When will the update for Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: official data and alternative ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular mid-range smartphones even years after its release. However, owners of this model are increasingly faced with the question: when will the next update for their device? In 2026, the situation with support for the Redmi Note 8 Pro became especially urgent – Xiaomi officially completed the release of global MIUI updates, but this does not mean that the opportunities for modernization are exhausted.

In this article, we will review Xiaomi’s official statements about support for the model, analyze alternative upgrades (including custom firmware), and give step-by-step instructions for those who want to extend the life of their smartphone, paying special attention to the risks and nuances that are often overlooked when installing unofficial software.

If you’re looking for an answer to the question of whether to wait for an update from Xiaomi or it’s time to switch to the caste, this material will help make an informed decision.We also collected up-to-date data on the latest versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 8 Pro and unique information about the possible release of security patches in 2026 (yes, they are still coming!).

Xiaomi’s official position: is support complete or is there a chance?

According to Xiaomi’s official update schedule, the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) received the latest global MIUI 12.5 Enhanced update in 2022, which means the company has stopped releasing full-fledged MIUI versions for the model.

In 2023-2026, Xiaomi continues to release security patches for some regions (such as India and China), but they are spot-based and do not contain new features, the last such patch was released in March 2026 and closed critical Android vulnerabilities.

• 📅 MIUI 12.5 Enhanced is the latest global version (2022).
• 🔒 Security patches are issued 1 time every 2-3 months (only for certain regions).
• ❌ Android 13/14 is not officially scheduled for the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
• ⚠️ In some countries (e.g., Russia) updates may be delayed.

It’s important to understand that even if security patches keep coming out, they don’t improve performance or add new features, and their primary purpose is to close vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers to steal data or install malware.

⚠️ Warning: If your Redmi Note 8 Pro stopped receiving updates through Settings → About Phone → System Update, it doesn't always mean the end of support. Sometimes updates come in waves - first for 10% of devices, then for the rest. Check for updates manually once a month.

The latest known MIUI versions for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (2026)

At the time of writing (June 2026), the current firmware versions for the Redmi Note 8 Pro look like this:

As you can see from the table, the Chinese version of MIUI 13 is still getting updates, but it is not compatible with global devices without unlocking the bootloader, which means that owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro from Europe or Russia should not expect to automatically upgrade to MIUI 13.

If you want to install Chinese firmware, you will have to do it manually via Fastboot or Recovery, but this is associated with risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• ⚠️ Possible problems with Google services.
• ⚠️ Some functions are unstable (e.g., NFC or 4G in some regions).

💡

Before installing any firmware, check its compatibility with your model by device code (begonia for Redmi Note 8 Pro). Wrong firmware can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.

When will the next update come out? predictions and rumors

Based on the analysis of previous updates and policies Xiaomi can make the following predictions:

1. Security patches: 70% probability of release. Xiaomi may release another 1-2 patches in 2026 (for example, in September or December), but they will be minor and will not affect performance.
2. MIUI 13 for global version: 5% probability. Xiaomi has not announced such plans, and the technical limitations (the Mediatek Helio G90T chipset) make this unlikely.
3. Android 12/13: The probability is 0%. Redmi Note 8 Pro does not officially support these versions of Android due to the limitations of the hardware.
4. Custom firmware: 90% chance of new versions, and the development community actively supports the device (e.g., LineageOS 20 or Pixel Experience firmware).

According to insider data from Chinese forums (such as XDA Developers or Mi Community), Xiaomi may release a final security patch for the Redmi Note 8 Pro in the fourth quarter of 2026, but this will be more of a “farewell gesture” than a full-fledged update.

Those hoping for the official Android 12 should come to terms with the reality: Mediatek Helio G90T is not certified for this version of the OS, and Xiaomi will not waste resources on adaptation. However, unofficial ports (like LineageOS 19/20) allow you to bypass this limitation - but we will talk about this later.

⚠️ Warning: If you see news about the "Soon release of Android 13 for Redmi Note 8 Pro" on little-known sites, it's most likely fake or clickbait. There's no official confirmation, and technical limitations make it impossible without major kernel modifications.

How to Check for Updates Manually

Many users complain that their Redmi Note 8 Pro "does not see" updates even though they are out, often due to regional restrictions or malfunctions in Xiaomi's servers.

If the standard method doesn’t work, try alternative methods:

1. Network reset: Go to Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → Network reset. Sometimes this helps wake up update servers.
2. Change region: Use a VPN to connect to servers in India or China (for example, via Turbo VPN), then check for updates. Some patches are coming out earlier in Asia.
3. Manual installation via Recovery: Download firmware from the official website (Xiaomi Firmware) and install it through Settings → About phone → System update → Three dots → Select a firmware file.

If you don't update after that, then your device is no longer supported in your region, and you have two options: wait for a random patch or go to custom firmware.

How to upgrade Redmi Note 8 Pro to Android 12/13

If the official updates are no longer coming out, custom firmware becomes the only way to get a fresh version of Android. The following popular options are available for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 🤖 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) is the most stable custom firmware with minimalist interface.
• 📱 Pixel Experience (Android 13) is a firmware with pure Android and features from Google Pixel.
• ⚡ ArrowOS (Android 13) – Optimized for performance.
• 🔄 MIUI 14 ported (Android 12) is an unofficial port from the community.

Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery (TWRP) -- it's not a beginner process, but it's safe when approached correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Go to Mi Unlock, log in and follow the instructions. Note: Xiaomi can make you wait 7 days before unlocking.
2. Install TWRP: Download TWRP for begonia (for example, from the official website) and run through fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
3. Backup: In TWRP, select Backup and save all partitions (except cache and data if you don’t want to lose files).
4. Download the ZIP- firmware file (for example, LineageOS), transfer it to your smartphone and install it via Install → Select ZIP in TWRP.
5. Install Gapps: If the firmware is without Google services, download OpenGapps (arm64 → 13 → pico) and flash after the main firmware.

After installing custom firmware, you will receive:

• ✅ Fresh version of Android (up to 13 inclusive).
• ✅ Regular updates from the community.
• ✅ Improved performance (through optimization)

Be prepared for possible problems:

• ⚠️ Widevine L1 (not HD on Netflix)
• ⚠️ Camera problems (solved by ANX Camera installation)
• ⚠️ Loss of official guarantee.

💡

Custom firmware is the only way to get Android 12/13 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, but it requires technical skills. If you're not sure about yourself, it's best to stay on the official MIUI or consult a specialist.

Frequent issues after updating and how to solve them

Even official updates sometimes cause crashes, and here are the most common issues since the Redmi Note 8 Pro update and how to fix them:

If the smartphone is stuck on the MI logo after the update, it means a soft brick.

1. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Fastboot.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot reboot (the boot.img file must be from your firmware).
3. If it doesn’t work, run the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

If you experience persistent overheating after the upgrade, check:

• 🔥 Running Background Processes (Settings → Applications → Running).
• 🔥 Battery status (use AccuBattery for diagnosis)
• 🔥 Viruses (scan the device through Malwarebytes).

Should we wait for the update or is it time to change the smartphone?

The question of waiting or changing depends on your needs, and let's look at the pros and cons of both options:

The following are the reasons for staying on the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• ✅ The device still handles everyday tasks (social media, calls, photos).
• ✅ Custom firmware allows you to get Android 13 and new features.
• ✅ Replacing a battery (cost ~1500–2000 ₽) can extend a smartphone’s life by 1-2 years.
• The ✅ Helio G90T is still more powerful than many budget chips from 2023 to 2026.

The reason for replacing the smartphone:

• ❌ There are no official security updates (risk of vulnerabilities).
• ❌ Cameras and screens are inferior to modern models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
• ❌ No support for 5G and no new communication standards.
• ❌ The battery wears out (capacity drops by 20–30% in 3-4 years).

If you decide to upgrade, here are some decent alternatives in 2026:

• The 📱 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the best choice for photography and performance.
• 📱 POCO X6 Pro is a powerful Dimensity 8300-Ultra chip at an adequate price.
• The 📱 Redmi K70E is a balanced mid-range flagship.

If you want to save as much as possible, consider the used flagships:

• 💰 Xiaomi 12T (2022) — with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and AMOLED- screen.
• 💰 POCO F5 is a great option for gaming.

⚠️ Warning: If you sell the Redmi Note 8 Pro, pre-reset the entire (Settings → Additional → Settings Reset) and untie your Xiaomi account. Otherwise, the new owner may face lockdown due to a binding to the Mi Account.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions