Smartphone Redmi Note 8T ot Xiaomi remains a popular choice among users who value a balance between price and performance. However, since its release in 2019, many owners have been asking the question: What version of Android is initially installed on it, are new updates supported, and how to check the relevance of the firmware? In this article we will look at all the nuances - from the factory version of the OS to the possibilities of manual updating, including official and custom firmware.

It is important to understand that Android version and MIUI version (Xiaomi branded shell) are different things. For example, a smartphone can work on Android 10, but with a shell MIUI 12. We will look in detail at how to distinguish them, where to find current data and what to do if updates stop coming. We will also touch upon security issues: is it worth installing unofficial firmware and how this can affect the warranty.

If you just bought Redmi Note 8T a used one or got it after a long period of inactivity, this article will help you deal with software without the risk of bricking the device. And for experienced users, we have prepared a section with alternative update methods - from unlocking the bootloader to installing custom recovery.

What version of Android is installed on the Redmi Note 8T out of the box

The smartphone Redmi Note 8T went on sale with November 2019 with pre-installed version Android 9 Pie and shell MIUI 10. This was the standard configuration for most regions, including Russia and Europe. However, a few months after the release, Xiaomi began releasing updates to Android 10 with the transition to MIUI 11, and later - until MIUI 12.

It is important to note that The maximum supported Android version for Redmi Note 8T is Android 11 (with shell MIUI 12.5). Xiaomi has officially stopped releasing major updates for this model after 2022, focusing on new devices. This means that even if you bought a smartphone in 2023-2026, it will not receive Android 12, 13 or later versions through standard channels.

  • 📦 Factory firmware (2019): Android 9 Pie + MIUI 10
  • 🔄 First major update (2020): Android 10 + MIUI 11/12
  • 🛑 Last official update (2022): Android 11 + MIUI 12.5
  • ❌ Not supported: Android 12 and later (without custom firmware)

If your Redmi Note 8T still works on Android 9 or 10, this is not a mistake - the previous owner just did not update the firmware. You can check the current version in the settings (instructions below). It is also worth considering that in some regions (for example, in China) smartphones came with different versions of MIUI, but this did not affect the base version of Android.

📊 Which version of Android do you prefer on your smartphone?
Android 9 Pie
Android 10
Android 11
Android 12 and later
I don't care

How to check the current version of Android and MIUI

To find out which version of Android and MIUI is installed on your Redmi Note 8T, follow these steps:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the home screen).
  2. Scroll down and select About phone.
  3. Click on MIUI Version —the shell number will be indicated here (for example, MIUI 12.5.3).
  4. Tap the line several times Android versionto see full information (for example, Android 11 RKQ1.200826.002).

If the line Android version is inactive, it means that your firmware does not support displaying extended information. In this case, you can find out the version via Settings → System → System update —the current OS is usually displayed at the top of the screen.

☑️ Checking the firmware version

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You can also find out the Android version through recovery mode (Recovery Mode):

1. Turn off the smartphone.

2. Press the buttons Power + Volume up for 5-10 seconds.


3. In the Recovery menu, select Reboot to Bootloader (use the volume buttons to navigate).


4. In the line androidboot.version.release the OS version will be indicated.

⚠️ Attention: If you see the Android version below in the settings 11, but updates do not arrive, check the firmware region. Smartphones with Chinese MIUI (for example, for the CN market) may not receive global updates. In this case, you will need to change the region via Fastboot or flashing.

Official updates: how to update Redmi Note 8T to the latest version

If your Redmi Note 8T runs on Android 9 or 10, you can update it to Android 11 (the latest supported version) through standard channels. The process takes 10-30 minutes and does not require special skills. Here are the step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect your smartphone. to a stable Wi-Fi network (updating via mobile data may result in additional tariffs).
  2. Charge the battery to at least 60% (80%+ recommended).
  3. Go in Settings → System → System update.
  4. Click Check for updates. If a new version is available, a button will appear Download.
  5. After downloading, tap Install and wait for the reboot.

If the update is not found, the following reasons are possible:

  • 🔒 Region blocked: Firmware for China (CN) does not receive global updates. The solution is to change the region. via Fastboot or installing custom firmware.
  • 🛠️ Manual blocking: The previous owner disabled updates via ADB or modified system files.
  • ⏳ Xiaomi servers: Sometimes updates are delayed by 1-2 weeks. Try checking later.

