How to bring back MIUI 11 to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: a complete guide with risks and solutions

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often face a situation when after upgrading to new versions of MIUI (for example, MIUI 12/13/14) the device begins to work slower, discharge faster or lose favorite features. the version of MIUI 11 for this model is considered one of the most stable – it is optimized for the hardware platform Mediatek Helio G90T and is not overloaded with unnecessary “chips” of late updates. However, the rollback of firmware is not safe, especially if we are talking about downgrade (downgrade).

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to return to MIUI 11 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, including official and informal methods, and also dwell on the critical nuances that the manufacturer does not mention: bootloader lock, data loss and possible "brike" of the device. If you are willing to risk for stability, read on. If not, consider alternatives like factory reset or optimization of the current version of MIUI.

Why do you want to bring back MIUI 11?

The main reasons for the firmware rollback on the Redmi Note 8 Pro are related to problems that appeared after the updates:

  • 🐢 Slowdown: MIUI 12+ added a lot of animations and background processes, which is why the smartphone with 6-8 GB of RAM began to “brake” even with standard tasks.
  • 🔋 Increased battery consumption: new versions MIUI More aggressive use of resources, which leads to a reduction in battery life by 15-30%.
  • 🎨 Uncomfortable interface: Redesigned settings menu, modified notification bar and forced use of gestures instead of buttons annoy many users.
  • 🚫 Lack of support: Xiaomi stopped releasing updates for the Redmi Note 8 Pro after MIUI 12.5 and further updates (e.g, MIUI 13) come with delays and bugs.
  • 🔒 Problems with unlocking the bootloader: in new versions MIUI the process of obtaining permission to unlock bootloader has become more complicated, which is critical for custom firmware.

It’s important to understand that MIUI 11 is not without its drawbacks: it lacks some late-release features (such as improved dark mode or optimization for games), and it also lacks support for new security standards. However, for most tasks — calls, instant messengers, social networks, and light games — this version is more than enough.

📊 What version? MIUI On your Redmi Note 8 Pro?
MIUI 11
MIUI 12/12.5
MIUI 13/14
Custom firmware
I don't know.

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start

Before you start downgrading, be sure to follow all the paragraphs in this section, and neglecting preparation in 90% of cases leads to data loss or “bricking” of the device.

Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the version of the current firmware in Settings → About the phone → MIUI version

Download the correct version of MIUI 11 for Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia)

Install Mediatek and ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Charge your phone at least 60%

Prepare. USB-cable (preferably original)

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Pay special attention to backup. Even if you plan to use the method without resetting data, a mistake during firmware can lead to a complete cleanup of internal memory.

  • 📱 Copy photos and videos to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
  • 📞 Export contacts to file VCF via Contact → Settings → Imports/Exports.
  • 💬 Save the history of messages from instant messengers (in Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber there are built-in export functions).
  • 🎮 Move saves to games if they are stored locally (for example, through Mi Game Center or manual folder backup) /Android/data).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 Pro was purchased with preinstalled MIUI 12 or later, there is a high risk that the manufacturer has blocked the downgrade through standard methods, in which case it will require unlocking the bootloader, which will void the warranty and may result in loss of the service. IMEI.

There are two main methods of rolling back firmware:

  1. Recovery is suitable if the current version of MIUI allows you to install older updates (rarely runs on MIUI 13+).
  2. Fastboot is a universal way, but requires an unlocked bootloader and a complete data reset.

Let us consider both options in detail.

Method 1: Install MIUI 11 via Recovery (without loss of data)

This method only works if:

  • 🔓 Your current version MIUI It does not block downgrade (usually it is a MIUI 12.0–12.5).
  • 📥 You have an official ZIP-firmware MIUI 11 for begonia (codename Redmi Note 8 Pro).
  • 🔄 In the settings enabled the option to Update the system → Three points. → Select the update file.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the archive with MIUI 11 From the official website of Xiaomi Firmware (select the Global region or the official website of the company). EEA The file name should contain begonia_global or begonia_eea.
  2. Move it. ZIP-file in the root folder of the phone's internal memory (not nested!).
  3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points (menu) → Select an update file.
  4. Select the downloaded archive and confirm the installation.
  5. Wait for the reboot (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the phone has been stuck on the Redmi logo for longer than 15 minutes after the reboot, then the firmware is incompatible with your version of the bootloader (TWRP).

What if Recovery refuses to install the firmware?
If, in the choice, ZIP-The file appears with the error "Can't verify update" or "Invalid package", which means that the file is not updated: 1. Firmware file is corrupted – download it again and check the checksum (MD5). 2. Your current version MIUI Blocks Downgrade – Try to upgrade to the latest available version first and then roll back. 3. The firmware is intended for another region (for example, you downloaded it). begonia_in instead begonia_global).

Method 2: Install MIUI 11 via Fastboot (with full reset)

This method is more reliable, but requires an unlocked bootloader and erases all data. If you have never unlocked a bootloader on this device, first get permission from Xiaomi through the official Mi Unlock Tool.

Tools required:

  • 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers will be required).
  • 🔌 Original. USB-cable (a faulty cable may interrupt the firmware).
  • 📂 Firmware archive MIUI 11 in.tgz format (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
  • 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download can be downloaded Firmware Mode Description Consequences Clean all Complete data reset, but the bootloader remains unlocked You can install custom firmware Clean all and lock Reset + Free bootloader lock Safe for stability, but you will need to re-unlock Save user data Firmware without reset (rarely works in downgrade) High risk of errors and "brick"