Owners of Xiaomi smartphones are often faced with the issue of timely updating the operating system, especially when it comes to popular models of past years. Redmi 8 Proreleased in 2019, originally shipped with Android 9, but received an official update to Android 10 and the MIUI 12.5 shell, based on Android 11. The process of switching to a new version of the software can radically change the functionality of the device, improve security and add new visual elements.
However, not all users receive the update automatically through the standard interface. This may be due to the firmware region, manual changes to system files, or simply a distribution queue from the company's servers. In this material, we will analyze all the legal ways to activate the new version of the system, including hidden menu functions and manual installation of archives.
It is important to understand that updating to Android 11 based on MIUI 12.5 is not just changing the number in the settings. This is a deep redesign of the architecture of working with application permissions, clipboard management and notification grouping. Before starting any manipulations, you need to assess the current state of your gadget and choose the appropriate method.
Official support and compatibility of Redmi 8 Pro
Xiaomi has officially announced the completion of the cycle of major Android updates for the Redmi 8 series, stopping at version Android 11. This means that newer versions, such as Android 12 or 13, are officially on this smartphone is not installed. Users expecting MIUI 13 or 14 based on Android 11 should be aware that the stable update branch for this model is closed.
However, the current current version of MIUI 12.5 continues to receive security patches that are critical for protecting personal data. The lack of new Android features doesn't mean the device becomes useless. Optimization MediaTek Helio G90T processor in the latest firmware versions often brings more benefits than new visual effects.
⚠️ Attention: If your phone offers an update to the MIUI version based on Android 10, do not try to artificially force the transition to Android 11 third party methods. The official path is always safer.
Checking that the software version is up to date is the first step before any action. Sometimes Xiaomi servers are updated unevenly, and the presence of new firmware from a friend does not guarantee that you will have it right away. It is worth waiting a few days or changing the region in the settings to trigger a check for updates.
Preparing the device for installing new firmware
Before starting the download and installation process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring these steps may result in data loss or system errors. The main risk when updating is a sudden power outage or failure in file transfer.
First of all, create a complete backup of all important data. Use Google cloud services or the built-in application Mi Cloud to save contacts, photos and settings. A local copy to your computer will also not be superfluous, especially if you store large amounts of multimedia.
☑️ Checklist before updating
Make sure there is enough free space on the internal drive. The system requires a significant amount of space to download the installation package and unpack it. If the memory is full, the process may be interrupted at the file integrity check stage.
It is also recommended to clear the system application cache and remove unused apps. This will reduce the load on RAM during installation and reduce the likelihood of software code conflicts. After cleaning, restart the device to reset temporary processes.
Method 1: Automatic update through settings
The simplest and safest method is to use the built-in update mechanism. The system itself checks for new versions on the server and downloads them in the background. To launch, go to the menu Settings → About phone and click on the MIUI version icon.
If an update is available, you will see a button Download. In some cases, especially when switching between major versions of Android, the system may prompt you to select the type of download: full or incremental. The full version weighs more, but guarantees the installation of all components again, which reduces the risk of errors.
After downloading the file, the installation process will begin, which will take from 10 to 20 minutes. The phone will reboot several times. At this moment, the screen may turn off and on - this is normal behavior bootloader. Do not interrupt the process, even if the device seems frozen.
⚠️ Attention: During installation, do not connect the phone to the computer via USB and do not try to remove the SIM card. Any interference with the ports may compromise the integrity of the data recording.
If the update button is inactive or says that the version is up to date, try pressing the MIUI logo in the corner of the screen several times. This is a hidden command to force a server recheck. Sometimes this helps to “unwind” the system if it is stuck on an old version.
Method 2: Manual installation via the Recovery menu
If the automatic method does not work, you can use manual installation of the firmware archive. To do this, you will need to download the full installation package (Recovery ROM) from the official website or trusted resources. It is important to choose a file specifically for Redmi 8 Pro (code name ginkgo), since the firmware from other models will turn the phone into a “brick”.
The downloaded file with the extension .zip needs to be renamed to update.zip and moved to the root of the internal memory. Do not put it in folders with photos or documents, the path should be as short as possible: /update.zip.
