How to flash Xiaomi Redmi 8: all the ways with instructions and tips

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular budget smartphone that is still widely used due to its reliability and the ability to install current versions of MIUI or custom firmware. However, the firmware process can seem difficult for beginners: it is important to consider the version of the bootloader, the type of firmware (official / custom), and avoid the typical errors that turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of firmware for Redmi 8 (codenamed olive): from updating via MIUI Updater to manual installation via Fastboot or TWRP Recovery. Particular attention will be paid to preparing the device, unlocking the bootloader and solving common problems - for example, when the smartphone is not determined by the computer or hangs on the Mi logo.

If you’ve never flashed Xiaomi before, start with the backup section — it’ll save your data even if it crashes. For power users, move straight to unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Redmi 8 firmware requires pre-preparation, otherwise the risk of errors increases significantly. The first thing to check is the version of the current firmware and the status of the bootloader.

1. Go to Settings → About → MIUI version and write down the current version (e.g. MIUI 12.5.3 Stable).
2. Find out the status of the bootloader: turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to get into Fastboot. If the bottom of the screen says Locked, the bootloader is locked.
3. Check the battery level – it should be at least 60%, otherwise the process may be interrupted.

Also prepare the necessary tools:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (for the Mi Flash Tool or Linux/macOS (for fastboot in the terminal).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original, as cheap cables may not transmit data).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download only from official sources: MIUI Downloads or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Qualcomm drivers (if needed).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 8 is purchased in China (suffix version) CN In the model name, the firmware of the global version of Global can block the network!

Backup: How to save data before firmware

Redmi 8 firmware in most cases leads to a complete data reset (especially when installed via Fastboot or TWRP).

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: sync with your Google or Mi Account account in your settings.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to your computer or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud.
• 🎮 Apps and games: Use Titanium Backup (requires root) or manually save files from a folder /Android/data/.
• 📝 System settings: Write down or take a picture of key settings (e.g. settings) APN mobile-internet).

You can use TWRP Recovery for a full system backup if it's already installed.

1. Boot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on).
2. Select Backup → Select Storage (select MicroSD or USB-OTG).
3. Check the Boot, System, Data sections and click Swipe to Back Up.

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If you don’t have TWRP but have root access, use the Swift Backup app from Play Market – it saves app data and settings without the need for custom recavator.

Don’t rely on cloud services alone: some data (like game saves or Magisk settings) may not sync.

Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 8: step-by-step instructions

Most of the ways Redmi 8 firmware requires an unlocked bootloader. The official process from Xiaomi involves linking a Mi Account and waiting for permission (usually 3-7 days).

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Sign in (if not, sign up) Activate Find Your Device and confirm via SMS/email.
2. Request unlock: Download Mi Unlock Tool and install it on your computer. Launch the utility, log in to the same Mi Account as your phone. Connect Redmi 8 in Fastboot mode (press Volume Down + Power). Press Unlock to see a wait message (usually 168 hours).

Once you approve unlock, repeat the process: plug your phone into Fastboot, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and press Unlock. The device will reboot with the bootloader unlocked.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone, including internal memory.

If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" error, check:

• 🔹 Mi Account is linked to phone and confirmed.
• 🔹 It's on on the phone. OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers.
• 🔹 You use the original cable and port. USB 2.0 (ports) USB 3.0 can cause errors).

Firmware via MIUI Updater (without computer)

The easiest way to upgrade to Redmi 8 is to use the built-in MIUI Updater, which is suitable for official stable and beta versions of MIUI, but does not allow you to install custom firmware or roll back to the old version.

Instructions:

1. Open the Update app on your phone.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (setting) → Select a Service Package.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

If the update is “hanging” during the verification phase, try:

• 📌 Rename the firmware file to update.zip and put in the root of memory.
• 📌 Shut down. VPN or Proxy in network settings.
• 📌 Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Note: If the phone stopped turning on after updating via Updater, try booting into Recovery (click Volume Up). + Power) and run Wipe Data. This often solves the problem with the "eternal logo" of Mi.

Download the correct firmware version (Global/EEA/CN)

Check the battery charge (>50%)

Disable the ad blocker (may interfere with the loading)

Backup important data

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Firmware via Fastboot (complete reinstallation of MIUI)

The Fastboot method is suitable for full Redmi 8 flashing when other methods fail (e.g., when a "brick" or update crashes).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for Fastboot (a file with the extension.tgz or.zip). Unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers (if needed).
3. Turn off your phone and boot to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
4. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the utility, click Select, specify the path to the unpacked firmware, then Refresh (the device should appear).
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all - full reset (recommended), Clean all and lock - reset + lock bootloader (only for official firmware), Save user data - save data (may cause errors).

Flash

If the Mi Flash Tool is a “flash not done” or “critical partition” error, try:

• 🔧 Reinstall Qualcomm drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 🔧 Use a different version of the Mi Flash Tool (e.g., Mi Flash Pro).
• 🔧 Swipe manually through the command line (instruction below).

Fastboot removes all data, including files in internal memory. If you need to save photos or documents, remove the microSD card before starting the process.

Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

Custom firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS allows you to get the latest version of Android (for example, Android 13 instead of the standard Android 10 on Redmi 8).

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 🛠️ Established custom recaveri TWRP.
• 📥 Compatible firmware for the olive model.

Installation instructions:

1. Install TWRP: Download the official TWRP for Redmi 8 (.img file). Download to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img Immediately after that go to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power), otherwise the standard firmware will overlaid the recavereas.
2. Sweeve custom firmware: Copy the firmware file (.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services) to MicroSD or internal memory. TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data. Go back to the main menu, press Install, select the firmware file and confirm installation. Similarly, swipe GApps (if required). Reboot to the system (Reboot). → System).

The first download of custom firmware can take 10-15 minutes - don't interrupt the process! If the phone hangs on the logo, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the installation with a full reset (Format Data in the TWRP).
• 🔄 Check firmware compatibility with your model (olive for Redmi 8).
• 🔄 Install another version TWRP (for example, informal assembly).

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Keep an eye out for new versions on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum to avoid security vulnerabilities.

Common mistakes and their solution

Even with the correct instructions, Redmi 8 firmware may not go according to plan.

If the IMEI is missing or the mobile network is not working:

1. Check if Baseband settings have reset (Settings → Phone should have Baseband version).
2. If Baseband is not available, run modem separately through Fastboot: fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin (the NON-HLOS.bin file is in the firmware folder).
3. Restore the IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the Maui META utility (requires root).

If nothing helps, go back to the stock firmware via Fastboot (see section above) and try to repeat the process from scratch.

Frequently asked questions