How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: full instruction with unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones of 2019, which is still actively used thanks to the powerful processor MediaTek Helio G90T and 64-megapixel camera. However, over time, even this “iron monster” begins to slow down on older versions of MIUI, and official updates from Xiaomi cease to come out.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to flash the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia): from the official update via MIUI Updater to manual installation via Fastboot and TWRP Recovery. Special attention will be paid to unlocking the bootloader, without this step, most methods simply will not work, and you will learn how to avoid errors like Anti-Rollback or brick devices, and which firmware is better to choose for stable operation.

1. Preparation for flashing: what you need to know before you start

Reflashing the Redmi Note 8 Pro is not a complicated process, but it requires care. The first thing to do is to save all the important data. Even if you plan to upgrade without a reset (via OTA), there is always a risk of failure. Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos for backup photos, and for contacts and messages, built-in Settings tools → Google → Backup.

The second is to check the current version of MIUI. To do this, go to Settings → About → About → MIUI version. Write it down because it depends on the choice of firmware. For example, if you have a MIUI 12.5 and you are trying to install MIUI 14 via Fastboot, Anti-Rollback protection may work, and the phone will turn into a brick.

• 📱 Save it. IMEI: write it down (type *#06#) or take a screenshot. If the firmware fails, you may need to restore it.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. When discharged during the process, the phone may turn off and not turn on.
• 🖥️ Prepare your PC: Install MediaTek drivers (if you use them) SP Flash Tool or Mi Flash Tool for Fastboot.
• 🔗 Download the correct firmware. Only begonia-marked files are suitable for the Redmi Note 8 Pro!

⚠️ Note: If your phone is purchased in China (market version) CN), firmware for the global version (Global) may not work. → The phone. → If there are letters in it. CN, Look for a firmware marked China.

2 Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step before the firmware

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all its smartphones, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro. This means that without official unlocking, you will not be able to:

• 🔓 Install custom Recovery (TWRP);
• 📥 Sweep through informal firmware;
• 🔄 Reverse to the old version MIUI;
• 🛠️ Restore your phone via Fastboot if it doesn’t turn on.

The unlocking process takes 3 to 30 days (depending on Xiaomi’s policy) and requires you to link your Mi Account to your device.

1. Link your Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. Make sure your phone is connected to the Internet.
2. Activate Developer Modes: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool: The official utility is available on the Xiaomi website (authentication will be required).
4. Connect your phone to your PC: Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone, and follow the instructions.The phone should be in Fastboot mode (turn it off, then press Volume Down + Power).

⚠️ If you see a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error when unlocking, check: 🔹 Phone is tied to Mi Account for at least 3 days; 🔹 You're using the original. USB-cable (not cheap Chinese cable); 🔹 Drivers are installed on the PC ADB and Fastboot.

Linked to Mi Account phone | USB | Debugging enabled OEM | Unlocked Downloaded Mi Unlock Tool latest version | Phone charged at least 60%

-->

3. Methods of flashing: which one to choose?

There are 4 basic methods of firmware Redmi Note 8 Pro, each of which is suitable for different situations.

If your phone is working properly and you just want to upgrade your MIUI, use MIUI Updater. To install custom firmware (like Pixel Experience) you will need TWRP. If the phone doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo, Fastboot or SP Flash Tool will help.

💡

If you’re a beginner, start with the Fastboot method via the Mi Flash Tool – it’s the most reliable and suitable for recovering the phone from most soft bricks.

4. Firmware through Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

This method is suitable for clean MIUI installation or phone recovery if it doesn't turn on.

• 🖥️ Windows PC;
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable;
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz format for Fastboot (you can download it on the official website of Xiaomi);
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

Steps:

1. Start Mi Flash Tool: Select the folder with the unpacked firmware, press Refresh - the phone should be determined. At the bottom, select Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader again).
2. Start the firmware with the Flash button, it takes 5-10 minutes, and the phone will automatically restart when it's finished.

⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MI For more than 10 minutes, try to enter Recovery (click Volume Up). + Power) and make Wipe data. If that doesn't work, go back to Clean all and lock.

5. Firmware through SP Flash Tool: When Fastboot doesn't work

SP Flash Tool is a software for firmware devices on MediaTek chips that bypasses some of the limitations of Fastboot, and should be used if:

• 🔄 Phone is not defined in Fastboot;
• 🚫 The bootloader is locked and unlocking is impossible;
• 💥 The phone turned into a brick after a failed firmware.

⚠️ This is the riskiest method -- if you make a mistake, your phone can finally fail. Use it only if other methods fail.

Instructions:

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run through the SP Flash Tool, try flashing only boot and recovery without preloader, and often the problem lies in the damaged preloader.

6. custom firmware installation (TWRP + LineageOS/Pixel Experience)

If you are not satisfied with MIUI, you can install custom firmware based on Android, for example:

• 📱 Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with many settings.

This will require:

1. Established custom recaveri TWRP: Download the latest version TWRP For begonia from the official website, run it through Fastboot with the command: fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-begonia.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-begonia.img

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may have bugs: 🔹 It's not working. NFC or IR-blaster; 🔹 Camera problems (especially with GCam); 🔹 Quick battery discharge. Read forum reviews before installation!

7.Typical errors and their solutions

When flashing Redmi Note 8 Pro users often face the following problems:

If you lose your IMEI after the firmware, don't panic, it can be restored.

1. Download Maui META and MediaTek drivers.
2. Connect your phone in Meta Mode (clip Volume Up + Volume Down when connecting to your PC).
3. In Maui META, select IMEI Download and enter the original IMEIs (they are written on the box or under the battery).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)