Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: Official and Unofficial Ways (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones even years after the release — thanks to the powerful processor Mediatek Helio G90T, 64-MP camera and a capacious battery of 4500 mAh. However, over time, performance may fall, and MIUI updates cease to come out. In such cases, the firmware of the device becomes relevant: it allows you to install a fresh version of Android, remove excess software or even revive the “brick” after a failed update.

This article covers all the current ways of firmware Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia): from official updates through MIUI Updater to install custom firmware via TWRP or Fastboot. We will discuss how to prepare a smartphone, where to download firmware, how to unlock the bootloader and avoid typical errors. Importantly, the procedure requires attention to detail - incorrect actions can lead to data loss or complete failure of the device.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, there are a few critical steps to follow, and neglecting them can lead to a loss of IMEI, a broken camera, or a complete “bricking” of your smartphone — especially if you use informal firmware.

First, back up all your data. The firmware erases the device's internal memory (except when you upgrade through MIUI Updater without resetting). Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos for media files, or physical copying to your PC via MTP. Pay special attention to:

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📸 Photos and videos (check folders) DCIM and Pictures)
• 🔑 App passwords (use Google Smart Lock or password manager)
• 🎮 Game Save (many games don’t sync automatically to the cloud)

Second, check the current firmware version, which will help you avoid conflicts when you’re downgrading. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Write down the full name (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5 Stable). If you’re planning to install custom firmware, make sure it’s compatible with your device modification (Global, China, EEA).

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a Mediatek processor, it is impossible to unlock the bootloader through the standard Mi Unlock Tool if the device was released after May 2020. MTK Bypass or contacting a service center.

Finally, prepare the tools:

Method 1: Update via MIUI Updater (without loss of data)

The safest method is to upgrade through the built-in System Update app, which is suitable for installing official firmware without unlocking the bootloader and does not require a connection to a PC. The main limitation is that you can only update to newer versions (downgrade is not possible).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon "⋮" in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format, for example) miui_BEGONIAGlobal_V14.0.5.0.TGGMIXM_...).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-15 minutes).

If the firmware file is not identified, check:

• 🔄 Version compatibility (e.g., cannot be installed) EEA Globally)
• 📁 Archive integrity (jump if the size does not match the official size)
• 🔋 Battery charge (should be) ≥50%)

⚠️ Note: If after the update, the smartphone stuck on the logo MI, Reset through Recovery: Click Power + Volume up, select Wipe Data → Reboot. It'll delete all the data, but it'll restore the functionality.

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If the update through MIUI Updater does not find new versions, try changing the region of the device. To do this, go to Settings → Additional → Region and select India (updates are coming more often there).

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (official MIUI)

The method via Fastboot is suitable for installing official firmware if:

• 🔄 You need to do a downgrade (roll back to the old version)
• 🛠️ The device is not turned on (but is determined by the PC in Fastboot mode)
• 🔓 The bootloader is already unlocked.

For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this is a must if you want to install stable global firmware over Chinese or vice versa.

Step-by-step:

Download Mi Flash Tool (version 2023.4.18.0 or later)|Download firmware in.tgz format for your model|Install Mediatek Preloader and Fastboot drivers|Unpack firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols|Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Flash Tool)-->

1. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. A hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen.
2. Connect to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices If the list is empty, install drivers manually through Device Manager.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. Select firmware mode: Clean all - clean (recommended) Clean all and lock - clean + lock bootloader (only for official firmware!) Save user data - data storage (not always stable)

Flash

If the process ends with a critical partition flashing error, it means:

• 🔓 bootloader is locked (you need to unlock through Mi Unlock Tool)
• 📥 The firmware is not designed for your device modification (check the codename begonia)

Method 3: Install custom firmware through TWRP

Custom firmware (such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid) gives you access to pure Android, regular security updates and additional features.

• 🔓 Unlocked loader
• 🛠️ Established custom recovery (TWRP)
• 📌 Compatible firmware for begonia

Important: On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek, the standard TWRP doesn't work because of encryption features. You need to use a special version, for example, TWRP by mauronofrio.

Installation instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): Apply for unlock via Mi Unlock (can take up to 30 days). For devices after May 2020, use the bypass method via MTK Bypass (instructions are on XDA).

Set TWRP:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_begonia.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_begonia.img

Backup the TWRP:

Backup → System + Data + Boot

Sweep through the custom firmware:

• Copy.zip firmware and Magisk (if root is needed) files to internal memory.
• In TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data (enter yes).
• Press Install and specify the firmware file, then Magisk (if necessary).
• Reboot to the system.

⚠️ Note: After installing custom firmware may stop working: 📷 Wide-angle camera (GCam patch required) 🔋 Fast charging (check the kernel settings) 🎵 IR-Blaster (you need to install the driver mtk-ir.ko) These problems are solvable, but will require additional manipulations.

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Custom firmware on the Redmi Note 8 Pro often requires additional fixes (for example, to run an NFC or 90Hz screen). Always read the XDA firmware author's instructions before installing.

Unlocking the bootloader: bypassing the restrictions of Xiaomi

Xiaomi has tightened its policy to unlock the bootloader for devices on Mediatek, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro. If your device was released after May 2020, the standard Mi Unlock Tool will give the Couldn’t unlock error even after a 30-day wait. MTK Bypass.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the necessary tools: MTK Bypass Tool EDL Driver (for Emergency Download Mode) SP Flash Tool (for firmware via EDL)

Activate the EDL mode:

• Turn off your smartphone.
• Press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect the USB cable to the PC.
• Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until your PC detects a new Mediatek Preloader.
• Sweep the patch to unlock: python mtk e metadata,userdata,md_udc Then through SP Flash Tool, run the file unlock_bootloader.img boot.
• Unlock the bootloader: After the reboot, use the standard Mi Unlock Tool – now it should work.