Why Redmi Note 8 Pro owners are waiting for Android 11
Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, released in 2019, still remains a popular device among users thanks to the powerful processor MediaTek Helio G90T, 64-megapixel camera and a capacious battery of 4500 mAh. However, with the release of new versions of Android model owners are increasingly wondering: when will their device receive an update to Android 11?
The Redmi Note 8 Pro officially launched with Android 9 Pie on board, and later received an update to Android 10 with the proprietary shell MIUI 12. But the transition to Android 11 is not just a change in the number in the version, but a number of improvements: from optimizing background processes to new privacy and permission management features. In this article, we will discuss whether to wait for the official release, what alternative ways to update there and what problems you can face.
Xiaomi: what is known about the support of the Redmi Note 8 Pro
Xiaomi has traditionally been slow to update budget and mid-budget devices, especially when it comes to upgrading to a new version of Android. According to the brand’s policy, most smartphones receive two major OS updates during the lifecycle. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this means that Android 10 was supposed to be the last official version.
However, in 2021, Xiaomi made an exception for some models, releasing Android 11 for the Redmi Note 9 Pro and the Redmi Note 9 Pro. POCO X3 NFC, It gave hope to the owners of the Note 8 Pro, but it never came to the official announcement. MIUI The model is listed in the list of devices with support only to MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10.
However, in some regions (such as India and Europe) users reported getting Android 11 via the Internet. OTA-These cases are lottery-like, depending on the firmware, region, and even the serial number of the device.
⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is still running Android 10, don’t expect to automatically upgrade to Android 11.
Why Xiaomi didn’t release Android 11 for Redmi Note 8 Pro: technical reasons
The main reason for the lack of updates lies in hardware limitations. Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a chipset MediaTek Helio G90T, for which the manufacturer did not provide full support for Android 11 in the form of updated drivers and kernel.
In addition, the following factors should be considered:
- 🔹 Limited memory: In the basic version of Note 8 Pros. 64 GB of internal memory, and Android 11 borrow 1-1.5 GB more space than Android 10.
- 🔹 New Android 11 features (like Scoped Storage and Bubble Notifications) could slow down your device.
- 🔹 Economic feasibility: Xiaomi focuses on supporting new models such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro or the Redmi Note. POCO X4 Pro.
Despite this, enthusiasts and custom firmware developers were able to port Android 11 to the Note 8 Pro in unofficial ways.
Alternative ways to install Android 11 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro
If there is no official update, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to get one.There are several ways to install Android 11 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, but each has its own risks and nuances.
1. Custom firmware (Custom ROM)
The most popular method is to install custom firmware based on Android 11, such as:
- 📱 LineageOS 18.1 - stable firmware with minimalist interface.
- 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with pure Android and features from Google Pixel.
- 📱 Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with wide customization options.
The installation will require:
Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool|
Install custom recovery (TWRP) |
Download firmware and GApps (Google Apps) |
Make a backup of the data (backup)|
Charge your phone at least 70 times%-->
The installation process takes 30-60 minutes and requires experience with ADB and Fastboot. Without proper skills, there is a risk of turning a smartphone into a “brick”.
2. Ported MIUI-firmware
Some developers are adapting official MIUI firmware for Android 11 under the Redmi Note 8 Pro. For example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced firmware based on Android 11. These builds are less stable than custom ROMs, but retain the familiar MIUI interface.
3. Projects like "Android 11 for Redmi Note 8 Pro" on 4PDA
Forums (e.g. 4PDA) have themes where users share ported builds, but such firmware often contains bugs, such as:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge.
- 📷 The main camera is not working (especially in 64 MP mode).
- 🎧 Problems with sound in headphones.
⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware will void the warranty and may result in data loss.Be sure to check the firmware compatibility with your model before the procedure (begonia is the code name of the Redmi Note 8 Pro).
Step-by-step: how to upgrade to Android 11 via TWRP
If you decide to install custom firmware, follow this instruction. All actions you perform at your own risk!
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader
1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
2. Enable Developer Options (7 times click on the Build Number in Settings → About Phone).
3. Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
Step 2: Installation of TWRP Recovery
1. Download TWRP for Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia version).
2. Go to Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then pinch Power + Volume down).
3. In the command line (on PC), perform:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.imgStep 3: Installation of firmware
1. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
2. Transfer the downloaded firmware and GApps to the phone.
3. Press Install, select the firmware file, then GApps.
4. After installation, run the Reboot System.
The first boot can take up to 10-15 minutes. If the system does not start for more than 20 minutes, repeat the process.
💡
Check the forums' firmware reviews before installing. Some builds require additional patches to run your mobile network or Wi-Fi.
Android 10 vs Android 11 on Redmi Note 8 Pro: Should I Upgrade?
Before you decide to upgrade, consider what changes are in store for you. The table below shows the key differences between the versions:
| Function | Android 10 (MIUI 12) | Android 11 (Castom Firmware) |
|---|---|---|
| Permit management | Permissions are requested when the application is first launched | One-time permissions, automatic reset for unused applications |
| Notifications | Annex grouping | Divide into “Important”, “General” and “Silent”, bubble notifications |
| Productivity | Stable operation but limited optimization for background processes | Better RAM control, but possible lags on weak firmware |
| Warehouse | Classic file system | Scoped Storage – limited access to files |
| Security | Basic protection functions | Improved application isolation, updated APIs for biometrics |
As you can see from the table, Android 11 offers more modern security and management features, but on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, they can run unstable due to hardware limitations. If you care about stability and performance, you’d better stay on Android 10.
💡
Android 11’s custom firmware is suitable for bug enthusiasts, and for everyday use, the official MIUI 12 on Android 10 remains the best choice.
Frequent issues after upgrading to Android 11 and their solutions
Even if the installation is successful, users often face problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:
1. Fast battery discharge
Reasons:
- 🔋 Unoptimized core in custom firmware.
- 🔄 Background processes that do not close correctly.
Decisions:
- ⚡ Install the FrancoKernel or Kirisakura kernel (if available for your firmware).
- ⚡ Turn off the Adaptive Battery in the settings and manually limit the background activity of the applications.
2. Main camera is not working (64 MP)
This is one of the most common problems, as the Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 camera drivers are not always ported correctly.
Decisions:
- 📷 Install a modified camera app, for example, ANX Camera or GCam.
- 📷 Check if your firmware supports Camera2 API (You can check the Manual Camera Compatibility application).
3. Problems with mobile network (no) 4G/LTE)
Often due to the lack of proper modem files in the firmware.
Decisions:
- 📶 Check modem and vendor through TWRP (files can be found on 4PDA).
- 📶 Check the settings. APN (Path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)).
System lags and hangings
If the interface is slowing down, try:
- 🔄 Disable animations in Developer Options (Scope of window animation) = 0.5x).
- 🔄 Install Magisk and activate Universal Module GMS Doze for Background Optimization.
⚠️ Warning: If after the update the phone stopped turning on or got stuck on the Redmi logo, try reflashing it through the Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).