The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro (codename equuleus) was the stylish, international top-tier model of the Mi 8 flagship line from 2018. It captivated users with its premium features, including a stunning transparent back design that offered a glimpse into the device's internals and an innovative in-display fingerprint scanner. Powered by the formidable Snapdragon 845 processor, the Mi 8 Pro remains a powerful and capable device for enthusiasts even in 2025.
Its official software support concluded with the MIUI 12 on Android 10 update. For owners of this design classic, performing a clean installation of this final firmware is the best way to resolve any lingering bugs, optimize the system for peak performance, and create a perfect, stable base before exploring the vibrant world of custom ROMs.
This is your complete optimization and restoration guide for the Mi 8 Pro:
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi 8 Pro
For a legacy flagship, flashing is about maximizing the potential of its powerful hardware.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: equuleus)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official firmware for your region and the necessary tools to begin.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Official MIUI 12.0 Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
This is the definitive method for unbricking your device or restoring it to its final, official software.
➡ Your phone will reboot into a perfectly clean, official MIUI 12.0 system.
Method 2: Installing a Custom Recovery (TWRP)
This is the first step for users who want to move beyond stock MIUI and explore the world of custom ROMs.
➡ With TWRP installed, you are now ready to flash a variety of custom ROMs (like Pixel Experience, LineageOS, etc.) to get newer versions of Android and different features.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Mi 8 Pro still a fast phone in 2025?
Yes. The Snapdragon 845 was a top-tier flagship processor. For all everyday tasks, social media, and even many modern games, it is still very capable and provides a smooth experience, especially after a clean software flash.
Q2: Can I get MIUI 12.5 or Android 11 officially on my Global Mi 8 Pro?
No. Official support for the global equuleus model ended with MIUI 12.0 on Android 10. To get a newer version of MIUI or Android, you must install a custom ROM.
Q3: Is the Mi 8 Pro the same as the Mi 8 Explorer Edition?
They are extremely similar and share most of their hardware, including the transparent back concept. However, they have different codenames (equuleus for Pro, ursa for Explorer) and their firmware is not officially interchangeable. The Mi 8 Pro was the version officially sold to international markets.
Q4: My in-display fingerprint scanner is not very good. Will this help?
It has a very good chance of helping. A clean firmware installation restores the original, factory-calibrated drivers for the scanner. After flashing, it is highly recommended to delete all your old fingerprints and re-register them carefully for the best possible accuracy and speed.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
Its official software support concluded with the MIUI 12 on Android 10 update. For owners of this design classic, performing a clean installation of this final firmware is the best way to resolve any lingering bugs, optimize the system for peak performance, and create a perfect, stable base before exploring the vibrant world of custom ROMs.
This is your complete optimization and restoration guide for the Mi 8 Pro:
- ✔ Download links for the final official MIUI 12 (Android 10) firmware
- ✔ A direct link to a working TWRP custom recovery installer
- ✔ All the essential tools and drivers needed for a successful flash
- ✔ Step-by-step instructions to restore your device to its factory-fresh state
- ✔ A gateway to the custom ROM community for newer versions of Android
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi 8 Pro
For a legacy flagship, flashing is about maximizing the potential of its powerful hardware.
- Optimize System Performance → A clean flash is the best way to ensure the powerful Snapdragon 845 processor runs without being hindered by years of accumulated software junk, restoring the phone's flagship-level snappiness.
- Fix Bugs in the Final MIUI 12.0 Build → Resolve common issues from the last official update, such as notification glitches, abnormal battery drain, or unreliability of the in-display fingerprint scanner.
- Create a Stable Base for Custom ROMs → The Mi 8 Pro has a strong developer community. Flashing the latest stock firmware is the recommended first step before installing an unofficial, newer version of Android like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
- Unbrick a Bootlooping or Bricked Device → This is the definitive method to recover your phone if it gets stuck on the Mi logo or fails to boot properly.
- Return to a 100% Stock State → If you've been experimenting with custom software, this guide will allow you to revert your phone to its final, official condition.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: equuleus)
- Model: Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro
- Release Year: 2018
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
- Display: 6.21” Super AMOLED
- Key Features: Transparent back design, In-display fingerprint scanner
- OS at Launch: MIUI 9 on Android 8.1 Oreo
- Final Official OS: MIUI 12.0 on Android 10 (End of Life)
- Codename: equuleus
A Flagship's Long Life: The Mi 8 Pro's Snapdragon 845 processor gives it lasting power well beyond its official support window. A clean flash of the stock firmware not only optimizes its current performance but also prepares it perfectly for the custom ROM community, where newer versions of Android await.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official firmware for your region and the necessary tools to begin.
| Tool / File | Purpose / OS Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | For flashing official Fastboot ROMs. | 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) | Gateway to installing custom ROMs. | TWRP for Equuleus (Fastboot ZIP) |
| Fastboot ROM (Global) | Official MIUI 12.0 (Android 10) | V12.0.2.0.QECMIXM |
| Fastboot ROM (Russia) | Official MIUI 12.0 (Android 10) | V12.0.2.0.QECRUXM |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Official MIUI 12.0 Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
This is the definitive method for unbricking your device or restoring it to its final, official software.
- Unlock Bootloader: Your Mi 8 Pro's bootloader must be unlocked. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool. This will erase all your data.
- 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 .tgz Fastboot ROM 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 to the PC, click "refresh" in Mi Flash Tool, ensure "clean all" is selected at the bottom, and click "flash".
➡ Your phone will reboot into a perfectly clean, official MIUI 12.0 system.
Method 2: Installing a Custom Recovery (TWRP)
This is the first step for users who want to move beyond stock MIUI and explore the world of custom ROMs.
- Unlock Bootloader: Ensure your bootloader is unlocked.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off the phone and boot into Fastboot by holding Power + Volume Down.
- Flash TWRP: Extract the downloaded TWRP .zip file. Run the fastboot_twrp_installer.bat file from the extracted folder. This script will automatically install the custom recovery onto your device.
- Boot into TWRP: After the script finishes, hold Power + Volume Up while the phone reboots to enter the newly installed TWRP recovery.
➡ With TWRP installed, you are now ready to flash a variety of custom ROMs (like Pixel Experience, LineageOS, etc.) to get newer versions of Android and different features.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Mi 8 Pro still a fast phone in 2025?
Yes. The Snapdragon 845 was a top-tier flagship processor. For all everyday tasks, social media, and even many modern games, it is still very capable and provides a smooth experience, especially after a clean software flash.
Q2: Can I get MIUI 12.5 or Android 11 officially on my Global Mi 8 Pro?
No. Official support for the global equuleus model ended with MIUI 12.0 on Android 10. To get a newer version of MIUI or Android, you must install a custom ROM.
Q3: Is the Mi 8 Pro the same as the Mi 8 Explorer Edition?
They are extremely similar and share most of their hardware, including the transparent back concept. However, they have different codenames (equuleus for Pro, ursa for Explorer) and their firmware is not officially interchangeable. The Mi 8 Pro was the version officially sold to international markets.
Q4: My in-display fingerprint scanner is not very good. Will this help?
It has a very good chance of helping. A clean firmware installation restores the original, factory-calibrated drivers for the scanner. After flashing, it is highly recommended to delete all your old fingerprints and re-register them carefully for the best possible accuracy and speed.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Bootloop after flashing: This is almost always because the "clean all" option was not selected in Mi Flash Tool. A full wipe is essential for a stable system. Force the phone back into Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume Down) and flash again correctly.
- TWRP installer script fails or closes instantly: Ensure you are running the script as an administrator (on Windows) and that your phone is properly connected and recognized in Fastboot mode. You can check the connection by typing fastboot devices in a command prompt.
- "The system has been destroyed": This is a generic Xiaomi boot failure message and does not indicate a hardware fault. The solution is to boot into Fastboot mode and re-flash the stock firmware.
- Device not detected by PC: This is a driver issue. Reinstall the Xiaomi USB Drivers from the link above, restart your PC, and use the original USB cable connected to a main USB 2.0 port on your computer if possible.