Is MIUI 13 worth waiting for on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, released in 2019, is still popular with users thanks to the powerful MediaTek Helio G90T processor and 64-megapixel camera. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI, device owners are wondering: will their model get an upgrade to MIUI 13 and when will it happen?
Xiaomi has been ambiguous about this, with traditional device support for 2-3 years after release, but Redmi Note 8 Pro has already received all planned updates to MIUI 12.5.
If you're looking for a specific release date, it's not, but we'll analyze the indirect signs that will help you see if you should wait for an official update or consider custom firmware options.
Xiaomi: What devices will receive MIUI 13?
Xiaomi divides its smartphones into several categories by the terms of support:
- π± Flagship models (Mi, Mix, Black Shark series) - get upgrades up to 3-4 years.
- π² Mid-size segment (Redmi Note, POCO) β 2β3 years of support.
- π° Budget devices (Redmi A, old Note models) β 1-2 years.
The Redmi Note 8 Pro is in the second category, but it was released in September 2019, which means that by 2023 the device has already exceeded the standard support life, but Xiaomi sometimes makes exceptions for popular models β for example, the Redmi Note 7 received a MIUI 12.5 despite the same age.
Here is a list of devices that are guaranteed to not receive MIUI 13 (according to the official forum Xiaomi Community):
| Model | The latest version of MIUI | Reason for the lack of update |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 | MIUI 12.5 | Iron Limitations (Snapdragon 665) |
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | MIUI 12.5 | End of support period (2022) |
| Mi 9 SE | MIUI 12.5 Enhanced | The Outdated Platform (Snapdragon 712) |
| POCO F1 | MIUI 12.0.3 | End of updates for POCO F line |
β οΈ Note: If your device is not on official support lists MIUI 13, this doesn't mean that an upgrade is impossible.There are unofficial ports from the developer community (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), but installing them requires unlocking the bootloader and can result in a loss of warranty.
Indirect Signs: When Could the Update Come Out?
Even if Xiaomi didnβt announce MIUI 13 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can analyze previous releases to predict possible dates:
- π MIUI 12 for Redmi Note 8 Pro was released in June 2020 β 9 months after the release of the smartphone.
- π MIUI 12.5 was introduced in April 2021, 1.5 years after the device was released.
- β³ If MIUI 13 planned, the logical period for the release - late 2022 - early 2023.
However, at the time of writing (2026), there are no official announcements, and Xiaomi has already introduced MIUI 14 for new devices, which further reduces the chances of an update for older models.
There are technical limitations: MIUI 13 requires support for Android 12, and Redmi Note 8 Pro runs on Android 11 (the latest available version), which is theoretically possible, but unlikely without official support.
π‘
Check the current version of MIUI on your device: go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI. If it says MIUI 12.5, itβs likely the last official firmware.
Alternative ways to install MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro
If there is no official update, there are three options:
- Unofficial MIUI 13 ports (e.g. from Xiaomi.eu)
- Android 12/13 based firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
- Update via Fastboot (if an unofficial package appears).
Let's look at each method in more detail.
1. Xiaomi.eu (unofficial port MIUI 13)
The Xiaomi.eu community often releases firmware for devices that are no longer officially supported.
- β Full functionality MIUI (including Xiaomi's signature chips).
- β Regular security updates.
- β No advertising and unnecessary applications.
Cons:
- β Requires unlocking the bootloader (loss of warranty).
- β Possible bugs (such as camera or sensor problems).
- β No official support.
2 LineageOS or Pixel Experience
These firmware are based on pure Android and lack the proprietary MIUI interface.
- π Higher productivity (no extra software).
- π Regular security patches from Google.
- π Upgrade to new versions of Android.
Disadvantages:
- β οΈ No Xiaomi features (e.g. Game Turbo or Second Space).
- β οΈ Maybe it won't work. IR-blaster.
Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool|
Make a backup of data (photos, contacts, messages) |
Download firmware and tools (TWRP, ADB) |
Charge your phone at least 60% |
Check firmware compatibility with the device model (begonia/begoniain)
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Update via Fastboot (for power users)
If an unofficial MIUI 13 package in.tgz format appears, it can be installed via Fastboot mode.
- Install the Mi Flash Tool on PC.
- Unlock the loader.
- Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power).
- Select a firmware package and start the process.
β οΈ Attention: Incorrect firmware through Fastboot can lead to a "brick" of the device (complete failure).If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact experienced users on the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers.
What to do if the phone does not turn on after the firmware?
Possible problems after upgrading to MIUI 13
Even if you manage to install MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you may run the risk of the following problems:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Overheating of the device | Unoptimized core for Helio G90T | Remove the firmware or install a custom core |
| Fast battery discharge | Background processes of the new version of MIUI | Disable unnecessary services in Settings β Battery |
| The camera's not working. | No drivers for 64 MP module | Install a patch or use third-party software (e.g. GCam) |
| Sensor failures | Incompatibility of HAL-layer | Try another firmware assembly |
The most common problem is that MIUI 13 was originally designed for Snapdragon 8xx or new MediaTek chips (like Dimensity).The Helio G90T, installed in the Redmi Note 8 Pro, has an outdated architecture, which makes it difficult to adapt.
If you are going to experiment, we recommend:
- π First, test the firmware on a spare device (if any).
- π₯ Make a full backup through TWRP or Mi PC Suite.
- π§ Be ready to roll back on the old version.
π‘
If the Redmi Note 8 Pro is used as the main smartphone, it is better to stay on the latest stable version of MIUI 12.5.
What to do if the update never came out?
If Xiaomi finally drops support for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you have a few alternatives:
1. Optimize the current version of MIUI
Even on MIUI 12.5, performance can be improved:
- π§Ή Clear the cache in Settings β Warehouse β Cleanup.
- βοΈ Disable animation in Settings β Special facilities β Remove animations.
- π Replace the battery (if worn out, it greatly affects the speed of operation).
2.Buy a new smartphone
If you need fresh updates, you should consider newer models:
- π± Redmi Note 12 Pro+ β Dimensity 1080 chip and support MIUI 14.
- π± POCO X5 Pro β Snapdragon 778G and 3 years of updates.
- π± Xiaomi 13 Lite β top camera and long support.
3. Use launchers and alternative shells
If you donβt like the design of MIUI 12.5, you can install third-party launchers:
- π¨ Nova Launcher β flexible interface configuration.
- πΌοΈ Lawnchair β a shell in the style of Pixel.
- π Microsoft Launcher β Integration with Windows.
These solutions will not replace the system update, but will help refresh the appearance of the smartphone.