Reflashing Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: official and custom methods

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but its performance and functionality can be significantly improved with firmware reflashing. In this article, we will examine all the current ways to update or completely replace the device’s software, from official methods through MIUI Updater to install custom firmware through TWRP and Fastboot.

Flashing can solve freeze problems, add new features (such as Android 13 support through informal builds), or remove unnecessary bloatware. However, the process requires care: an error in unlocking the bootloader or selecting the wrong version of the software can turn the phone into a “brick.” We will describe each step in detail, point out pitfalls and give recommendations for recovery in the event of a failure.

Preparation for Flashing: What to Do Before Starting

The first and most important step is data backup. Flashing, especially through Fastboot or TWRP, often requires a complete reset (wipe), which will delete all files, contacts and applications. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (for rooted devices).

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📷 Photos and videos (on PC or cloud)
• 📄 Communications (annexes) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔑 Logins and passwords (if not synced with the browser)

Then check the current firmware version and device model. Go to Settings → About phone. Importantly, the Redmi Note 8 has two modifications - ginkgo (global version) and willow (in India), Installing firmware from another model will cause the NFC module or cameras to fail.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 is purchased in China M1908C3JG), It's going to require a firmware that supports Google Services, and it's not going to be a global build on that device.

Also prepare:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified)
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (for Fastboot)
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (to avoid shutdown)
• 🛠️ Related: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Qualcomm drivers

Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for custom firmware

By default, Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, which means that unofficial firmware or TWRP cannot be installed without first unlocking, a procedure that takes 72–168 hours (according to Xiaomi rules), and requires the Mi Account to be linked to the device.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Enable Developer Options (7 times tap the MIUI version in the settings).
3. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in the Developer Menu.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in under the same Mi Account as you do on your smartphone.
5. Follow the instructions of the program. After sending the request, the countdown (usually 7 days) will begin.

⚠️ Note: If you previously unlocked the bootloader on another Xiaomi device, the wait time can be reduced to 360 hours (15 days!

After successful unlocking, check the status of the team:

fastboot oem device-info

The answer should be Device unlocked: true.

Link Mi Account to phone |Enable debugging via USB|Install Qualcomm Drivers| Download Mi Unlock Tool latest version |Wait 7 days after sending the request-->

Method 1: Officially Updated via MIUI Updater

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for installing stable or beta versions of MIUI without losing data, but this method will not allow you to downgrade the firmware version or install custom build.

Step-by-step:

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. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 8 from en.miui.com. the file must have the.zip extension and the name of the view. miui_GINKGOGlobal_V12.5.3.0.RCOMXM_....
4. Select the downloaded file in MIUI Updater and confirm the installation.

It takes 5-15 minutes to update, and the phone will restart automatically, and this method saves all the data, but it doesn't work if the firmware is damaged or the device doesn't turn on.

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Officially updating via MIUI Updater is the only method that does not require unlocking the bootloader and does not reset data.

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is used to install official firmware in cases where the phone is not turned on or requires a complete system reinstallation, which deletes all data and requires an unlocked bootloader.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (last version)
• 📦 Official firmware for Fastboot (file.tgz or.zip)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original)

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\ginkgo_global).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Vol− to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (with bootloader Lock after Firmware).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (about 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool is an error 0x80070002, Check the integrity of the firmware archive or try another one. USB-The port. 0x8007010b indicates incompatibility of the firmware version with the device model.

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Method 3: Install custom firmware through TWRP

For those who want to make the most of the Redmi Note 8, custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS will do. They offer pure Android without Blaatware, more recent OS versions and additional settings. However, the installation requires an unlocked bootloader and TWRP Recovery.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the current version of TWRP for ginkgo (global model) or willow (Indian).
2. Install. TWRP Fastboot Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ginkgo.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ginkgo.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
4. Copy the custom firmware file (.zip) to your phone via MTP (TWRP has this mode).
5. Press Install, select a firmware file and confirm the installation.
6. After completion, install GApps (if the firmware is without Google services) and Magisk (for root rights).

Popular custom firmware for Redmi Note 8:

• 📱 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) is stable and optimized
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel
• ⚡ HavocOS – Maximum customization
• 🔒 ArrowOS – Balance between performance and functionality

⚠️ Castom firmware can have camera bugs (especially in night mode) or VoLTE. Check reviews on the XDA-Developers forum before installing.

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If after installing custom firmware does not work mobile network, try Settings → Mobile network manually select operator or flash a separate modem (vendor/firmware).

Solving common errors in firmware

Even with strict adherence to instructions, errors can occur, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If your phone has been stuck on the MI or Redmi logo for more than 15 minutes after firmware, follow these steps:

1. Press the Power + Vol+ for 20 seconds to force the reboot.
2. If it doesn’t work, log in to Fastboot (Power + Vol−) and repeat the firmware.
3. For custom firmware, try rolling back to the official MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool.

If none of the methods worked, it may have been damaged. EMMC-In this case, you'll need repairs at the service center.

How to return the official firmware after custom

If custom firmware is unstable or you need official updates, you can return stock MIUI.

1. Download the official firmware for Fastboot (select your model and region).
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Sign in to Fastboot on your phone (Power + Vol−).
4. In the program, select Clean all and lock mode - this will return stock recovery and block the bootloader.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed.

After the reboot, the device will be like new, with all the standard Xiaomi apps and a locked bootloader. To install custom firmware again, you will need to re-unblock (with a wait of 7 days).

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Returning to the official firmware via Clean all and lock is the only way to return the warranty (if it is still valid) and receive a warranty. OTA-update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 8 firmware