MIUI 12 on Redmi Note 8 Pro: when to wait for the update and how to install it

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro have been wondering for years whether their smartphone will get the long-awaited upgrade to MIUI 12?This version of the shell, released in 2020, brought revolutionary changes in design, performance and functionality. However, Xiaomi’s official policy on supporting devices is often confusing — especially when it comes to budget models with powerful hardware, but limited updates.

In this article, we will look at whether Xiaomi will release MIUI 12 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026, what alternative installation methods exist, and what to do if the update never came through OTA. You will also learn about the risks of using custom firmware and how to check the compatibility of your device with the new version of MIUI. Our recommendations are based on official statements of the company, user experience and analysis of the technical capabilities of the smartphone.

MIUI 12 Official Status for Redmi Note 8 Pro: What Xiaomi Says

According to Xiaomi’s official update policy, the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) received its last major upgrade to MIUI 12.5 in 2021, meaning that the company no longer plans to release new versions of MIUI for this model through standard OTA channels.

• 📅 Support Term: Redmi Note 8 Pro's out. 2019 By the standards of Xiaomi, budget devices are available. 2-3 major updates MIUI. MIUI 12.5 He was the third one after MIUI 11 and MIUI 12).
• 🔄 Exceptions: Sometimes Xiaomi returns to older models to fix critical vulnerabilities (like Android security updates), but this does not apply to newer versions. MIUI.
• 🌍 Regional differences: In some countries (e.g. India or China), updates may come later or have a different set of features.

To make sure there is no official firmware, check the latest version of MIUI for your device:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Compare the build number with the latest official releases on MIUI Downloads.

⚠️ Note: If your device is working on MIUI 12.5.3.0 or later, probability of receiving MIUI 12 through OTA All subsequent updates will only concern Android security patches.

Why the Redmi Note 8 Pro didn’t get MIUI 12: Technical reasons

At first glance, the Redmi Note 8 Pro with its Mediatek Helio G90T processor and 6/8 GB of RAM is quite capable of running on MIUI 12. However, there are several key limitations that prevent the official release:

Additionally, the Redmi Note 8 Pro originally came with Android 9 Pie, and its upgrade to Android 10 (which runs MIUI 12) has already caused a lot of bug complaints.

• 🔋 Autonomy: Increased battery consumption due to new background processes.
• 📱 Stability: Accidental reboots and lags when working with the camera or games.
• 🔊 Sound: problems with audio chip drivers typical of Mediatek on new versions of Android.

💡

If the functions are critical MIUI 12 (like a new control center or animation), consider buying a more modern model – like the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro, they'll get it. MIUI 14 and newer versions of Android.

How to install MIUI 12 on Redmi Note 8 Pro unofficially: risks and instructions

If you're willing to take risks, you can install MIUI 12 through custom firmware, but that will require unlocking the bootloader, which will lead to a loss of warranty (if it's still valid) and potential security issues.

Method 1: Installation via TWRP (for power users)

This method involves a complete flashing of the device using an unofficial TWRP recavator.

Backup all data (photos, contacts, messages)|Download firmware MIUI 12 for begonia from the forum XDA Developers|Install drivers ADB and Fastboot on PC|Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool|Charge your phone at least 70 times%-->

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and wait 7-14 days).
2. Install TWRP for Redmi Note 8 Pro with the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
4. Sweep the MIUI 12 firmware through Install.
5. Restart the device (the first start can take 10-15 minutes).

Method 2: Upgrade via Fastboot (less risky)

This method is suitable for installing official beta versions if they suddenly appear for your model, but at the moment there are no such builds for the Redmi Note 8 Pro.

The alternative is to use MIUI bootloader or XiaomiTool V2 to find the latest firmware.

⚠️ Note: Installation of unofficial firmware can lead to: 🚨 Blocking IMEI (phone will stop catching the network). 🔒 Loss of data encryption (photos and passwords will become vulnerable). 🛠 Non-functioning sensors (gyroscope, NFC, Before you run the firmware, check the reviews about the specific build on XDA Developers.

Alternatives to MIUI 12: what firmware can be installed on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

If MIUI 12 is not available, consider other firmware optimized for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 🤖 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) – stable firmware with minimalist design and regular security updates.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – ported firmware from Google Pixel with clean Android and fast updates.
• 🚀 Havoc-OS - custom firmware with wide customization options and support for new features.
• 🛡 MIUI 12.5 Enhanced – Unofficial builds with community improvements (e.g. added animations from the community) MIUI 12).

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Longer support (security updates until 2026).
• ✅ No Advertising and Unnecessary Xiaomi Apps.
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ No official support (bugs are fixed by volunteers).
• ❌ There may be problems with the camera (especially in the night mode).
• ❌ Banking applications may not work (due to lack of Google certification).

💡

If you want stability, stay on the latest official MIUI. If you want new features and are ready to experiment, try LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

How to check if MIUI 12 update is coming to your Redmi Note 8 Pro

Even if Xiaomi hasn't announced an update, sometimes firmware rolls out in waves — first for a small group of users, then for everyone.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if available).
3. If there is no update, try resetting the update cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Updating the system → Warehouse → Clear the cache
4. Restart the phone and check again.

Alternative methods of verification can also be used:

• 🌐 Official website: MIUI Downloads – Look for your model (begonia).
• 📱 Update: Sometimes updates come through it sooner than through settings.
• 🤖 Bots in Telegram: Channels like @MIUIUpdatesTracker track down new builds.

⚠️ Note: If the system update page says "Your version is current" but you see that other regions have a new firmware, do not attempt to install it manually through recovery.

Frequent issues after upgrading to MIUI 12 and their solution

If you do manage to install MIUI 12 (for example, through custom firmware), you may encounter problems.

If the problems are not solved:

1. Reset the settings to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Reflash the device to the official MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Contact the 4PDA forum for your model, where patches for specific bugs are often posted.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about MIUI 12 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro