How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader and choosing firmware

Reflashing the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T (codename willow) can be necessary for many reasons, from wanting to install a fresh version of MIUI to need to remove the bloatware or restore functionality after a failure. However, the process requires care - an error at any stage can turn the phone into a "brick." In this article, we will discuss all the ways of firmware: through Fastboot, Recovery and custom TWRP, and also discuss in detail the unlock of the bootloader and selecting the right firmware.

The Redmi Note 8T features support for both global (MIUI Global) and European (MIUI EU) builds, as well as the ability to install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. But before you start, make sure that your phone is not tied to the operator (if you bought in the salon) - this can block some functions after you have firmware.

Attention! The flashing process resets all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Even if you backup through the Mi Cloud, some settings (such as Wi-Fi passwords) are not automatically restored. Also note that unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty, which is the official position of the manufacturer.

If you're a beginner, we recommend starting with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, which is the safest method. Power users may consider installing custom TWRP for flexibility, but here the risks are higher. Either way, follow the instructions strictly in order and don't skip the steps.

1. Firmware preparation: backup, drivers and tools

The first step is to save all the important data, and even if you plan to flash your phone without resetting (for example, through an OTA), there is always a risk of error.

• 📱 Contact and SMS: sync with Google Account or export through Contacts to.vcf.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC or upload to Google Photos (make sure backup is enabled).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords: Use an app like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root) or write them down manually.
• 🎮 Game saves: for games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile Links Your Account to Social Media.

Next, install the necessary drivers and programs:

1. Xiaomi Drivers: Download Mi PC Suite or install drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Update Driver" → "Search on this computer" → specify the folder with drivers from the firmware archive).

Also prepare:

• 🔋 At least 60% charge: firmware can take up to 30 minutes, and battery discharge in the process will cause a failure.

2 Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step before the firmware

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default. Without it, you can’t install custom Recovery or flash unofficial firmware. The process takes up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi’s verification) and requires a Mi Account to be linked.

Step-by-step:

⚠️ Note: If you previously unlocked the bootloader on this phone, but then flashed the official firmware, the lock may return.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Don't worry, that's okay. Now you can flash any compatible firmware, but remember:

• 🔓 Unblocking voids the warranty (officially).
• 🛡️ Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) may refuse to work on unlocked devices.
• 🔄 After unlocking the update OTA They may not be installed, they will have to be hand-stitched.

Linked to Mi Account on phone

USB debugging and OEM unlocking enabled

Download the latest Mi Unlock Tool version

Phone charged at 60%+

Original connected USB-cable

-->

3. firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

The choice of firmware depends on the stability of work, the availability of advertising and availability of features. For the Redmi Note 8T (willow), the following options are available:

For beginners, we recommend MIUI Global Stable, which is the longest-tested and contains minimal bugs. If you want to get rid of advertising, but keep all the features of Xiaomi, choose MIUI EU. Cast firmware like Pixel Experience is suitable for those who want a “naked” Android without unnecessary applications.

⚠️ Note: Firmware for Redmi Note 8T (Willow) not compatible with Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo)! Installing an inappropriate firmware will cause permanent system damage.

Before downloading, check:

• 📌 Android Version: Redmi Note 8T Supports firmware based on Android 9-11 (depending on build).
• 🔢 Assembly number: for example, V12.5.1.0.RCXMIXM (where RCX — region: EU Europe, IN for India).
• 🔗 File integrity: After downloading, check the hash amount (MD5) utility-wise WinMD5Free.

4.Fastboot Firmware: The Official Method from Xiaomi

This is the most reliable way to install official firmware (for example, after a failure or to return to factory condition), you will need the Mi Flash Tool and firmware in.tgz format.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\willow_global\).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down until the hare appears in the eardress cap.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version of MIUI), Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (if you want to return the warranty), Save user data - data storage (not always working correctly).

Flash

If the process is stuck in the waiting for device phase, check:

• 🔌 Connecting the cable (try another one) USB-port).
• 🖥️ Drivers installed (Device Manager should display Android Bootloader Interface).
• 🔄 Reboot the Mi Flash Tool and try again.

⚠️ If after firmware the phone is stuck on the Redmi logo for longer than 15 minutes, perform a hard reset: pinch the power + Volume up before Recovery menu appears, then select Wipe Data.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't find fastboot" error, try running it in Windows 7 compatibility mode. Right-click on the program shortcut → "Properties" → "Compatibility" → select Windows 7 and select "Run on behalf of the administrator."

5. Install custom firmware through TWRP

Unofficial firmware (such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS) will require custom Recovery (TWRP) – a method that is more flexible, but also more risky.

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for Redmi Note 8T from the official website (file with the extension.img).
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode and connect to the PC.
3. Open the command line in the platform-tools folder and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow.img
4. The phone will reboot to TWRP. Immediately backup the current firmware: click Backup → select Boot, System, Data → swipe for confirmation.

Step 2: Firmware custom OS

1. Copy the firmware file (for example, PixelExperience_willow-11.0-20230512.zip) phone-drive.
2. In TWRP, click Wipe → Advanced Wipe → tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data → swipe for confirmation.
3. Return to the main menu, click Install → select the firmware file → swipe for installation.
4. Once completed, press Reboot System.The first download can take up to 15 minutes.

If after installing custom firmware does not work:

• 📶 Mobile Network: Check the settings APN or patch the modem.
• 📸 Camera: Download GCam or ANX Camera from thematic forums.
• 🔊 Sound: maybe no codecs installed - try flashing Magisk with module ViPER4Android.

💡

Installing custom firmware via TWRP requires an unlocked bootloader. If you lock it after you have firmware (via the Mi Flash Tool), the phone will stop booting!

6.Recovery after failed firmware

If the phone doesn't turn on, it's stuck on the logo, or it gives you a Fastboot error, don't panic -- 90 percent of the time, it can be restored.

Scenario 1: The phone hangs on the Redmi logo or downloads to the Fastboot

Scenario 2: Phone does not respond to buttons (full brick)

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes – sometimes waking up the power controller helps.
• 🔧 Try hardware reset: pinch the power + Loudness up + Loudness down for 20-30 seconds.
• 💻 If nothing works, it will be necessary. EDL-Mode (emergency firmware via Qualcomm 9008). This requires special cable or soldering skills.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not detected by the PC in Fastboot and is not charging, it is likely to be damaged. USB-In this case, contact the service center - self-repair without experience can lead to final failure.

For firmware in EDL-mode you will need:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.

Instructions for EDL-Firmware is beyond the scope of this article, but you can find detailed guides on forums. 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

7.Optimization after firmware: what to do next

After successful firmware, set up your phone for maximum performance and stability:

If you have stitched MIUI EU or custom firmware, check the work:

• 🔊 The sound in the headphones: if quiet, install ViPER4Android.

⚠️ Note: After installing Magisk, some banking applications (such as Tinkoff or VTB Online) may block access. Use the MagiskHide Props Config module to hide root.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note firmware 8T