How to flash Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: official and custom firmware

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T remains a popular smartphone even years after the release, but over time its performance may decline due to outdated software. firmware device is a way to return it to performance, get new features or even install custom OS like LineageOS. However, the process has nuances: from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right version of MIUI for your model (willow — encoding Redmi Note 8T).

In this article, you will find 3 proven firmware methods: through the standard update, Recovery and Fastboot, and also deal with common bugs like Anti-Rollback or unlock issues. We will not advise “just follow the instructions” – instead, explain why each step is important and how to avoid bricks. If you have never stitched Xiaomi before, start with the official methods; experienced users will find here nuances for working with TWRP and custom cores.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Unprepared firmware is a surefire way to get a brick. The first thing you need to check is the current firmware version and the bootloader status.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI Write down the current version (for example, MIUI 14.0.5).
• 🔓 Type in the phone app code ##4636##, then go to Phone Information and check the bootloader status. If there's a Locked, it needs to be unlocked.
• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 60% – when you run through Fastboot, a discharge below 30% can interrupt the process.
• 💾 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or manually copy folders DCIM, Downloads and WhatsApp on PC.

Special attention should be paid to Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) — Xiaomi's mechanism that blocks rollbacks to older firmware versions. 8T It's already updated. MIUI 12+, firmware V12.0.1.0.QCXMIXM It will lock the device. ARB in the firmware file (look for the line) anti_version into flash_all.sh).

Method 1: Firmware via MIUI Updater (the safest way)

If you don't need custom features, but you only need to upgrade to the latest official version, this is the best method. It doesn't require unlocking the bootloader and saves all the data.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon "⋮" (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (should have a type name) willow_global_images_V14.0.5.0.SCXMIXM_20231012.0000.00_12.0_global_XXXX.zip).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If after the update the phone is stuck on the logo MI longer than 15 minutes, don't panic. Force it to restart by clamping the power. + Reduce volume by 10 seconds. If the problem recurs, go through Recovery (method 2).

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Download firmware only from official sources: MIUI Downloads or Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Files from torrents or third-party sites may contain viruses or be modified to bypass ARB, which will lead to locking the device.

Method 2: Firmware through Recovery (for official and stable firmware)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔄 You want to go back to the same version. MIUI (for example, to eliminate glitches).
• 📦 You already have the boot loader unlocked.
• 🔧 The phone does not turn on, but goes to Recovery.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format (for example, willow_global_images_V14.0.5.0.SCXMIXM_20231012.0000.00_12.0_global.zip) and rename it in update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume Up to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language, then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).

The firmware file is called update.zip|The file is at the root of the memory (not in folders)|The battery is charged >50%|The bootloader is unlocked (if you are flashing the unofficial version)|Data backup is made-->

⚠️ Note: If after firmware through Recovery, the phone is loaded into an endless bootloop (cyclical reboot), then the firmware is incompatible with your version. ARB. In this case:

1. Download the firmware with the same or newer version of ARB.
2. Repeat the process, but select Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data before installing it.

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for:

• 🔄 Transition to another branch MIUI (for example, from the Global EEA).
• 🛠 Recovery of the phone after a soft breeze.
• 📥 Firmware installations if other methods do not work.

You'll need:

• 🖥 PC with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot.
• 📂 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (for example, willow_global_images_V14.0.5.0.SCXMIXM_20231012.0000.00_12.0_global_fastboot.tgz).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in the folder with the platform-tools (where fastboot.exe and adb.exe are located).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume Down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Run the firmware: fastboot flash all (if the firmware is in.tgz format, use it). flash_all.bat Windows flash_all.sh for Linux/Mac).
5. Wait for the completion (about 5-10 minutes) and automatic reboot.

⚠️ Note: If there is an error during the firmware through Fastboot anti_version Downgrade – This means you’re trying to install firmware with an older version ARB. The only solution is to run the version with ARB not lower than the current (check the firmware file line) anti_version). Use the Xiaomi Firmware Updater tool to find compatible firmware.

Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8T

Without unlocking the bootloader, you can’t flash custom firmware or use Fastboot for official.The process takes 7 days of waiting (by Xiaomi rules), but we’ll explain how to speed it up to 3-5 days.

Steps:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Activate USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute: adb reboot bootloader
4. In Fastboot, run: fastboot oem unlock The phone will reboot and prompt you to confirm unlock.
5. Wait 168 hours (7 days) To speed up the process, repeat the command fastboot oem unlock every day - sometimes the wait is reduced to 72 hours.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the phone, including photos and apps, and some features (like Find Device or Mi Pay) may stop working. If you are flashing a phone for sale, it is better to return the bootloader to the Locked state with the command fastboot oem lock (but this will erase the data again!).

Install custom firmware (TWRP + LineageOS)

If you don't like MIUI, you can install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS.

1. Unlock the bootloader (see section above).
2. Install. TWRP For the Redmi Note 8T (willow): fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow.img
3. Download to TWRP (click Power + Volume Up after fastboot reboot recovery command).
4. Make a full backup (click Backup and select all sections).
5. Sweep through custom firmware (e.g. lineage-20.0-20231012-nightly-willow-signed.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services).
6. Clear the cache (Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache + Cache).
7. Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may have bugs:

• 📸 Camera may perform worse (No support for 48 MP in some builds).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge due to unoptimized core.
• 📶 Problems with VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling.

Before installing, check out reviews on the XDA Developers forum.

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Castom firmware requires regular updates. If you have installed LineageOS, keep an eye on new builds on the official website and update every 1-2 months to fix vulnerabilities.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to eliminate them:

If none of the methods worked, and the phone turned into a “brick” (does not respond to buttons, is not defined in Fastboot), there is a last chance – firmware through the phone. EDL-The Emergency Download Mode (ED) is the mode for this:

1. Download EDL-driver and firmware in.mbn format.
2. Connect your phone to your PC by clamping Power + Volume + Volume Reduction (needs a special cable or tester).
3. Sweat through MiFlash with the Clean All option option.

⚠️ Attention: EDL-The firmware requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new devices). 8T Released after 2021, you may need to contact the service center for unlocking EDL.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 8T firmware