The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (codename ginkgo/willow) is nothing short of legendary. Launched in 2019, its combination of a capable Snapdragon 665 processor, a versatile quad-camera setup, and a solid 4000 mAh battery made it a global bestseller. It brought premium features to the budget segment and remains a widely used device even today.
However, as the device aged and received heavier software updates like MIUI 12 and 12.5, many users began experiencing significant performance issues, including lag, stuttering, and reduced battery life. Fortunately, these problems are often software-related and can be completely resolved by performing a clean firmware flash. Whether you want to restore your phone's original speed, unbrick it from a bootloop, or change your device's region to access different features, you've come to the right place.
This all-in-one guide provides:
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi Note 8
For a device like the Redmi Note 8, flashing firmware is the ultimate problem-solver:
Quick Device Overview (Codename: Ginkgo/Willow)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download all the required files for your specific region and the necessary tools from this table.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Official Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
This is the cleanest and safest method to unbrick your device, change regions, or fix performance issues.
➡ The first boot into your new system can take up to 15 minutes. Be patient.
Method 2: Installing Xiaomi.eu ROM (TWRP Recovery)
For users who want a debloated and optimized experience, Xiaomi.eu is an excellent choice.
➡ Enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more feature-rich version of MIUI.
FAQs
Q1: Which ROM version has the MIUI Dialer with call recording?
The Indonesian (ID) firmware is the most popular choice for this feature, as it retains Xiaomi's dialer, contacts, and messaging apps, which include native call recording functionality.
Q2: Can I lock the bootloader after flashing?
It is strongly recommended to keep the bootloader unlocked, especially if you have changed regions (e.g., flashed Global ROM on a Chinese model). Re-locking the bootloader on modified software can result in a hard brick. Only re-lock if you are flashing the exact, original stock firmware your phone came with.
Q3: Will flashing a new ROM really make my Redmi Note 8 faster?
Yes. Over time, system files can become fragmented and corrupted. A clean flash using the "clean all" method in Mi Flash Tool installs a fresh copy of the operating system, which almost always results in a significant improvement in speed and responsiveness.
Q4: What is the difference between ginkgo and willow?
They are codenames for the same Redmi Note 8 model. The only difference is the brand of the rear camera sensor (Samsung or Sony). The software is identical, and all firmware in this guide works for both.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
However, as the device aged and received heavier software updates like MIUI 12 and 12.5, many users began experiencing significant performance issues, including lag, stuttering, and reduced battery life. Fortunately, these problems are often software-related and can be completely resolved by performing a clean firmware flash. Whether you want to restore your phone's original speed, unbrick it from a bootloop, or change your device's region to access different features, you've come to the right place.
This all-in-one guide provides:
- ✔ Download links for all official MIUI 12.5 Fastboot ROMs (Global, China, India, Indonesia, EEA)
- ✔ The popular, performance-oriented Xiaomi.eu custom ROM
- ✔ All the tools and drivers you need to get started
- ✔ Detailed, step-by-step flashing instructions for beginners and experts
- ✔ Answers to common questions and troubleshooting for potential errors
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi Note 8
For a device like the Redmi Note 8, flashing firmware is the ultimate problem-solver:
- Fix Severe Lag and Performance Issues → This is the most common reason. A clean flash of MIUI 12.5 can make your phone feel fast and responsive again by removing old system files and clutter.
- Unbrick or Recover from a Bootloop → If your phone is stuck on the Mi logo after a faulty OTA update, flashing a Fastboot ROM is the most effective way to revive it.
- Change Software Region → Want native call recording? Flash the Indonesia ROM. Want a cleaner experience for Europe? Flash the EEA ROM. This guide gives you the freedom to choose.
- Remove Bloatware → Get rid of pre-installed apps from specific regions or carriers by switching to a cleaner firmware like the Global, EEA, or Xiaomi.eu ROM.
- Prepare for Custom ROMs → Installing the latest official firmware provides an updated vendor and firmware base, which is often required before flashing third-party ROMs like Pixel Experience or LineageOS.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: Ginkgo/Willow)
- Model: Redmi Note 8
- Release Year: 2019
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- Display: 6.3” FHD+ IPS (1080×2340)
- Battery: 4000 mAh
- OS at Launch: MIUI 10 on Android 9.0 Pie
- Final Official OS: MIUI 12.5 on Android 11
- Codename: ginkgo / willow
The codenames ginkgo and willow refer to the same device but with different camera sensors. The firmware is universal and compatible with both variants, so you don't need to worry about which one you have.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download all the required files for your specific region and the necessary tools from this table.
| Tool / File | Region / Purpose | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | For flashing official Fastboot ROMs (.tgz) | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | PC device detection | Driver Pack |
| Mi Unlock Tool | To unlock the bootloader (mandatory) | Official Unlock Page |
| Custom Recovery (TWRP) | For flashing .zip ROMs like Xiaomi.eu | Official TWRP for Ginkgo |
| Fastboot ROM (China) | China Stable MIUI 12.5 | V12.5.5.0.RCOCNXM |
| Fastboot ROM (Global) | Global Stable MIUI 12.5 | V12.5.2.0.RCOMIXM |
| Fastboot ROM (Indonesia) | Indonesia Stable MIUI 12.5 | V12.5.3.0.RCOIDXM |
| Fastboot ROM (India) | India Stable MIUI 12.5 | V12.5.2.0.RCOINXM |
| Fastboot ROM (EEA) | Europe Stable MIUI 12.5 | V12.5.12.0.RCOEUXM |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Performance-focused custom ROM | V12.5.5.0.RCOCNXM |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Official Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
This is the cleanest and safest method to unbrick your device, change regions, or fix performance issues.
- Unlock Bootloader: This is a mandatory first step. Use the Mi Unlock Tool. Be aware that this process will wipe all your data.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off the Redmi Note 8. Then, press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons together until the Fastboot bunny logo appears on the screen.
- Extract the TGZ File: Use a tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR to extract the downloaded Fastboot ROM (.tgz) file twice until you have a folder containing an images directory and several script files.
- Launch Mi Flash Tool: Open the tool as an administrator. Click the "select" button and navigate to the folder you just extracted.
- Connect Your Phone: Connect your phone to the PC via a USB cable. Click "refresh" in the Mi Flash Tool, and your device should be recognized.
- Choose "clean all": At the bottom of the tool, ensure the "clean all" option is selected. This is crucial for a successful flash and to prevent errors.
- Click "Flash": The process will begin and may take several minutes. Do not disconnect the phone. Once you see a "success" status, the phone will reboot automatically.
➡ The first boot into your new system can take up to 15 minutes. Be patient.
Method 2: Installing Xiaomi.eu ROM (TWRP Recovery)
For users who want a debloated and optimized experience, Xiaomi.eu is an excellent choice.
- Unlock Bootloader & Install TWRP: Make sure your bootloader is unlocked and you have flashed a compatible TWRP custom recovery.
- Boot into TWRP: Power off your device. Hold Power + Volume Up to boot into the TWRP interface.
- Wipe Existing Data: In TWRP, go to Wipe → Format Data. Type "yes" to confirm. After this, go back and perform an "Advanced Wipe," selecting Dalvik/ART Cache and Cache.
- Transfer ROM File: Connect the phone to your PC and copy the downloaded Xiaomi.eu ROM .zip file to the phone's internal storage.
- Install the ROM: Back in the TWRP main menu, tap Install, find the ROM zip file, and swipe the slider to begin the flashing process.
- Reboot System: Once the installation is complete, tap the "Reboot System" button.
➡ Enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more feature-rich version of MIUI.
FAQs
Q1: Which ROM version has the MIUI Dialer with call recording?
The Indonesian (ID) firmware is the most popular choice for this feature, as it retains Xiaomi's dialer, contacts, and messaging apps, which include native call recording functionality.
Q2: Can I lock the bootloader after flashing?
It is strongly recommended to keep the bootloader unlocked, especially if you have changed regions (e.g., flashed Global ROM on a Chinese model). Re-locking the bootloader on modified software can result in a hard brick. Only re-lock if you are flashing the exact, original stock firmware your phone came with.
Q3: Will flashing a new ROM really make my Redmi Note 8 faster?
Yes. Over time, system files can become fragmented and corrupted. A clean flash using the "clean all" method in Mi Flash Tool installs a fresh copy of the operating system, which almost always results in a significant improvement in speed and responsiveness.
Q4: What is the difference between ginkgo and willow?
They are codenames for the same Redmi Note 8 model. The only difference is the brand of the rear camera sensor (Samsung or Sony). The software is identical, and all firmware in this guide works for both.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- "The system has been destroyed" error: This message appears when the boot process is interrupted. Don't panic. Simply boot back into Fastboot mode (Power + Vol Down) and re-flash the Fastboot ROM using Mi Flash Tool.
- Mi Flash Tool "could not find file" error: This often happens if you did not extract the .tgz file correctly. Make sure you extract it until you have a folder with the images directory, not just the .tar file inside.
- Device not detected by PC: Re-install the Xiaomi USB drivers, use a different USB port (preferably a USB 2.0 port on the motherboard), and use the original data cable.
- Bootloop after flashing Xiaomi.eu: You likely forgot to Format Data in TWRP. Boot back into TWRP, perform the Format Data step, and re-flash the ROM.