How to flash Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with a locked bootloader: the full guide

Introduction: Why a firmware with a locked bootloader is a challenge

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) is still a popular device thanks to the powerful Mediatek Helio G90T processor and 64MP camera. However, owners often face the need to reflash the device — whether it is to recover from a failure, remove viruses or install custom firmware. The main problem is the locked bootloader, which Xiaomi activates by default on all devices.

Unlike the models on Qualcomm Snapdragon, where unlocking the bootloader takes 7-14 days to wait for confirmation from Xiaomi, Redmi Note 8 Pro on Mediatek has a unique feature: it can be flashed even with a locked bootloader, but only through official tools or special workaround methods. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods – from standard updates through the Mi Flash Tool to informal solutions using Flash SP Tool and MTK Bypass.

A warning: the procedure requires attention to detail, and a mistake in choosing a firmware or connecting a device can lead to a smartphone "brick" (completely inoperable), but with the right approach, even a beginner can cope with the task.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, which will save time and minimize risks.

• 📱 Check the device model: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. The model should be Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia). firmware from Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo) will not work!
• 🔋 Charge the battery to 60-80%. The firmware can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging in the process will cause a failure.
• 💻 Install drivers: Mediatek will need to be installed MTK USB Drivers and ADB/Fastboot Download them from the official Xiaomi website or verified sources (for example, XDA Developers).
• 🔗 Prepare the cable: use the original USB-Redmi Note 8 Pro cable or quality cable. Cheap cables can cause connection errors.

We also recommend backing up important data, and running a Fastboot or SP Flash Tool completely erases the device's internal memory.

• 📁 Mi Cloud (if the phone is still on)
• 🖥️ ADB Backup (adb backup team) -all)
• 🔄 Manual copying on PC (photos, contacts, messages)

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is already in a “brick” state (not included, got stuck on the Xiaomi logo), skip the steps with the backup and go straight to the sections about the firmware through the SP Flash Tool or EDL Mode.

Method 1: Official firmware via Mi Flash Tool (without unlocking)

This is the safest method that works even with a locked bootloader, suitable for restoring standard MIUI firmware (for example, after an update or software blink crash).

The firmware will require:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10/11 (64-bit)
• 📂 Official firmware in.tgz format for Redmi Note 8 Pro (download from the official website of Xiaomi)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\begonia_global_images...).
2. Turn off the phone. Press Power + Vol Down to enter Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
3. Connect the device to a PC. The device should appear in Device Manager Android Bootloader Interface.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. Choose clean all (clean all) or clean all and lock (clean up) + Clean all is suitable for unlocked devices.
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (green tick in the log).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't find fastboot" error, check the cable connection or try another one. USB-The “Flash is not done” error often means that the firmware is not for your model (e.g., for the Redmi Note 8 instead of the Note 8 Pro).

Download firmware for begonia_global|Install Mi Flash Tool and Drivers|Unpack the firmware in a folder without spaces|Enter Fastboot Mode|Connect the phone to the PC-->

Method 2: Firmware via SP Flash Tool (for locked bootloader)

SP Flash Tool is a universal utility for devices on Mediatek, which allows you to flash the Redmi Note 8 Pro even with a locked bootloader.

• 🔄 Recovery after a soft brik (hang on the logo, bootloop)
• 📥 Install custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience)
• 🔧 Fixing errors after failed updates

Important: The SP Flash Tool requires an authentication file (to bypass Mediatek protection) and a properly selected firmware scatter-file.

Instructions:

1. Download the SP Flash Tool (version 5.2 or later) and unpack it into a folder.
2. Download the firmware in.zip format (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater) and extract scatter.txt.
3. In the file with SP Flash Tool Find the File flash_tool.ini and add a line: [Auth] Auth_SV5_File = auth_sv5.auth (file auth_sv5.auth can be found in thematic forums).
4. Launch it. flash_tool.exe, Click Choose in the Scatter-loading File section and select scatter.txt.
5. Check all sections (except userdata if you want to save data).
6. Turn off the phone, connect it to the PC without pressing buttons (the utility will determine the device itself).
7. Press Download and wait until it is completed (100 percent indicator and green circle).

If the process is hanging on "DA 100%", Turn off your phone, reinstall Mediatek Preloader drivers and try again "SLA Auth Fail means that the authentication file is not suitable – try another one. auth_sv5.auth.

Method 3: Unlock the bootloader and firmware through TWRP

If you need custom firmware (like LineageOS or HavocOS), you’ll have to unlock the bootloader. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool, but with nuances:

• ⏳ Wait 168 hours (7 days) after linking your Mi Account to your device.
• 🔗 Tethering SIM-Maps: Some regions require confirmation via Xiaomi SMS.
• 📱 Version. MIUI 10.3 or less (on older versions, unlocking may not work).

Step-by-step process:

1. Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers (if the partition is hidden, tap 7 times on the MIUI version).
2. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Mi → Cloud Services account.
3. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot Mode (Power + Vol Down).
4. Connect to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
5. If you receive a waiting message, wait 168 hours (you can use the phone at this time).
6. After unlocking, run TWRP via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
7. In TWRP, make a full backup (optional) and sew through custom firmware.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro with locked boot loader installation TWRP If you don't unlock it beforehand, it'll lead to a breech. SP Flash Tool bypassing the official procedure – it will violate the integrity of the boot partition.

1 Untie and re-assign Mi Account in phone settings.

2. use another PC (sometimes the lock is associated with the IP-address).

3. Update MIUI until the last stable version of the OTA.-->

Solving common errors in firmware

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Critical information: If after firmware through the SP Flash Tool, the phone is no longer detected by the PC (the charging indicator does not burn, there is no reaction to the buttons), this is a sign of damage to the preloader partition. You can restore the device only through JTAG or in the service center.

To diagnose problems, use ADB commands:

• Connection Check: Adb devices
• Logs: adb logcat
• Section information: adb shell ls /dev/block/by-name

Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

The type of firmware that determines not only the functionality, but also the stability of the device, and let's look at the pros and cons of each option.

• 📌 Official. MIUI (stock): ✅ Full compatibility with iron ✅ Regular security updates ✅ Support for all functions (NFC, 64MP camera, Widevine L1) ❌ Many pre-installed applications (bloatware) ❌ Restrictions at the kernel level (no root without unlocking)
• 📌 Custom firmware (AOSP): ✅ Clean Android without unnecessary apps ✅ Possibility of fine tuning (kernel, governor, selinux) ✅ Longer supported by updates (e.g. LineageOS 20 for Redmi Note 8 Pro) ❌ There may be a camera bug or NFC ❌ No Widevine. L1 (Netflix HD doesn't work)

For Redmi Note 8 Pro, we recommend the following verified firmware:

• 🏆 Official. MIUI: From Xiaomi (select the version for begonia)
• 🔧 Pixel Experience: Close to pure Android with GCam support
• 🚀 HavocOS: for customization lovers (many themes and modules)
• 🔒 MIUI by Xiaomi.eu: stock MIUI without Bloatware and with unlocked functions

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware based on Android 12+ You may not support proprietary drivers for the Redmi Note 8 Pro camera. Check the forums before installing (for example, check the forums, XDA), Does the 64MP core module work.

💡

For stable operation, choose firmware marked "Stable" or "Official." Nightly builds can contain critical bugs, including problems with mobile network or battery discharge.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note firmware 8 Pro