How to install firmware on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: from A to Z

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even years after its release, its owners are faced with the need to reflash the device. The reasons range from the desire to update the outdated MIUI to recover from software failures or install custom builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, the process of firmware on the Redmi Note 8T has nuances related to the architecture of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor and Xiaomi’s policy of blocking the bootloader.

This article will not just recap the standard forum instructions, but will also provide the latest 2026 methods that take into account changes in tools like the Mi Flash Tool and fastboot, as well as solutions to common bugs (such as an anti-rollback or image). We will discuss two main scenarios: installing official firmware through Fastboot and Recovery, and installing a custom OS with an unlocked bootloader. If you have never flashed your smartphone, don’t worry: each step is accompanied by screenshots and explanations for kettles.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start installing a new firmware, you need to perform a number of critical actions: neglecting them can lead to a device blink (complete failure) or data loss, starting with the most obvious but often ignored item: backup.

Back up all your important data: contacts, photos, messages and apps.

• 📱 Mi Cloud – Xiaomi’s built-in cloud storage (available in Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud).
• 💾 Local backup via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset (saves system settings and some applications).
• 🖥️ Third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup (works without superuser rights on new versions of Android).

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. On the Redmi Note 8T, it is locked by default, and without unlocking you will not be able to install custom firmware or even official through Fastboot. The process takes up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi's policy) and requires:

1. Linking your Mi Account to your device.
2. Use the official utility Mi Unlock Tool (download here).
3. Connecting your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power when the phone is off).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously unlocked the bootloader, but have not installed a custom recavérie (for example, TWRP), when trying to get the official MIUI The device can automatically block the bootloader again via Fastboot, which will cause an anti-rollback error on subsequent firmware attempts.

2. firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

The type of firmware not only determines the functionality of the smartphone, but also the method of installation. Consider the pros and cons of each variant for the Redmi Note 8T (willow is the code name of the device).

For beginners, we recommend starting with the official global MIUI (V12.5.x.x or later) that can be installed even with a locked bootloader through Recovery. Castom firmware will require unlocking and installing TWRP, which increases the risk of errors.

Where to download firmware:

• 🌍 Officially MIUI: Xiaomi website (select the Redmi Note model) 8T, willow).
• 🛠️ Castomy: XDA Developers or Xiaomi.eu.
• 🔧 Tools: Mi Flash Tool, Fastboot, ADB — Download from the official Android website.

💡

If you download firmware from third-party sites, be sure to check the hash amount of the file (MD5 or SHA-1), this will protect you from fake builds with viruses.

certutil -hashfile name file.zip MD5

3. Installation of the official firmware through Fastboot

This method is suitable for recovering a smartphone after a crash or installing a new version of MIUI. It works even with a locked bootloader, but requires a Windows computer (for the Mi Flash Tool).

Step 1: Preparation of tools

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official source and install it.
2. Download Fastboot firmware for Redmi Note 8T (file with the extension.tgz or.zip, the name should be fastboot).
3. Install Qualcomm drivers (usually they are installed automatically when you connect your phone in Fastboot mode).

Step 2: Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode

Turn off your smartphone. Press the Volume buttons down. + Power for 10 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared hat (Fastboot logo) appears. Connect the phone to the PC via USB-cable (preferably original).

Step 3: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool

1. Unclarify the downloaded firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\willow_fastboot).
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
3. Choose clean all (clean all) or clean all and lock (clean up) + Loader lock. For the Redmi Note 8T It is strongly recommended not to use the save user data mode - this can lead to a download cycle!
4. Press Refresh, your smartphone should appear on the list of devices. Then click Flash.

It takes 5 to 10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots, and the first time it's turned on can take up to 15 minutes, which is normal.

Download official MIUI image for Redmi Note 8T (code willow) |

Qualcomm and Mi Flash Tool| drivers installed

Phone charged at least 50% |

Data backup created |

Antivirus is disabled (it can block Mi Flash Tool)-->

4. Installation of official firmware through Recovery

If the bootloader is locked and the Fastboot method is not suitable for some reason, you can flash the device through a standard backup, which is less reliable (often there are errors when checking the signature), but does not require a computer.

Step 1. Download firmware for Recovery

On Xiaomi, select firmware marked Recovery (.zip file). 8T The current versions usually have a name like willow_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RCXMIXM_20220101.0000.00_11.0_global.zip.

Step 2: Rename and transfer the file

Rename the downloaded file to update.zip (it is a must!) and transfer it to the root folder of the phone's internal memory. Don't put it in other folders - the system won't find the file.

Step 3: Launching Recovery Mode

Turn off your phone. Press Volume Up + Power until the Recovery menu appears (there will be a robot with a red exclamation mark on the screen). Select a language (if available) and go to Install update.zip to System.

Step 4: Installation and restart

Confirm the installation, wait for the process to complete (about 5-7 minutes) and select Reboot to System. If E:footer is wrong, the firmware file is corrupted or not intended for your model.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Recovery menu may not have an installation option update.zip. In this case, firmware through Recovery is impossible - use the Fastboot method.

5. custom firmware installation (TWRP + LineageOS/Pixel Experience)

For enthusiasts who want to get rid of MIUI, It's a custom firmware on the base. AOSP (Android Open Source Project on Redmi Note 8T The most stable builds are LineageOS 20 (Android 13) and Pixel Experience 13. MIUI, requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 🛠️ Established custom recaveri TWRP.
• 📦 Compatible firmware (check willow model support).

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

Download the latest TWRP image for Redmi Note 8T from the official website. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools (where adb and fastboot lie).

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

Then the phone will load into TWRP. Don't reboot it to the system! Go straight to the firmware, or MIUI will overload the Recovery.

Step 2: Custom OS firmware

1. Download firmware (e.g. lineage-20.0-20260301-nightly-willow-signed.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services) from OpenGApps (select arm64 → 13 → pico).
2. Transfer files to your phone via MTP to TWRP (plug in USB and select Mount → Enable MTP).
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data. Then swipe to clean it up.
4. Press Install, select a firmware file, then add GApps (if needed) and swipe to install.
5. After completion, press Reboot System.

The first boot can take up to 20 minutes. If the system doesn't start, check the firmware compatibility with your model and repeat the process.

💡

Castom firmware on the Redmi Note 8T often has problems with NFC and encryption (FBE).If you are critical of contactless payment or data protection, stay on MIUI.

6. 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.

If none of the methods helped, refer to profile forums, for example:

• 🤝 4PDA (Redmi Note 8T)
• 🌐 XDA Developers

7. System optimization after firmware

After successful installation of a new firmware, it is recommended to perform several actions to improve performance and stability:

For the official MIUI:

• 🔄 Update all apps through Google Play or App Store.
• 🚫 Disable unnecessary system applications (without root, this can be done through Settings). → Annexes → Application management → Shut down).
• 🔋 Drop the cache into the recavers: pinch the Volume up + Meals, select Wipe cache.

For custom firmware:

• 🔧 Set SELinux to Permissive mode (if there are bugs with camera or sensors). TWRP file selinux_permissive.zip.
• 🎯 Install the FrancoKernel or Kirisakura kernel for improved performance (available on the Internet) XDA).
• 🔒 Enable encryption in Settings → Security → Encrypting the phone (if the firmware supports) FBE).

To check the stability of the system, use the following tests:

• Geekbench 6 – to evaluate the performance of the processor.
• AccuBattery – to monitor battery consumption.
• Camera2 API Probe – to check camera support (relevant for custom firmware).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note firmware 8T