- Aug 3, 2025
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The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (codename ursa) was a true statement piece from 2018. It was a technological showcase, captivating enthusiasts with its iconic transparent back design and its pioneering use of an in-display fingerprint scanner, one of the very first in the Android world.
However, this collector's item came with one major caveat for international fans: it was exclusively released in mainland China. This means there has never been an official Global ROM with Google Play Services. For owners of this unique device in 2025, using the stock Chinese software is not a viable option.
Fortunately, there is a definitive solution. The highly-respected Xiaomi.eu custom ROM transforms the Mi 8 Explorer Edition into a fully functional global device. This guide will show you how to install the final and most polished software it ever received—MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10—unlocking the full potential of this design classic.
This is the essential guide for every Mi 8 Explorer Edition owner:
Why You Must Flash Your Mi 8 Explorer Edition
For this specific device, flashing isn't just an option—it's a necessity for international use.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: ursa)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official China ROM for emergencies and the Xiaomi.eu ROM for daily use.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Installing the Xiaomi.eu "Global" ROM (Recommended Method)
This is the standard process for converting your China-only device for international use.
➡ Your Mi 8 Explorer Edition will now boot into a clean, multilingual system with full Google services.
Method 2: Flashing Official China ROM (For Unbricking)
Use this method only if your phone is bricked or you want to return it to its original factory state.
➡ This will restore your phone to the original Chinese software. From here, you can repeat Method 1 to install the globalized Xiaomi.eu ROM.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Xiaomi.eu ROM considered an "official" global ROM?
No. It is a custom ROM. However, it is built from the official China Stable ROM and is widely considered the standard and best way to use China-exclusive Xiaomi phones outside of China.
Q2: Will I get Android 11 or newer?
No. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition's official support ended with Android 10. The Xiaomi.eu ROM is based on this final official build. Getting newer Android versions would require searching for unofficial third-party custom ROMs.
Q3: How good is the in-display fingerprint scanner with this update?
MIUI 12.5 contains the final and most optimized drivers and algorithms for the scanner. While it won't be as fast as modern scanners in 2025, this software will make it as fast and reliable as the hardware allows.
Q4: Will I get OTA (Over-the-Air) updates on the Xiaomi.eu ROM?
Yes, the Xiaomi.eu ROM has its own built-in OTA updater, so you will be notified when they release new stable or weekly builds.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
However, this collector's item came with one major caveat for international fans: it was exclusively released in mainland China. This means there has never been an official Global ROM with Google Play Services. For owners of this unique device in 2025, using the stock Chinese software is not a viable option.
Fortunately, there is a definitive solution. The highly-respected Xiaomi.eu custom ROM transforms the Mi 8 Explorer Edition into a fully functional global device. This guide will show you how to install the final and most polished software it ever received—MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10—unlocking the full potential of this design classic.
This is the essential guide for every Mi 8 Explorer Edition owner:
- ✔ A clear explanation of why Xiaomi.eu is essential for this device
- ✔ The official China MIUI 12.5 firmware for unbricking and restoration
- ✔ The Xiaomi.eu ROM to provide a full "global" experience with Google Apps
- ✔ A direct link to a working TWRP custom recovery
- ✔ Step-by-step instructions to convert your phone for international use
Why You Must Flash Your Mi 8 Explorer Edition
For this specific device, flashing isn't just an option—it's a necessity for international use.
- Install Google Play Store & Services → This is the #1 reason. The stock China ROM does not have Google apps. The Xiaomi.eu ROM comes with them pre-installed.
- Get a Full Multilingual, Global Experience → The Xiaomi.eu ROM removes all Chinese-specific apps and services, providing a clean, bloat-free system in dozens of languages.
- Upgrade to the Final, Optimized MIUI 12.5 → This is the last and best software the Mi 8 Explorer ever received, containing crucial bug fixes and performance improvements.
- Improve In-Display Fingerprint Scanner Speed → The final MIUI 12.5 firmware includes the most updated drivers for the first-generation scanner, making it as fast and reliable as possible.
