The process of reinstalling the operating system on a smartphone is one of the most powerful tools in the arsenal of advanced users. For owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed ginkgo), this procedure opens the door to customization, recovery after failures or transition from the Chinese version to the global. Install firmware through Recovery Mode is a classic method that requires no complex hardware, except for the device and the computer to prepare files.
Unlike the Airborne Update (OTA), which often comes with a delay or is not available at all for some regions, manual installation gives full control over the Android version and the MIUI shell. However, this path requires care, as any errors in file selection or sequence of actions can lead to a software failure.
It should be noted that there are two main types of recovery modes: stock MIUI Recovery and custom TWRP. The methods of firmware in them are different, although the preparation of the device is largely similar. In this article, we will focus on both options so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation and the current version of the bootloader.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to do thorough preparation. The first and most important step is to create a full backup of all personal data. The flashing process often involves cleaning up internal memory, so photos, contacts and documents are better stored on an external medium or in the cloud.
You'll need to make sure your smartphone battery is at least 0.6 (60%) charged, and interrupting the recording process due to battery discharge is a surefire way to get a brick. USB-cable, preferably original, as cheap analogues may not provide stable connection when transferring large amounts of data.
⚠️ Note: You perform all firmware actions at your own risk.The author is not responsible for possible damage to equipment or loss of data.
To work with firmware files, the computer must have ADB and Fastboot drivers installed. Without them, the system may not recognize the device in the desired mode. Download the current driver package from the official developer website or use proven toolkits for Android development.
☑️ Firmware readiness
Selecting and downloading the correct version of the firmware
The key to success is choosing the right system image file. There are different types of firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro: Global (global), China (Chinese), EEA (European) and Developer (developers), and it is important to understand the difference between Recovery ROM (.zip file) and Fastboot ROM (.tgz file), as the installation methods are radically different.
To install through Restore mode, we need a file with the.zip extension. It needs to be placed at the root of the device’s internal memory. If you plan to move from one regional version to another (for example, from CN to Global), you may need to unlock the bootloader.
Download files only from official sources or trusted repositories, such as the Xiaomi Firmware Updater.Using modified or stripped-down builds from unknown authors can lead to unstable communication modules or camera.
Differences in MIUI versions
Below is a table that helps you determine the type of file you need by its name:
| Type of firmware | File extension | Method of installation | Requires unlocking. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery ROM | .zip | Through the Recovery menu | No (for update) |
| Fastboot ROM | .tgz / .tar | Through the Mi Flash Tool | Yes (required) |
| OTA Update | .zip (hidden) | Phone settings | No. |
| Custom ROM | .zip | Through TWRP | Yes (required) |
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
If your device has a locked bootloader, you won't be able to install a custom recavator or reflash your phone with a change in region. The official unlock procedure requires you to apply through the Mi Unlock Tool app on your PC. This is a must for deep system modification.
The process is not instantaneous: once you have a Mi Account attached to your device, you usually have to wait 7 to 168 hours (from a week to two), this is a restriction that the manufacturer has put in place for security, during which time you can not untie your account or reset your settings, otherwise the timer will reset.
Once you get permission, you need to switch to Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off your phone and press the power and volume buttons at the same time. Connect your smartphone to your computer and launch the unlock utility. Follow the instructions on the screen to confirm the action.
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Use the main one. SIM-a card to link your Mi Account, as sometimes SMS confirmation is required on the number to which the account is linked.
It's important to understand that unlocking the bootloader automatically triggers the Wipe Data process. So re-reminding the backup is more than relevant here. Once unlocked, when booted, a warning will appear on the screen that the device is unlocked - this is normal.
Installation of firmware through stock MIUI Recovery
The regular recovery mode allows you to install official updates in.zip format. This is the perfect way to upgrade if the OTA doesn't work, or roll back to an earlier version (downgrade) if the new one contains bugs. To enter this mode, turn off your phone and press the power and volume buttons.
In the menu that appears, you can navigate with volume buttons and choose with a power button. Choose a language (usually English and Chinese only), then go to Wipe Data and confirm the cleanup. This is a mandatory procedure before changing the software version to avoid file conflicts.
Once cleaned, go back to the main menu and select Connect with MIAssistant or just Install if the firmware file is already in your phone's memory. If you choose a local installation, find the downloaded zip archive and confirm the action. The system will check the integrity of the file and begin the installation.
It can take 5 to 15 minutes. Don't touch the device at this time. Once it's done, a successful installation message will appear, and the phone will suggest restarting. The first run after firmware will be longer than usual - the system optimizes applications.
Firmware through custom TWRP Recovery
To install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or obtain full superuser rights (Root), you need to replace the stock recavator with TWRP. This extended menu allows you to make full system backups, clean specific partitions and install modified images.
TWRP is installed via Fastboot mode using a command on the computer. After successfully recording the image, the first run in the recavator must be done correctly: immediately after flashing, press the power and volume buttons up to get into TWRP, otherwise the system will overwrite it back to stock.
In the TWRP menu, the installation process is as follows:
- 📂 Press Install and select the firmware file.
- 🧹 (Optionally, make Wipe partitions Dalvik, Cache, System, and Data if you change the firmware type.
- ✅ Swipe the slider to confirm the installation.
- 🔄 Press Reboot System after completion.
⚠️ Attention: When installing custom recavery be sure to make a backup section EFS or Persist, if possible, as their loss may lead to incapacity IMEI sensory.
Castom firmware often lacks an in-app store, so you'll need to download Google Apps (GApps) immediately after installation if they're not built into the image, also via the TWRP installation menu, right after the main firmware, before the first reboot.
Solving Common Errors and Cyclical Reboots
Sometimes, after installing firmware, the phone can go into an endless restart cycle (bootloop) or hang on the logo. MI. This is most often due to version incompatibility or remnants of old settings. First of all, try going to Recovery and doing a full reset (Wipe). Data/Factory Reset).
If the reset doesn't help, a corrupted version of the file or firmware may have been installed for another model.The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a variety of modifications, and the firmware from the regular Note 8 (not Pro) is categorically incompatible and will bring the device down.
In severe cases, when the phone does not respond to buttons, EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode helps, which often requires disassembling the case and closing test points on the board, or using special ADB commands if access to the system is still partially saved, in which the device is sewn through an authorized Mi Account.
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Cyclical reboot is treated 90% of the time by fully formatting the Data partition (Wipe Data) in Recovery mode before re-installation.