How to install firmware on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: official and custom ways

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones among customization enthusiasts, despite the release of new models. Its powerful Mediatek Helio G90T processor, 64-MP camera and MIUI support (including unofficial ports) make the device an ideal platform for firmware experiments. However, improper installation of software can turn the phone into a brick — especially if it comes to models with a locked bootloader or incompatible versions of ROM.

In this guide, we will discuss all the current firmware methods for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia): from official updates via MIUI Updater to install custom builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. Particular attention will be paid to unlocking the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool 2026, a key step without which most software manipulation is impossible, and you will find solutions to typical errors (for example, Anti-Rollback or Invalid Image) and tips for backing up data.

Preparation for firmware: what you need to know before starting

The Redmi Note 8 Pro firmware is a process that requires preparation, and without it, you risk losing data, getting a soft brick (the device turns on but doesn't boot) or even a hard brick (complete hardware failure).

• 🔋 The battery must be at least 60% charged, and interruption of the process due to discharge may cause damage to the boot partition.
• 📱 Backup of all data (photos, contacts, messages) Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local copy on your PC.
• 🔐 Unlocking the bootloader is mandatory for custom firmware. Official updates can be installed without it.
• 🖥️ Drivers and tools: install the Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot and drivers for Mediatek (if you use a PC).

If you are planning to upgrade from MIUI Global to MIUI China or custom firmware, consider that some features (such as Google Services in Chinese) may not work properly. Also check the Android version in the current firmware - for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, builds based on Android 10 (MIUI 12+) and Android 11 (unofficial ports) are relevant.

⚠️ Note: Devices with version MIUI below 12.0.3.0 may have a vulnerability in the bootloader that allows you to bypass the lock without waiting 72 hours.

Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

The Xiaomi bootloader is locked by default, and to install custom firmware or modified recovery (such as TWRP), it must be unlocked.

1. Linking your Mi Account to your device (required via Settings → Mi Account).
2. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Activate unlocking OEM in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect to a PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool (you can download from the official website).

Once you request to unblock, you’ll have to wait between 72 and 360 hours (depending on Xiaomi’s policy) in 2026, when the company tightened the rules, it can now wait up to 15 days for new accounts. If you’re in a hurry, try using an account created before 2022, which sometimes has the old rules.

Linked to the Mi Account to the device

Developer mode is on

The option “OEM Unlock” has been activated

Installed ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Download the Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version-->

Installation of official firmware through Fastboot

If you want to return your smartphone to a factory state or upgrade to the latest official version of MIUI, use the Fastboot firmware method.

• 📲 Recovery after failure (for example, after a failed custom firmware installation).
• 🔄 Updates to a new version of Android (if you have a new version) OTA-update).
• 🌍 Changes in regional firmware (e.g. from China to Global).

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

1. Firmware file in.tgz format (download from MiROM or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Mi Flash Tool (version 2026.4.1 or later)
3. USB Type-C cable (preferably original)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\begonia_global_images_...).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean All (full clean) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock the bootloader).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a can't find fastboot error, try running it on behalf of the administrator or updating drivers through Mi Flash Pro (an alternative version of the utility).

⚠️ Warning: Clean All and Lock will lock the bootloader back, only use it if you plan to stay on the official firmware. ROM This regime is not suitable!

Installation of custom firmware (TWRP + Custom ROM)

For enthusiasts who want to get pure Android or advanced features, custom firmware like:

• 📱 LineageOS (stable build based on Android 11).
• 🎨 Pixel Experience (like the Google Pixel interface).
• ⚡ Havoc-OS (maximum customization).
• 🔒 MIUI EU (MIUI China-bound).

Their installation will require:

1. Unlocked boot loader (see section above).
2. Castomic recovery – TWRP for begonia (download from the official website).
3. The firmware file is in.zip format.
4. GApps (if the firmware is without Google services).

Installation instructions:

1. Download TWRP and firmware to a memory card or internal memory of the phone.
2. Boot in Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power) and connect your phone to your PC.
3. Enter the installation command TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-begonia.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-begonia.img
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
5. Install the firmware through Install → Choose. ZIP-file.
6. If you need, go through GApps (select the option for ARM64 + Android 11).
7. Reboot to the system.

Solving typical firmware errors

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on after firmware (black screen, vibration without booting), try:

1. Press Volume up + Power for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Connect to your PC and check if the device is detected in fastboot devices or adb devices.
3. If the device is not detected, there may have been a hard breeze, in which case only flashing through the firmware will help. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account or box for repairs).

💡

If your IMEI is missing or your network is not working, restore it via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the SN Writer Tool (requires a Xiaomi account with developer rights).

How to return the official firmware after custom

If the custom firmware was unstable or you want to sell your phone, you can return the official MIUI in two ways:

1. Fastboot (see section above) is suitable for most cases.
2. Through EDL-mode (emergency boot mode) – if the device is not detected in fastboot.

The second method will require:

• 🖥️ PCs with Qualcomm drivers installed (despite Mediatek in Redmi Note 8 Pro, for example, for the EDL Universal tools are used).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C with data support (charging cables will not work).
• 📁 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format (can be found on forums such as: 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Instructions for EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Close the Test Point contacts (on the board, under the back cover) and connect the cable to the PC. The device should be defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Run the Mi Flash Tool and select firmware in.mbn format.
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process can take up to 20 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Working with EDL-The wrong actions can permanently disable the phone. If you're not sure, go to the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions