The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones among customization enthusiasts, despite the release of new models. Its powerful Mediatek Helio G90T processor, 64-MP camera and Fastboot firmware support make the device ideal for software experiments. However, firmware through Fastboot is a process that requires accuracy: a mistake at any stage can turn the phone into a “brick.” In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step instructions taking into account the nuances of 2026, current versions of firmware and typical problems that users face.
Fastboot firmware differs from Recovery updates in that it allows you to install not only official but also custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), and restore your device after a major crash. The main advantage of the method is to control each step of the installation. But there are risks: wrong actions can lead to loss of warranty, blocking IMEI or hardware damage. So before you start, it is important to evaluate your skills and be patient.
Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start
The first step is backing up data. Fastboot firmware completely erases the device's internal memory, including photos, contacts and apps. Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos or physical copying on your PC.
- 📱 Contact (export to) VCF-file through Contacts → Management → Exports).
- 📸 Photo/video (copy folders) DCIM and Pictures on the computer).
- 🔑 Logins and passwords (save backup from Google Password Manager or Mi Account).
- 🎮 Save games (use cloud services like Helium or root managers if your phone is rooted).
Next, check the bootloader version. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has it locked initially, and Fastboot requires unlocking.
fastboot oem device-infoIn the answer, look for Device unlocked: false — if so, the bootloader is locked. Unlocking takes up to 72 hours (by Xiaomi rules) and requires you to link your Mi Account to the device.
⚠️ Warning: If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie your Mi Account from the device. Otherwise, unlocking the bootloader will not be possible without its participation.
Unlocking the bootloader: a step-by-step process
Unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is a must before running through Fastboot. Xiaomi made the procedure more complicated in 2023, so follow the current instructions:
- Link your Mi Account to your device: 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Synchronize and enable all options. 🔗 B Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode. 🔓 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable Unlocking OEM and debugging. USB.
Mi Unlock Tool
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The official utility can be found on the Xiaomi website (version). 2026 Supported by Redmi Note 8 Pro MIUI 14). Install it on a Windows PC 10/11 (on macOS/Linux work is not guaranteed).
Fastboot
Turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect to the PC via the original USB Type-C cable.
Run the unlock:
In Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same Mi Account as your phone. Press Unlock and confirm the action. It takes 30 minutes to 72 hours, depending on Xiaomi's policy.
Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Debugging is on. USB|Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool|The phone is charged at least 60 times%|Used by the original USB-cable-->
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. That's OK, because Xiaomi protects against unauthorized access. Now you can start the firmware.
⚠️ Warning: If you see a "Couldn't unlock" error with the timer 168/72/24 Do not try to bypass it through third-party tools, this will lead to the blocking of the Mi Account on the Internet. 30 Wait until the timer ends.
Selection of firmware: official vs custom
There are two types of firmware available for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Where to download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official (MIUI) | 🔒 Full compatibility with iron 📱 Support OTA-update 🛡️ Preserving the warranty (if the bootloader is not unlocked) | 🐢 Lots of pre-installed software 📊 Xiaomi Data Collection | Official website |
| Castomic (AOSP) | 🚀 Clean Android without Bloatware 🔄 Regular security updates 🎨 Possibility of fine tuning | ⚠️ Risk of unstable camera/network operation 🔋 Faster battery discharge | XDA Developers |
| Port from other devices | 🆕 Unique features (for example, ColorOS on Xiaomi) | 💥 High risk of “bricking" 📵 Sensor/sound problems | Telegram channels of enthusiasts |
For beginners, we recommend starting with the official firmware (for example, the latest stable version of MIUI 14 for begonia is codenamed Redmi Note 8 Pro).
- 📷 Main camera operation (64 MP may not be fully supported).
- 📶 Mobile network stability (problems with VoLTE on some builds).
- 🔋 Energy management (fast discharge due to unoptimized core).
