Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones among custom firmware enthusiasts even years after its release. Powerful processor Mediatek Helio G90T, 64 MP camera and capacious battery make it an ideal platform for experimenting with alternative software. However, installing unofficial firmware is not only new opportunities, but also potential risks: from loss of warranty to “bricking” the device.

In this article we will look at best custom firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia), we will describe in detail the installation process via TWRP, we will compare the stability and functionality of each option, and also warn against common mistakes. If you want to get rid of MIUI with its advertising, get the latest security updates, or just try Android in its purest form - this guide is for you.

Why do users choose unofficial firmware?

The main reason is dissatisfaction with stock MIUI. Even in the global firmware version Xiaomi suffers from excessive advertising, duplicate services and slowdowns over time. Custom firmware solves these problems by offering:

  • 🚀 Pure Android without bloatware (pre-installed applications) and advertising.
  • 🔄 Long-term support: many firmwares are updated even after the end of official updates from Xiaomi.
  • 🎨 Flexible setup: from interface changes to deep performance optimization.
  • 🔒 Current security patches (for example, from LineageOS or GrapheneOS).

The second compelling argument is productivity. On the forums 4PDA And XDA Developers users note that after switching to Pixel Experience or ArrowOS The smartphone begins to work more smoothly, and battery life increases by 10–15%. This is due to kernel optimization and removal of background processes MIUI.

However, not everything is so rosy: some firmware may deprive you of banking applications (due to lack Widevine L1), degrade the quality of the photo or cause problems with VoLTE. Read more about risks in the next section.

📊 What firmware are you using on Redmi Note 8 Pro?
  • Stock MIUI
  • LineageOS
  • Pixel Experience
  • ArrowOS
  • Another custom
  • I don't know what it is

Risks and pitfalls of custom firmware

Installing unofficial software is always a compromise between freedom and stability. Here are the key ones problemsproblems encountered by users:

⚠️ Attention: Smartphone firmware will void the warranty Xiaomi. Even if you return stock MIUI, the service center can detect traces of bootloader unlocking from the logs EDL.
  • 🔋 Battery problems: some firmware (for example, early builds HavocOS) suffer from increased charge consumption due to an unoptimized core.
  • 📸 Camera deterioration: custom firmware often uses universal drivers, which results in loss of support 48 MP or night mode.
  • 🏦 Problems with banking applications: due to lack of certification Google Play Protect or Widevine L1 may not work SberBank Online, Tinkoff or Google Pay.
  • 📶 Unstable mobile internet: Some builds have problems with VoLTE or switching between 4G/3G networks.

Another critical point - irrevocable risk of "scaling". If you interrupt the firmware process or select an incompatible version, the smartphone may not turn on. In this case, restoration will require EDL mode and specialized equipment (for example, Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

What to do if the smartphone does not turn on after flashing the firmware?

If Redmi Note 8 Pro does not respond to the power button, try:

1. Hold Power + Vol Up 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.

2. Connect to a PC and check if the device is detected in Device Manager how Mediatek Preloader.

3. If not, you will need firmware via SP Flash Tool in mode Download Only (no formatting).

Problem High risk firmware Solution
The camera doesn't work LineageOS 18.1, Resurrection Remix Install the patch ANX_Camera_Fix.zip through TWRP
Rapid battery drain HavocOS 4.x, CrDroid Rollback to kernel 4.14.150 or use FrancoKernel
No VoLTE/ViLTE Pixel Experience (up to version 12) Manually enter IMS settings in Build.prop
Doesn't pass SafetyNet Any firmware without Magisk Install Magisk 25+ with module Universal SafetyNet Fix

Top 5 unofficial firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026

We analyzed reviews on 4PDA, XDA And Telegram channelsto rank the most stable and functional firmware for begonia. All of them are based on Android 12/13 and support GApps (Google services).

  • 🏆 Pixel Experience (Plus Edition) — the best choice for lovers of “pure” Android with features from Google Pixel (For example, Now Playing And Call Screen). Stability: 9/10.
  • 🛠️ LineageOS 20 - minimalistic firmware with an emphasis on privacy and performance. Suitable for advanced users. Stability: 8.5/10.
  • 🎨 ArrowOS — balance between customization and stability. There are unique features like App Lock And Gesture Navigation. Stability: 8/10.
  • 🔥 HavocOS — maximum interface customization, but there may be bugs with autonomy. Stability: 7/10.
  • 🔒 GrapheneOS (unofficial port) - for the security paranoid. No GApps, but there is Sandboxed Google Play. Stability: 7.5/10 (requires manual adjustment).

