The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) is still one of the most popular smartphones for custom firmware experiments — despite its launch in 2019. Pixel Experience turns the budget device into a device with a pure Android, similar to the Google Pixel line, adding stability, current security updates and features like Now Playing or Live Caption. But the firmware process has pitfalls from locking the bootloader to specific bugs with a camera module or NFC.
This guide is up to date for 2026, taking into account changes in Xiaomi policy (mandatory binding of Mi Account for unlocking) and features of the latest Pixel Experience builds (including Android 14 versions), we will analyze each stage from preparation to post-configuration, and give recommendations on choosing a firmware version (official vs. unofficial, A/B vs. A-only). If you are a beginner, do not miss the sections about backup and backup recovery: they will save hours on bug fixes.
Why Pixel Experience and not MIUI or other custom firmware?
The main advantage of Pixel Experience over stock MIUI is the absence of unnecessary Xiaomi services (like mipush or Analytics) that consume resources and collect data.
- 📱 Maximum proximity to the Pixel: the same launcher, fonts, animations and even branded wallpaper from Google.
- 🔒 Regular security updates (monthly, as opposed to monthly) MIUI, where patches are delayed).
- 📸 Google Camera (GCam) is working out of the box with support for all Redmi Note 8 modules (48 MP) + 8 MP + 2 MPs + 2 MPs).
- 🎯 Optimization for weak devices: firmware weighs ~1.2 GB (against) 2.5+ GB MIUI) and not slow down 4/64 GB modifications.
However, there are downsides: some Xiaomi features (such as IR Blaster for hardware management or Game Turbo) may not work properly. Pixel Experience does not support /data encryption on Redmi Note 8 - this is a limitation of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 hardware platform.
Preparation of the device: what to do before the firmware
Incorrect preparation is the cause of 80% of the "bricks" (non-working devices) after firmware. On Redmi Note 8 it is critical to complete all the items in this section, especially if you have not previously unlocked the bootloader.
Make sure that the model is Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo), and not Note 8 Pro (begonia) or Note 8T (willow)
Download the latest version of Pixel Experience from the official website (not from the forums!)
Check the battery power (minimum 60%)
Create a backup using MIUI or TWRP (see instructions below)
Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC
Unlock the boot loader (required!)
Download the platform tools (platform-tools) from Google-->
First, check the code name of your device. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on the Kernel line. Go back and open Additional Settings → Developer → Device Model. It should be M1908C3JG (global version) or M1908C3XG (in India). Redmi Note 8 Pro or Note 8T have other code names (begonia and willow respectively) - firmware will not work for them!
From 2021, Xiaomi has tightened the rules: it now requires you to link your Mi Account to your device and wait 168 hours (7 days) after you submit your application.
- Link the device to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in the developer settings.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool, log in and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- Press Unlock and a countdown timer will appear. Wait until it's over (7 days).
⚠️ Note: If you reset your device before the end of the wait or untie your Mi Account, the timer will reset, and Xiaomi can block unlocking if the phone was purchased less than 30 days ago.
Pixel Experience: Official vs. Unofficial
There are two firmware branches available on the Redmi Note 8:
- Official (PixelExperience) – supported by the development team, updates are released every 1-2 months.
- Unofficial (PixelExperience-Plus, AospExtended) – collected by enthusiasts, often includes additional features (for example, Face Unlock or ViPER4Android), but may contain bugs.
The 2026 version of Ginkgo is as follows:
| Version. | Android base | Type of assembly | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PixelExperience 14 | Android 14 | Official. | Stable, but without GCam by default | Download |
| PixelExperience Plus 13 | Android 13 | Informal | Additional sound settings, themes | XDA |
| PixelExperience 12L | Android 12 | Official. | Best Compatibility with NFC Module | Archives |
For most users, we recommend PixelExperience 14 (Android 14) – it is optimized for Redmi Note 8 and has been tested on the 4PDA and XDA forums. If you need additional features (for example, ViPER4Android for improving sound), take the Plus version, but be prepared for possible bugs with a proximity sensor or auto-brightness.
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If you opt for an informal build, be sure to check the forum reviews for the past 2 weeks.For example, there was a bug in the Android 14 versions until March 2026 with the second slot working. SIM-map.
Installation of TWRP and firmware Pixel Experience: step-by-step instructions
To install custom firmware, you need a custom recaveri — TWRP. The official version for the Redmi Note 8 is available at twrp.me, but we recommend using a modified build from mauronofrio (it works better with the new version). f2fs partition).
Step 1: Installation of TWRP
- Download. TWRP for ginkgo (file) twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ginkgo-mauronofrio.img).
- Move the file to the folder with the platform-tools and rename it to twrp.img.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
- Immediately after the firmware reboot to the Recovery: fastboot boot twrp.img
Step 2: Formatting sections
In TWRP, do the following (Warning: This will delete all data!):
- Go to Wipe → Format Data, enter Yes.
- Go back to the main menu and select Wipe → Advanced Wipe. Tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Vendor.
- For better performance, change the file system to f2fs: Wipe → Format Data → File System → f2fs
Step 3: Install Pixel Experience
- Copy the firmware file (PixelExperience_ginkgo-14.0-20260510-1200-OFFICIAL.zip) phone-on.
- In TWRP, select Install → Select Storage → Micro SD Card (or internal memory if copied there).
- Choose. ZIP-file and run it for installation. Wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
- Important! Immediately after installing the firmware, do not restart - first, scrolle NikGapps (minimum package) for Google services.
⚠️ If after firmware, the phone is stuck on the Google logo for longer 15 So, you forgot to format it for a minute. /data into f2fs. Repeat the step. 2 and re-install the firmware.
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
First Start and Configure: What to Do After Firmware
Once the Pixel Experience is successfully installed, the device will reboot to the system. The first start can take up to 10 minutes - do not interrupt the process.
- 🔧 Set up a Google account: without it, services like Play Market or Gmail will not work.
- 📶 Activate the mobile network: go to Settings → Network and Internet → SIM-Select your preferred operator and select your preferred operator.
- 🔒 Turn off the bootloader signature check (if there is a root): Settings → System system → For developers → Disable the check MIUI
- 📸 Install GCam: Even in the official build, the camera works better with the modified GCam 8.1 from the GCam. BSG.
Note the battery: the first 2-3 discharge/charging cycles may show an incorrect percentage. This is normal – it will take a couple of days to calibrate. If the phone is too warm, check the performance settings in Settings → Battery → Performance Mode and select Balanced.
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After firmware, be sure to check the proximity sensor (during the call) and NFC (if you use contactless payments), which are the modules that most often fail when installed incorrectly.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even if installed correctly on the Redmi Note 8, there may be bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The camera is not working (black screen) | There is no driver for Sony IMX586 | Install a patch for the camera through Magisk |
| No sound in the headphones. | Conflict with audio_policy_configuration.xml | Squeeze the fix for audio through TWRP |
| Wi-Fi is off. | The settings are off. WCNSS_qcom_cfg.ini | Delete the file. /vendor/firmware_mnt/WCNSS_qcom_cfg.ini via Root Explorer |
| Accidental reboots | Incompatibility of the core with firmware | Flow the FrancoKernel core |
If the fingerprint sensor stopped working after firmware, check:
- What's in Settings → Security is enabled with the fingerprint option.
- That you didn't install Magisk modules that modify biometrics.
- That the firmware supports FOD (Display Fingerprint) - in some builds, this feature is disabled.
To diagnose errors, use the following logs:
adb logcat > log.txtDownload the log.txt file to Pastebin and ask for advice on Telegram chat or XDA.
Pixel Experience Update and Recoil on MIUI
Update firmware is done through the built-in updater (Settings → System → System Update) or manually through TWRP. Before updating:
- Make a backup of the current firmware (TWRP → Backup → System + Boot).
- Check the changelog list on the official website.
- If the update is major (for example, from Android 13 to 14), perform a clean installation (with /data formatting).
A pullback on MIUI will be required if you need Xiaomi branded features (such as IR Blaster) or if the firmware is unstable.
- Download the official Fastboot-ROM for your model.
- Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux/Mac).
- If the phone doesn’t turn on, run through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
⚠️ Note: After returning to the MIUI The bootloader will automatically lock. To re-install the custom firmware, you'll have to wait 7 days to unlock it.