MIUI 13 for Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: official deadlines, update instructions and hidden chips

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 for several years waiting for the official update to the official MIUI 13 is Xiaomi's latest stable shell version, which has revolutionized performance, design and energy efficiency. But should we expect firmware for this model to be available in 2026? And if so, how do we speed things up or manually install the update?

This article will cover everything from Xiaomi’s official announcements to step-by-step instructions for power users, analyze the history of Redmi Note 8 updates, compare it to other Note series devices, and explain what alternatives exist for those who don’t want to wait, and also examine the hidden risks of installing custom firmware, which are rarely warned about on forums.

Official status MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 8: What Xiaomi Says

Let’s start with the unpleasant news: Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) is not included in the official list of devices that will receive the new product. MIUI 13. The last stable version for this model remains MIUI 12.5 (based on Android 10), released in 2021?

The reasons are in the company’s policy:

• 📅 Outdated iron: Redmi Note 8 came out 2019 The year with the Snapdragon processor 665 and 3/4 GB of RAM. Xiaomi prioritizes updates for devices no older 2-3 years.
• 🔋 Android's Limitations: MIUI 13 requires at least Android 11, but Note 8 never got this version of OS officially.
• 📊 Cost-effectiveness: Supporting older models requires resources that Xiaomi is channeling to new smartphones (e.g., Redmi Note 12).

But there's a nuance: In 2022, some users in India and China were getting test builds. MIUI 13 through a beta program, but these versions were highly unstable and not officially supported. MIUI HyperOS (2023) the chances of updating for the Note 8 are near zero.

Comparison with other models: why the Note 8 was left without MIUI 13

To see how unfairly deprived the Redmi Note 8, compare it to other Xiaomi devices of the same generation:

As you can see from the table, even the Redmi Note 8 Pro (with a more powerful Helio chipset) G90T) got MIUI 13 in beta. The base model of the Note 8 is left out, which is because Xiaomi divides devices into "priority" and "secondary" when distributing updates:

• 📱 Popularity of the model in the market (sales, reviews).
• 🔧 Technical capabilities (volume of RAM, type of processor).
• 🌍 Regional features (in some countries, support is longer).

💡

If your Redmi Note 8 is still on MIUI 11 or 12, check for updates manually: go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and click on the three dots in the upper right corner to select Download the latest version".

Alternative methods of installation MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 8

If no official update is expected, there are two ways: custom firmware or ported versions. MIUI. Let’s look at both options with their pros and cons.

Installation of ported MIUI 13

Some enthusiasts are adapting firmware from other devices (such as the Redmi Note 9) for the Note 8.

• 🔗 Forum 4PDA (Xiaomi Redmi Note 8).
• 🔗 Telegram channels like @miui_updates.
• 🔗 XDA Developers (requires registration).

⚠️ Note: Ported firmware often contains bugs:

• 📵 It's not working. NFC (if it was in the original firmware).
• 🔊 Problems with sound in headphones.
• 📷 Camera artifacts when shooting in the dark.

2. Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

A more reliable but complicated method is installation AOSP-firmware (e.g. LineageOS 20 based on Android 13:

• 🚀 Higher productivity due to lack of “garbage" MIUI.
• 🔄 Regular security updates from the community.
• 🎨 Clean Android without ads and unnecessary apps.

🔧 What will be needed for installation:

Unlock the bootloader (bootloader)|Install TWRP Recovery|Download firmware and GApps|Make a data backup|Charge the phone to 80%+

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Step-by-step instructions: how to update to MIUI 13 (if you take a risk)

If you still want to try ported MIUI 13, follow this instruction. All actions you perform at your own risk!

📌 Step 1 Unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all devices to unlock it:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Go to the site. en.miui.com/unlock and ask for permission.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume Down).
4. Wait for the SMS with the confirmation code (it can take up to 72 hours).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone! save photos, contacts and messages in advance.

📌 Step 2. Installation TWRP Recovery

TWRP — This is custom recovery, which allows you to flash a new firmware:

1. Download the latest version TWRP For the Redmi Note 8 (for example, here).
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools (from the Android SDK).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. Reboot to Recovery by Holding Power + Loudness up.

📌 Step 3. Firmware MIUI 13

Now you can install the firmware itself:

1. Download the ported MIUI 13 (e.g. from here: XDA Developers).
2. Transfer the ZIP- firmware file to your phone.
3. V TWRP Choose Install → Select a file → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
4. After installation, run Wipe → Format Data (required!).
5. Reboot. The first launch can take 10-15 minutes.

💡

Never flash firmware from other models (e.g. Redmi Note 9) without first checking compatibility!

What's new in MIUI 13: Is the game worth the candle?

Before you risk your Redmi Note 8, let’s take a look at what it is that gives you. MIUI 13 and how relevant these features are for an old smartphone.

🔹 Major innovations MIUI 13:

• ⚡ Performance optimization: Liquid Storage technology reduces memory fragmentation, Atomized Memory speeds up multitasking. Snapdragon 665 will have minimal effect.
• 🎨 New design: Material You animations, new icons and widgets. Visually pleasing, but not critical.
• 🔋 Energy saving: Smart Balance algorithms extend running time. - For Note 8 battery-powered 4000 mAh, it'll make a difference. ~10-15%.
• 🛡️ Security: Updated Android patches (but only if Android 11-based firmware is available)+).

📊 Comparison with MIUI 12.5 on the Redmi Note 8:

💡 Conclusion: If your goal is performance or security, then update to MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 8 won't give you a significant boost, but if you're interested in new designs and chips like widgets, you can try it.

Risks and how to avoid them: checklist before update

Installing an unofficial firmware is always a lottery, so to minimize risks, follow this checklist:

Backup all data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Check firmware compatibility with the model (codename ginkgo)|Charge your phone at least 70 times%|Use the original USB-cable|Have a PC with drivers installed at hand-->

⚠️ Note: If the phone stopped turning on after firmware (bootloop), try it:

1. Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Refresh the original MIUI via Fastboot (instructions are available on the 4PDA).
3. Contact the service center (but this may cancel the warranty).

🔧 Frequent mistakes and their solutions:

• 🚫 "Invalid IMEI" after the firmware: restore IMEI Engineer Mode (code #4636##).
• 🔄 "Bootloop: Try to flash another core (boot.img).
• 📵 "No Service: Check the compatibility of the modem in the firmware.

What to do if MIUI 13 will never come out? - Alternatives to the Redmi Note 8

If waiting for an official update is pointless, and custom firmware seems too risky, consider these options:

🔹 1. Optimize the current MIUI 12.5

• 🧹 Remove unnecessary apps through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Turn off animations in Settings → Special facilities → Remove animations.
• 🔋 Activate Energy Saving Mode and Limit Background Activity.

🔹 2.Install a launcher with a design MIUI 13

If you only like the look of the new shell, try the launchers:

• 📱 MIUI Launcher (from APKMirror).
• 🎨 Nova Launcher with a theme under MIUI 13.
• 🔍 Poco Launcher (lightweight, with widget support).

🔹 3.Buy a new smartphone

If the Redmi Note 8 is not up to speed, consider Xiaomi’s budget alternatives:

• 💰 Redmi Note 12 (~15 000 ₽) — with Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and MIUI 14.
• 📱 POCO M5 (~12 000 ₽) — helio G99 support for HyperOS.
• 🔋 Redmi 10C (~10 000 ₽) — budgetary, but with current updates.

💡

If your Redmi Note 8 is stable but slow, try resetting it to factory settings. → Additionally. → Resetting settings. This often solves lag problems without risking firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 8