MIUI 12 on Xiaomi Redmi 8: Will the update be released in 2026 and how to install it?

Xiaomi Redmi 8 owners have been waiting for years for an official update to MIUI 12, one of the most popular versions of the shell from Xiaomi, which brought revolutionary changes in design, performance and functionality. However, since the release of the smartphone in October 2019 based on Android 9 Pie with MIUI 10, the question of supporting new versions remains open. In this article, we will examine whether to expect an official update to MIUI 12 for Redmi 8 in 2026, what alternative installation methods exist, and what to do if your device no longer receives updates from the manufacturer.

Note right away: Xiaomi traditionally limits support for budget models for 2-3 years, and Redmi 8 was no exception. The latest official version for this device was MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10, Released in 2021. But this does not mean that there is no possibility to upgrade at all. Next we will consider all the options available – from waiting for a miracle to manual firmware custom builds.

Xiaomi: Why Redmi 8 didn’t get MIUI 12

Xiaomi has a clear update strategy that depends on the device segment and its positioning in the market. Budget models of the Redmi series (unlike the flagship Mi or POCO F) usually get:

• 📅 2 major Android updates (e.g. from Android 9 to Android 10, but no further than that).
• 🔄 3-4 update MIUI One version of Android (for example, MIUI 10 → 11 → 12 → 12.5).
• ⏳ Security support during the period 2-3 post-release.

Redmi 8 debuted with the MIUI 10 on Android 9 and finally got an update to MIUI 12.5 (Android 10) is the maximum that owners could expect. MIUI 12 based on Android 11 are hidden in:

• 📱 Hardware restrictions: Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset 439 and 2/3/4 GB RAM is not optimized for new versions.
• 💰 Economic feasibility: Supporting budget models costs more than encouraging new devices.
• 🔧 Technical difficulties: adaptation MIUI 12 for older processors requires significant resources.

⚠️ If your Redmi 8 is still working on MIUI 11 or earlier, check for updates manually through Settings → The phone. → System Update: Last available firmware may be hidden due to regional restrictions.

The latest official firmware for Redmi 8: what do you know?

According to the official MIUI website, the latest stable version for Xiaomi Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) is:

As you can see from the table, MIUI 12.5.3 was the final firmware for this model; all subsequent updates (for example, MIUI 13 or MIUI 14) Redmi 8 was not officially received, and even security patches ceased to be released after 2022.

If your device is stuck on an earlier version (such as MIUI 11), try force-checking for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package.
3. If the update is not, download the latest firmware manually from the official site and install through Recovery.

Alternative ways to install MIUI 12 on Redmi 8

If there is no official update, informal methods remain, and these can be divided into three categories:

1. MIUI 12-based firmware (e.g. MIUI 12 by Xiaomi.eu or MIUI Mix).
2. Ported versions from other devices (e.g., with Redmi 9 or POCO M2)
3. Firmware from third-party developers (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience with MIUI 12 elements).

The most reliable option is Xiaomi.eu, which offers modified versions of MIUI without bloatware (pre-installed Chinese applications) and with support for Google services.

Unlock bootloader | Install TWRP Recovery | Backup data | Download firmware and GApps (if necessary) | Check compatibility with the device model-->

⚠️ Important: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the device! Also note that informal firmware can contain bugs, especially in the work:

• 📷 Cameras (possible artifacts or absences) HDR).
• 🔋 Batteries (increased consumption due to unoptimized core).
• 📶 Cellular communication (problems with VoLTE or 4G in some regions).

How to install MIUI 12 on Redmi 8 via TWRP

If you’re willing to take a chance, here’s a detailed guide to installing MIUI 12 from Xiaomi.eu:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Go to the unlock page, log in to the Mi Account and follow the instructions. Note: Xiaomi may require you to wait 72-720 hours (up to 30 days) before unlocking.
2. Install. TWRP Recovery: Download TWRP for Redmi 8 Fastboot: Quickboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olive.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olive.img
3. Make a backup: In TWRP Select Backup and save Boot, System, Data and EFS on SD-card.
4. Squeeze the firmware: Download MIUI 12.5 from Xiaomi.eu for olive, carry over ZIP-file on the phone and install via Install TWRP. After installation, run the Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!).

⚠️ Note: If the device is stuck on the Mi logo after firmware, try to reflash the vendor and boot from the official firmware via fastboot. Also check that you downloaded the firmware specifically for the olive model (Redmi 8), and not for olivelite (Redmi). 8A).

💡

Before you run the firmware, check the hash amount (MD5) of the downloaded firmware file, which will help you avoid errors due to corrupted data. Compare the hash to what is listed on Xiaomi.eu.

Problems After Installation of MIUI 12 on Redmi 8 and Solutions

Even if the firmware is successful, you may encounter some problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, go back to the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website), remember that informal firmware deprives you of warranties (if it is still valid) and may contain vulnerabilities.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, make sure you understand the risks of data loss, unstable device operation or even a "brick" (complete failure).

Should I upgrade to MIUI 12: pros and cons

Before you spend time on firmware, evaluate what you will get and what you will lose:

• ✅ Pluses MIUI 12: 🎨 New design with smooth animations and Super Wallpapers theme. 🔒 Improved privacy (app permissions,"sandbox"). 🚀 Optimizing Performance (Less Lags in Multitasking). 🌐 Support for new gestures and features (e.g. Floating Windows).
• ❌ Cons for Redmi 8: 🐢 Possible slowdown due to lack of RAM (3 GB in the base version). 🔋 Increased battery consumption (especially on custom firmware). 📱 Risk of loss of functionality (e.g., proximity sensor or NFC, if there is). 🛠️ Lack of official support (bugs will have to be fixed on their own).

If your Redmi 8 is used for basic tasks (calls, instant messengers, social networks), upgrading to MIUI 12 may not justify the effort, but if you like customization and new chips, the experiment is worth it - provided you are ready for possible problems.

What if MIUI 12 on Redmi 8 never comes out?

If there is no official update, and custom firmware does not suit you, consider alternatives:

1. Install another shell: LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) or Pixel Experience (pure Android with features from Google Pixel), for example. These firmware are lighter than MIUI and better optimized for weak devices.
2. Buy a new smartphone: If the Redmi 8 can not cope with the tasks, pay attention to the budget new Xiaomi: 📱 Redmi 12C (Snapdragon 680, MIUI 14 out of the box). 📱 POCO M6 Pro (Helio G99, 120Hz screen). 📱 Redmi Note 12 (AMOLED, 33 watts of charging).

Optimize the current firmware

Remove unnecessary apps, disable animations in Settings → Special features → Delete animations and use lightweight launchers like Nova Launcher.

If you want to stay on Redmi 8 but with modern software, try the MIUI Mix project, a hybrid firmware that combines elements of MIUI 12 and MIUI 13 with improved performance, and you can download it on the official Telegram channel.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI 12 on Redmi 8