How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi 8: official and custom firmware

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2019, but even 5 years after its release it can be upgraded with a firmware update.The software update opens up access to new features, improves performance and fixes MIUI bugs. However, illiterate firmware can turn the phone into a "brick" - so it's important to follow the verified instructions.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to run Redmi 8 (codenamed olive), from official updates via MIUI Updater to custom firmware installations like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. You’ll learn how to unlock a bootloader, choose the right firmware version, and avoid common bugs. And if something goes wrong, there’s a section at the end of this article that addresses some of the most common problems.

Preparation for Flashing: What to Do Before Starting

Flashing is not just a couple of buttons. Wrong actions can lead to data loss, device locking, or even physical damage to hardware. So the first step is a full backup of all the important data. Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos for media files, or local copying to your PC via MTP.

Also check:

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60 percent. When discharged during firmware, the phone can turn off and turn into a brick».
• 🔌 Cable USB — Use an original or certified Type-C cable. Cheap analogues can interrupt the connection.
• 💻 Drivers – Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Fastboot/ADB (You can download it on the official Xiaomi website).
• 📥 Firmware – download the file for your model (olive for Redmi 8) and check its integrity through the MD5-sum.

💡

If you're flashing your phone for the first time, practice on an old device or emulator, which will help you avoid making critical mistakes on the main gadget.

Attention to MIUI! Redmi 8 supports two firmware branches:

• 🌍 Global (MIUI Global – for the international market, with Google Services.
• 🇨🇳 China (MIUI China – no Google services, but with additional features for China.

Installing an incompatible version will cause errors in the modems or camera. You can check the current firmware in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Method 1: Update via MIUI Updater (without unlocking the bootloader)

The safest method is to upgrade through the built-in System Update app, which is suitable for installing official firmware without loss of data and does not require unlocking the bootloader, but this way you can only upgrade to the latest version of MIUI for your region.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon «⋮» (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ You can't downgrade the story. MIUI (downgrade).
• ❌ Custom firmware is not supported.
• ❌ If the firmware file is damaged, the phone will hang on the Mi logo.

Method 2: Firmware through Recovery (for official and some custom firmware)

The Recovery method is suitable for installing official firmware (including downgrade) and some custom ROMs if they support installation via TWRP. The advantage is that you do not need a PC connection, but the bootloader must be unlocked.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format and move it to the root directory of internal memory (not in folders!).
2. Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. In standard Mi Recovery, select the language, then: Install update.zip to System One → specify the firmware file → confirm.
4. If you have TWRP, select Install, specify the file, and make Swipe to Confirm Flash.
5. After installation, select Reboot System.

The difference between Mi Recovery and TWRP is:

Important: If you install custom firmware through TWRP, be sure to run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable method for installing official firmware, especially if the phone is not booting, and it requires a connection to a PC and an unlocked bootloader.

• 🔄 Recovery of the phone after a failure.
• 📉 downhreid MIUI.
• 🔧 Fixing errors after a failed firmware through Recovery.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Unpack the archive with the firmware (.tgz format) in the folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select, specify the folder with unpacked firmware.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all – clean (recommended); Clean all and lock – clean + lock bootloader (only for official firmware!); Save user data – data storage (not always stable).

Flash

💡

Clean all and lock mode will block the bootloader after the firmware is installed. Use it only if you install an official MIUI and do not plan custom ROMs!

Common errors when running through Fastboot:

• 🚫 anti_rollback — It happens when you try to install the old version. MIUI. Solution: only new versions are used.
• 🚫 flash_write_failed — cable or port problems USB. Try another cable or PC.
• 🚫 Freezing by 40-50% – often associated with antivirus that blocks the Mi Flash Tool.

Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for custom firmware

The Redmi 8 bootloader is locked by default. To install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Havoc-OS), it needs to be unlocked. The process takes up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi's policy, but once unlocked, you'll have full control of the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on MIUI Version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
4. Turn off the phone, press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
5. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and log in to your Mi Account.
6. Press Unlock. If the message "Wait 72 hours" appears, wait for the specified time and try again.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Couldn’t unlock” error, try using another Windows 10/11 PC or disable driver verification via gpedit.msc (for power users).

What does unlock the loader give:

• ✅ Possibility to establish TWRP custom-made.
• ✅ Removal of embedded applications MIUI (debloat).
• ✅ Rooting (Getting root rights).

Risks of unlocking:

• ⚠️ Resetting all data (including internal memory!).
• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• ⚠️ Vulnerability to malware (if not monitored for security).

Install custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience and others

If you don't like MIUI with its advertising and restrictions, you can install custom firmware based on Android. Redmi 8 is available:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
• 📱 Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with many settings.
• 📱 ArrowOS – Balance between performance and functionality.

Requirements for installing custom firmware:

• ✅ Unlocked loader.
• ✅ Established custom recovery (TWRP).
• ✅ Compatible firmware for the olive model.
• ✅ Gapps (Google services, if not included in firmware).

Instructions for installing Pixel Experience:

1. Download firmware and Gapps (like NikGapps or OpenGapps) for ARM64, Android 12/13.
2. Reboot to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
3. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Install firmware, then Gapps (order is important!).
5. Reboot System: The first launch can take 10-15 minutes.

Problems after installing custom firmware:

• 🔊 No sound – check if vendor files are installed from official firmware.
• 📶 No network, maybe the firmware doesn't support your region. Try a different build.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge – calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions).

Solving problems after flashing

Even if you follow all the instructions, sometimes you get mistakes, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If the phone has become a brick:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons and isn’t detected by a PC after firmware, try the Test Point method (for power users!).It requires disassembling the device and closing the contacts on the board to force login. EDL-Without rationing skills, you should go to the service center.

To recover through EDL, you will need:

• 🔧 Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver.
• 💾 Firmware in.mbn format for Redmi 8.
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 8 flashing