Next, activate the extended update menu. Go to Settings → About phone, click on the MIUI version three times so that a message about additional functions appears. Then click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file. Specify the path to your archive.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| File type | Recovery ROM (.zip) | Critical |
| Region | Global / EU / Russia | High |
| Android version | Must be newer than the current one | Medium |
| File size | Usually 2-3 GB | Low |
After selecting a file, the system will check its checksum. If the file is damaged or does not match the model, the installation will not start. A successful test will end with a prompt to reboot and update. Confirm the action, and the phone will go into mode Recovery.
What to do if Recovery writes "Can't verify update"?
This error means that the firmware file was damaged when downloaded or does not match the region of your current firmware. Try downloading the file again from another source or select an archive with an identical region (for example, you cannot insert China into Global without unlocking the bootloader).
Solving common errors when updating
During the update process, users may encounter various errors. One of the most common is “Could not obtain data about.” It occurs when there are connection problems or overload of Xiaomi servers. The solution is simple: switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi or vice versa, and also change the DNS in the network settings.
Another common problem is an endless reboot (bootloop) after installation. If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo for more than 15 minutes, it will require a factory reset via the Recovery menu. To enter it, turn off the phone and hold down the combination Volume up + Power.
Signature verification errors often occur when trying to roll back to an older version of Android or when installing custom builds. The security system Android Verified Boot blocks such actions. In such cases, only a complete flashing via a computer using the Mi Flash Tool helps.
Expert advice: Before installing a major update, disable all third-party antiviruses and memory cleaners. They may block system recording processes, considering them suspicious activity.
If the (fingerprint scanner) or camera stops working after the update, try resetting the camera and security applications. Sometimes remnants of configuration files of the old version conflict with new drivers.
Features of the MIUI 12.5 interface on Android 11
The transition to Android 11 in the MIUI 12.5 shell brought significant changes in privacy management. There is a "Sandbox" function for applications, as well as microphone and camera usage indicators in the status bar. Now you always see which app is accessing your data.
The mechanism of how the clipboard works has changed. Applications can no longer silently read copied text. When you try to access the buffer, the system will ask for permission or show empty content unless you explicitly grant access. This significantly increases security passwords and codes from SMS.
Visually the interface has become smoother thanks to an improved animation rendering engine. However, on the Redmi 8 Pro with its 60Hz screen, these changes may be less noticeable than on flagships. However, optimizing power consumption should have a positive impact on battery life.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and feature set may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware version (Global, EEA, Russia). Some functions available in the Chinese version may not be available in the global version.
It is also worth noting the appearance of the "Bubbles" function for messages, borrowed from pure Android. This allows you to switch between chats and other applications without losing the context of the conversation. The setting is carried out through the notification menu in the section Settings → Notifications and status bar.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Redmi 8 Pro to Android 12 or 13?
Xiaomi has not officially released Android 12 and higher updates for Redmi 8 Pro. The device remains on Android 11 version with MIUI 12.5 shell. Installation of newer versions is only possible through the installation of custom firmware (Custom ROM), which requires unlocking the bootloader and carries the risk of losing the warranty.
Will the update erase my data and contacts?
When updating through the standard menu (OTA) or manually installing the Recovery ROM, the user data is saved. However, if you are upgrading from the Chinese version to the global version (or vice versa) with an unlocked bootloader, you may need a full reset (Wipe Data), which will delete all files.
Why is the update not arriving, although a friend already has one?
Updates are distributed in waves. Xiaomi servers serve files gradually to avoid overload. The region of the SIM card and date/time settings are also affected. The wait may take from several days to a couple of weeks.
Do you need to unlock the bootloader to update to Android 11?
No, you do not need to unlock the bootloader to install official MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) updates. All the described methods work on a locked device. Unlocking is only needed to install unofficial firmware.
What to do if the phone stops charging after the update?
This is a rare software failure of the power controller. Try completely discharging your phone before turning it off, then charging it while it's off to 100%. If the problem persists, you may need to flash the firmware or contact a service center.