Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even 5 years after its release. owners often wonder: will it release Android 12 and when it will happen? The answer is ambiguous – official support from Xiaomi has already ended, but there are alternative ways to get a new version of the OS.
In this article, we’ll take a look at everything from Xiaomi’s official update policy to the risks of installing custom firmware, what options are available in 2026, how to check your device’s compatibility and what to do if the update never worked, and why Android 12 might be slower than MIUI 12 on Android 9.
Spoiler: If you are waiting for the official OTA-But that doesn't mean that there's no way to upgrade, it just means you have to act on your own.
Xiaomi: Why the Redmi Note 8 Pro will not get Android 12
The Redmi Note 8 Pro was released in September 2019 based on Android 9 Pie with the MIUI 10 branded shell. According to Xiaomi rules, the budget models of the Redmi Note series receive only 2 major Android updates (up to Android 11) and 3-4 years of security updates. The latest official firmware for this device is MIUI 13 based on Android 11, released in 2022.
Here are the reasons why Android 12 won’t be released:
- 📅 Support expires: Xiaomi has stopped releasing updates for the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2023.
- 🔧 Iron Limitations: Mediatek Helio processor G90T Not optimized for new versions of Android.
- 💰 Economic feasibility: The company focuses on new models rather than supporting 5-year-old devices.
- 🔄 Driver problems: Mediatek doesn’t provide current drivers for older chipsets.
But that doesn't mean that users are left without options. There are unofficial firmware that allows you to install Android 12 or even Android 13 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro. But there are pitfalls here — we'll talk about that later.
Alternative ways to install Android 12 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro
If you're willing to take a chance, you can try the unofficial firmware.
- LineageOS 19 (Android 12) is the most stable custom firmware with minimal bugs.
- Pixel Experience 12 is a firmware with pure Android and features from Google Pixel.
- ArrowOS is an optimized build with advanced settings.
- MIUI 14 (port) - unofficial versions of MIUI based on Android 12 from enthusiasts.
Before installing, be sure to consider:
⚠️ Attention! Unofficial firmware can contain errors ranging from a broken camera to problems with the mobile network, and there is a risk of a device blinking if installed incorrectly.
If you do, here are the minimum requirements for installation:
- 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%.
- 💾 Backup of all data (update will erase everything from memory!).
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (procedure takes up to 7 days via Mi Unlock Tool).
- 🖥️ Installed SO TWRP Recovery or OrangeFox.
Make a backup of data on a PC or cloud|Check the device model (begonia/begoniain)|Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services)|Make sure the original is available USB-cable-->
Step-by-step: how to install Android 12 via TWRP
If you have never installed custom firmware, follow this instruction carefully, and a mistake at any stage can lead to data loss or smartphone failure.
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader
- Activate Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions (Mi Account binding is mandatory!).
Step 2: Installation of TWRP Recovery
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.imgAfter that, the phone will boot into TWRP. Don't restart it to the system, otherwise the stock recovery will overwrite TWRP!
Step 3: Installation of firmware
- In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
- Transfer the downloaded firmware (e.g. lineage-19.1-begonia.zip) to your phone.
- Select Install, specify the firmware file and confirm the installation.
- After completion, install GApps (if you need Google services).
- Run the Reboot System.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the firmware?
Performance comparison: Android 12 vs MIUI 12 on Redmi Note 8 Pro
Many people are wondering: will the smartphone work faster after upgrading to Android 12? Unfortunately, the answer is rather negative.
| Parameter | MIUI 12 (Android 9/10) | Android 12 (LineageOS) |
|---|---|---|
| Loading speed | ~25 seconds | ~35 seconds |
| Autonomy | 4-5 hours of screen time | 3-4 hours of screen time |
| Camera stability | It works without lags. | Possible artifacts in HDR |
| Multitasking | 10+ apps in the background | 5-7 apps in the background |
| Heating. | Moderate under load | Strong for long-term use |
Android 12 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro consumes 20-30% more power due to the lack of optimized drivers for the Helio G90T. If performance is important, it’s better to stay on the latest official MIUI 13 or consider buying a new smartphone.
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Before installing custom firmware, check if it supports GCam (Google Camera). on many Android 12 builds, the camera performs worse than on stock MIUI.
Frequent issues after upgrading to Android 12 and how to fix them
Even if the installation is successful, users often encounter bugs. TOP-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:
- 📶 Mobile Network Not Working Solution: Go to Settings → Mobile network → Network type and select Only LTE. If it doesn’t help, run modem firmware from stock firmware.
- 🔊 No sound in the speaker Solution: Check the settings Out of sound in Settings → Sound. If the problem persists, reinstall the firmware with full wipe.
- 📷 The camera gives a green hue Solution: Install alternative software for the camera, for example, ANX Camera or Footage.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge Solution: Disable Adaptive Brightness and Background Activity for Applications in Settings → Battery.
- 🔄 Accidental Reboot Solution: Check the CPU temperature (when overheating above 60)°C smartphone can turn off. Try firmware with another core (kernel).
⚠️ If banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) have stopped working after the update, the reason may be the lack of Google SafetyNet certification.
Should we upgrade to Android 12 in 2026?
Let’s see what you get and what you lose when you switch to Android 12:
Pros:
- 🆕 New Material You design with dynamic colors.
- 🔒 Improved privacy (camera/microphone access indicators).
- 📱 The ability to use new applications that require Android 12+.
- 🛠️ Longer community security support (LineageOS updates are coming out regularly).
Cons:
- ⚡ Reduced productivity by 15-20% because of unoptimized software.
- 📉 Deterioration of autonomy (the battery goes down faster on the battery) 25-30%).
- 🔧 Risk of losing functionality (e.g, IR-The blaster may not work).
- 🔄 Potential bugs that will have to be fixed manually.
If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is used for basic tasks (calls, social networks, YouTube), then there is little point in updating, but if you are interested in new Android features or support for modern applications, custom firmware can be a good compromise.
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Android 12 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is not about performance, but about advanced features. If you want a stable smartphone “as is”, you better stay on the latest official MIUI.
Which Xiaomi smartphones will get Android 12 officially in 2026?
If you’re disappointed with the lack of updates for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you might want to look at the newer Xiaomi models that are still supported. In 2026, Android 12 (or even Android 13/14) will officially get:
- 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro/Pro+ (Upgrade to HyperOS based on Android 14).
- 📱 POCO X4 Pro 5G (available MIUI 14 with Android 13).
- 📱 Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G (HyperOS is planned for 2026).
- 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro (last updated – Android 13).
If you need a smartphone with long-term support, look for Xiaomi 12/13 or POCO F4/F5 models – they get updates longer than the budget Redmi.
Prices for the redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026 fell to 8-12 thousand rubles, while the new Redmi Note 12 Pro + costs about 25-30 thousand. If the budget allows, it makes sense to consider an upgrade – especially if you are important performance and current software.