinstall drivers through the Mi Flash Tool.
- Try another one. USB-port.
4. Error 7 error in TWRP
Reason: The firmware is not compatible with the current version of Android or MIUI.
Solution: Install an intermediate firmware (e.g. MIUI 12 before switching to MIUI 14).
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the firmware?
Recovery after a failed firmware: EDL mode
If the Mi 8 Pro is no longer on and neither Fastboot nor Recovery is available, the last chance is Emergency Download Mode (EDL), a method that allows you to flash the device at a low level, but requires special tools.
What you need:
- 🔌 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices).
- 📁 Firmware in.mbn format (for example, EDL firmware for equuleus).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and put it into EDL mode: Close the test point contacts neatly on the motherboard (disassembly required!) OR use the command (if Fastboot is available): fastboot oem edl
- Connect your phone to your PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in Device Manager.
- Run the Mi Flash Tool Pro, select firmware (.mbn) and press Flash.
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: Method EDL If you're not sure, you need to use electronics, if you don't close the test point correctly, you can damage the motherboard!