Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite (codename platina) is a popular smartphone 2018 The year, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful “iron”: the Snapdragon processor 660, 4/6 GB of RAM and AMOLED-But the branded shell. MIUI, Despite its advantages, it often annoys users with the abundance of advertising, duplicate services and suboptimal work of background processes (AOSP or a custom firmware on its base).
In this guide, we will discuss the only officially supported way to install stock Android on the Mi 8 Lite – through unlocking the bootloader and firmware custom software. Importantly, Xiaomi does not provide “naked” Android for their devices, so you will have to use alternative firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS. All of them AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and are devoid of “chips” MIUI, but require manual installation.
It's not an easy process: you'll need a computer, cables, patience, and a willingness to take risks (like losing a warranty or building a device), but the result is a fast, stable, and advertising-free smartphone. Ready? Let's get started!
1.Preparation: What to Know Before Installation
Before you start firmware, make sure your Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite meets the key requirements:
- 🔋 Battery charge at least 70%. The firmware can take up to 30-40 minutes, and the discharge in the process will lead to failure.
- 📱 Device model: check in Settings → The phone. → Model, it must be. M1808D2TG (global version) or M1808D2TE (For other modifications (e.g., Chinese) M1808D2TC) The instruction may not fit.
- 💻 Computer on Windows 10/11 Linux (macOS is not recommended due to fastboot driver issues).
- 🔌 Original. USB-Cheap cables don't have to be fastboot.
Also consider:
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device. backup photos, contacts and apps via Mi Cloud or manually.
- 🛠️ Custom software firmware voids warranty. Xiaomi may refuse service.
- 📡 Some features of the Mi 8 Lite may not work properly: for example, a dual camera (in custom firmware often only the main module is used) or IR-port (for technical control).
⚠️ Note: If your smartphone was purchased in China (model) M1808D2TC), To unlock the bootloader, you will need a Chinese Mi Account with a tied number. +86. Global versions (TG/TE) Unblocked through a standard account.
2. Unlocking the bootloader: Step 1 on the path to pure Android
The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure that prevents you from installing unofficial software. To flash custom firmware, you first need to unlock it.
The process consists of two stages:
- Linking your Mi Account to your device (via the official Mi Unlock app).
- Direct unlock in fastboot mode.
Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official Xiaomi website) and follow the steps:
Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower) 5.5.224.30)|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot (For example, through the Mi Flash Tool)|Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Additionally. → Unlocking OEM|Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (clamb Volume down) + Nutrition)-->
Once Mi Unlock is launched, the program will request a login to the Mi Account, which is linked to the phone.
- 🔗 The account must have been created at least 72 hours ago (Xiaomi’s rule to combat device theft).
- 📱 On the phone in Settings → Mi Account → Security must be enabled with the option “Allow unlocking” OEM».
- 🖥️ The PC must be disabled antivirus (it can block the work of Mi Unlock).
If done correctly, after connecting the phone in fastboot mode, the program will show the Unlock button. Press it and wait until it is completed (usually takes 10-15 seconds), and the phone will automatically restart with the reset settings.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi limits the number of unlocks for one account to no more than one device in 30 days. If you previously unlocked another smartphone, you will have to wait or use another account.
3. firmware choice: which pure Android to install on the Mi 8 Lite
Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can start choosing the firmware. For the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite (platina), the following stable options are available:
| Firmware | Features | Android | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | As clean as possible Android without unnecessary applications. OTA-update. | 13 (informally) | XDA |
| Pixel Experience | The interface is like Google Pixel + features like Now Playing and Call Screen. | 12/13 | Official website |
| Havoc-OS | Maximum customization (dark theme, gestures, statusbar setting). | 12 | Havoc-OS |
| ArrowOS | Balance between cleanliness and extra features (like Game Mode). | 13 | ArrowOS |
Selection recommendations:
- 📱 For maximum stability, choose LineageOS (minimalist Android without feature»).
- 🎨 If you want customization, haveoc-OS or ArrowOS.
- 📱 For the Pixel interface, the Pixel Experience (but may be less stable).
Download firmware only from official sources (project sites or topics on XDA Developers). Avoid files from suspicious forums - they may contain malicious code or be collected incorrectly.
💡
Before downloading the firmware, check the build date. Current versions are usually updated every 1-2 months. If the last build is older than six months, you better look for an alternative.
Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)
To run a clean Android, you need customized recovery, a special recovery environment that allows you to install informal firmware. The Mi 8 Lite is suitable for TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).
Download the current TWRP version for platina from the official website (file with the extension.img).
- Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with TWRP.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
- Please. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-platina.img (Replace the file name with the current one).
- Reboot to Recavator: Fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-platina.img
If it went well, you'll see the TWRP touch-controlled menu. Don't reboot to the system. You'll need to flash the firmware first, or stock Android will overplay TWRP.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI post-installation TWRP The system automatically restores the stock Recovery on the first load, so to avoid this, immediately after the firmware is installed. TWRP Execute the command: fastboot flash boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-platina.img (pass through TWRP boot).
5. Firmware of pure Android through TWRP
Now that you have it installed. TWRP, You can start installing firmware. Copy the previously downloaded firmware. ZIP-firmware file (e.g, PixelExperience_plus_platina-13.0-20231010.zip) internal memory of the telephone or SD-map.
Installation instructions:
- In TWRP, click "Wipe" → "Advanced Wipe" and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache
Swipe for confirmation (this will delete all data!).
«Install»
Find it. ZIP-Firmware file and confirm the installation of the swipe.
Wait until it is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).
«Reboot System»
The first download of pure Android can take up to 10-15 minutes - don't interrupt the process! if the screen has been stuck on the logo for a long time, it may not be suitable for your model or was installed with errors.
What to do if the firmware does not start?
6.Setting up a clean Android and solving possible problems
Once you have successfully downloaded, you will be met by the original setup wizard, and unlike MIUI, there will be no unnecessary steps, only basic parameters:
- 🌍 Language choice (Russian supports all of the listed firmwares).
- 📶 Wi-Fi connection.
- 🔑 Setting up a Google account (required if you want to use the Play Market).
- 🔒 Installation of a pattern lock or PIN-code.
Possible problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The mobile network is not working | Absent. IMS-modules for your operator | Install the IMS Fix patch for your firmware (look for 4PDA or XDA) |
| Dual camera's not working. | Drivers for the auxiliary module are not ported | Use GCam with platina config or put up with one module |
| Fast battery discharge | Unoptimized kernel or background processes | Install Kirisakura kernel or calibrate battery via TWRP |
| The gestures don't work. | The firmware does not support navigation with gestures | Install Fluid Navigation Gestures from Play Market |
To improve the system, it is recommended that:
- 🔄 Update to the latest version through OTA (if maintained).
- 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruption.
- 📱 Install Magisk for root rights (optional, but useful for fine-tuning).
💡
Pure Android on Mi 8 Lite is more stable MIUI, but some functions (for example, IR-Port or dual camera) can be cut down, with the main advantages being no advertising, fast work and up-to-date security updates.
7.The return to MIUI: how to roll back
If you don’t like pure Android or have a critical problem, you can return stock MIUI.
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (choose Fastboot ROM).
- Unpack. ZIP-file-to-file.
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and connect your phone in fastboot mode.
- In the program, select the firmware folder and click Refresh, then Flash.
- Wait until the phone is finished (the phone will reboot automatically).
Once you return to MIUI, the bootloader will remain unlocked, and if you plan to sell the phone, you can lock it back through the Mi Unlock Tool (the Lock option will appear after you link the account).
⚠️ Note: When switching from custom firmware to MIUI If the phone requires a password after you have firmware that you have not set, perform a full reset via Mi Recovery. + Nutrition).