Important: Firmware based on Android 13 (for example, LineageOS 20) may not support official camera drivers from Xiaomi. For full operation of the photomodule you will need to install a patch MIUI_Camera_for_A13.zip.

Comparison by key parameters:

Firmware Android version Camera (48 MP) VoLTE Widevine
Pixel Experience Plus 13 ✅ (with patch) ✅ L1
LineageOS 20 13 ❌ (12 MP only) ✅ L3
ArrowOS 12/13 ✅ ✅ L1
HavocOS 4.19 12 ✅ ❌ L3

For most users we recommend Pixel Experience Plus — it offers the best balance between stability and functionality. If you need maximum performance, check out ArrowOS with core Kirisakura.

💡

Before choosing firmware, check its compatibility with your version Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia/begoniain). Some assemblies only work on global models (for example, with the suffix _global in the title).

Step-by-step instructions: how to install custom firmware

The installation process for unofficial firmware consists of 5 Key Stages:

  1. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader).
  2. Installing custom recovery (TWRP).
  3. Creating a backup (Nandroid Backup).
  4. Firmware for custom software.
  5. Configuration and performance testing.

Let's look at each step in detail. Attention: You perform all actions at your own peril and risk!

1. Unlocking the bootloader

Default Xiaomi blocks the ability to install custom firmware. To unlock the bootloader:

Link Mi account to device in Settings → Mi Account

Enable Developer Options (7 taps per Build number in About the phone)

Activate OEM Unlock And USB Debugging in Settings → Advanced → For Developers

Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC (download from official website)

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Next:

  1. Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Vol Downto go to Fastboot.
  2. Connect your device to your PC and launch Mi Unlock Tool.
  3. Log in with the same account Mi, as on the phone.
  4. Click Unlock and wait for it to complete (usually takes 3-5 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: After unlocking the bootloader, the smartphone will perform full reset (wipe). Save your data in advance!

2. Installing TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to flash ZIP files and create backups. For Redmi Note 8 Pro use the version twrp-3.7.0_9-0-begonia.img (or newer).

Instructions:

  1. Download TWRP for begonia with official website.
  2. Restart your smartphone in Fastboot (Power + Vol Down).
  3. Open a command prompt in the folder with ADB and do: 
    fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-begonia.img

    fastboot reboot recovery

If after reboot TWRP does not start, but the smartphone returns to MIUI Recovery, repeat the command, but before it do: 

fastboot erase recovery

3. Create a backup (Nandroid Backup)

Before flashing necessarily Make a full backup of your current system. This will allow you to roll back if something goes wrong.

B TWRP:

  1. Go to Backup.
  2. Select sections: Boot, System, Data, Vendor.
  3. Specify the save location (preferably SD card or OTG drive).
  4. Swipe to start your reservation.

The backup will take 10–20 GB. Store it on a safe medium!

4. Flashing custom firmware

Now you can install the selected firmware. Example for Pixel Experience:

  1. Download the firmware (for example, PixelExperience_plus_begonia-13.0-20260310.zip) and GApps (if Google services are needed).
  2. Transfer the ZIP files to your smartphone or SD card.
  3. B TWRP execute Wipe → Advanced Wipe and note:
    • Dalvik / ART Cache
    • System
    • Data
    • Cache
  • Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the path to the firmware ZIP file.
  • After installing the firmware, repeat the step to GApps (if needed).
  • Execute Wipe → Format Data (required!), enter yes.
  • Reboot into the system (Reboot → System).
    • ⚠️ Attention: If after the firmware the smartphone freezes on the logo Pixel Experience longer than 10 minutes, return to TWRP and repeat Format Data. This is a common mistake when switching from MIUI on AOSP.

    5. First setup and check

    After the first boot (may take 5-15 minutes):

    • Go through the initial setup Android.
    • Check the work:
      • Mobile network (including VoLTE).
      • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
      • Cameras (take test pictures).
      • Fingerprint sensor.
    • Install Magisk for root rights (if needed): download Magisk-v26.1.zip and sew through TWRP.