- Unbrick or Restore Your Device → If your phone is stuck in a bootloop, the official China Fastboot ROM can be used to completely restore it to a factory state.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: ursa)
- Model: Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition
- Release Year: 2018
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
- Display: 6.21” Super AMOLED
- Key Features: Transparent back design, In-display fingerprint scanner, 3D Face Unlock
- OS at Launch: MIUI 9 on Android 8.1 Oreo
- Final Official OS: MIUI 12.5 on Android 10 (China Only)
- Codename: ursa
China Exclusive Notice: The Mi 8 Explorer Edition was never officially sold outside of mainland China. Therefore, no official Global ROM exists. The Xiaomi.eu ROM is the essential software for any international user to get Google services and a true global experience.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official China ROM for emergencies and the Xiaomi.eu ROM for daily use.
| Tool / File | Purpose / OS Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | For flashing the official China Fastboot ROM. | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Ensures your PC can communicate with your phone. | Driver Pack |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Required to unlock the bootloader. | Official Unlock Page |
| Custom Recovery (TWRP) | Required to flash the Xiaomi.eu ROM. | TWRP for Ursa (Fastboot ZIP) |
| Official China ROM | For Unbricking (MIUI 12.5) | V12.5.1.0.QEHCNXM |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM | Essential Global Upgrade (MIUI 12.5) | V12.5.3.0.QEHCNXM |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Installing the Xiaomi.eu "Global" ROM (Recommended Method)
This is the standard process for converting your China-only device for international use.
- Unlock Bootloader: Your device's bootloader must be unlocked using the Mi Unlock Tool. This will erase all your data.
- Flash TWRP: Extract the downloaded TWRP .zip file. Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down). Run the fastboot_twrp_installer.bat file from the extracted folder to install TWRP.
- Boot into TWRP: After flashing, hold Power + Volume Up to boot directly into the newly installed TWRP recovery.
- Wipe Data: This step is mandatory. In TWRP, go to Wipe → Format Data and type "yes" to confirm. This will remove the old system's encryption.
- Transfer ROM File: Connect your phone to your PC and copy the downloaded Xiaomi.eu .zip file to its internal storage.
- Install the ROM: In the TWRP main menu, tap Install, select the Xiaomi.eu ROM .zip file, and swipe the slider to begin flashing.
- Reboot: Once finished, tap "Reboot System."
➡ Your Mi 8 Explorer Edition will now boot into a clean, multilingual system with full Google services.
Method 2: Flashing Official China ROM (For Unbricking)
Use this method only if your phone is bricked or you want to return it to its original factory state.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your phone. Press and hold Power + Volume Down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Extract Firmware: On your PC, extract the downloaded official China .tgz file twice until you have a folder with an images directory.
- Launch Mi Flash Tool: Open the tool as an administrator. Click "select" and choose the extracted firmware folder.
- Connect Device & Flash: Connect your phone, click "refresh" to see it listed, ensure "clean all" is selected at the bottom, and click "flash".
➡ This will restore your phone to the original Chinese software. From here, you can repeat Method 1 to install the globalized Xiaomi.eu ROM.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Xiaomi.eu ROM considered an "official" global ROM?
No. It is a custom ROM. However, it is built from the official China Stable ROM and is widely considered the standard and best way to use China-exclusive Xiaomi phones outside of China.
Q2: Will I get Android 11 or newer?
No. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition's official support ended with Android 10. The Xiaomi.eu ROM is based on this final official build. Getting newer Android versions would require searching for unofficial third-party custom ROMs.
Q3: How good is the in-display fingerprint scanner with this update?
MIUI 12.5 contains the final and most optimized drivers and algorithms for the scanner. While it won't be as fast as modern scanners in 2025, this software will make it as fast and reliable as the hardware allows.
Q4: Will I get OTA (Over-the-Air) updates on the Xiaomi.eu ROM?
Yes, the Xiaomi.eu ROM has its own built-in OTA updater, so you will be notified when they release new stable or weekly builds.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- TWRP asks for a password or can't see internal storage: This means your data partition is encrypted. The only fix is to use the "Format Data" option in TWRP, which will wipe your internal storage and remove the encryption.
- Bootloop after flashing Xiaomi.eu: You must Format Data before flashing. A simple "Wipe" of caches is not enough when moving from the stock China ROM. Boot back into TWRP, Format Data, and flash the ROM again.
- Google Pay or banking apps don't work: Custom ROMs may fail Google's SafetyNet checks. This can often be fixed by experienced users by installing Magisk and using modules designed to hide the unlocked bootloader and other modifications.
- Mi Flash Tool won't flash the Xiaomi.eu ROM: Correct. Mi Flash Tool can only flash official .tgz Fastboot files. The Xiaomi.eu ROM is a .zip file and must be flashed through a custom recovery like TWRP.
