Clean Android on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: how to install custom firmware without errors

Why Redmi Note 8 users want to get rid of MIUI

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2019, but its proprietary shell MIUI is not everyone’s liking.built-in advertising, unnecessary system applications, aggressive battery optimization and not always logical interface solutions force owners to look for alternatives. Pure Android (or close custom firmware) offers stability, lack of bloatware and longer-term support for updates.

But switching to custom firmware isn’t just about installing new software; it’s about completely reflashing the device with unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery, and the potential risks of “bricking” the phone. In this article, we’ll break down the only officially supported way to install pure Android on the Redmi Note 8 through unlocking the bootloader and TWRP, and explain which firmware to choose in 2026.

Before you start, make sure your Redmi Note 8 has the codename ginkgo (this is important for choosing the right firmware!). You can find it in the settings: Settings → About Phone → MIUI → Device Model. If it says M1908C3JG or M1908C3JH, you are on the right track.

What firmware is suitable for Redmi Note 8

Not all custom firmware is equally good. The following options are relevant for the Redmi Note 8 in 2026:

• 📱 LineageOS is the most stable and closest to "pure" Android firmware. OTA-Updates but no Google services (you need to install them separately).
• 🎨 Pixel Experience is a firmware with interface and features from Google Pixel. Perfect for those who want to get as close to the “stock” Android.
• ⚡ ArrowOS — balance between customization and stability, supports many features, but may be less optimized for the battery.
• 🔧 Havoc-OS is for fine-tuning enthusiasts, with lots of modules and tweaks, but it requires experience in customization.

We recommend that novice users choose between LineageOS and Pixel Experience, which are the most stable and have an active community. XDA Developers or Project Sites.

Not all firmware supports data encryption (FBE). If you need encryption (like Android Pay), check out the build description. Also note the Android version: some firmware is still based on Android 11, and others have already been upgraded to Android 13.

Preparation for installation: what to do before the firmware

Installation of custom firmware is an irreversible process (except for returning to MIUI via Fastboot).

1. Back up all the important data. The firmware wipes away the internal memory!
2. Charge the phone at least 70%, interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lead to a "brick".
3. Install drivers for Xiaomi on PC. Download Mi Unlock Tool and ADB/Fastboot drivers.
4. Unlock the bootloader (more on this in the next section).
5. Download firmware and TWRP for your model. Files should be specifically for ginkgo!

Also prepare. USB-cable (preferably original) and Windows-based computer 10/11 (On macOS or Linux, unlocking the bootloader may not work.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 was purchased in China (the domestic version), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without a Chinese Mi Account. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Unlocking the loader: step-by-step instructions

Without an unlocked bootloader, custom firmware cannot be installed. Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the bootloader, but the process requires waiting and a Mi Account.

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign in.
2. Activate. OEM-unlocking USB: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times to become a developer → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM (include) Debugging USB (insert)
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
4. The first step is to wait 168 hours (7 days), a requirement for Xiaomi to allow new accounts.
5. After 7 days, repeat the process – the bootloader will be unlocked.

If you see a message that says "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is not bound to this device," you will see:

• 🔌 You didn't wait 168 hours.
• 📱 Mi Account on the phone and Mi Unlock Tool are different.
• 🌐 Your region in your Mi Account does not match your phone region (e.g., phone for China, account for global market).

Once you successfully unlock the phone, it will reboot, and you'll see a warning about the bootloader unlocked every time you turn on. That's normal.

Installation of TWRP and firmware through custom Recovery

Now that the bootloader is unlocked, you can install the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) custom recovery that will allow you to flash alternative firmware. For Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo), use the official version of TWRP.

Steps to install TWRP:

1. Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ginkgo.img (or a newer version) and rename it to recovery.img.
2. Place the file in the folder with the platform-tools (where adb.exe and fastboot.exe are located).
3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
5. After successful installation, restart to the recavers: fastboot boot recovery.img

If TWRP doesn’t offer to enter a password (even if you have a pattern lock installed), then the firmware doesn’t support FBE (file-based encryption), in which case you need to format /data to TWRP before the firmware:

1. In TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data.
2. Type in yes and confirm.
3. Reboot back to TWRP.

⚠️ Attention: Formatting /data delete ALL data from internal memory, including photos, apps and settings!

Now we can start installing the firmware. ZIP-firmware file (e.g, lineage-20.0-20260510-nightly-ginkgo-signed.zip) You need to transfer it to your phone:

• 📁 Through ADB Sideload in TWRP (Advanced → ADB Sideload).
• 💾 Through OTG-cable (if you have one) USB-flash-drive).
• 🔄 Internal Memory (if you copied the file before installation) TWRP).

To be installed in TWRP:

1. Choose Install.
2. Show the way to ZIP-firmware.
3. Swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, press Reboot System.

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If the phone has been stuck on the logo for more than 10 minutes since the reboot, it means the firmware is not suitable for your model or was installed incorrectly, in which case, go back to TWRP and repeat the process.

Installation of Google Services (GApps) and system setup

Most custom firmware (like LineageOS) doesn't include Google services (GApps) by default. They need to be installed separately. Download the appropriate GApps package from OpenGApps or NikGApps.

How to choose the version of GApps:

Installation of GApps:

1. Download. ZIP-GApps file (e.g, open_gapps-arm64-11.0-pico-20260512.zip).
2. Reboot to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
3. Choose Install and point the way to ZIP-GApps.
4. Swipe for installation.
5. Reboot the system.

After the first download (it can take 5-15 minutes), perform the initial setting of Android. If you encounter an error "Setup Wizard stopped", then:

• 🔄 GApps are incompatible with the firmware version (check the compliance of the Android versions).
• 📦 You have chosen a large package of GApps (try Pico or Nano).
• 🔧 The firmware does not support signature spoofing (you need to include in the settings for developers).

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If you have lost access to your mobile network after installing GApps, go to Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point (APN) and select your carrier’s APN manually.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

1. the telephone is not turned on after firmware ("brick")

If after installing the firmware, the phone does not respond to the power button or hovers on the logo:

• 🔋 Try to clamping the power. + Volume up 15-20 seconds for forced reboot.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes – the battery may have run out.
• 💻 If nothing helps, go through the official MIUI via Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode.

2. Mobile network or Wi-Fi is not working

Communication problems are usually related to:

• 📡 Incorrect modem firmware. Try flashing vendor and firmware from the official MIUI.
• 📶 Wrong settings. APN. Delete everything. APN And add a new one manually.
• 🔄 Conflict with Magisk (if installed) Try disabling modules.

3. Fast battery discharge

Castom firmware can consume the battery faster because of:

• ⚡ No kernel optimization. Try flashing another kernel (e.g. Perseus for Redmi Note 8).
• 🔄 Background processes. Check application activity in Settings → Battery.
• 📱 Incorrect sleep settings. Turn on Doze and App Standby in the developer settings.

4. Sensors are not working (gyroscope, compass, NFC)

This is a typical problem when using informal firmware.

• 🔧 Please. persist.img formal MIUI through TWRP.
• 📲 Check if your firmware supports all sensors (read reviews on the XDA).
• 🔄 Try another firmware build.

⚠️ Note: If the firmware stopped working NFC, It's probably because there's no proprietary drivers in custom firmware. NFC It only works on some Pixel Experience builds.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions