Redmi Note 8 Pro remains a popular smartphone even years after the release, but its official support from Xiaomi ended at Android 10 (MIUI 12). However, many users want features Android 11 —improved privacy, notification bubbles, a permissions section for one-time rights, and performance optimizations. In this article, we will look at all working update methods, from official workarounds to custom firmware, and also tell you how to avoid mistakes and not turn your phone into a “brick.”

It is important to understand: Redmi Note 8 Pro (code name begonia) is equipped with a processor Mediatek Helio G90T, which imposes restrictions on unofficial firmware. Not all custom ROMs support this chipset stably. We tested the methods and selected only those that work in practice - with confirmation from the community XDA Developers and Russian enthusiasts. If you are not willing to risk the warranty or stability, consider alternatives like MIUI only updates without changing the Android version.

Before you start, answer two questions for yourself:

  • 🔹 Do you need Android 11 for specific functions (for example, for applications that require a new version to work OS)?
  • 🔹 Are you ready for possible bugs after installing custom firmware (problems with the camera, sensors, mobile network)?
📊 Why do you need Android 11 on Redmi Note 8 Pro?
For new functions (bubbles, permissions section)
To run modern games/applications
I just want the latest version
I have problems with the current firmware
Other option

1. Checking the current version and compatibility

Before any manipulations with the firmware required check:

  • 📱 Current version of MIUI and Android: go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version. If you already have MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10, this is the latest official option.
  • 🔋 Battery charge: must be at least 60%. When updating via fastboot or recovery the phone should not turn off.
  • 📡 Data backup: the update will change the partition /data, and all user files (photos, messages, applications) will be erased. Use Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup (requires root).

For Redmi Note 8 Pro there are two ways to get Android 11:

  1. Official workaround: through regional firmware (for example, for India or Europe), where support lasted longer.
  2. Unofficial firmware: custom ROMs like LineageOS 18.1, Pixel Experience or Havent OS, adapted for begonia.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware for Redmi Note 8 (without "Pro") are not suitable! These models have different processors (Snapdragon vs Mediatek) and cores. Installing incompatible firmware will lead to hard brick (irreparable damage).
Update method Does bootloader unlock required? Loss data? Risk of "brickling" Stability
Official firmware (regional) ❌ No ✅ Yes ⚠️ Low ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Custom firmware (LineageOS) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⚠️⚠️ Medium ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Custom firmware (Pixel Experience) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⚠️⚠️⚠️ High ⭐⭐⭐
Update via ADB Sideload ❌ No ✅ Yes ⚠️ Low ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. Method 1: Official update via regional firmware

This method is suitable for those who do not want to risk unlocking the bootloader or installing a custom recovery. The point is to “deceive” the update system, forcing it to offer firmware for another region where support for Android 11 is still relevant.

Steps:

  1. Download the archive with firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (code begonia) from the official site Xiaomi (select region India or EEA). The file name must contain V12.5.1.0.RGGMIXM or newer.
  2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone's internal memory.
  3. Open the application Update (Updater, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
  4. Confirm installation. The phone will reboot into recovery and begin the process.

If the system displays an error "Can't verify update", then your current firmware is too old. In this case:

  • 🔄 First, update to the latest available official version via Settings → Software update.
  • 🔧 If there are no updates, use Mi Flash Tool to cleanly install the latest firmware (instructions in the following section).

Download firmware for the India/EEA region|

Rename the file to update.zip|

Check battery charge (>60%)|

Make a backup copy of data|

Disable screen lock (PIN/pattern)-->

⚠️ Attention: After installing regional firmware, minor bugs may appear - for example, incorrect temperature display or problems with NFC (if your model has it). These problems are usually solved by resetting the settings (Settings → Advanced → Recovery and reset).

3. Method 2: Installing custom firmware (LineageOS 18.1)

If there are no official paths, it remains custom firmware. The most stable option for Redmi Note 8 Pro — LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is known for its optimization and minimalistic interface without unnecessary software from Xiaomi.

Requirements:

  • 🔓 Unlocked bootloader.
  • 🛠️ Installed custom recovery (OrangeFox or TWRP for begonia).
  • 🖥️ Computer with ADB i Fastboot (for unlocking).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Unlock the bootloader:
    • Activate Developer options (click on MIUI version 7 times in Settings → About phone).
    • Enable OEM Unlock i USB debugging in Settings → Advanced → For developers.
    • Connect your phone to the PC, open the command line and run: 
      adb reboot bootloader

      fastboot oem unlock

      On the phone, confirm unlocking (this will erase all data!).

  2. Install custom recovery:
    • Download OrangeFox for begonia from the official website.
    • In fastboot mode, do: 
      fastboot flash recovery orangefox.img

      fastboot reboot recovery

  • Flash LineageOS:
    • Download LineageOS 18.1 i GApps (for example, NikGapps for Android 11).
    • In OrangeFox select Wipe → Format Data (enter yes).
    • Install first LineageOS, then GApps through Install → Select ZIP.
    • Reboot into the system (Reboot → System).
      • What to do if the phone is stuck on the logo after flashing the firmware?

      If after installing LineageOS the phone does not boot beyond the logo, do the following steps:

      1. Go to recovery (Power + Vol Up).

      2. Select Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all user data, but save the firmware).

      3. Reboot. If the problem persists, repeat the firmware installation, making sure to download the correct version for begonia (not for ginkgo —this is Redmi Note 8 without Pro!).

