Updating the operating system on a smartphone Xiaomi is not just changing numbers in the settings, but a critical process for ensuring data security and stable operation of the device. Owners of a popular model Redmi Note 8T often face a situation where a notification about a new version of MIUI does not automatically arrive, although the release has already taken place. Ignoring this step can lead to vulnerabilities in the system Android and reduced application performance.
The installation procedure for new software can be performed in two main ways: through the standard settings menu or manually using a firmware file. The choice of a specific method depends on the current version MIUI, device region and the presence of errors during automatic verification. In this article, we will analyze both scenarios in detail so that you can safely upgrade your gadget.
Before taking active steps, you need to understand the risks. Incorrect installation may result in data loss or software crashes. Therefore, careful preparation is the foundation for the successful completion of the procedure.
Preparatory stage before installing the firmware
Any intervention in system files requires prior insurance. The most important step is to create a complete backup of all user data. You can use the built-in application Mi Cloud or third-party solutions to save contacts, photos and correspondence.
Make sure that your battery Redmi Note 8T is charged at least 60-70%. The process of writing data to flash memory creates a high load on the power controller, and suddenly turning off the device at this moment can lead to irreversible consequences.
⚠️ Attention: If the battery level drops below 30% during installation, the system may automatically interrupt the process, which often leads to the phone becoming bricked.
It is also recommended to free up space in the internal memory. To correctly unpack the archive containing the update, the system requires free space, the volume of which is usually 2-3 times larger than the size of the firmware file itself.
☑️ Ready for update
Automatic update through system settings
The simplest and safest method for most users is to use the standard OTA (Over) mechanism The Air). This method minimizes the risk of errors, since servers Xiaomi autonomously check version compatibility.
To run the check, go to menu Settings → About phone. At the top of the screen you will see the current version MIUI. Click on the logo or the "Check for updates" button. If a new build is available, the system will prompt you to download and install it.
Sometimes automatic search does not work due to data caching or regional restrictions. In this case, you can try to force a check by clicking on the MIUI version icon several times in a row. This action activates the hidden advanced search menu.
If the update is not found, try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Advanced → Region) to "India" or "Global", check for the update, and then return your region.
After downloading the file, the device will prompt you to reboot. The screen will go dark and the installation process will begin, accompanied by an animation of the logo Redmi. Do not touch the device at this moment, even if it seems frozen.
Manual installation of firmware via Recovery
If the automatic method did not work or you want to install a specific version of the software, you will need a manual installation. This method requires first downloading the official firmware file with the extension .zip.
Download the archive to the phone's internal memory in the root directory or folder downloaded_rom. Then go to the update menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select firmware file."
The system will check the integrity of the archive. If the file is damaged or does not match your model, you will receive an error. A successful check will end with a prompt to reboot into mode Recovery.
| Firmware type | File extension | Installation method | Data saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Update) | .zip | Through the settings menu | Save |
| Recovery (Full) | .zip | Via Recovery | Save (usually) |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Via PC and MiFlash | Full deletion |
It is important to understand the difference between the types of archives. For updating without data loss, it is the OTA package or full firmware in recovery mode that is suitable, but not images for Fastboot.
Where can I download firmware from?
Official files are available on the miui.com portal or in the Mi Community application. Avoid third-party forums, as modified assemblies may contain malicious code.
Updating via Fastboot mode and computer
This method is the most radical and is used in cases where the phone does not boot normally or the firmware region needs to be changed (for example, from Chinese to Global). You will need a computer with OS Windows and a USB cable.
Download the utility Mi Flash Tool and unpack the archive with the firmware (format .tgz) to drive C so that the path does not contain Cyrillic characters. Switch your smartphone to Fastbootmode by holding down the power and volume down buttons.
Connect the device to the PC. In the Mi Flash app, select the path to the unpacked folder. At the bottom of the window, be sure to select the mode clean all (full cleaning) or clean all and lock (cleaning and locking the bootloader) if you are returning to the stock version.
⚠️ Attention: Using the "clean all" mode will completely delete all data from the phone. Make sure the backup is up to date.
Click the "Flash" button and wait for the process to complete. The indicator will turn green and the phone will automatically reboot. The first turn on after this procedure can take up to 10 minutes.
Possible errors and ways to resolve them
During the update process, users often encounter the error “Could not check the update” or get stuck on the logo. Most often, the problem lies in a damaged file or lack of space.
If the installation is interrupted at the 10-20% stage, try clearing the Update application cache. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Component update → Clear cache. After that, try again.
If a “bootloop” occurs, when the phone constantly turns on and off, you may need to enter Recovery mode through a key combination and perform a factory reset (Wipe Data).
Most updating errors are associated with an unstable Internet connection or a damaged firmware file. Re-downloading a clean archive often solves the problem.
Sometimes the error occurs due to an unlocked bootloader when trying to install an official closed firmware. In such situations, only flashing via Fastboot with a complete cleanup helps data.
System optimization after updating
After successful installation of the new version Android or MIUI the system performs background optimization of applications. During the first hours of operation, the phone may heat up and discharge faster - this is normal.
It is recommended to let the device work in quiet mode for about a day. Do not run heavy games or benchmarks immediately after the update to give the system a chance to complete indexing files.
Check the power consumption settings. The new version of the software may change the algorithms of the processor. Go to the section Battery and make sure that too aggressive restrictions are not set for important applications. background.
If you notice strange interface artifacts or periodic crashes, try clearing the partition cache via the Recovery menu again. This will delete temporary files of the old system that could conflict with the new one.
Is it possible to update Redmi Note? 8T to the latest version of Android?
Official support for the model is limited to a certain version of MIUI (usually MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11). Installing newer versions of Android is only possible through custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader and voids the warranty.
Will my photos and contacts be erased when updating?
When updating through settings (OTA) or via Recovery in the “save data” mode, all information remains in place. Data is deleted only when using the Fastboot method with the "clean all" option or when resetting to factory settings.
What to do if the phone is stuck on the Mi logo?
Try to force reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, you need to enter Recovery mode (Volume up + Power) and select Wipe Data, having previously realized the loss of data.
Why is the update notification not coming?
This may be due to regional features of software distribution. Updates come in waves. Also, the check may be blocked if the phone has superuser rights (Root) or the system partition has been changed.