Official MIUI| Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)|Ports from other devices (ColorOS, Flyme)|I don't file, I use stock-->
Critical! Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek Helio G90T processor cannot use firmware designed for models on Snapdragon (for example, Redmi Note 8 without the "Pro"), this will lead to the failure of the communication module and possible damage to the IMEI.
Install firmware through Fastboot: step-by-step instructions
When the bootloader is unlocked and the firmware is selected, start installing.
- 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11 (for Linux/macOS Additional drivers are needed).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- 📂 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpacked in a folder).
- 🛠️ Quickboot (part of Google’s Platform Tools).
Download Platform Tools from the official website and unpack it to the root of the disk C:\platform-tools\. You can also unpack the firmware in this folder:
- Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, press Power + Volume down until the screen with the robot appears.
- Connect to your PC and check the connection: Open the Command Prompt in the platform-tools folder (press Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here) and type: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (for example, 1234abcd fastboot), the connection is established.
- Start the firmware: For official firmware MIUI use script flash_all.bat (For custom, type manual commands: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img fastboot reboot
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If the firmware is interrupted with the error "FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State')", then the bootloader is not unlocked. Go back to the section about unlocking and repeat the procedure.
It takes 5-15 minutes. When it's done, the phone automatically restarts. The first run can take up to 10 minutes -- don't interrupt it!
Typical errors and their solution
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State') | The bootloader is not unlocked | Repeat the unlocking procedure with the Mi Unlock Tool |
| FAILED (remote: 'Partition not found') | Inconsistency of the firmware model of the device | Download the firmware specifically for begonia (codename Redmi Note 8 Pro) |
| FAILED (remote: 'Invalid sparse file format at header') | A damaged firmware file | Pump the firmware and check the MD5 checksum |
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware | Incompatible core or no vbmeta | Repeat the firmware with the addition of a command --disable-verity |
If the phone is stuck on the MI or Fastboot logo after firmware, try:
- Press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds for forced reboot.
- If it doesn’t work, repeat the firmware by pre-executing fastboot erase userdata.
- For custom firmware, you may need to flash vendor and dtbo separately.
What if IMEI disappeared after the firmware?
Recovery after a failed firmware
If the phone stops turning on (brick), don't panic. 90% of the time, it can be restored.
- Check the charging response: Connect your phone to the charger for 30 minutes. If the charging indicator flashes, it's a software problem, if it doesn't, it may be a damaged battery or power controller.
- Try to log in to Fastboot: Click Power + Volume down for 20 to 30 seconds. If the screen is still black, but the PC makes the connection sound. USB-Devices - loader alive.
- Sweat stock firmware through Mi Flash Tool: Download Mi Flash Tool and official firmware for your model. In the utility settings, select Clean all and start firmware.
- If Fastboot is not available: You will need it. EDL-Emergency Download Mode: You have to close the test points on the board or use the Deep Flash Cable, which is risky and requires disassembling the phone.
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If the phone doesn't respond to any button combinations and isn't detected by the PC, the preloader is likely damaged, in which case recovery is possible only in the service center using the programmer.
For the Redmi Note 8 Pro there is an unofficial EDL-cable that can be made independently from standard USB Type-C by closing D contacts+ D- But this method requires experience and can lead to short circuits.
Optimization after firmware
After successful firmware, it is recommended to follow several steps for stable operation:
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Even if the firmware went without errors, reset through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. This will clear the residual files of the previous system.
- 🔋 Battery calibration: After firmware discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times for the correct operation of the power controller.
- 📡 Network settings: If mobile internet is missing, check your settings APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). For Russian operators, it is usually enough to choose Internet.beeline.ru, Internet.mts.ru, etc.
- 🛡️ Disabling unnecessary services: B MIUI disable Auto Update System Applications and Recommendations MIUI in account settings to reduce the load on the processor.
For custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) additionally:
- Install GApps (Google Services) through Recovery if they are not included in the build.
- Set up SELinux in Permissive mode (if you have root access issues).
- Check out VoLTE – some builds require manual activation via the engineering menu (#4636###).