Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but many users face the limitations of regional firmware. Chinese versions (CN) are devoid of Google services, and some global builds (Global or EEA) can contain unnecessary apps or update more slowly. Flashing to a clean global version solves these problems, but requires care: an error in the stage of unlocking the bootloader or selecting firmware can turn the phone into a “brick”.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the steps of firmware, from driver preparation to installation via Fastboot or TWRP, and how to avoid common errors. We will focus on unlocking the bootloader (without it, firmware is impossible) and choosing the right version of MIUI for your model (begonia or begoniain). If you have never flashed Xiaomi before, start by reading the section on risks - this will save time and nerves.
Why you should flash Redmi Note 8 Pro on global firmware
Xiaomi’s regional firmware is not only a language of interface, but also a feature, and here are the key reasons for moving to a global version:
- 📱 Google Services: Chinese Firmware (CN) They don't include Google Play Services, Gmail, YouTube, and other apps, and they can be installed manually, but they lead to conflicts and errors.
- 🔄 Quick Updates: Global Versions (Global/EEA) Get security patches and new features MIUI More often than Chinese or Russian assemblies.
- 🚫 Lack of Bloatware: In firmware for India (IN) or Russia (RU) Often preinstalled unnecessary applications (e.g. Mi Credit, GetApps) that cannot be removed without root.
- 🌍 All languages support: Global firmware includes localization for 50+ Chinese versions are limited to Chinese and English.
However, there are also disadvantages: some functions (for example, IR-A control blaster may work worse on non-regional firmware, and all data will be dumped after the firmware is installed — be sure to back up through Mi Cloud or TWRP before the beginning of the process.
Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start
Unprepared firmware is the main source of problems. Follow this checklist to avoid errors:
Download the correct firmware version (Global Stable or EEA)
Install ADB/Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool
Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)
Charge your phone to at least 60%
Prepare. USB-cable (original or high quality)
Disable the antivirus (it can block firmware files)
-->
The first step is to identify the current firmware and device model.
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Find the MIUI version line (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.3 Stable).
- Check out the device model: The Redmi Note 8 Pro can be begonia (main version) or begoniain (in India).
If the model is defined as begoniain, you can’t flash the global version for begonia, which will result in a broken modem or Wi-Fi. Use only IN-marked firmware or universal Global.
⚠️ Note: If your phone is purchased in China and has never been downloaded to the global version, it can take up to 720 hours (30 days) to unlock the bootloader.
Unlocking the loader: step-by-step instructions
Without an unlocked bootloader, you can't flash the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
- Linking your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Sign in to your account (if not, register a new one). Enable Data Sync and Device Search.
Obtaining permission to unlock
- Download Mi Unlock Tool (official Xiaomi website).
- Start the program and log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power).
- If the account is new, Xiaomi will block the unlock for 168-720 hours (7-30 days).
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can't see the phone?
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone, including photos in the internal memory. If you haven't done a backup, it won't be possible to restore files.
Selecting the firmware: which version of MIUI to install
There are several types of firmware available for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, and their key differences are:
| Type of firmware | Code. | Advantages | Deficiencies | Download link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Globally stable | Global Stable | Maximum stability, all languages, Google services | Updates are less common than in beta versions | Official website |
| European (EEA) | EEA Stable | GDPR complies with Chinese services | Support for some regional functions may not be available | Official website |
| China's stable | China Stable | Fastest updates optimized for iron | No Google services, only Chinese/English | Official website |
| Custom (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) | Xiaomi.eu | No Bloatware, Weekly Updates, Optimizations | It may be less stable, requires TWRP. | Xiaomi.eu |
For most users, the best choice is Global Stable or EEA Stable. If you want the latest features, you can try Xiaomi.eu, but keep in mind that:
- 🔧 Installation is required through TWRP (customization).
- 📵 There may be bugs with the camera or sensors (especially in the early versions).
- 🔒 You need to manually install updates.
💡
Before downloading the firmware, check its hash (MD5) on the Xiaomi website, which will help to avoid installing a corrupt file that can "brick" the phone.
Firmware through Fastboot: the official method
The most reliable way to flash Redmi Note 8 Pro is to use Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for installing official firmware (Global, EEA, China) and does not require root rights.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
- 📱 Phone with unlocked loader and charge >60%.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (don’t use cheap cables – they can interrupt the process!).
- 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic!).
- 🛠️ Programs: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot driver.