    If something doesn't work, contact Telegram chat communities Redmi Note 8 Pro or explore topics on 4PDA.

    💡

    After installing custom firmware, disable automatic updates in the settings. Some OTA updates may cause bootloop!

    How to return stock MIUI?

    If the custom firmware does not live up to expectations or critical bugs arise, you can return the official one MIUI. To do this:

    1. Download fastboot firmware for your model from the site Xiaomi (choose version Global Stable for begonia).
    2. Extract the ZIP archive into a folder with Mi Flash Tool.
    3. Transfer your smartphone to Fastboot (Power + Vol Down).
    4. Connect to PC and launch Mi Flash Tool.
    5. Select the folder with the firmware and click Refresh → Flash.
    6. Wait for it to complete (the process will take 5–10 minutes).

    After reboot you will have a clean MIUI without root rights and custom modifications. Attention: this method erases all data on your device!

    If Mi Flash Tool gives an error anti-roll back, then you are trying to flash an older version MIUIthan the one that was installed previously. In this case:

    • Download the latest firmware for your region.
    • Or use SP Flash Tool with file auth (requires developer account Xiaomi).

    Common mistakes and their solutions

    Even experienced users encounter problems with the firmware Redmi Note 8 Pro. We have collected TOP-5 errors and ways to fix them:

    Error Reason Solution
    Error 7 in TWRP Firmware incompatibility with device Check the model (begonia or begoniain) and download the correct version
    Stuck on logo Not completed Format Data after flashing Go back to TWRP and do Wipe → Format Data → yes
    No network (IMEI disappears) Partition damaged modem or nvram Sew stock vendor And modem through SP Flash Tool
    Orange State in Fastboot Bootloader locked after unsuccessful flashing Unlock the bootloader again via Mi Unlock Tool
    Magisk doesn't work Incompatibility with Android version Install Magisk Delta or roll back to version 25.2

    If your problem is not included in the table, try:

    • 🔍 Search for a solution by error code on 4PDA.
    • 📥 Reflash your smartphone from scratch, having previously formatted all partitions in TWRP.
    • 💬 Contact Telegram chat communities (answer quickly).

    To diagnose hardware problems (for example, if after the firmware it stopped working NFC or vibration motor) use the engineering menu: enter in the dialer *#*#4636#*#* and select Testing.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader?

    No. Xiaomi strictly blocks the installation of unofficial software. The only workaround is to use exploits (eg. DirtyCOW), but they only work on older versions MIUI (before 12.0.3). On current firmware, unlocking the bootloader is required.

    Which firmware is better for games?

    For gaming we recommend ArrowOS with core Kirisakura or Pixel Experience with patch GameTurbo.zip. These firmwares are optimized for Mediatek Helio G90T and support GPU overclocking up to 850 MHz. Also check the thermal throttling settings in /sys/module/thermal_engine/parameters/.

    How to update custom firmware?

    Most firmwares (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) support OTA updates. However, before updating:

    1. Make a backup in TWRP.
    2. Download the new ZIP file.
    3. Sew it through Install in TWRP (without Wipe Data!).
    4. Clear Dalvik/Cache.

    If there are any bugs after the update, run clean install (with full wipe).

    Why doesn't Google Pay work after the firmware update?

    The problem is related to SafetyNet and status Widevine. To fix:

    1. Install Magisk 25.2+.
    2. Activate modules:
      • Universal SafetyNet Fix
      • MagiskHide Props Config
  • B Magisk turn on Enforce DenyList and add to the list Google Play Services.
  • Reboot and check the status in the application SafetyNet Test.

    • If Widevine shows L3, banking applications may not work even after these manipulations. In this case, try firmware with a certified L1 (For example, Pixel Experience).

    How to increase battery life on custom firmware?

    To improve autonomy:

    • Disable AOD (Always On Display) in the screen settings.
    • Install the kernel FrancoKernel or Kirisakura with profile battery.
    • Limit background app activity via Settings → Applications → Accessibility → Battery optimization.
    • Use Greenify to “freeze” unnecessary services.
    • Disable 5G (if not used) in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.

    Also check if the battery is draining due to a poorly optimized module Magisk (For example, Xposed Framework can consume up to 20% charge per hour).