The smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8, released at the end of 2019, has become a real bestseller in the budget segment due to its impressive price-quality ratio. However, for many owners, the issue of software support for the device remains relevant, especially in the context of security and compatibility with modern applications. Users often look for information about what version of the operating system this device can be officially updated to.
Initially, the gadget came with a shell MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie. The device received several major updates during its lifecycle, which is rare for entry-level phones. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the update history, current support status, and the possibility of installing alternative firmware versions to extend the life of your smartphone.
Understanding software limitations is critical before purchasing a used copy or when deciding to replace the device. If you are still using this model, knowing the available system functions will help you optimize your phone and avoid problems with compatibility of banking applications and instant messengers.
Official update history and current status
The Company Xiaomi traditionally provides support for its budget models for a limited time, usually one or two major Android updates. In the case of Redmi 8, the situation turned out to be slightly better than expected for this price segment. The device started with the ninth version of the “robot”, which was already a good indicator at the time of release.
The first significant event was the receipt of an update to Android 10 with the MIUI 11 shell. This brought users improved gesture controls, a dark theme at the system level and new privacy features. However, the most important step was the transition to Android 11 as part of the MIUI 12.5 shell.
⚠️ Attention: Official support for security updates for Redmi 8 has been discontinued. This means that the phone no longer receives patches to fix system vulnerabilities, which can pose a risk when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Currently, the final official version is MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition based on Android 11. Many users hoped to receive Android 12 or even Android 13, but the company has officially closed the update thread for this model. This is standard practice for entry-level Redmi series devices, the life cycle of which is usually 2-3 years of active software support.
Despite the stoppage of major updates, the phone continues to function stably. Most popular apps on the Google Play Store still support Android 11, so everyday use is not a problem. However, the lack of new system functions can be a noticeable disadvantage for those who are accustomed to modern interfaces.
Technical characteristics and impact on performance
The software is inextricably linked with the hardware of the device. Redmi 8 equipped with an eight-core processor Snapdragon 439chip manufactured using a 12nm process technology. This is an entry-level solution that copes well with basic tasks, but has limitations when working with heavy interfaces of new versions of Android.
The amount of RAM in different modifications is 3 or 4 GB type LPDDR4X. This volume is enough to work Android 11 with the MIUI shell, but multitasking may suffer. When switching between heavy applications, the system may unload them from memory, requiring them to be loaded again, which increases response time.
Built-in memory type eMMC 5.1 also imposes restrictions on the speed of reading and writing data. When upgrading to heavier firmware versions, users sometimes notice a decrease in file system speed. This is especially noticeable when installing applications or copying large volumes of files.
The screen with resolution 1520×720 and protection Gorilla Glass 5 remains relevant, but software image optimization depends on the version of drivers that have stopped updating. This does not directly affect image quality, but may limit support for new codecs or display standards in future versions of the software.
How to check and install available updates
If you purchased a smartphone second-hand or reset it to factory settings, the first thing you need to do is check for updates. The system may not prompt you to upgrade to the latest version immediately, requiring step-by-step installation of intermediate packages. This is a standard procedure for devices Xiaomi.
To start checking, go to the settings menu. Find the section About the phone and click on the square icon with the version MIUI. The system will contact the server and check the relevance of the installed software. If an update is available, you will see a “Download and Install” button.
☑️ Preparing for a system update
In some cases, automatic updating may not work due to regional restrictions or changes in distribution servers. Then you can use manual installation through the recovery menu. To do this, you will need to download the archive with the firmware (.zip) from the official website and place it in the root of the internal memory.
Next you need to go to the extended update menu. Tap the MIUI version icon several times until an additional menu appears. Select Select firmware file and indicate the downloaded archive. The phone will reboot and install the new version of the system.
⚠️ Attention: Never interrupt the update installation process or turn off the phone manually. This can damage the bootloader and turn the device into a “brick” that will have to be restored via a computer.
Custom firmware capabilities and unlocking the bootloader
For prodolniks who want to get more recent versions of Android, there is a way to install custom firmware, such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu. This allows you to install Android 12, Android 13 and even newer ones, but the process requires technical skills and is fraught with risks.
The first step is to unlock the bootloader (Bootloader). To do this, you need to link your Mi account to the device, submit an application through the utility Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and wait from 7 to 168 hours. After unlocking, all data on the phone will be deleted.
Risks of unlocking the bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty (if it is still valid), reduces the security of the device (data encryption may not work correctly) and makes it impossible for some banking applications to work without additional manipulations (Magisk, Hide My Applist). There is also a risk of losing access to the functions of Widevine L1, which is why streaming services will stop showing content in HD quality.
After unlocking, you need to install a custom recovery, for example TWRP. Through it you can install third-party firmware and a package of Google services (GApps), if they are not built into the image. This process gives access to pure Android without unnecessary software from Xiaomi, which has a positive effect on performance Snapdragon 439.
However, it is worth considering that camera and modem drivers in custom firmware are often taken from stock versions. This means that the quality of photos may deteriorate and network performance may become less stable. In addition, functions NFC (if they were implemented programmatically) may no longer work correctly for contactless payment.
Comparison of MIUI versions and functional differences
Differences between shell versions are significant and affect the user experience. Below is a table showing the evolution of functions on Redmi 8 from the launch version to the final official one.
| MIUI version | Android base | Key features | Support status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10 | Android 9 | Classic design, basic gestures | Outdated |
| MIUI 11 | Android 10 | Dark theme, ad limiter, nature sounds | Outdated |
| MIUI 12 | Android 10/11 | Control center, super wallpaper, privacy protection | Completed |
| MIUI 12.5 | Android 11 | Memory optimization, improved animation, notes | Final |
Go to MIUI 12.5 brought an important improvement - optimization of the use of RAM. For devices with 3 GB of RAM, this became a critical survivability factor, allowing the smartphone to remain responsive for longer. The notification system has also been redesigned and a new settings interface has been added.
In version MIUI 11, a feature has been added to limit advertising in system applications, which has significantly improved the comfort of use. Users could disable intrusive suggestions in the menu, weather and explorer with one switch in the security settings.
Compatibility issues and data security
With the end of support for security updates, the question of data safety arises. Banking applications such as Sberbank or Tinkoffrequire a certain level of OS security. They work stably on Android 11, but in the future they may stop running on outdated versions of the system.
To increase security, it is recommended not to install applications from unknown sources (Unknown Sources). Use only a trusted store Google Play. If you need to install an APK file manually, check its authenticity through services like VirusTotal.
Install a reliable antivirus from Google Play, such as Malwarebytes or Kaspersky, to compensate for the lack of recent security patches from the system manufacturer.
It is also worth paying attention to support for encryption protocols. Older versions of Android may not support the latest TLS 1.3 standards in some browsers by default, requiring manual configuration or updating WebView components through the app store.
Recommendations for optimizing your old device
If you decide to keep the Redmi 8 as your primary or backup phone, here are a few guidelines to follow to maintain its performance. Regularly clearing the cache and deleting unused applications will help free up space and speed up your work.
Disable animations in the menu For developers. Reduce the animation scale of windows, transitions, and animator duration to 0.5x or disable them completely. This will visually speed up the interface on the processor Snapdragon 439.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use “accelerators” and “cleaners” from third-party stores that promise miraculous acceleration. They often consume resources themselves and display intrusive advertising, slowing down the phone even more.
Use lightweight versions of applications (Lite), where possible. For example, Facebook Lite or Google Go consume significantly less resources than their full-featured counterparts, which is critical for the memory budget of Redmi 8.
Timely cleaning of the storage and disabling visual effects are the best ways to prolong the comfortable use of Redmi 8 on the final version of Android without the need for flashing.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to officially update Redmi 8 to Android 12?
No, Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting the model. The latest available version is Android 11 as part of the MIUI 12.5 shell. Getting Android 12 is only possible through installing custom firmware after unlocking the bootloader.
Will banking applications stop working on Redmi 8?
In the near future - no. Most banking apps support Android 11. However, after 1-2 years, some services may begin to require a newer version of the system to ensure transaction security.
Is it safe to unlock the bootloader on this phone?
The unlocking procedure is legal and provided by the manufacturer, but it erases all data from the device and reduces the overall level of security. For an ordinary user who does not plan to experiment with firmware, unlocking is not recommended.
Why does the phone not see the update over the air?
This may be due to regional settings (for example, global firmware in the Chinese region), full memory, or running on an unstable software version. Try clearing the Update application data in the application settings or check for updates manually through the MIUI website.
Is it worth buying Redmi 8 in 2026-2026?
The purchase makes sense only as a budget second phone for calls, instant messengers and navigation. For active work with modern applications and games, the device is already obsolete due to the lack of new security updates and limited performance.