Reflashing Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: official and custom methods

Why do Redmi Note 8 Pro owners decide to reflash the device?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) was released in 2019, but still remains popular thanks to the powerful Helio G90T processor and 64-megapixel camera. However, over time, users face typical problems: slowdowns after MIUI updates, bugs in the latest firmware versions or the desire to install custom OS like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

Reflashing can solve several key tasks:

• 🔄 Recovery after failure or “bricking” of the device;
• ⚡ Acceleration of the system by rolling back to a stable version MIUI or lightweight firmware installation;
• 🛡️ Remove Bloatware (pre-installed Xiaomi apps that cannot be removed by standard methods);
• 🆕 Getting new features through custom firmware (for example, support for GCam or Android 13 on a device not officially updated to this version).

But before you start, it is important to understand the risks: incorrect firmware can lead to loss of warranty, data loss or even complete failure of the device ("brick"). In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to flash the Redmi Note 8 Pro, including official and informal methods, and provide recommendations for choosing the appropriate version of the software.

Preparation for flashing: what to do in advance

The first and most important step is to save all the data. Flashing, especially through Fastboot, erases the device's internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical copying to your PC to back up:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (export through Settings) → Google → Backup);
• 📷 Photo and video (copy folder) DCIM computer);
• 🎵 Music and Documents (check Download and Documents folders);
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (save network list in Settings) → Wi-Fi).

Next, check the current firmware version and bootloader status:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and write down the build number (e.g. V12.5.3.0.RGGRUXM).
2. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Go back to Settings → Additional → For developers and check the OEM Unlock Status. If it says Locked, the bootloader will have to unlock.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to install custom firmware, unlocking the bootloader is mandatory. For official firmware via Recovery or Fastboot, unlocking is not required, but may be necessary when rolling back to an earlier version.

Also prepare the necessary tools:

Method 1: Firmware through Recovery (without unlocking the bootloader)

This method is suitable for upgrading or rolling back to another official version of MIUI without losing data (if you choose Update over Wipe).It does not require unlocking the bootloader and is performed via standard or custom recovery.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format for your model (begonia) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If you install firmware older than the current version, select Wipe data before installing, otherwise the device may get stuck on boot!

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process.

Download the correct firmware file for begonia|

The file was renamed to update.zip|

The file is in the root of the memory, not in the folder.|

Battery charge > 50%|

Backup of important data is made-->

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (official MIUI)

Fastboot is used to completely reinstall the system, including crash recovery ("disbursement"). It erases all data, but guarantees a clean installation. It is suitable for official firmware in.tgz or.zip format (for Mi Flash Tool).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (e.g, begonia_global_images_V12.5.3.0.RGGMIXM_20211029.0000.00_11.0_global_1d1a4f5b8a.tgz).
2. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\begonia).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device (appears) COM-port).
7. Select Clean All mode (complete clean) or Save user data (save data, but may cause errors).
8. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

If the process is 99% dead or there is an anti-rollback error, it means:

• 🔙 You are trying to install an older firmware than the one that supports the current anti-rollback version).
• 🛠️ Solution: Download the new version of the firmware or use the XiaomiTool tool V2 to circumvent the restriction (risky!).

Method 3: Install custom firmware (TWRP + LineageOS/Pixel Experience)

Custom firmware gives access to pure Android, regular updates and additional features, but requires an unlocked bootloader and TWRP Recovery installation.The process is more complicated than with official firmware, but the result is worth the effort.

Steps to install Pixel Experience (example):

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account binding and wait 7-15 days for new devices).
2. Download TWRP for begonia (version 3.7.0 or later) and Pixel Experience firmware from PixelExperience.
3. Install ADB & Fastboot on your PC and check the phone connection with the command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
4. TWRP command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-begonia.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-begonia.img
5. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
6. Transfer the firmware file to your phone via MTP (TWRP has Mount → Enable MTP option).
7. Install the firmware via Install → Select the file → Swipe to confirm.
8. After installation, swipe Magisk (if root is needed) and restart.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may have bugs: 📸 Broken camera (solved by installing GCam or Perseus kernel); 🔋 Quick battery discharge (check Battery settings) → Adaptive Battery); 🎧 Headphone audio problems (update Vendor and Firmware). Before installing, check the forum reviews. XDA Developers.

💡

If after installing custom firmware does not work mobile network, download and run through TWRP file vendor_fix.zip It's a fix for your model. IMEI modem.

Unlocking the bootloader: a step-by-step guide

Without unlocking the bootloader, you can’t install TWRP or custom firmware. Xiaomi has made it harder to get around the limitations in the latest MIUI versions.

What will be required:

• 📱 Charged phone > 60%;
• 💻 Windows PC (7/10/11);
• 🔑 Xiaomi account tied to phone;
• 🛠️ Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website).

The unlocking process:

1. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
2. Link your Xiaomi account to your device: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync.
3. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool (administrator rights required).
5. Log in to the same Xiaomi account as on your phone.
6. If the message “Waiting for 168 hours” appears, you will have to wait 7 days (for new accounts) and the old accounts (with a link > 30 days) will be unlocked immediately.
7. After waiting, press Unlock – the process will take 10-30 seconds.

Important: Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened its unlock rules, and if your account was created less than 30 days ago, the wait is 168 hours (7 days) even for older devices.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings.

Solving common errors in firmware

Even when following the instructions, there may be errors, and let's look at the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on after a failed firmware (brick), try:

1. Press Volume Up + Power for 20-30 seconds (hard reset).
2. Connect to your PC and check if the device in Device Manager is identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. If yes, use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option to recover.
4. If not, contact the service center (eMMC memory may be damaged).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note flashing 8 Pro