Update for Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: when will the new firmware MIUI and Android in 2026?

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T, released in late 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone among users. However, every year the issue of support for the device becomes more relevant: model owners want to know whether Xiaomi will release new updates for their gadget in 2026, or it’s time to prepare for the transition to a more modern model. In this article, we will analyze the official policy of the company, analyze the latest rumors, learn how to check the availability of updates and assess how realistic it is to get fresh firmware for the Redmi Note 8T today.

Note that the updates for this model are ambiguous: on the one hand, Xiaomi has traditionally supported its devices longer than competitors, but on the other hand, the Redmi Note 8T has long been out of the priority list. Let's figure out what updates can still be released, how to install them and what to do if official support is terminated.

Xiaomi's official policy on updates for Redmi Note 8T

Xiaomi has clear rules on the timing of support for its smartphones. For the Redmi Note 8T, released in November 2019 based on Android 9 Pie with the shell MIUI 10, initially promised:

• 📅 2 major Android updates (up to Android 11 inclusive).
• 🔄 3–4 years of security updates (end of 2022 – early 2023).
• 📲 Regular updates MIUI In the current version of Android.

In practice, the Redmi Note 8T received:

• ✅ Update to Android 10 (MIUI 11) - in 2020.
• ✅ Update to Android 11 (MIUI 12.5) - in 2021.
• ❌ Android 12 officially released

The last significant update for the model dates back to the first quarter of 2023 — it was MIUI 12.5.8.0 firmware based on Android 11 with security patches. Since then, there have been no official announcements about new versions. This means that the Redmi Note 8T has left the main support program of Xiaomi and can now only receive critical fixes (if any).

Latest news and rumors about new firmware (2026)

Despite the official termination of support, the network periodically appears rumors about possible updates for the Redmi Note 8T. Consider the current information for June 2026:

1.Update to MIUI 14

In early 2026, some users reported test builds of MIUI 14 for the Redmi Note 8T (codename willow).

• 🔍 These firmwares were unofficial ports from third-party developers.
• ⚠️ They contained critical bugs (problems with camera, sensors, battery).
• 🚫 Xiaomi has not confirmed the work on MIUI 14 for this model.

2. Security fixes

In May 2026, a record was found in the MIUI database about the V12.5.9.0.RCXMIXM firmware for the Redmi Note 8T. This could mean the release of a security patch, but:

⚠️ Warning: This version was never rolled out in large numbers, most likely an internal test for a limited number of devices in India or China (V12.5.8.0.RCXMIXM) No updates expected.

3. Android 12 for Redmi Note 8T – myth or reality?

Many users are still hoping to upgrade to Android 12, but unfortunately, this is unlikely for the following reasons:

• 📉 Xiaomi has already closed the update program for devices in 2019.
• 🔧 Hardware Restrictions: Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor 665 and 3/4 GB of RAM is not optimized for new versions of Android.
• 💰 Companies are not profitable to spend resources to support outdated models.

How to check the availability of updates for Redmi Note 8T

Before you search the Internet, check for new firmware for your device, and you can do this in several ways:

Method 1: Through smartphone settings

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the Check Updates button.
3. If the update is available, the system will offer to download it (usually 1.5-2.5 GB in size).

Method 2: Through the Update App

Some MIUI firmware has a separate Update app (an icon with an arrow in a circle) and run it and wait for it to be checked. If there are no updates, it will say "Your system is current."

Method 3: Manual check on Xiaomi website

For the Global ROM (Global ROM):

1. Go to MIUI Downloads website.
2. In the search box, type in the Redmi Note 8T.
3. Check the date of the last stable firmware (Stable ROM).

Check the Wi-Fi connection|Reboot your smartphone|Clear the cache of the "Update" application"|Try it later (Xiaomi servers are sometimes overloaded)-->

Method 4: Through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, you can force the update check through ADB:

adb shell am start -n com.android.updater/.UpdaterActivity

This command runs the system update application manually. For more information about setting up ADB, see our manual.

Table: Redmi Note 8T Update History (2019–2026)

As you can see from the table, the Redmi Note 8T has not received significant updates for more than a year; the last firmware (MIUI 12.5.8) was released in February 2023 and contained only security patches for January 2023.

💡

If your Redmi Note 8T runs MIUI 12.5.8, it’s the latest official firmware version.

What if there are no more updates?

If Xiaomi has finally stopped supporting the Redmi Note 8T, you have a few alternatives:

1. Install custom firmware

The most popular unofficial firmware for the Redmi Note 8T:

• 🤖 LineageOS 19 (based on Android 12) – stable, but without branded features Xiaomi.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – firmware with pure Android and features from Google Pixel.
• 🔧 Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with advanced settings.

The installation will require:

• Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
• Install a custom recap (TWRP)
• Follow the instructions in the XDA Developers forum.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty, may result in data loss or device "brick". TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

2. Optimize the current firmware

If you don’t want to take risks with custom ROMs, you can improve your performance by standard methods:

Disable animation in developer settings | Clear cache via Recovery|Remove unnecessary system applications (debloating)|Use easy alternatives to standard programs-->

3.Buy a new smartphone

If the Redmi Note 8T is not up to date, consider Xiaomi’s budget alternatives:

• 📱 Redmi Note 12 – the current model with Android 13 and support until 2026.
• 💰 POCO M6 Pro – similar filling, but with a fresher firmware.
• 🔋 Redmi 10C — Budget option with a good battery.

💡

Before buying a new smartphone, check the official support term on Xiaomi's website. Note series models usually receive updates longer than budget lines like Redmi A.

Typical Errors When Updating the Redmi Note 8T and How to Avoid Them

Even if you manage to find a new firmware, the upgrade process may not go according to plan.

Error "Cannot verify update"

Reasons:

• 🔌 Damaged firmware file (unproven or checksum lost).
• 📱 Mismatch of the firmware region (for example, trying to install the Indian version on a global smartphone).

Decision:

• Download the firmware again from the official website.
• Check the compliance version (Global, EEA, India).
• Use the Mi Flash Tool for forced installation.

2. Hanging on the MI logo after the update

It's because of:

• 🔋 Interrupted installation (battery is discharged or power is turned off).
• 🔧 Conflict with custom recaveri or root rights.

Decision:

1. Press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
2. Select Wipe Data (Settings Reset).
3. Reinstall the firmware through Fastboot.

3. Loss of IMEI or network problems

After a failed update, the network may disappear. The culprit is a damaged modem partition.

Decision:

• Restore the IMEI through the Engineering Menu (#4636###).
• Reflash modem and EFS via the SP Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: If you have disappeared after the update IMEI, Do not attempt to restore it through third-party apps from the Play Market.This may result in a network lock. Use only official methods or contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 8T updates