How to flash Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 through your computer: a complete guide with nuances

While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 firmware is a computer-based challenge that smartphone owners face when they want to upgrade, fix software failures, or install custom firmware, it’s still relevant, despite being released in 2019, thanks to robust hardware and the active support of the development community. But PC firmware carries risks ranging from data loss to bricking up the device, if you don’t take into account key nuances.

In this article, we will discuss all the stages of firmware from tool preparation to the final restart of the smartphone. Particular attention will be paid to unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, since without this step, installing official or custom firmware through Fastboot is impossible, and you will learn how to avoid typical errors (for example, anti-rollback or driver problems) that plague users when working with the Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo).

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, make sure all the prerequisites are met, which will save time and minimize risks.

1. Check out the smartphone model. the Redmi Note 8 has two modifications:

• 📱 Global (ginkgo) – International version with support for Google services.
• 📱 China (ginkgo) – Chinese version without Google, but with branded services Xiaomi.

The firmware for these versions is not interchangeable! You can find out your model in Settings → About Phone → Model or through the command fastboot getvar product.

2. Create a backup. The firmware erases all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps.

• ☁️ Mi Cloud (for reservation of contacts, notes, SMS).
• 💾 Local copying on PC (photos, videos, documents).
• 🔄 TWRP-Backup (if you already have custom recavéry installed).

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If you use two-factor authentication in your Mi Account, save backup access codes. After the firmware, you may need to re-authorize.

3. Unlock the bootloader. Without this step, firmware through Fastboot is impossible. Xiaomi requires you to link the device to your Mi Account and wait 72-168 hours (depending on the region) after you apply for an unlock.

Unlocking the loader: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all its devices to protect against unauthorized access. To flash the Redmi Note 8 through a PC, it must be unlocked in an official way.

Step 1. Link the Mi Account to the device.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
2. Activate the Settings option → Additional → For developers → Unlock OEM.
3. In the same menu, turn on debugging via USB.

Step 2: Connect your smartphone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.

• 🖥️ Download the utility from the official website (version for Windows).
• 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then pinch the Power.) + Turning down the volume).
• 🔓 In the utility, press Unlock and confirm the action.

Step 3. Wait until the timer ends. After the first attempt to unlock, Xiaomi will set a wait timer (usually 72 hours).

A Mi Account is linked to the device|Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Download the latest Mi Unlock Tool version-->

⚠️ Note: If you have forgotten your Mi Account password, restore it before unlocking. After resetting your settings or firmware, you may need to log in to activate your device.

Selection of firmware: official vs custom

Before you run the firmware, you have to decide on the type of software. Each option has pros and cons.

1. Official firmware (MIUI) Suitable for:

• 🔄 Recovery of performance after failure.
• 🆙 Updates to the latest version MIUI.
• 📱 Return to stock firmware after customization.

Download firmware only from the official website, choosing the version for your model (ginkgo).

• Fastboot is for installation via MiFlash (this is the option we need).

2. Custom firmware (AOSP, LineageOS, Pixel Experience) Advantages:

Risks:

• 🔋 Possible battery or camera problems (drivers may not work properly).
• 📶 Unstable operation of mobile network or Wi-Fi.

Where do you download custom firmware? Only from verified sources:

• 🔗 XDA Developers (Segment for Redmi Note 8).
• 🔗 SourceForge (official builds of LineageOS).

⚠️ Note: Firmware from unofficial sites may contain malicious code or be collected with errors.

Install firmware through MiFlash: step-by-step instructions

If you choose the official Fastboot firmware, you will need MiFlash to install it, a method that is suitable for restoring your device or upgrading to the latest version of MIUI.

Step 1. Download and install MiFlash.

• 🖥️ Download the utility from the official source (version 2020 or later).
• 📂 Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\ginkgo).

Step 2. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode.

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 8.
2. Press Power + Volume down before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC via USB.

Step 3. Launch MiFlash and set up the firmware.

1. In the utility, click Select and specify the path to the folder with unpacked firmware.
2. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended in case of failures); Clean all and lock – cleaning + locking the bootloader (only for official firmware!); Save user data – saving user data (not always stable).

Refresh

Flash

Step 4: First boot. Once the firmware is successfully installed, the device will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

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If MiFlash gives you a critical partition flashing error is not allowed, you are trying to flash the firmware with a lower version of the anti-rollback. Solution: find firmware with the same or newer version of the anti.

Firmware custom recavery (TWRP) and custom firmware

To install unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you first need to install custom recavers - TWRP.

Step 1. Download TWRP for Redmi Note 8.

• 🔗 Official version: twrp.me.
• 🔗 Unofficial assembly (if not official): look for XDA.

The file must have an.img extension (e.g., a file file file, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ginkgo.img).

Step 2. Install TWRP via Fastboot.

1. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (as in the previous section).
2. Open the command line (Win) + R → cmd) and type in: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ginkgo.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ginkgo.img
3. The smartphone will reboot to TWRP.

Step 3. Sweep through the custom firmware.

1. Copy a firmware file (e.g. lineage-20.0-20231010-ginkgo.zip) to your smartphone via MTP in TWRP.

Install

Confirm the installation with a swipe and wait for completion.

Step 4: Install Gapps (optional). If the firmware does not include Google services, download the appropriate Open Gapps package (arm64 architecture, Android 10/11/12) and run it right after the main firmware (without rebooting!).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware requires additional patches for the correct operation of the module NFC broadband LTE. Please clarify this in the subject of the firmware on XDA.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have problems. Let's look at the most common ones.

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If after firmware the smartphone does not turn on, try to pinch the power supply + Up Volume by 20 Seconds for Forced Reboot.
• 📡 If your mobile network is missing, check your settings. APN Or just re-flash the modem (fastboot flash modem) NON-HLOS.bin).
• 🔋 If the battery is quickly discharged, calibrate: fully discharge, then charge to 100% without interruption.

Recovery after a failed firmware

If something went wrong and the Redmi Note 8 stopped turning on or stuck on the logo, don't panic.In most cases, the device can be restored.

1. “Soft brick”: The smartphone is powered on but does not load beyond the logo or boot screen.

• 🔄 Try to get into the Fastboot (Food). + Reduce volume) and repeat the firmware via MiFlash.
• 🛠️ If it is established TWRP, load up in the Recovery (Food) + Increase the volume) and re-sweep the firmware.

2. Hard brick: The smartphone does not respond to buttons, is not determined by the computer.

• 🔌 Connect the device to charge for 30 minutes - sometimes it helps to "wake up" the power controller.
• 🔧 Use testpoint (requires disassembly of the device and closure of contacts on the board). This method is suitable only for advanced users!
• 📞 Contact the Xiaomi service center to ask you to re-flash through EDL-Regime (requires an authorized service center account).

3. Loss of IMEI. If your mobile network is missing after firmware, check IMEI in Settings → About Phone → General Information. If it is missing or displayed as Null:

1. Restore the IMEI via TWRP with a backup nvram or nvdata.
2. Use the SN Write Tool (requires authorization in the Xiaomi service account).

⚠️ Attention: Recovery IMEI It may be illegal in some countries, but please check local laws before acting.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions