How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro via Fastboot: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader

Flashing the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro via Fastboot is one of the most reliable ways to upgrade or restore a device when standard methods don’t work, especially if your device is locked, slows down after a failed air update, or requires custom firmware installation, but the process has nuances ranging from having to unlock the bootloader to the risk of turning the phone into a brick if you do the wrong thing.

Unlike firmware through Recovery, Fastboot allows you to work with the device at a low level, which gives you more control, but also requires caution. In this article, we will discuss the entire process from preparing drivers to the final reboot, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors. If you have never flashed Xiaomi through fastboot before, we recommend you to carefully study each step and not miss the warnings.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken: neglecting them can lead to data loss, locking the device, or even breaking it, starting with the most important thing: unlocking the bootloader.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) has its default bootloader locked, meaning that without official permission from Xiaomi, you won’t be able to install custom software or even official firmware through Fastboot. The unlock process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) and requires you to link your Mi Account to your device. If you haven’t unlocked the bootloader yet, do it in advance!

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader: use the official Mi Unlock Tool app (you can download it on the Xiaomi website). → Mi Account → Unblocking status.
• 💾 Backup: Fastboot firmware erases all data! Save photos, contacts and apps on PC or in the cloud.
• 🖥️ Drivers and software: Install Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) and Qualcomm drivers (unless they are installed automatically).
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60% Interrupted process due to discharge can render the phone inoperable.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the Redmi Note 8 Pro “with your hands”, make sure that the previous owner untie your Mi Account from the device. Otherwise, after unlocking the bootloader, the phone may require input of someone else’s data to activate the device.

Also check the current firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help you choose the right firmware file. For example, if you have a global version (MIUI Global), you should not install firmware for the Chinese region (MIUI China) - this can lead to problems with the language and services of Google.

What to choose for Redmi Note 8 Pro

Choosing the right firmware is half the success. There are several file types available for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, each for different purposes:

• 📦 Official firmware: files with the extension.tgz or.zip from Xiaomi. Suitable for restoring a "blocked" phone or updating to the latest version MIUI.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience): requires an unlocked bootloader and custom Recovery installation (e.g., LineageOS, Pixel Experience, TWRP).
• 🔄 Fastboot firmware: file archive with files to install via Mi Flash Tool. begonia_global_images_....

For beginners, we recommend starting with the official firmware. It can be downloaded from the resources:

• Official MIUI website (select the version for begonia)
• Xiaomi Firmware Updater (both stable and beta versions are available here).

⚠️ Warning: Do not download firmware from questionable forums or torrent trackers. Files may be modified and contain malicious code. Use only verified sources!

If you plan to install custom firmware, make sure it is compatible with the Mediatek Helio G90T processor used in the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Some firmware designed for Qualcomm will not work.

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Before downloading the firmware, check its hash amount (MD5 or SHA-1) on the source site, which will help to avoid installing corrupted files.

Installation of drivers and Mi Flash Tool

To run through Fastboot, you will need a Windows PC (the process is more complicated on macOS or Linux) and special software.

1. Qualcomm and MediaTek Drivers: Usually installed automatically when you connect your phone in Fastboot mode, but if not, download them from Xiaomi’s developer site.

After installing the Mi Flash Tool, unpack the downloaded firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\begonia). There must be a file inside the archive. flash_all.bat — It's a script for automatic firmware.

To check if the drivers are installed correctly, connect the phone off to the PC, holding Volume Down + Power until the Fastboot logo appears. The device manager should display the Android Bootloader Interface device.

Step-by-step: Firmware via Fastboot

Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions carefully, the order of action is important.

Step 1 Enter Fastboot Mode

Turn off your phone. Press Volume Down and Power for 10-15 seconds at the same time until a screen with the FASTBOOT and the Mi Bunny logo appears.

Step 2: Connect to a PC

Connect your phone to your computer. Run the Mi Flash Tool (on behalf of the administrator!). In the upper right corner, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware. Make sure that your device is displayed at the bottom (e.g., COM3 - Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

Step 3: Selecting a firmware mode

At the bottom of the Mi Flash Tool window, there are three options:

• Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended for changing the firmware region).
• Clean all and lock – clean + lock the bootloader (use only if you want to return the phone to the “factory” state).
• Save user data – saving data (not always working correctly)

For most cases, clean all is appropriate.

Step 4: Starting the firmware

Press Flash. It'll take 5-15 minutes. Don't turn it off. USB-And don't interrupt the process, even if it doesn't seem like anything's happening! When you finish, Flash Done will appear in the log, and the phone will automatically restart.

⚠️ Warning: If the firmware is stuck in the waiting for device phase, check the cable connection or try restarting the Mi Flash Tool with administrator rights. USB-port.

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Use only the original. USB-Xiaomi cables: Cheap cables may not provide stable connection, leading to firmware errors.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

If the phone loads into Recovery with a No command error after firmware, try:

1. Select Wipe data/factory reset from the Recovery menu.
2. Repeat the firmware with Clean All mode.
3. Make sure the firmware is suitable for your region (e.g. global vs china).

Another common problem is the endless load (the MI logo burns for more than 10 minutes).

• Wait 20 to 30 minutes – sometimes the first download takes a long time.
• If it doesn’t work, run Wipe data through Recovery.
• Refuse the phone using a different version of the firmware.

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If the IMEI is gone or the network is not working after the firmware, check if the nvram and nvdata files are saved in the firmware folder.

Firmware custom Recovery (TWRP) and alternative firmware

If you want to install TWRP or custom firmware (like LineageOS), the process will be a little more complicated.

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

Download the current version of TWRP for Redmi Note 8 Pro (for example, from the official website). Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools.

Open the command line in this folder and do:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot boot recovery.img

Step 2: Custom software firmware

Boot to TWRP (Hold Volume Up + Power When Turned On). From the TWRP menu, select:

1. Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
2. Install and select a file with custom firmware (usually.zip).
3. After installation, run GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware may contain bugs that affect the camera, sensors or communication. Check forum reviews before installing, XDA Developers).

What to do after a successful firmware

If it goes well, your Redmi Note 8 Pro will boot into the new system.

• 🔄 Update apps: Go to Google Play and update all programs.
• 🔒 Set up security: Enable data encryption (if supported) and set a strong password.
• 📱 Check the basic functions: camera, calls, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. If something doesn't work, it's possible that the firmware is not installed correctly.
• 📊 Rate your performance: run a test in AnTuTu or Geekbench to make sure your phone is running consistently.

If you’ve been through an official MIUI, it’s recommended that you disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Applications → Application Management. This will free up memory and speed up work.

Custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) may require additional customization:

• Install Magisk for root rights (if necessary).
• Set up ViPER4Android to improve sound.
• Calibration of the battery (discharge the phone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions).

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After firmware custom software check the work of sensors (gyroscope, compass, approximations) using the application Sensor Test. Some firmware may not work properly with iron.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions