The smartphone Redmi 8A from the company Xiaomi has become a real hit in the budget segment, offering users a decent combination of price and functionality. However, many owners, especially those who purchased the device some time ago or take it in their hands, are concerned about the issue of software. What version of the operating system is Android installed on this device by default and to which version can it be updated?
The answer to this question is not as clear as it might seem at first glance, since the line Redmi 8A was produced and sold in different regions with different firmware configurations. The global version, the Chinese assembly and the Indian modification could have different starting software packages. Understanding the current version of the OS is critical for installing compatible applications and assessing the security of the device.
In this article we will analyze in detail the evolution of software on Redmi 8A, consider the possibilities of updating to the latest versions MIUI, and also give practical recommendations for optimizing the system. You will learn how to check the current build, whether it is worth installing updates manually, and what pitfalls may be encountered on the way to upgrading your gadget.
Basic version of the operating system at the start of sales
At the time of the official release in 2019, the smartphone Redmi 8A came out with a pre-installed operating system Android 9.0 Pie. A proprietary shell was installed on top of this “pure” version of Android MIUI 10 or MIUI 11 depending on the specific delivery date of the batch of devices. It was a stable and lightweight version of the system, optimized for the processor. Snapdragon 439.
The interface of that time differed from the modern one in the presence of a classic application menu and specific transition animations. Many users still prefer this version for its speed, since newer shells require more resources. However, the lack of some modern data protection features and new navigation gestures makes you think about upgrading.
⚠️ Attention: If you buy a used device and see an Android version lower than 9.0 on the screen, this may indicate that the phone was flashed using a homemade method or has problems with identifying the model.
It is worth noting that the initial version of the software is very depended on the sales region. European models often received a cleaner Android with a minimum amount of pre-installed marketing software, while Asian versions could contain additional services. You can check the original version in the service menu by entering the code ##6484## in the phone application.
Remember the version of MIUI that was on the phone when you purchased it if you plan to return to it if the update to the new version fails.
Official ways to update to new versions of Android
The company Xiaomi is known for its policy of supporting budget devices, which, although inferior to the flagship series, still allows you to get relevant functions. For Redmi 8A the official way was to update to Android 10 followed by installing the shell MIUI 12 i MIUI 12.5. This update brings with it a new permissions system, a system-wide dark theme, and improved privacy controls.
The update process usually happens over the air (OTA). The system independently checks servers for new packages and prompts the user to download them. It is important to understand that the transition from Android 9 to Android 10 is a major update that changes the core of the system and may require more free space in the internal memory.
- 📲 The update to Android 10 added full support for navigation gestures without buttons.
- 🔒 There is expanded control over permissions for applications, including access to location only during use.
- 🎨 The MIUI 12 shell brought new animations and a notification control center similar to iOS.
Not all users receive an update notification at the same time. This is due to the gradual deployment of firmware to avoid massive load on servers and identify critical errors at an early stage. If your phone does not offer an update, this does not mean that it is not available - it may not be your turn yet.
How to check the current version and install the update
To find out which Android on Redmi 8A is currently installed, you need to go to the device settings. The path to this information is standardized in the MIUI shell, but may differ slightly in different firmware versions. Usually it is enough to open the application Settings and scroll to the very bottom.
Click on the item About phone. In the menu that opens, the first line will indicate the version of the operating system, for example, “Android 10 version.” The MIUI version will be indicated below, for example, “12.0.3 Stable”. Clicking on the MIUI logo will trigger an animation, and clicking on the system version again will start checking for updates.
Settings → About phone → MIUI version (click to check)If an update is available, the system will prompt you to download the package. It is highly recommended that you back up your important data before starting the installation. Although the update process using standard means is considered safe, any power failure or recording error can lead to loss of information.
☑️ Preparing to update the system
Custom firmware options and bootloader unlocking
For advanced users who are not satisfied with the official support, ending with Android 10, there is the possibility of installing custom firmware The developer community has created ports of newer versions Android 11 and even Android 12 for Redmi 8A. However, this path requires unlocking the bootloader.
Unlocking the bootloader is a procedure that removes manufacturer restrictions on installing unsigned software. To do this, you will need to submit an application through the official website Xiaomi, link your Mi account to the device and wait a certain period (usually from 7 to 15 days). Only after this can you use the utility Mi Unlock.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader completely deletes all data from the phone (resetting to factory settings) and may void the warranty if it is still valid.
Installing custom firmware such as LineageOS or Xiaomi.eu, allows you to get a cleaner interface and the latest security patches. However, camera stability and energy saving on custom assemblies are often inferior to official versions, since the drivers are optimized for stock software.
Risks of custom firmware
When installing unofficial software, you may encounter a non-working banking application (due to a violation of system integrity), problems with VoLTE, or unstable operation of the Bluetooth module. Always read the developer forum before installing.
Technical characteristics and the impact of software on performance
The software directly affects how the technical characteristics of the smartphone are revealed. Redmi 8A equipped with a processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 and 2 or 3 GB of RAM. Heavier versions of Android, such as 11 or 12, can create a noticeable load on this configuration.
On Android 9 i Android 10 the device runs the smoothest. The interface responds quickly, applications launch without long delays. When upgrading to newer versions of the system, users often note an increase in response time and more frequent unloading of applications from memory. This is due to the fact that modern Google services and background processes require more resources.
| Android version | MIUI shell | Stability | Working speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 9.0 | MIUI 10/11 | High | Very fast |
| Android 10 | MIUI 12/12.5 | Medium | Normal |
| Android 11+ | Custom | Low/Medium | Slow |
If your main goal is to use instant messengers, calls and watch videos, then staying on the official firmware with Android 10 will be the most reasonable decision. This will ensure a balance between modern security features and acceptable speed of the device.
For Redmi 8A with 2 GB of RAM, the “golden mean” is Android 10 with the MIUI 12 shell, since newer systems can cause stuttering.
Frequent problems after the update and ways to solve them
Updating the operating system is always stressful for the file system and settings of the smartphone. After switching to a new version Android users Redmi 8A may encounter a number of typical problems. Most often, rapid battery drain occurs in the first days after the update, as the system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background.
Conflicts with the cache of old applications may also occur. If you notice that a app is not working correctly or crashes, try clearing its cache in the settings. In rare cases, a full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset) helps, but this method should be resorted to only if other methods have not helped.
- 🔋 Quick discharge: usually goes away on its own after 3-5 days of active use.
- 📉 Interface lags: try disabling animations in developer mode or deleting unused applications.
- 📶 Wi-Fi problems: resetting the network settings can restore a stable connection.
It is important to ensure that there is always enough free space on your device. System updates not only require space to download the package, but also additional space to unpack and install. If the memory is full, the update process may fail or lead to the device becoming bricked.
⚠️ Attention: Do not interrupt the update process, even if the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 10 minutes. Often the system simply performs complex background operations. A forced reboot at this moment may damage the system partition.
Conclusion and recommendations for use
To summarize, we can say that Redmi 8A is a device that has gone from Android 9 to Android 10 within official support. For most users, the current version is enough to comfortably solve everyday problems. Switching to newer versions through custom methods is justified only for enthusiasts who are willing to put up with possible instabilities.
Regularly check for security updates, even if the major version of Android does not change. These small packages often contain critical fixes for vulnerabilities that protect your personal data from attackers. Be attentive to the state of the memory and do not overload the device with unnecessary software.
Use the built-in “Security” application from MIUI to regularly clear the cache and optimize memory - this will extend the life of the device on older versions of Android.
Is it possible to update the Redmi 8A to Android 11 officially?
No, official support Redmi 8A from the company Xiaomi has ended with the version Android 10 with the MIUI 12.5 shell. Updating to Android 11 is only possible through installing custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader and carries risks.
Why did the phone start working slower after the update?
This is a common occurrence when upgrading to heavier versions of the system. New features and services require more processor resources and RAM. It is recommended to clear the application cache or perform a factory reset after updating.
How can I find out the exact build of MIUI on my device?
Go to Settings → About phone. The version will be indicated there, for example, 12.0.1.0. The first numbers indicate the version of MIUI, the next ones indicate the version of Android on which it is based.
Is it safe to install firmware from the 4PDA forum?
Installing firmware from third-party resources always carries a risk. You act at your own risk. Official firmware from Xiaomi servers are the only guaranteed safe and stable options for the average user.