Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 Pro firmware is a challenge that owners face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to install a fresh version of MIUI to having to restore the device after a crash. The model released in 2019 is still popular thanks to the powerful Mediatek Helio G90T processor and 64-MP camera, but its software support officially ended in 2023. This means that you will not be able to upgrade “over the air” – you will have to act manually.
In this guide, we will discuss three proven firmware methods: through MIUI Updater (for official updates), Recovery (for local packages), and Fastboot (for full flashing or recovery of the “brick”). Particular attention will be paid to unlocking the bootloader, without which installing custom firmware or rolling back to the old version of MIUI is impossible, and you will find solution errors like Invalid image or Anti-rollback check fail, which often haunt users when working with the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
A warning: the procedure requires care, a mistake in unlocking the bootloader or selecting the wrong firmware can turn the phone into a brick. If you are a beginner, follow the instructions carefully and do not miss the steps of checking.
1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting
Before you flash the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you need to perform a few critical actions, neglecting them can lead to data loss, a procedure failure or even permanent damage to the device.
First, back up all the data. Fastboot or Recovery firmware erases the device's internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical copying on your PC. It's especially important to save:
- 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
- 📸 Photos and videos (folders) DCIM and Pictures)
- 🔑 Logins and passwords (from Settings) → Google → Accounts)
- 📱 Application settings (such as WhatsApp or Telegram)
Second, check the current firmware version to avoid errors with Anti-Rollback Protection. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and write down the build number (e.g. V12.5.3.0.RGGINXM) and check it against the available firmware on Xiaomi Firmware.
⚠️ Note: If your current firmware is newer than the one you are going to upgrade to, your smartphone may lock due to Anti-Rollback. MIUI 13 overhead MIUI 14 without special workarounds.
Third, prepare the tools:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (for Fastboot)
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (do not use cheap analogues!)
- 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (to avoid shutdown)
- 🛠️ Programs: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Xiaomi Unlock Tool
Check the MIUI version in the settings
Create a backup copy of the data
Download the firmware for your model (begonia/begoniain)
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC
Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Flash Tool)
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2 Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for custom firmware
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia for global and begoniain for Indian) comes with a locked bootloader, meaning you won’t be able to install custom recavators (like TWRP) or firmware from third-party developers until you unlock it.
The unlocking process consists of three stages:
- Linking your Mi Account to your device (required!)
- Obtaining permission to unlock through the official application
- Direct Unlocking via Fastboot
Detailed instructions:
- Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on some versions. MIUI) 🔌 Debugging by USB
Link your Mi Account to your device: in the same Developer Options, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. Make sure the Device is tied at the top of the screen.
Download the official Xiaomi Unlock Tool and launch it on behalf of the administrator. Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone.
Turn the phone into Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Power + Volume down until the hare appears in the eardress cap. Connect the device to the PC.
In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. It takes up to 10 minutes. Upon completion, the phone will restart and the bootloader will be unlocked.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will automatically reset to factory settings. All data will be deleted! Also note that Xiaomi can block unlocking on new devices (bought after 2022) - in which case it will require a wait of 7-30 days.
What to do if Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error
Method 3: Firmware via MIUI Updater (for official updates)
The easiest and safest method is to upgrade through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for installing official stable or beta versions of MIUI, but does not allow you to roll back to older firmware or install custom.
Instructions:
- Open the MIUI Updater app on your phone.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
- Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format, the name must contain begonia or begoniain).
- Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-15 minutes).
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Does not require unlocking the loader
- ✅ Stores user data (unless otherwise stated)
- ✅ Minimum risk of error
Limitations:
- ❌ You can’t install firmware older than the current one (due to Anti-Rollback)
- ❌ Custom firmware is not supported (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience)
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If MIUI Updater doesn't see the downloaded firmware file, rename it by removing all characters from the name except letters, numbers and underline, miui_BEGONIAINGlobal_V12.5.3.0.RGGINXM_5a4a3d1234_10.0.zip → miui_begonia_V12.5.3.0.zip.
Method 2: Firmware through Recovery (for local packets)
If you downloaded firmware in.zip format (for example, from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site), but can not install it through MIUI Updater, use Recovery mode. This method is suitable for official and some custom firmware (if they support installation through stock recavers).
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware for your model (begonia or begoniain) and place the file in the root of internal memory (not in folders!).
- Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
- Select a language (usually English) and go to Install update.zip to System One (or similar).
- Confirm the installation and wait until it is completed. Do not interrupt the process, it can damage the system partition.
- After successful installation, select Reboot to System.
Important nuances:
- 🔹 If the firmware weighs more than 2 GB, it can not be installed through a stock Recovery – use Fastboot.
- 🔹 Some custom firmware requires pre-installing TWRP (see next section).
- 🔹 If after firmware the phone is fixated on the logo MI, Reset through Recovery → Wipe Data.
| Type of firmware | Is it good for Recovery? | Do you need unlocking? | Are the data stored? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI (zip) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (unless specified reset) |
| Castomic (e.g. LineageOS) | ❌ No, I need you. TWRP) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Fastboot firmware (tgz) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| OTA-update (through MIUI Updater) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
5. Method 3: Firmware via Fastboot (for full reinstallation)
Fastboot is the most reliable way to flash the Redmi Note 8 Pro if:
- 🔹 The phone does not turn on (the so-called "brick»)
- 🔹 You need to install a firmware with full formatting
- 🔹 You need to get around the anti-Rollback restrictions
This will require:
- 🖥️ PC with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot
- 📦 Firmware in.tgz format (you can download here)
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (version 2020.3.14.0 or later)
Instructions:
- Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\miui_begonia).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down when the phone is off) and connect to the PC.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
- Select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended in case of failures) Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock Save user data bootloader – data storage (not always working)
Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives you an Anti-rollback check fail, you are trying to install firmware older than the current one, in which case you either need to find a newer version or use a workaround through file editing. flash_all_lock.bat (remove the line from it with the antirollback check).
Through MIUI Updater
Through Recovery.
Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)
Castom firmware (TWRP)
Never stitched it.-->
6. Installation of custom TWRP recavator and custom firmware
If you want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you first need to flash TWRP Recovery. This alternative recovery allows you to install informal builds and make backups of the system.
Instructions for Redmi Note 8 Pro:
- Download the current version of TWRP for begonia from twrp.me (.img file).
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
- Open the command line in the folder with ADB/Fastboot The command is: fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-begonia.img fastboot reboot recovery
- After rebooting in TWRP, make a backup of the persist partition (important for the NFC module and the camera!).
- Download custom firmware (for example, LineageOS for begonia) and transfer it to your phone.
- In TWRP, select Install, specify the firmware file, and confirm the installation. After you complete, run Wipe → Format Data (required!).
Popular custom firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro:
- 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications
- 📱 Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel
- 📱 Havoc-OS – flexible configuration and high FPS play
- 📱 ArrowOS – Balance between performance and functionality
⚠️ Note: Castomic firmware can lead to problems with NFC, Wide-angle camera or Google Pay (due to lack of certification). Check reviews on the XDA-Developers forum before installing.
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Installing custom firmware will void Xiaomi's warranty and may cause the device to run unstable. Always back up TWRP before experimenting!
7. Solving typical firmware errors
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.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid image in Mi Flash Tool | A damaged firmware file or an incorrect model | Download the firmware again, check the code name (begonia) |
| Anti-rollback check fail | Reverse to the old version of MIUI | Use firmware no older than the current one or edit flash_all_lock.bat |
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware | Incompatible firmware or interrupted process | Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with a full clean (Clean all) |
| This package is for"begonia" devices; this is a"begoniain" | The inconsistency of the firmware model and the phone | Download firmware for begoniain (Indian version) or begonia (global) |
| TWRP asks for password when downloading | Encryption of data in MIUI | Run Format Data in TWRP (the data will be deleted!) |
If after the firmware there were problems with:
- 📶 Network: Check the settings APN Or just re-flash the modem (fastboot flash modem) NON-HLOS.bin).
- 📷 Camera: install ANX Camera or GCam for Redmi Note 8 Pro.
- 🔋 Quick discharge: Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption).