Update MIUI 12 on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: official release date, features and step-by-step instructions

Is MIUI 12 worth waiting for on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, released in 2019, is still one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, and owners of this device often wonder: will their device receive an upgrade to MIUI 12 and when exactly? In this article, we will analyze the official data, possible release dates, and nuances of installing a new firmware.

It’s important to understand that the Redmi Note 8 Pro runs on the Mediatek Helio G90T processor, which puts certain restrictions on supporting new versions of MIUI. Unlike flagship models, budget devices often receive latency updates or are left without them at all. However, MIUI 12 is not just a cosmetic change, but a major upgrade with new security features, performance optimization and a redesigned interface.

If you’re still using the Redmi Note 8 Pro and want to know if you should wait for MIUI 12 or if you’d rather consider alternatives (like custom firmware), this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Official status of MIUI 12 update for Redmi Note 8 Pro

At the time of writing (2026), Xiaomi has already completed active support for the Redmi Note 8 Pro in terms of major updates. MIUI. The latest official version for this device is MIUI 13, but it was not available for all regions and had limited functionality. MIUI 12, then the situation here is twofold:

• 📅 For the global version (Global) ROM): MIUI 12 is already available and distributed in 2020-2021, and if your smartphone hasn't yet updated, it's likely that regional restrictions or manually blocking updates are the problem.
• 🌍 For the Chinese version (China) ROM): The update also came out, but with other builds and possible limitations (for example, without Google services).
• ⚠️ For devices with unlocked bootloader: if you have previously installed custom firmware, official updates may not come.

To see if the update is available for your device, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. If it shows MIUI version 11 or lower, then either the update has not yet arrived or your device is not supported.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi often suspends the distribution of updates to older models if critical bugs are detected. MIUI 12 doesn't come in more than six months, it's likely to be gone.

Why MIUI 12 might not be coming to your Redmi Note 8 Pro

If your smartphone doesn't get the update, there may be several reasons.

1. Regional restrictions: Xiaomi releases firmware for different markets (Global, China, EEA, Russia, India) If your device was purchased in one region and used in another, updates can be blocked.
2. Factory firmware from the operator: Some smartphones are sold with pre-installed software from mobile operators (e.g. MTS, Beeline), such devices often receive late or no updates.
3. Manually block updates. In the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap) you can turn off automatic update check.
4. Not enough space. MIUI 12 requires at least 1.5 to 2 GB of free space to install, and if there is not enough memory, the system will not offer an upgrade.
5. Xiaomi server problems: Sometimes updates are temporarily unavailable due to technical work.

If none of the reasons are right, your device may be under limited support, so you can either wait (unlikely) or manually install the firmware.

How to manually upgrade Redmi Note 8 Pro to MIUI 12?

If the automatic update doesn't work, you can manually install MIUI 12.

• 📱 Smartphone with a charge of at least 50%.
• 💻 Computer (for downloading firmware).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Backup of data (update can erase files).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the correct firmware from the official Xiaomi website: For global version: https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index For Chinese version: https://new.c.mi.com/cn/miuidownload/index

Select the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) and download the latest stable version of MIUI 12 (e.g., V12.5.1.0.QGGMIXM).

Move the firmware file.

miui_BEGONIAGlobal_V12.5.1.0.QGGMIXM_XXXXXXXXXX_10.0.zip

Run the update manually

Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots (⋮) → Select a firmware file

Confirm installation

10-20 minutes

⚠️ Note: If you have a "Couldn't verify update" error when you install, you have not downloaded the firmware for your model or region, and you may also have an error if the bootloader is locked.

What’s new about MIUI 12 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

MIUI 12 brought a lot of changes that improved both visual and performance.

Unfortunately, some features (such as Ultra Battery Saver or AI Call Assistant) may not work as well due to hardware limitations of the Redmi Note 8 Pro. It’s also worth noting that after upgrading to MIUI 12, some users complain about:

• 🔋 Faster battery discharge (especially in the first days after installation).
• 📉 Reduced by Multitasking.
• 📡 Problems with connection to 5G-Networks (if the operator supports the).

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If after the update, the smartphone began to warm up, try to turn off the Windows animation in the developer settings (Settings → About the phone → MIUI version → 7 taps → Windows animation: 0.5x).

Alternatives to MIUI 12: custom firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro

If the official update never came, you can consider installing custom firmware.The most popular options for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 🤖 LineageOS is pure Android without unnecessary Xiaomi apps. supports the latest security versions, but may be missing some features (for example, it is not available, IR-blaster).
• ⚡ Pixel Experience is a firmware interface, like the Google Pixel. Good optimization, but sometimes there are bugs with the camera.
• 🔄 MIUI 12/13 from third-party developers - ported versions with additional features, but less stable.
• 🛡️ Havoc-OS - firmware with wide customization possibilities.

Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which will result in a reset of all data and may void the warranty.

• 🚨 The ability to “brick” the device (if something goes wrong).
• 🔒 Loss of data encryption (on some firmware).
• 📵 Problems with the module NFC or IR-port.

If you do decide to use custom firmware, we recommend using TWRP Recovery and follow the instructions from the XDA-Developers forum.

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Custom firmware can give a new life to an old smartphone, but it requires technical skills. If you're not sure, it's best to stay on the official MIUI.

Frequent problems after updating and their solution

Even if the update is successful, there may be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

1. Fast battery discharge

After the update, the system indexes files and optimizes applications, which can increase battery consumption in the first 2-3 days.

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📵 Turn off Auto Sync in account settings.
• 🔋 Check battery consumption in Settings → Battery and disable voracious apps.

2. overheating of the device

Redmi Note 8 Pro is prone to overheating due to the processor Helio G90T. After the update, the problem may worsen.

• 🎮 Limit it. FPS in games (in Game Turbo).
• ☀️ Do not use your smartphone in direct sunlight.
• 🧊 Install a cooling case or stand.

3. Errors with connection to Wi-Fi/mobile

If the Internet is missing after the update:

• 🔄 Reboot the router and smartphone.
• 📡 Forget the network in Settings → Wi-Fi and connect again.
• 📶 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

4. Hanging and lags

If the interface is slowing down:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Make a reset to factory settings (pre-saving data).

⚠️ Note: If after the update, the smartphone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo MIUI, Try to enter Recovery Mode (squeeze power) + Volume up, and make Wipe Cache Partition, and if that doesn't work, you'll have to go through the Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions