The firmware of Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro (codenamed olivelite) may be required to upgrade to the current version of MIUI, install custom firmware such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, as well as restore operability after failures. However, the process has nuances: the model supports unlocking the bootloader, but requires strict rules to avoid “brick” (complete inoperability of the device).
In this guide, we will take a look at all the current firmware options: through the MIUI Updater, Recovery and Fastboot mode, and install custom firmware with an unlocked bootloader. We will focus on training, from backing up data to checking firmware compatibility. If you're a beginner, start with the official methods; experienced users will find here details on working with TWRP and ADB.
Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start
Incorrect preparation is the main cause of firmware failures. First of all, make sure you have enough battery power (at least 60%). If the device runs out during the process, it can damage system partitions. Also check your Redmi 8 Pro model:
- 📱 Codename: Olivelite (check in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI). The olive firmware (Redmi 8) is not suitable!
- 🔒 bootloader status: if previously unblocked, the official firmware through Fastboot will not be installed.
- 📡 Drivers: to work with Fastboot and ADB We need Mi drivers. USB Driver (download from the official Xiaomi website).
Back up your data. Fastboot or custom Recovery erases your files! Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical copying on your PC. Swift Backup is a good tool to back up your apps and their data.
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If you are flashing a device with an unlocked bootloader, save the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder from internal memory – it stores backup copies of SMS and call logs created by MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: Fastboot firmware with the bootloader locked will cause an anti-rollback error and turn the phone into a brick.Be sure to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool before using this method.
Method 1: Update via MIUI Updater (without loss of data)
The safest method is to upgrade through the MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for installing official stable or beta versions of MIUI without resetting, but only if you have the latest updates for your model.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the icon "⋮" (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Select the update file.
- Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format, the name must contain olivelite).
- Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-15 minutes).
If the update is stuck on the MI logo for more than 20 minutes, perform a forced reboot: press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds. If the phone does not load after that, proceed to the firmware method via Recovery.
What if MIUI Updater doesn’t see the firmware file?
| Type of firmware | Supported versions | Data resetting | Unlocking required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable MIUI (OTA) | Only relevant to your model | No. | No. |
| MIUI beta | Any, but with the risk of bugs | No. | No. |
| Full firmware through Recovery | Anybody, including downgrade | Yes. | No. |
| Fastboot (official) | Any, but with a rollback check. | Yes. | Yes. |
*Downgrade (downgrade of MIUI) can cause an anti-rollback error. Check version compatibility on Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
Method 2: Firmware through Recovery (for official ZIP-file)
The Recovery method is suitable for installing full official firmware (.zip format) or custom cores. Unlike Fastboot, it does not require unlocking the bootloader, but resets user data. Important: use only official Recovery from Xiaomi - custom (for example, TWRP) may not work correctly without unlocking.
Step-by-step:
Download firmware with.zip extension for the olivelite model|Transfer the file to the root of internal memory|Turn off the phone.|Press the power buttons. + Volume up for entrance to Recovery-->
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) and go to Install update.zip to System.
- Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (the process will take 3-7 minutes).
- After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.
If the phone loads into Recovery after firmware or gives a DM-Verity error, reset it via Wipe Data (in the Recovery menu) and delete all data, but solve the download problem.
⚠️ Note: Do not use the Wipe All Data option in Recovery for models with a locked bootloader - this may lead to the impossibility of further firmware through Fastboot without unlocking.
Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (complete reinstallation of MIUI)
Fastboot is the most reliable method for recovering bricks or installing official firmware from scratch. It requires an unlocked bootloader and erases all data. For Redmi 8 Pro (olivelite), use the Mi Flash Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi) or the fastboot command manually.
Required files and tools:
- 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).
- 📁 Firmware in.tgz format for olivelite (unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters on the way).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original, with data transmission support).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
- Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- In the utility, click Select and indicate the path to the unpacked firmware.
- Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).
If the Mi Flash Tool is 0x80070002 error, check:
- The correctness of the firmware selected (should be for olivelite).
- The lack of Chinese characters on the way to the firmware folder.
- USB port performance (try another port or cable)
Through MIUI Updater | Through Recovery | Through Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool) |TWRP |Do not stitch it yourself-->
Method 4: Install custom firmware (TWRP + LineageOS/Pixel Experience)
Custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience offers more customization options, but requires an unlocked bootloader and TWRP installation. Unofficial builds are available for the Redmi 8 Pro as there is no official support from the development teams.
Important: Before installing custom firmware, be sure to check the compatibility of the kernel and Android version. For example, firmware based on Android 12 may not work with the kernels assembled for Android 11.
Instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 720 hours to wait for new Xiaomi accounts).
- Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olivelite.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olivelite.img
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
- Install firmware (Install) and, if necessary, Gapps (Google services).
- Reboot to the system.
After installing custom firmware, Wi-Fi or the NFC module may not work. This is due to the lack of proprietary drivers from Xiaomi. The solution is to install them manually through TWRP (look for olivelite files on XDA Developers forums).
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Custom firmware strips you of Xiaomi’s official warranty and may contain bugs. Before installing, check reviews about a particular build on thematic forums.
Solving Firmware Errors in Redmi 8 Pro
Even if you follow the instructions, you can get errors, and the most common problems and solutions are:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-rollback check fail | Downgrade attempt on older version of MIUI | Sweep the current firmware through Fastboot or contact the service |
| DM-Verity corruption | Damage to the system partition after firmware | Run Wipe Data in Recovery or run the full firmware through Fastboot |
| Mi Flash: 0x80070002 | The Wrong Path to Firmware or Drivers | Check the path to the folder (without Cyrillic), reinstall the drivers |
| Hanging on the MI logo | Module conflict or incomplete firmware | Repeat the firmware via Fastboot with the Clean All option |
If after firmware through Fastboot the phone does not turn on and does not respond to buttons, try emergency mode EDL.
- Turn the phone off the PC.
- Close the test points on the motherboard (requires disassembly of the device).
- Connect to a PC – the device will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Sweat through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode.
⚠️ Attention: Regime EDL Requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for service centers). IMEI and modem lock.
How to check the success of the firmware
After the firmware is completed, you need to make sure that the system is working correctly.
- 📞 IMEI: Enter *#06# - the original must be displayed. IMEI (If not, then continue the partition via Fastboot).
- 📶 Network: check the work SIM-map (2G/3G/4G) data transmission.
- 🔋 Charging: connect the charger – the indicator should show the charging process.
- 🎵 Sound: Test speakers and microphone (for example, through voice recording).
If you have problems with the sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) or the camera, the reason may be incompatibility of the firmware with the hardware platform.
- Install a different firmware version (for example, try EEA instead of Global).
- Sweep vendor and firmware files separately through Fastboot.
- Return to the official MIUI if the custom firmware is unstable.
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After you have installed the custom firmware, calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruption, which will help the system correctly determine the level of charge.