If you see a message "Your version is current", but are sure that there must be a newer firmware, try resetting the network settings (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Reset network settings) and repeat the check. You can also download the full update package manually from the official Xiaomi website and install it via Recovery.

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If the update is stuck at the download stage, try connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile data (if there is enough traffic). Sometimes the problem is solved by rebooting the smartphone.

MIUI version Android version Release date Features
MIUI 10 Android 9 Pie November 2019 Factory firmware, basic functionality
MIUI 11 Android 10 2020 New design, dark theme, performance optimization
MIUI 12 Android 10/11 2021 Physics-based animations, improved multitasking
MIUI 12.5 Android 11 2022 Latest official update, security fixes

What to do if updates do not arrive: alternative methods

If yours Redmi Note 8T does not receive updates through standard channels, but you want to install the latest version of Android 11, there are several alternative methods. Important: all of them require caution and may lead to data loss or void the warranty.

1. Manual installation via Recovery

Xiaomi allows you to install official firmware manually via recovery mode. data-i="157">Download the full firmware package for your model from

  1. Download the full firmware package for your model from the official Xiaomi website (select Redmi Note 8T and region, for example Global).
  2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root folder of the internal memory.
  3. Go to Recovery (buttons Power + Volume up).
  4. Select Install update.zip and confirm installation.

2. Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware

For experienced users, there is a way to install unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which can provide a more recent version of Android. However, this method requires:

  • 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (may take up to - this is a state of the device in which it stops turning on or loading into the system (becoming a “brick”). Most often this happens due to incorrect firmware, interrupted updating or errors when unlocking the bootloader. You can restore a smartphone after a brick, but this requires special knowledge and tools (for example, flashing the firmware via
  • 🛠️ Installing custom recovery (TWRP).
  • ⚠️ Risk of loss of warranty and possible “brick” of the device.
What is a "brick"?

Brick is a state of a device in which it stops turning on or loading into the system (becoming a “brick”). Most often this happens due to incorrect firmware, an interrupted update, or errors when unlocking the bootloader. It is possible to restore a smartphone after a brick, but this requires special knowledge and tools (for example, flashing firmware via EDL or Fastboot).

Before you begin. to unlock, make sure that:

  • 📱 USB debugging is enabled on your smartphone (Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times) → Advanced → For developers → USB debugging).
  • 🖥️ You have installed drivers Mi PC Suite and ADB/Fastboot on your computer.
  • 🔋 The battery is 100% charged.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! Back up your photos, contacts and applications via Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset or third-party services (for example, Google Photos, Mi Cloud).

Security and warranty: what you need to know before updating

Updating firmware is not only new features, but also security issues. Xiaomi regularly releases patches to eliminate vulnerabilities, so installing the latest version of Android 11 on Redmi Note 8T recommended even if you do not plan to use new features. However, there are several nuances:

  • 🔒 Warranty: Official updates via Settings But unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware cancels it.
  • 🛡️ Data security: Before updating, disable Find My Device (Settings → Google → Securityand make a backup.
  • 🔄 Firmware rollback: After updating to Android 11, it will be difficult to return to Android 10 - a complete flashing will be required via Fastboot.

If you bought Redmi Note 8T used, check the warranty status through the official Xiaomi service (Settings → About phone → Warranty status). If the warranty is valid, avoid unofficial update methods. Also note firmware region: smartphones with Chinese MIUI may contain unnecessary applications and do not support some functions (for example, Google Play Services).

To check the firmware region:

  1. Install the application MIUI Version Info from Google Play.
  2. Open it and look at the line Region (for example, Global, EEA, China).
  3. If the region does not match your location, you can change the firmware via Fastboot (instructions are on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA).
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Updating through official channels (Settings → System update) is the safest way. It preserves the warranty, data and does not require technical skills.

Custom firmware: is it worth installing Android 12+ on Redmi Note 8T

Since Xiaomi does not officially support Redmi Note 8T after Android 11, some users are considering installing custom firmware to get a more recent version of the OS. The most popular options:

  • 📱 LineageOS 19/20 (Android 12/13) - stable firmware with a minimalistic interface.
  • 🎨 Pixel Experience - firmware with pure Android and functions from Google Pixel.
  • ⚡ Paranoid Android - firmware with unique customization functions.

However, before installing it is worth weighing the advantages and cons:

Advantages Disadvantages
✅ New versions of Android (12, 13) ❌ Loss of warranty
✅ No unnecessary Xiaomi applications ❌ Risk of unstable operation (bugs, overheating)
✅ Regular security updates ❌ Lack of official support
✅ Possibility of fine tuning ❌ Difficulty installing for beginners

If you decide to install custom firmware, follow this algorithm:

  1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires linking Mi account).
  2. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot.
  3. Make a full backup of the current firmware (Nandroid Backup in TWRP).
  4. Flash custom firmware and GApps (Google services).
  5. Reset the data (Wipe Dalvik/Cache, Data, System).
⚠️ Attention: Some custom firmware may not support all functions Redmi Note 8T, for example:
  • 📸 Camera (artifacts or lack of HDR are possible).
  • 🔊 Sound (problems with the microphone or speakers).
  • 📶 Mobile network (unstable 4G or lack of VoLTE).

Before installation, be sure to read reviews on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA) about a specific assembly.

Frequent problems after updating and their solutions

Even official updates sometimes lead to problems. Here are the most common problems after updating Redmi Note 8T and ways to solve them:

  • 🔋 Fast discharge. battery:
    • Disable Auto brightness and set to a fixed value.
    • Check application activity in Settings → Battery → Usage batteries.
    • Reset the cache (Recovery → Wipe Cache).
  • 📶 Problems with the mobile network (no 4G, no network reception):
    • Reboot your smartphone.
    • Reset network settings (Settings → SIM cards → Reset network settings).
    • Update the APN settings manually (ask your operator for parameters).
  • 🔊 The sound is lost or the microphone does not work:
    • Check whether the speakers are muffled (dust, moisture).
    • Reset the sound settings (Settings → Sound → Reset).
    • If the problem is after custom firmware, reflash the sound module (audio_modem).
  • 📱 The smartphone gets very hot:
    • Close background applications.
    • Disable Geolocation and Wi-Fi/Bluetoothif they are not in use.
    • Check for viruses (Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).

If after updating your smartphone does not turn on or freezes on the logo, try:

  1. Hold Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot.
  2. Go to Recovery and select Wipe Cache.
  3. If that doesn’t help — perform a reset to factory settings (Wipe Data).

As a last resort (if the smartphone does not respond), you will need firmware via Fastboot or EDL (emergency mode). This requires special tools (Mi Flash Tool) and official firmware for your model.

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If photos or contacts are missing after the update, check the folder MIUI/Backup in the internal memory - sometimes the system creates backup copies automatically.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

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

Officially, no. Xiaomi does not release updates for this model after Android 11. However, you can install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 20), but this will require unlocking the bootloader and will void the warranty. There may also be problems with performance and stability.

Why updates are not coming to my Redmi Note. 8T?

Possible reasons:

  • You have installed firmware for another region (for example, Chinese).
  • The smartphone has been modified (root, custom recovery).
  • Xiaomi has stopped supporting updates for your model.
  • Update servers are temporarily unavailable (try again later).

Solution: check the firmware region, try installing the update manually via Recovery or change the firmware to global.

How to roll back the update on Redmi Note 8T?

Rollback is possible, but requires a complete flashing via Fastboot:

  1. Download the required firmware version from the official Xiaomi website.
  2. Connect the smartphone to the PC in the mode Fastboot (buttons Power + Volume down).
  3. Use Mi Flash Tool for firmware (select clean all).

⚠️ Attention: a rollback will reset all data and may lead to problems with the operation of some applications.

Is it worth buying Redmi Note 8T in 2026?

Depends on your needs:

  • ✅ Worth it: If you need a budget smartphone for calls, social networks and simple tasks. The camera and performance are enough for everyday use.
  • ❌ Not worth it: If you value the latest versions of Android, long-term support for updates or top-end performance for games.

Please note that Redmi Note 8T no longer receives security updates, so it is not recommended to use it to store sensitive data (banking applications, passwords).

How to increase performance after the update?

If your smartphone starts to slow down after the update, try:

  • Disable animation (Settings → Advanced → For developers → Animation scale (off)).
  • Clear cache (Settings → Storage → Clear cache).
  • Disable background activity of unnecessary applications.
  • Install light firmware (for example MIUI Lite or custom build).

It will also help replacing thermal paste (if the smartphone overheats) or replacing the battery (if it is worn out).