How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro via PC: detailed instructions with nuances

Why to reflash Redmi Note 8 Pro and when it is necessary

Reflashing the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro via PC is a procedure that can solve a variety of problems, from bugs in the system to fully “resuscitate” the smartphone after a failed update.This device, released in 2019 with a MediaTek Helio G90T processor and MIUI based on Android 9, is still popular, but official support for updates has long since ceased. Owners face slowdowns, application errors or the desire to install custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS) for advanced features.

Unlike the Air Update (OTA), PC firmware gives you complete control over the process: you can choose any version of MIUI (including Global, China or EEA), roll back on the old build or install alternative software. However, this method requires care: improper actions can lead to a “brick” (complete failure) of the device. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from preparation to final configuration, taking into account the specifics of the Redmi Note 8 Pro and its “hardware”.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and ignoring them can lead to data loss, failures, or inability to complete the process.

First, back up all your important data. The firmware on your PC (especially when you unlock the bootloader) erases your internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical copying to your computer. Note: backups through Mi Backup may not be restored to custom firmware, so you'd better save files manually.

Second, check the current firmware version and device model. Go to Settings → About the phone. Write down the data:

• 📱 Model: Must be exactly Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) Make sure it's not Redmi Note 8 (code ginkgo) - firmware is incompatible with them!
• 🔢 Version. MIUI: for example, MIUI Global 12.5.3 Stable. This will help you choose the right firmware for upgrade or rollback.
• 🔓 Uploader status: If you've unlocked it before, it's easier. If you haven't, you'll need an additional procedure (discussed below).

Also prepare the computer:

• 🖥️ Operating system: Windows 7/10/11 (64-bit). MacOS or Linux may have problems with MediaTek drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable: original or high quality with data support (not just charging!) USB 2.0 more reliable USB 3.0 for firmware.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%. The firmware can take up to 30 minutes, and the discharge in the process will cause a failure.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 Pro was purchased in China (the domestic version), Global firmware ROM It can block certain functions, for example, NFC or 4G. Check compatibility in advance on forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

The choice of firmware depends not only on the functionality of the smartphone, but also the stability of its operation.

For official firmware, download files only from the official Xiaomi website. Choose the version that corresponds to your model:

• begonia_global — global version;
• begonia_eea — European;
• Begonia – for Chinese (requires Russification).

For custom firmware, we recommend sources:

• 🌐 XDA Developers – the latest builds and discussions;
• 🌐 4PDA — Russified versions and instructions;
• 🌐 SourceForge – official Pixel Experience builds.

⚠️ Note: Firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro with MediaTek Helio processor G90T Installing the wrong firmware will lead to hard brick (irreparable damage), and the smartphone will become a “brick».

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If you choose custom firmware, look for the date of the last build update. Too old versions (e.g. 2021) may contain unpatched bugs or security vulnerabilities.

Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for firmware

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all its devices, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro. This means that without unlocking you will not be able to install custom software or even official firmware through Fastboot.The unlocking process takes up to 7 days (due to Xiaomi's policy) and requires you to link your Mi Account to the device.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone; Click 7 times on the MIUI Version to enable Developer Mode; Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers; Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
2. Link your Mi Account to your device: In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status; Click Add Account and Device and log in; Wait 168 hours (7 days) is a must for Xiaomi.
3. Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the utility from the official website; Launch it on behalf of the administrator on your PC; Sign in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.

Unlock the loader

• Turn off your phone and press Power + Vol Down to log into Fastboot.
• Connect the device to the PC;
• In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and confirm the action.

Linking your Mi Account to your device|Enable debugging on USB unlock OEM|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Wait 7 days (168 hours)|Make sure the battery is charged > 60%-->

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Now you can install any firmware through Fastboot or Recovery.

⚠️ Note: If you see an error when unlocking "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device", check: What are you using the same Mi Account that is linked to the device; That the phone has mobile internet or Wi-Fi enabled (to be checked by Xiaomi servers); that exactly 168 hours have passed since the account was linked.

Firmware through Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to flash the Redmi Note 8 Pro, especially if the device is not turned on or requires a complete system reinstallation.

Step 1. Download the required files:

• 📁 Official firmware for your model (for example, begonia_global_images_V12.5.3.0.RGGMIXM_20220106.0000.00_11.0_global_06d3a07b7e.tgz);
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (version no lower than 2020.3.14.0);
• 🔧 Platform Tools (for working with the ADB and Fastboot).

Step 2. Prepare the firmware:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware archive into a folder (e.g., C:\MIUI\begonia);
2. There's gotta be a file inside. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/macOS);
3. If the firmware is in.zip format, remove it to the folder and find the image file with the.tar or.tgz extension - it must be unpacked separately.

Step 3. Switch the device over:

1. Turn off your phone and press Power + Vol Down to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and the words Fastboot);
2. Connect the device to the PC;
3. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
4. Click Select and specify the path to the folder with unpacked firmware;
5. At the bottom, select the firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version of MIUI); Clean all and lock – cleaning + locking the bootloader (only for official firmware); Save user data – data storage (not always stable).

Refresh

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Firmware through Recovery: an alternative method

If you install custom firmware or update MIUI without full cleaning, you can use Recovery mode. This will require custom recovery (for example, TWRP or OrangeFox), as the standard Mi Recovery does not support the installation of unofficial files.

Step 1. Install TWRP Recovery:

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for Redmi Note 8 Pro from the official website;
2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with Platform Tools.
3. Turn off your phone and press Power + Vol Down to log into Fastboot.
4. Connect the device to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
5. Then, do: fastboot boot recovery.img to boot into TWRP immediately.

Step 2. Flow through TWRP:

1. Download the firmware (for example, PixelExperience_begonia-13.0-20230612-UNOFFICIAL.zip) And put it on SD-card;
2. In TWRP, click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache; System; Data; Cache.

Install

Then, wait for the sign to be completed and wait for it to be completed.

Reboot System

⚠️ Note: If after firmware custom software phone is stuck on the logo or went to bootloop (cyclic reboot), try: Delete the file /system/build.prop.bak through TWRP (If any; Install the Magisk kernel to allow some firmware to work correctly; Repeat the process with a full Data cleanup.

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Firmware via TWRP allows custom cores, Magisk for root rights, and modified modules to be installed, but this method requires an unlocked bootloader and increases the risk of errors when missteps are performed.

Solving problems after firmware

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be problems. Let's consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If the IMEI is missing after the firmware (no network), follow the following steps:

1. Download the archive from NVRAM for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (look for 4PDA or XDA).
2. Unpack it and find the NVRAM file with the.bin extension.
3. Sweep it through the SP Flash Tool in Download Only mode by selecting only the NVRAM partition.

Important: If the network is not available after IMEI recovery, check to see if your phone is locked by the carrier (especially for devices purchased on credit or under contract).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions