Update Android on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all the ways and nuances

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but its owners often face the need to update the firmware. Official support for the device ended in 2023, but there are both standard and alternative methods of updating Android. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods - from automatic OTA-updates to manual installation of custom firmware, as well as dwell in detail on the preparation of the device and the solution of typical errors.

It's important to understand that the firmware update on the Redmi Note 8 Pro has its own features. G90T, This puts limits on compatibility with some custom firmware, and security updates have stopped coming out after official support ends, making alternative methods particularly relevant for users concerned with security and performance.

We will not limit ourselves to basic instructions – in this article you will find a detailed analysis of each step, including hidden settings, possible risks and ways to minimize them. If you have never updated your firmware yourself before, we recommend that you carefully read each section to avoid typical errors.

1. Preparing the device for the update: what to do in advance

Before you start an update, there are a few critical steps to follow: neglecting preparation can lead to data loss, device failures, or even “bricking” (complete inoperability), starting with the most obvious but often ignored by users: backup.

Create a complete copy of all the important data: contacts, photos, messages and installed applications.

• 📱 Built-in Settings function → The phone. → Backup (synchronization with Mi Account)
• ☁️ Cloud services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk
• 💻 Local copying on PC through MTP (file transfer mode)
• 🔄 Specialized applications like Titanium Backup (require root rights)

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader if you plan to install custom firmware. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this process takes up to 7 days due to Xiaomi's policy (you must link your account to the device and wait for confirmation).

fastboot oem device-info

Also make sure that:

Battery charge ≥ 60%

Free space on the device ≥ 4GB

All off. PIN-codes/graphic keys

Installed original Mediatek drivers on PC

Downloaded the correct firmware version for the model begonia (codename Redmi Note 8 Pro)

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If you are upgrading through fastboot or recovery, prepare in advance:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original)
• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool)
• 🛠️ Programs: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot tools, SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek)

💡

If you are updating with the version MIUI below 12.5, After firmware, you may need to reset to factory settings (Wipe Data in recovery). /data newer.

2. Official update through OTA: simple and safe

The most reliable method of updating is the use of built-in function OTA (Over-The-Air is suitable for users who do not want to take risks and prefer stable official firmware. However, the Redmi Note 8 Pro has a nuance: after the end of support for the update via the Internet. OTA They may not come automatically.

To check for updates:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the item Version MIUI, activate the developer mode
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → Updating the system
4. Click Check for Updates

If the update is available, the system will offer to download the package (usually weighing 1.5-2.5 GB).

• 📶 Use a stable Wi-Fi connection (not mobile internet)
• 🔋 Do not turn off the power or restart the device while booting.
• ⏳ The process can take up to 30 minutes – don’t interrupt it.

If OTA-The update doesn’t come, but you’re sure that there’s a newer version for your model, you can try a forced check:

1. Download the latest stable firmware for begonia from en.miui.com
2. Put the.zip file in the root of the internal memory
3. Go to Settings. → Updating the system → Threefold → Select a firmware file
4. Confirm installation

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro can not install Android 12+ via official channels, maximum supported version — MIUI 13 based on Android 11. Newer versions of Android will require custom firmware (see section 5).

Manual update via Recovery: when OTA doesn't work

If automatic updates are not available or if they are not available, you can install the firmware manually through stock recovery, which saves all data but requires strict compliance with instructions, and is suitable for firmware with the.zip extension downloaded from the official Xiaomi website.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the full firmware (not incremental!) for the begonia model from en.miui.com. The file name must contain fastboot or recovery.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select the language (usually English is available by default).
5. Go to Install update.zip to System.
6. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).
7. After rebooting, reset the cache to Recovery → Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

If the device stopped loading or artifacts appeared on the screen after the upgrade, this may indicate that the kernel is incompatible, in which case you will have to go back to the previous version or use the fastboot method (see the next section).

4. Firmware through Fastboot: for power users

Fastboot is considered more reliable than recovery, because it sifts through all parts of the device, including boot and recovery, and requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

• 🔄 We need to downgrade the version. MIUI
• 🛠️ Restore the device after failure
• 🔒 Install firmware on a locked bootloader (with official permission from Xiaomi)

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (last version)
• 🔌 Mediatek Preloader Drivers (install automatically when connected to fastboot)
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpacked in a folder)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All (total clean) or Save User Data (to save data).
5. Press Refresh, then Flash, and it takes 5-10 minutes.
6. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart.

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Clean all mode deletes all data, including internal memory, and only use it if you are sure of firmware compatibility or when recovering from a crash.

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, it means that the bootloader is locked.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8 Pro requires a Mi Account to be tied to the device and wait 168 hours (7 days). Trying to unlock without waiting will lead to a Couldn't unlock error.

To check the unlock status, enter in the command line (with administrator rights):

fastboot oem device-info

Device unlocked: true or false.

5.Alternative firmware: Android 12/13 on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Since the official support for the Redmi Note 8 Pro is discontinued on Android 11, many users are looking for ways to install newer versions of the OS. This is possible thanks to custom firmware, such as:

• 📱 LineageOS (Android 12/13, minimalist interface)
• 🎨 Pixel Experience (Pure Android with Google Pixel chips)
• 🔧 Havoc-OS (maximum customization)
• 🚀 ArrowOS (balance between stability and function)

Installation of custom firmware requires:

1. Unlocked loader (see section 4)
2. Established custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox)
3. Compatible firmware for the begonia model
4. Unplugged. AVB 2.0 (Android Verified Boot)

The TWRP installation process:

1. Download the latest version TWRP For begonia from twrp.me.
2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with fastboot.
3. Enter the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
4. Immediately after the firmware go to recovery command: fastboot boot recovery.img

Further down the line TWRP You can sew a custom firmware:

1. Make a full backup of the current system (Backup → Select All).
2. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
3. Squeeze the firmware (Install) → Choose. ZIP-file).
4. Please use GApps (if you need Google services).
5. Sweep through Magisk (for root rights, optionally).
6. Reboot.

Warnings for custom firmware:

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek Helio processor G90T Some firmware may not support Widevine L1, This will lead to a decrease in streaming quality on Netflix, Disney.+ and other services before 480p. Before installing, check the reviews on XDA Developers.

6. Solving Errors After Updating

Even with a successful firmware, there can be problems, and let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them.

1. The device is not turned on (bootloop)

• 🔄 Try to go to recovery (Loudness up). + Power) and perform Wipe Cache.
• 🔧 If it doesn’t work, run the firmware again through fastboot with a full clean (clean all).
• 🔋 Check the battery power – sometimes the device doesn’t turn on due to a discharge below 5%.

2. loss of network or IMEI

Frequent problem after firmware through fastboot.

1. Make sure the firmware is compatible with your Redmi Note version. 8 Pro (e.g. global) begonia_global vs. Chinese begonia).
2. Sweep the nvram file from stock firmware: fastboot flash nvram nvram.img
3. Restore. IMEI Engineer Mode (#36446337##) or Maui META.

3.Fast battery discharge after upgrade

• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🛠️ Check the active processes in Settings → Battery. background apps are often to blame.
• 🔄 Reset your settings to factory (Wipe Data in Recovery).

4. Application errors (e.g. Google Play)

Commonly associated with GApps incompatibility or lack of Google certification.

• 📦 Reflash the correct version of GApps (e.g. NikGApps for Android 11).
• 🔑 Get certified through Google Device Registration (requires root).
• 🔄 Delete the cache and data of Google Play Services in the settings.

If the problem is not solved, check the error logs through ADB:

adb logcat > log.txt

Look for lines from E/ (error W/ (warning).

7.Optimizing after the update: how to improve performance

After a successful upgrade, it is recommended to follow several steps to optimize the device. Even if the firmware is installed correctly, some default settings may not be suitable for your use case.

1. Performance adjustment

• 🎮 For gamers: activate Game Turbo in Settings → Special facilities.
• ⚡ Turn it on. MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times).
• 🔄 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Background restriction.

2. Battery optimization

New versions MIUI They often contain aggressive energy saving mechanisms that can interfere with the operation of applications:

1. Open the settings → Battery → Battery settings.
2. Disconnect the Adaptive Battery and Optimization MIUI critical-appendix.
3. Add frequently used apps to Unlimited.

3. Improved autonomy

• 📵 Turn it off. 5G (If not used, in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🌙 Activate Dark Theme and Adaptive Brightness.
• 🔋 Set a charge limit of 80% (Settings) → Battery → Battery status).

4. Additional Tweaks for Custom Firmware

If you have installed LineageOS or Pixel Experience, it is recommended that:

• 🔧 Set up Kernel Adiutor for kernel optimization (requires root).
• 🛡️ Install Magisk to manage root rights and modules.
• 📡 Use Network Signal Guru to improve communication.

To check the real performance after optimization, use benchmarks:

• AnTuTu - General assessment
• Geekbench 6 — CPU and GPU
• 3DMark — graphics
• PCMark – Autonomy Test

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note update 8 Pro