Introduction: Why to Switch a Communication Module and When It Is Needed
The Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro communication module (codenamed olivelite) is responsible for mobile network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. Its firmware may be required in several cases: after a failed MIUI update, if the IMEI is lost, if the phone stopped catching the network or shows an error "Only emergency calls." Most often problems arise after manual interference with system files, using custom firmware or crashes when updating via Fastboot.
It's important to understand that the firmware of the communication module is not the same as flashing the entire smartphone. This is the low-level software that controls the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 modem. The wrong actions can lead to complete loss of communication or "bricking" of the device. For example, if you accidentally flood the firmware from Redmi 8 (without the Pro console), the module will cease to function.
This guide will be suitable for owners of Redmi 8 Pro based on MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese versions), as well as for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If your phone has never been flashed and runs on stock firmware, most likely, communication problems are software-based, and can be solved by resetting settings or reinstalling MIUI via Recovery.
Preparation: what will be needed to firmware the communication module
Before you start the procedure, make sure you have everything you need. Without the right tools and files, you risk turning your phone into a brick.
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro with a battery charge of at least 50%.
- 💻 A computer running Windows 7/10/11 (32- or 64-bit version).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
- 🔧 Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (required!)
- 📁 Communication module firmware (.mbn or.qcn files for your model).
- 🛠 Tools: QPST (Qualcomm Product Support Tools) or QFil.
- 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (if you are flashing unofficial files).
For Redmi 8 Pro, only files labeled olivelite or M1908C3JG (global version) are suitable. If you download the firmware from Redmi 8 (olive), the communication module will stop working. Official files can be found on XDA Developers forums or in thematic telegram channels (for example, @XiaomiFirmwareUpdater).
⚠️ Warning: If your phone has never been flashed or unlocked, try first resetting the network settings to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network resetting. In 30% of cases, this solves problems without firmware.
Also check if your device is detected in EDL (9008) mode.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Volume Up + Volume Down buttons and connect the cable to the PC.
- Open the Device Manager on your computer.
- If you have a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device, you can continue.
Ways of firmware communication module: which to choose
There are three main methods of firmware communication module on Redmi 8 Pro. Each has its pros and cons:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through QPST | Suitable for IMEI recovery, working with.qcn files | Requires manual backup creation, more difficult to set up | IMEI loss, network errors after reset |
| Through QFil | Easy to use, supports.mbn files | It may not work with some versions of the firmware | Complete reflashing of the communication module |
| Through Fastboot. | No need for EDL mode, faster | Not all firmware supports separate module firmware | Update the module without critical failures |
For most users, QFil is the best option, as it is easier to set up and less likely to give out errors. However, if you need to restore IMEI or work with backups, you will have to master QPST. The method through Fastboot is suitable only for advanced users, as it requires accurate knowledge of commands and firmware structure.
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If you're flashing through the communication module for the first time, back up your current state via QPST (backup.qcn file) to help restore performance if something goes wrong.
Also note that after the firmware of the communication module may require:
- 🔄 Reboot the phone manually (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- 📶 Reactivation of the SIM- card (sometimes you need to rearrange the card or reset network settings).
- 🔧 Recovery IMEI (if it is reset, you will need to enter it manually through the engineering menu).
Step-by-step: Firmware communication module via QFil
This method is suitable for completely flashing the communication module and restoring its functionality. Follow the instructions carefully - skipping steps can lead to errors.
☑️ Preparation for firmware via QFil
Step 1. Install Qualcomm drivers:
- Download the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver.
- Turn off the driver digital signature check in Windows (instructions in the driver archive).
- Connect the phone in EDL mode (as described above) and wait for the driver to install.
Step 2. Set up QFil:
- Run QFil.exe on behalf of the administrator.
- In the Select Build Type field, select Flat Build.
- In the Select Programmer field, specify the path to the prog_emmc_firehose_8917.mbn file (it should be in the firmware archive).
- Click Load XML and select rawprogram0.xml and patch0.xml files.
Step 3. Launch the firmware:
- Connect the phone in EDL mode.
- In QFil, press Download.
- Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
- Turn off your phone and turn it on with the power button.
⚠️ Warning: If QFil issues an error Sahara Communication Failed, check: Is the drivers installed correctly (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008). Is the cable connected to port USB 2.0 (blue port may not work) Does the firmware of your phone (olivelite) conform?
What to do if QFil is 100% locked?
IMEI recovery after communication module firmware
In 70 percent of cases, the IMEI is reset once the communication module is firmware, and without it, the phone won't catch the network, even if the module is stitched correctly, and you can restore the IMEI in two ways: through an engineering menu or using QPST.
Method 1. Through the Engineering Menu (for MIUI):
- Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
- Go to the phone information.
- Scroll down to the IMEI block.
- If the fields are empty, enter the correct IMEI (specified on the box or under the battery).
- Save the changes and restart the phone.
Method 2. via QPST (if the engineering menu is not working):
- Install QPST and open QPST Configuration.
- Connect your phone in Diag mode (to do this, type setprop sys.usb.config diag, serial_cdev,rmnet,adb into ADB).
- In QPST, select Start Clients → Software Download.
- Download the backup.qcn file (if there is a backup) or enter the IMEI manually.
- Press Start and wait until it is completed.
After recovery, IMEI The phone still does not catch the network, check the settings APN. Often, operators do not automatically load them after resetting. IMEI. Manually add it. APN Your operator in the settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Sahara Communication Failed | Incorrect drivers or USB 3.0 port | Install drivers manually, use USB 2.0 |
| Firehose mismatch | Mismatch of the prog_emmc_firehose.mbn file of the phone model | Download the correct version of the file for Snapdragon 439 |
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware | The process is interrupted or the wrong firmware is | Repeat the firmware or use the Mi Flash Tool for full recovery |
| No network after IMEI recovery | IMEI incorrectly entered or APN settings reset | Check the IMEI via *#06# and set up the APN manually |
If you encounter an error that is not in the table, try:
- 🔍 Search for a solution on 4PDA or XDA Developers (specify the exact error text).
- 📥 Reinstall the drivers and repeat the process on another PC.
- 📁 Check the integrity of downloaded files (sometimes archives are corrupted when downloaded).
⚠️ Warning: If after you have flashed the communication module, the phone stopped loading (black screen, red light flashes), do not try to turn it on repeatedly. This can damage the eMMC. You better connect to the PC right away and repeat the firmware via EDL.
Alternative methods: firmware via Fastboot and MIUI
If you don't have access to EDL mode, or you don't want to use QFil/QPST, you can try flashing the communication module through Fastboot, which is less risky, but it doesn't work in all cases.
Instructions for Fastboot:
- Download the official firmware for Redmi 8 Pro (for example, from the Xiaomi Firmware website).
- Unpack the archive and find the modem.img file (or NON-HLOS.bin).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- Open the command line in the firmware folder and execute: fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin fastboot reboot
If this method doesn’t work, try updating the communication module via MIUI:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
- Select the downloaded firmware file (e.g., miui_OLIVELITEGlobal_V12.5.1.0.RCGMIXM_...).
- Wait until the update is completed.
These methods are less effective than firmware via EDL, but can help in cases where problems with the communication module are caused by software failures rather than hardware damage.
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Fastboot firmware is safer than EDL, but it doesn't always solve the problems with the communication module.If the phone doesn't catch the network after such an update, you'll have to use QFil or QPST.