      Critical information: Android 11-based firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro may have problems with the camera module due to proprietary Mediatek drivers. In LineageOS 18.1, the camera works, but without some functions (for example, night mode or 64 MP). For full shooting, you will have to install GCam with manual settings.

      4. Method 3: Update via ADB Sideload

      If you already have an unlocked bootloader, but you do not want to install a custom recovery, you can use ADB Sideload. This method allows you to flash official or unofficial firmware directly through stock recovery.

      Instructions:

      1. Download the firmware in format .zip (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced for India).
      2. Connect phone to the PC and go to recovery (Power + Vol Up).
      3. Select Apply update → Apply from ADB.
      4. On the PC, run the command: 
        adb sideload firmware.zip
      5. Wait for completion (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

      The advantage of this method is there is no need for custom recovery, but it only works with official firmware. For custom ROMs you will still need TWRP or OrangeFox.

      💡

      If ADB does not see the device, check the Mediatek drivers for For Windows, download Mediatek USB Driver from the official website and install manually via Device Manager

      5. Solving common errors when updating

      Even if you follow the instructions, problems may arise. solutions:

      Error Cause Solution
      Error 7 in recovery Incompatibility of firmware with the device Check what you downloaded firmware specifically for begonia (Redmi Note 8 Pro), and not for ginkgo (Redmi Note 8).
      The phone does not turn on after the firmware Incorrect or damaged data format boot.img Boot into fastboot and flash the stock firmware via Mi Flash Tool with the option clean all.
      Couldn't mount /data Encrypted data partition In recovery select Format Data (this will delete all user files!).
      No mobile network after firmware Missing IMEI or modem modules Install a patch for the modem via recovery or restore IMEI using Maui META (requires a PC).

      If After the update, the Google Play or other services disappeared, most likely you forgot to flash GApps. Solution:

      1. Download the appropriate package GApps (for example, NikGapps-core for Android 11).
      2. Boot into recovery and install the ZIP file on top of the firmware.
      3. Clear the cache (Wipe → Cache) and reboot.
    ⚠️ Attention: If after flashing a custom ROM the phone overheats or discharges quickly, check the kernel settings. LineageOS by default can be activated performance mode. Switch to balanced in Settings → Battery → Performance Mode.

    6. Alternatives: what to do if Android 11 is not needed?

    If the purpose of the update is not the Android version itself, but specific functions, consider alternatives:

    • 🔄 Update MIUI to the latest version: even on Android 10 MIUI 12.5 Enhanced offers many features from Android 11 (for example, improved notifications).
    • 📱 Use launchers: Nova Launcher or Lawnchair imitate the Android 11 interface, including gestures and widgets.
    • 🛡️ Install Magisk modules: some functions (for example, section permissions) can be added through modules like AppOps or Shizuku.

      • If you are concerned security, remember: Xiaomi continues to release security patches for Redmi Note 8 Pro even without updating Android. Check the relevance of the patches in Settings → About phone → MIUI version → Security patch level.

      💡

      Custom firmware gives Android 11, but deprives you of official security updates from Xiaomi. Weigh the risks: the latest version of the OS vs regular patches.

      7. How to return everything back (rollback to the official firmware)

      If the experiment with Android 11 is unsuccessful, you can always return to the stock firmware. To do this:

      1. Download the latest official one. firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro from the site Xiaomi (select region Russia or Global).
      2. Unpack the archive and run Mi Flash Tool on PC.
      3. Connect your phone to mode fastboot (Power + Vol Down).
      4. In Mi Flash Tool specify the path to the folder with the firmware and select clean all (full cleaning).
      5. Click Flash and wait for completion (5-7 minutes).

      After the rollback:

      • 🔒 The bootloader will be automatically locked again.
      • 📱 All data will be erased (including internal memory!).
      • 🔄 To avoid problems, after flashing the firmware, perform a factory reset (Settings → Advanced → Recovery and reset).
      ⚠️ Attention: If you installed custom firmware with modified anti-rollback (rollback protection), returning to the old official version may lead to hard brickCheck before rolling back. version anti in the current firmware (information is in the firmware topic on XDA).

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating Redmi Note 8 Pro

      Is it possible to update Redmi Note 8 Pro to Android 12 or 13?

      Technically yes, but only through custom firmware like LineageOS 19/20 or ArrowOS. However, the stability of such assemblies is questionable: the camera, Wi-Fi or mobile network may not work for everyday use. Will I lose the warranty? after unlocking the bootloader? Android 11.

      Will I void my warranty after unlocking the bootloader?

      Yes, unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty on the software part. However, in Russia and the CIS countries, many service centers turn a blind eye to the unlocked bootloader if the problem is hardware (for example, a broken screen) Before visiting the service center, return the stock firmware.

      How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

      Turn off the phone and press Power + Vol Up. If a splash screen appears with the message "Unlocked" at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked. If not, it is. blocked. You can also check using the command: 

      adb reboot bootloader

      fastboot oem device-info

      Look for the line Device unlocked: true.

      Is it possible to update without losing data?

      No. Any update via recovery or fastboot formats the partition /data, where user files and settings are stored. The only way to save the data is to make a full backup via Titanium Backup (requires root) or manually copy the files to the PC.

      What to do if the touchscreen does not work after flashing the firmware?

      This is a typical problem when installing incompatible firmware. Solution:

      1. Make sure that the firmware is intended specifically for begonia.
      2. If touch does not work even in recovery, flash the stock firmware via fastboot from a PC (use Mi Flash Tool).
      3. If the problem persists, check the display cable - it may be hardware malfunction.