When Android 8 will be released on Xiaomi remains one of the most discussed among device owners who have not yet received an official update. Chinese gadget users are used to fast updates, but the transition to Android 8.0 Oreo has become a serious challenge for Xiaomi due to the deep processing of system libraries. Unlike previous versions, the “eight” required fundamental changes in the architecture of MIUI, which significantly delayed the testing and certification process.
Developing a new version of the operating system is a complex process, involving not only the introduction of new features, but also the optimization of power consumption, as well as the reworking of the notification system. For Xiaomi owners, this meant a wait that in some cases lasted more than a year since Google announced.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Android 8 release timeline, analyze the list of devices that have already received a stable version, and discuss the prospects for older models. You’ll learn why some flagships are being updated faster than budgeters, and what to do if your smartphone is still running Android 7.
Chronology of the release and stages of testing MIUI based on Android 8
The release of Android 8 on Xiaomi devices is inextricably linked to the evolution of the shell MIUI. The first step is the version MIUI 9, which was originally based on Android 7 but later upgraded to eight, was launched in stages, first for Chinese firmware, then global (Global) ROM) And finally, for the Europeans (EEA).
The first to be introduced were the Mi 6 and Mi Mix 2 flagship devices back in late 2017, which was expected because the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 was perfect for Google’s new requirements. Budget models like the Redmi Note 4X waited much longer for the update, sometimes getting it after Android 9.
⚠️ Note: If you purchased a device with a Chinese version of the firmware (CN ROM) And reflashed it to the global, getting updates. OTA It may be blocked or delayed for several months.
The testing phases included closed betas for selected Mi Community users, and only after collecting bug and crash statistics did the system go public, and the stable version was always different from the beta version with no critical bugs, but the innovations came later.
List of devices that received Android 8 Oreo officially
Xiaomi has released an extensive list of devices that have been awarded an update to Android 8.0, mostly flagships of 2017 and popular mid-range models, and below is a table with the main models and versions of MIUI, on which they work.
| Model of the device | Basic version of MIUI | Year of update | Status of support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 6 | MIUI 9 / 10 | 2017-2018 | Completed. |
| Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 | MIUI 9 / 10 | 2017-2018 | Completed. |
| Redmi Note 5 Pro | MIUI 9 / 10 | 2018 | Completed. |
| Xiaomi Mi A1 | Android One | 2018 | Completed. |
| Pocophone F1 | MIUI 10 | 2018 | Completed. |
Special attention deserves the series Android One, which includes Xiaomi Mi A1. These devices received the updates first, as they did not require the adaptation of the heavy shell MIUI. For owners of other models, the process was delayed due to the need to test the interface.
Some devices, such as the Redmi 5 Plus or Redmi 5, received Android 8 at the end of their lifecycle, often immediately with the shell of MIUI 10. This allowed to extend the relevance of the gadget, but did not guarantee the perfect optimization of all functions.
Why are some models not on the list?
Technical features and requirements of Android 8 for Xiaomi
The move to Android 8.0 Oreo brought with it a series of technical changes that required Xiaomi engineers to work hard, with Project Treble, which separated low-level software from Android, accelerating future updates but requiring a complete overhaul of the firmware structure in the present.
Also changed the system of background processes. Android 8 severely limited the background activity of applications, which has a positive impact on autonomy, but caused problems with the delivery of push notifications to MIUI. Users had to manually configure permissions for instant messengers.
- 🚀 Accelerated boot time: Applications and the system itself have been reduced by 20-30% through code optimization.
- 🔒 Google Play Protect: Built-in malware protection started working at the system level, scanning apps even without installing.
- 🔋 Smart energy saving: New system limits background applications that are not currently in use.
Importantly, all of Android 8’s features required a specific version of the bootloader and drivers to work properly, and this is where you often had problems manually updating through Fastboot if the components didn’t match.
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Before installing any major update, including Android 8, be sure to make a full backup of your data via Mi Cloud or locally to your computer.The update process can result in loss of information if errors occur.
Problems in updating and ways to solve them
Despite extensive testing, the process of upgrading to Android 8 on Xiaomi does not always go smoothly: users often face a situation where notification of a new version does not come, although forums already write about the exit.
One common problem is cyclic bootloop after installation, which often happens if you switch over a large number of versions (like Android 6 to 8) without intermediate steps, in which case the system cannot correctly convert user data.
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the installation process if the progress bar is frozen. Interrupting system file writing can cause the device to be completely inoperable and require recovery through the system. EDL-regime.
To solve problems with the lack of update, you can use the Three Dots feature in the update menu and select Select a firmware file, which will allow you to manually install the current version downloaded from the official website, but this method requires you to select the version for your particular model.
☑️ Checklist before upgrading to Android 8
Alternative installation methods: Recovery and Fastboot
If Auto Update (OTA) doesn’t work or you want to speed up the process, you can use manual installation methods. There are two main ways for advanced users: through the Recovery menu and through the Fastboot mode using your computer.
The method through Recovery is safer for beginners. You need to download the firmware file (Recovery). ROM) with the extension zip, rename it to update.zip And then you put it in the root of the internal memory, and then you select "Select File" from the Recovery menu, and you confirm the installation.
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot rebootThe Fastboot method requires an unlocked bootloader (Unlock Bootloader), which gives you full control of the system, but cancels the warranty and erases all data (when you first unlock it). Using Fastboot ROM allows you not only to update, but also to roll back to the previous version of Android if the new one is unstable.
- 💻 PC Requirements: Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot, the original USB-cable.
- 🔓 Unlock: Mi Account required and wait 72 hours to 15 days after application.
- 📉 Risks: High risk of turning your phone into a brick if you do the wrong thing.
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Manual installation via Recovery is the best compromise between the speed of receiving updates and data security, without requiring the bootloader to be unlocked.
Support prospects and transition to new versions of Android
With the release of Android 8, Xiaomi began to actively implement a policy of limited support for devices. If before some models received 3-4 major updates, then with the transition to Android 8 and MIUI 10, the life cycle was shortened. Flagships receive 2 major updates, budget-friendly users often remain on the same version of Android.
Owners of devices that haven’t officially received Android 8 can count on the developer community. XDA Developers and 4PDA forums are full of firmware ports (ports) where enthusiasts adapt new versions of Android to the old hardware.
Android 12, 13 and 14 are currently in use, with HyperOS. Android 8 is considered obsolete, and many modern apps are gradually beginning to require newer API versions. Official support for Android 8 for all Xiaomi models is completely discontinued, and obtaining security patches for this version of the OS is no longer possible.