The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, despite its age, is still a popular device due to its good balance of features. However, over time, a regular air update (OTA) may stop coming, hanging at a certain stage or even causing critical errors in the system. In such cases, the only right decision is to manually install the current version of the software, which allows you not only to bring the device back to life, but also to move to a newer version of MIUI or even install a custom Android build.
Manual flashing is a powerful tool in the hands of the user that gives full control of the gadget. You can change the regional version (for example, from the Chinese CN to the global Global), which is often necessary for the correct operation of notifications and Google services. It is also the only way to restore the phone after a failed experiment with root rights or modifications of system files. It is important to understand that the firmware process requires careful and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions to avoid turning the smartphone into a brick.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for installing software on the Redmi Note 8 Pro. We will look at both simple methods through the built-in recovery menu, and more complex ones that require the use of a computer and special utilities. Regardless of your goal - update, restore or change the region - you will find here comprehensive information for the successful completion of the operation.
⚠️ Attention: You perform all flashing actions at your own risk. The authors of the article are not responsible for possible data loss or device failure.Be sure to back up important information before starting any work.
Preparation of the device and choosing the right firmware
The first and most critical step is to find and download the right firmware file. There are many versions for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia), and an error in choosing can lead to a malfunction of the device. You need to determine exactly which version is installed now and which one you want to install. Usually users tend to upgrade to the Global Stable version, which is the most stable and adapted for the international market.
You should only download files from trusted sources, such as the official MIUI bootloader website or authoritative forums like XDA Developers. The firmware file usually has the.zip extension for the method via Recovery or.tgz for the method through Fastboot. Make sure the downloaded version is newer than the one you have installed or matches it if you are doing a recovery. Using an older version may require additional manipulation with data cleaning.
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Always check the code name of the device. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is strictly "begonia." The firmware from the regular Redmi Note 8 (codename "ginkgo") is categorically not suitable and can bring the phone down.
In addition to the file itself, you need to make sure that you have enough battery power. The process of writing data to flash memory is energy-consuming, and suddenly turning off the smartphone at a critical moment can damage the bootloader partitions. The optimal charge level is considered to be above 60%. It is also recommended to free up space in internal memory, although with the use of the full reset method this is not so critical, since the data will still be deleted.
Recovery Mode Update Method (without PC)
The easiest and safest way to install firmware is to use the built-in Recovery Mode. This method does not require a computer, USB-All you need is the firmware file itself, stored in the root of the smartphone's internal memory or on the phone. SD-This method is ideal for routine updates or reinstallations of the current version in the presence of minor software failures.
To start, place the downloaded.zip file in the root directory of the storage. Don't hide it in deep folders so the system can easily find it. Then go to the phone's settings menu, select About phone and click on the MIUI version. In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select the firmware file. The system will automatically find the archive and prompt you to start the update process.
If the automatic search didn't work, you can manually log in to Recovery mode. Turn off your smartphone completely, then press the power and volume buttons at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while still keeping the volume. In the menu that appears, select the language (usually available in English and Chinese) and press Install Update (or "Install"), finding your file in the list.
☑️ Check before firmware through Recovery
Once the selection is confirmed, the verification and installation process will begin. The screen may go out or the Android logo with a progress lane appears. At this point, it is strictly forbidden to interrupt the process, remove the battery (if it is not removable) or try to restart the device. The smartphone will independently perform all necessary operations, including cleaning the cache and installing new system files, after which it will automatically restart to the updated system.
Installation instructions via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool
The Fastboot firmware method is more advanced and requires the use of a Windows computer. It allows you not only to update the system, but also to completely clean all memory partitions, which is often necessary when switching between different regions (for example, from China to Global) or when you deep clean the system of errors. ADB/Fastboot.
First, you need to uncivilize the downloaded firmware file (.tgz extension) into a separate folder on your computer. The path to the folder should be short and free of Cyrillic characters to avoid reading errors. Then run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. In the program, press the Refresh button, pre-connecting the smartphone to the PC through USB-The device manager must identify the device as Android Bootloader Interface.
In the program interface, choose the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. Pay special attention to choosing the firmware mode at the bottom of the window. Clean All mode will completely delete all data and unlock the bootloader (if it is already unlocked), which is recommended for a clean installation. Clean All and Lock mode will do the same, but lock the bootloader back, which can lead to problems if you changed the firmware region.
| Firmware mode | Data retention | Recommendation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Update | Keeps it. | Not blocking. | For a regular update |
| Clean All | Removing. | Not blocking. | To change the region or treat errors |
| Clean All and Lock | Removing. | Locks it down. | Only to return to the original state |
⚠️ Note: When selecting the "Clean All and Lock" mode on a device with a changed region (for example, Global firmware on a Chinese device), the phone can go into eternal bootloop, since the bootloader signature check will not pass.
After selecting all the options, press the Flash button. The process will take 200 to 500 seconds. The program log will show progress messages. Successful completion is indicated by the green bar and Success status. If there is a red bar with an error, check the cable, drivers or integrity of the firmware file. After successful firmware, the phone will restart, and the first download can take up to 10 minutes.