Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, released in 2019, is still a popular device thanks to its powerful processor MediaTek Helio G90T. However, over time, the software stops receiving official updates, and accumulated system errors can cause unstable work. It is at this point that many users are thinking about how to flash the Xiaomi Note 8 Pro to return the device to a second life.
The flashing procedure allows not only to update the Android version, but also to change the regional version of the software, for example, to switch from Chinese firmware to global (Global), which opens up access to Google services, a Russified interface and a full set of preinstalled applications. It is important to understand that self-installation of the software requires care, since any interruption of the process can lead to serious consequences.
In this article, we will take a look at all the preparation steps, tools and step-by-step steps needed to successfully install a new operating system. You will learn about the differences between Recovery and Fastboot modes, and get answers to frequently asked questions. Careful study of the material before starting work minimizes risks and helps avoid typical beginner errors.
Preparation of the device and choice of firmware
The first and most important step is to choose the right firmware file. For a Redmi Note 8 Pro model codenamed begonia, there are various software options. Mistaking a file for another model can cause the phone to stop turning on. So always check the device's code name before downloading.
You need to determine which type of firmware you need: Recovery or Fastboot. The first option is an archive that can be installed through a restore menu or a standard update interface. The second option is a system image that is installed through a computer using special software. Fastboot firmware usually contains a full set of partitions and allows you to perform a clean installation, deleting all data.
⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulations, be sure to back up all important data.The firmware process, especially through Fastboot, will completely remove information from the internal drive, including photos, contacts and applications.
Also, make sure that the smartphone battery is charged at least 60%, low charge at the critical moment of writing system files can interrupt the process and damage the bootloader. USB-cable for connecting to a computer, as cheap analogues may not provide stable data transfer.
Required tools and drivers
To succeed, you'll need a personal computer or laptop running Windows, and you'll need drivers to allow the system to recognize the smartphone in different modes, and without that, the computer won't see the connected gadget.
The main tool for working with Fastboot mode is the Mi Flash Tool. This is the official program from Xiaomi that allows you to download firmware images to the device memory. In addition, you will need ADB and Fastboot drivers, which often come bundled with the Android SDK platform tools.
☑️ Firmware readiness check
Don’t forget to download the firmware file itself from a trusted source. Official files are best taken from miui.com or specialized forums such as 4PDA. The file should have a.zip extension for Recovery or be unpacked archive for Fastboot. Make sure the firmware version is relevant to your region or global if you change the region of the device.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
One of the key features of Xiaomi’s ecosystem is a locked bootloader, a security mechanism that prevents unofficial software from being installed. To flash the Xiaomi Note 8 Pro through Fastboot, you’ll definitely need to unlock the Bootloader. Without this step, Mi Flash will give an error when you try to record.
The unlocking process requires the Mi Account to be linked to the device and special permission from the company's servers. After submitting the application, you must wait a certain time, which can be from 7 to 15 days, and only after this period, the Mi Unlock utility will allow you to unlock the bootloader.
To perform the procedure, perform the following actions:
- 📱 Go to the smartphone settings and find the item About the phone, then several times click on the version. MIUI, To activate the menu for developers.
- ⚙️ Go to Advanced Settings → For developers and enable the Factory Unlock option.
- 🔒 Download the official Mi Unlock utility to your computer, log in to your account and follow the instructions on the screen to unlock the device.
What happens when the loader is unlocked?
Firmware via Recovery Mode (without PC)
If you can’t use your computer or you just want to upgrade to a newer version of MIUI, you can use Recovery Mode, which is suitable for installing.zip updates. It’s less risky because it doesn’t affect low-level partitions unless you clean it completely.
First, copy the downloaded firmware file to the root of the smartphone's internal memory, then go to recovery mode. To do this, turn off the device and press the power and volume buttons at the same time. When the Mi logo appears, release the power button, while continuing to keep the volume.
In the Recovery menu, you can control volume (up/down) and power (confirmation) buttons. Select English, then go to Wipe Data and select Wipe All Data, which is necessary to ensure that the new version of the software works correctly, although in some cases you can try to upgrade without resetting.
| Action. | Description | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Cache | Clearing temporary system files | No. |
| Wipe Data | Resetting user data and settings | Yes (full) |
| Install | Installation of the selected zip file | Depends on the type of firmware |
Once cleaned, go back to the main menu and select Install (or Install update.zip). Find the previously copied firmware file and confirm the installation. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will automatically restart.
💡
If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for a long time after firmware (more than 10 minutes), try logging back in to Recovery and running Wipe Data, then restarting. This solves 90% of the cyclical reboot problems.
Install firmware via Fastboot (from PC)
Fastboot is the most reliable method of firmware, and allows you to restore the device even after serious failures. You will need an unpacked firmware archive and the Mi Flash Tool program. Connect the smartphone turned off to your computer, while holding the volume button. There should be a sign on the screen. FASTBOOT hare-like.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press select and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. It is important that the path does not contain Russian characters or spaces, otherwise the program may not see the files. Once you select the path, click refresh, and your device should appear in the list.
At the bottom of the program window, select the firmware mode:
- 🔄 Clean all: Complete data cleanup and installation of a new system (recommended).
- 💾 Save user data: Installation of the system with saving user files (possible errors if the Android version changes).
- 🚫 Clean all and lock: Complete cleaning and re-locking of the bootloader (use only for original global firmware!).
Press the flash button to start the process. The progress bar will show the installation status. Under no circumstances, turn off the cable or interrupt the process until the success message appears, and then the phone will reboot itself to the new system.
Solving problems and mistakes
There are a number of bugs that can occur in the firmware process, and one of the most common is the Missmatching image and device error, which means that the firmware you choose is not designed for that model or type of bootloader, and check if you're trying to install global firmware on a Chinese bootloader device without first changing the region.
Another problem is endless restart (bootloop). If after firmware the phone is constantly restarting, try to perform a full reset via Recovery (Wipe Data / Factory Reset). If this does not help, it is possible that the firmware file was corrupted during download, and the procedure should be repeated with a checksum of the file.
⚠️ Note: When using the "Clean all and lock" option, make sure that the firmware strictly matches the region of the device. Blocking the bootloader with inappropriate firmware will lead to the impossibility of turning on the phone (hard brick) and will require disassembling the device for soldering memory or using a programmer.
If your computer doesn't see your phone in Fastboot mode, check Windows Device Manager. The device may appear as "Unknown device." In this case, you need to manually update the driver, indicating the path to the folder with the drivers Qualcomm or Xiaomi. USB Driver. Sometimes it helps to change. USB-port-line.
💡
The main reason for firmware errors is inattention. 80% of problems are solved by choosing the correct firmware file (codename begonia) and using the original cable.