Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: release date of the update, how to check and install a new firmware

Introduction: Relevance of updates for Redmi Note 8T in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T, released in late 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to balanced performance and support MIUI. However, with the release of new models owners are wondering: when will the next update for their device and is worth waiting for? In this article, we will analyze the official policy of Xiaomi to support the Redmi Note 8T, the schedule of firmware outputs, and give a step-by-step instruction on installing updates.

It’s important to understand that Redmi Note 8T (codename willow) is a series of devices that have already left the extended MIUI update program.This means major updates (such as a switch to a new version of Android) are unlikely, but security fixes and minor improvements may still be coming out.

Xiaomi: How Long Will the Redmi Note 8T Last?

Xiaomi traditionally follows a 3-year update cycle for budget devices like the Redmi Note 8T. This means that since its release (November 2019), the smartphone has received:

• 📅 2 major Android updates (from Android 9 to Android 11).
• 🔄 3 years of monthly/quarterly security patches.
• ⚠️ Limited support MIUI post-2022.

As of 2026, the Redmi Note 8T is in End-of-Life (EOL) status for major updates, but the company periodically releases critical security patches for popular models — even after the official end of support, for example, in 2023, patches were released to fix vulnerabilities in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules.

⚠️ Please note: if your Redmi Note 8T work MIUI 12.5 or later, the probability of receiving major updates is close to zero).

The latest known update: What has changed in MIUI for the Redmi Note 8T?

The last stable firmware version for the Redmi Note 8T at the time of writing is MIUI 12.5.8.0 (QCXMIXM) based on Android 11. This update was released in March 2023 and included:

Since then, there have been no official updates, but custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) has been popping up in the Xiaomi enthusiast community to update the Redmi Note 8T to Android 12/13, and see the alternative firmware section for more details.

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If your smartphone hasn’t received any updates in a long time, check the region settings in MIUI. Sometimes updates come out first for China and then for the global version. To change the region, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap the MIUI logo several times before additional options appear.

When to expect the next update? 2026-2026 forecast

Given Xiaomi’s policy and the current status of the Redmi Note 8T, there are several scenarios:

1. Security Patches (2026): 🔒 Quarterly security updates are possible (e.g. June or September 2026). 📉 40-50% probability depends on the detection of critical vulnerabilities.
2. MIUI 13/14 (unlikelyly): 🚫 Officially, Redmi Note 8T Not included in the list of devices to update to MIUI 14. 🔧 Ported versions from the community are possible (e.g. via Xiaomi.eu).

Android 12+ (custom firmware only):

• 🛠️ Enthusiasts continue to develop informal firmware based on Android 12/13.
• ⚠️ Installation requires unlocking the bootloader and may result in loss of warranty.

If you want to know if a new update has been released, check the official sources:

• 🌐 Download page MIUI (Choose the Redmi Note model 8T).
• 📱 In the smartphone itself: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🤖 Telegram channels, like, @miuiupdates or @xiaomifirmware.

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Xiaomi rarely announces updates for older models in advance.If the update comes out, it will appear in the update menu without prior notice.

How to Manually Check and Install an Update on the Redmi Note 8T

If the automatic check doesn't show the available updates, try updating manually.

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network

2. The battery charge must be ≥50%

3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update

4.Click "Check Updates"

5. If the update is available, download and install it-->

If the system doesn’t find updates, but you’re sure they’ve been released for your region, try:

1. Change the update server: In the update menu, tap three dots in the top right corner. Select the update pack and download the firmware manually from the MIUI site.

Install via Recovery:

1. Download the firmware file (.zip format) for the Redmi Note 8T.


2. Rename it to update.zip and place it in the root of memory.




3. Enter Recovery (turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up).




4. Select Install update.zip.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install firmware designed for other models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) even if they appear compatible.This can lead to a device blink (complete failure).

Alternative firmware: how to update Redmi Note 8T to Android 12/13

If the official updates are no longer coming out, but you want a fresh version of Android, consider custom firmware.The most popular options for the Redmi Note 8T are:

• 📱 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) - stable firmware with a minimalist interface.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience (Android 12/13) — Ported firmware with pure Android and features from Google Pixel.
• 🔧 Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI without Bloatware (pre-installed Chinese applications).

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-14 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (unofficial version for willow).
3. Switch firmware and GApps (Google Service Package) through TWRP.

If you decide to install custom firmware, we recommend you pre-do a full backup through TWRP or Mi PC Suite. Also check the reviews about a specific build on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

What to do if the update is not installed: common errors

When trying to update the Redmi Note 8T, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If after the update, the smartphone began to work worse (for example, to discharge or brake faster), try:

• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 📵 Reverse to the previous version of the firmware (if you saved the backup).
• 🛠️ Reflash the device via Fastboot (instructions are available on the 4PDA).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 8T updates