Update Android on Xiaomi Mi 8: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still a popular smartphone among enthusiasts thanks to its powerful hardware and support for custom firmware. However, official updates from Xiaomi for this model have long been discontinued: the latest stable version MIUI 12.5, Android 11, was released in 2021, but that doesn’t mean your device is doomed to outdated software — there are legal and informal ways to upgrade to current versions.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 How to check the current firmware version and available updates;
• 📲 Official Update Methods through Settings and Mi Flash Tool;
• 🛠️ Alternatives with custom recavator (TWRP) LineageOS (Pixel Experience) and Pixel);
• ⚠️ Typical errors and how to avoid them (from Error 7 to bootloader problems).

Warning: not all methods are safe, unofficial firmware can lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid), problems with Widevine L1 (no HD You can use streaming services, or even bricking up your device, but if you're ready to experiment, go ahead!

1. Verification of the current firmware version and compatibility

Before you update the Xiaomi Mi 8 (codename dipper), make sure your device supports the chosen method.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the Version item MIUI — write down a number (for example, 12.5.4.0) RFACNXM).
3. Click 7 times on the kernel version to activate Developer Mode (if not already activated).
4. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and check the Unblock status OEM and debugging by USB.

Compare your version with the latest official builds for the Mi 8:

It is important that your version MIUI There will be no more official updates for your region, in which case only custom firmware or manual installation via Fastboot remains.

⚠️ Note: The Chinese versions of the Mi 8 (dipper) may not have Google Play Services.

2. Official Update via Settings

The easiest way is to use an inbuilt update mechanism, which is suitable if:

• 📶 You have a stable Wi-Fi connection;
• 🔋 battery charge more than 50%;
• 📱 The device is not rooted and does not have a custom recaveri.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the Service Pack (if you downloaded the firmware in advance).
3. If the update is available online, click Download and wait until it is completed.
4. After downloading, tap Reboot - the device will install the update itself.

Close all background applications |

Connect to charge.|

Create a backup in Mi Cloud|

Shut down. VPN (It can block Xiaomi servers)-->

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔄 Change region: C Settings → Additionally. → Select India or Russia, sometimes updates appear there earlier.
• 📡 Use it. VPN: Connect to servers in Singapore or Hong Kong via Warp or ProtonVPN.
• 📥 Download firmware manually from en.miui.com (choose the dipper version).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after the upgrade, hold on to Power + Volume Up 10 seconds for a forced reboot. If that doesn't work, you'll need to flash it over the Fastboot.

3.Update via Mi Flash Tool (Fastboot)

If automatic updates are not available but you want to stay on the official firmware, use the Mi Flash Tool.

• 🔄 Recovery of the “Brick” Device;
• 📥 installing a newer version MIUI, suggestively OTA;
• 🔧 Change of the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).

What you need:

• 💻 Windows PC 7/10/11;
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original);
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz format for dipper (download from the official website);
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version here).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi8_Firmware\).
2. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down. + Power to enter Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC. Install drivers if Windows requests them.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, choose Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (with bootloader lock).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Important: Clean all and lock will block the bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware in the future. TWRP magisk.

Official. MIUI (stable)|

LineageOS (Pixel Experience)|

I don't update it. It works.|

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4. Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If the official updates are no longer coming out, and you want Android 13 or newer, you will have to use custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) - minimalist firmware without bloatware;
• 🎨 Pixel Experience (Android 13) – Google Pixel interface;
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between performance and functionality;
• 🔧 Havoc-OS – Maximum customization.

Requirements:

• 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below);
• 📥 Established custom recaveri TWRP;
• 🔋 Battery charge >70%;
• 📁 Backup data (update will erase everything!).

Installation steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (you will need a Mi Account tied to your phone).
2. Install TWRP via fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
3. Boot in. TWRP (Volume Up + Power, make Wipe. → Format Data (enter yes).
4. Copy the firmware to the phone through MTP into TWRP.
5. Install the firmware (Install) → choose ZIP), GApps (if you need Google services).
6. Reboot. The first launch can take 10 to 15 minutes.

💡

If after installing custom firmware does not work mobile network, check the settings APN or install a patch for the modem through TWRP (search the forum 4PDA smack-in).

Firmware links:

• 🔗 LineageOS for Mi 8;
• 🔗 Pixel Experience;
• 🔗 XDA Developers (discussions).

⚠️ Note: Custom firmware may not support Widevine L1, Why Netflix, Disney?+ Other services will be available in no higher resolution 480p. To return L1, You will need a Magisk patch (such as Widevine) L1 Certifier).

5. Solving common errors in the update

When updating Xiaomi Mi 8 users often encounter errors. Let’s consider the most common ways to fix them:

If the sound is lost or the camera is not working:

• 🔊 Check the Device Manager settings in TWRP (Maybe the drivers are off).
• 📷 Install a patch for the camera (for example, ANX_Camera custom-fix).
• 🔄 Return to stock firmware via Fastboot and repeat the update.

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all after the upgrade (black screen, no button response), try clamping down Power. + Volume Up + Volume Down for 20 seconds to force shutdown. If that doesn't work, you'll need firmware through the EDL-The mode (only for experienced users!).

6. How to roll back to the previous firmware version

If the new update is unstable (bugs, battery drain, overheating), you can return the old version.

1. Download the necessary firmware from the official website.
2. If you roll back from custom to stock firmware: Install stock recavator via fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img. Get in there (Volume Up) + Power and select Wipe data.

Mi Flash Tool

Clean all

Important: if you roll back to an older version of Android (for example, from 11 to 10), you may experience problems with the application operation. Some programs (for example, banking) require an updated version of the OS and refuse to run on outdated builds.

⚠️ Note: if you used Magisk for root, before rolling back, be sure to remove all modules through Magisk Manager and perform Uninstall Magisk in the settings.

7. System optimization after update

After a successful update, it is recommended to follow several steps to improve performance:

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Resetting: If the system is slowing down, reset via Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings (data on the memory card is not affected).
• 🔋 Battery calibration: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption.
• 🛡️ Disabling unnecessary services: C Settings → Permits → Auto Start Disable Autoboot for Low Used Applications.

For custom firmware:

• 🎯 Install FrancoKernel or KirinKernel for better performance.
• 🔧 Set up Magisk to hide the root from banking applications (MagiskHide Props Config module).
• 🖥️ Activate Force. GPU Rendering in Settings → For developers for smooth interface.

💡

If the battery is quickly down after the update, check the activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Battery use: Google Play services or background email sync are often to blame.

8. Alternative ways of updating (for experienced)

If standard methods do not work, alternative approaches can be tried:

• 🔧 ADB Sideload: installing firmware through adb sideload in TWRP. Suitable if touchscreen does not work in the recavéri. adb sideload firmware.zip
• 📡 OTA You can deploy a local server with firmware and trick the system into thinking that the update came in the air. 4PDA.
• 🔄 MultiROM: installing multiple firmware on one device (requires a separate partition in memory).

For enthusiasts who are ready to go further:

• 🐧 Install Ubuntu Touch or PostmarketOS – Linux distributions for smartphones.
• 🤖 Port Android 14 via Project Treble (unstable but possible).

Important: The methods in this section require in-depth knowledge and can cause permanent damage to the device, and only use them if you understand the risks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi update 8