The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T (codename willow), released in late 2019, is a hugely popular budget smartphone known for its exceptional value. It built upon the success of the standard Redmi Note 8 by adding a crucial feature for many users: an **NFC chip**. Powered by a reliable **Qualcomm Snapdragon 665** chipset, a versatile quad-camera setup, and a 4000 mAh battery, it became a go-to device for users seeking solid performance without breaking the bank.
Despite its widespread success, the Redmi Note 8T can face common software issues, especially if the user attempts to install custom ROMs or if a system update fails. Problems such as a device getting stuck in a boot loop, system performance degradation, or the need to switch between different regional firmwares (e.g., from Russia to Global) are common reasons for flashing the stock firmware. This guide provides all the necessary tools and step-by-step instructions to get your device back on track.
This article serves as a complete reference guide:
Flashing firmware is an effective solution for many device issues:
Always verify your device codename is willow before flashing. Installing the wrong firmware will permanently brick the device.
Required Tools & Downloads
Before flashing, make sure you have the following:
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
Use this method if your device is bricked, stuck in a boot loop, or you want to return to a different stock ROM.
Method 2: Installing Xiaomi.eu ROM (TWRP Recovery)
Ideal for users seeking a global-like experience with fewer apps and more features.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between Global, EEA, and Russia ROMs?
These are regional variants with different pre-installed apps and update schedules. Global (MIXM) is the most common and widely used. EEA (EUXM) is for the European market, and Russia (RUXM) is for the Russian market.
Q2: Why do I need to unlock the bootloader?
Xiaomi devices require an unlocked bootloader to flash unofficial firmware or custom recoveries. This is a security measure that must be bypassed before flashing.
Q3: Will flashing official ROMs void my warranty?
Typically, flashing an official stock ROM will not void your warranty, especially if you lock the bootloader afterward. However, flashing custom ROMs may void it.
Q4: My device is stuck in a boot loop after flashing. What should I do?
Re-enter Fastboot mode and re-flash the stock firmware using the Mi Flash Tool. Ensure you selected the "clean all" option.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
Despite its widespread success, the Redmi Note 8T can face common software issues, especially if the user attempts to install custom ROMs or if a system update fails. Problems such as a device getting stuck in a boot loop, system performance degradation, or the need to switch between different regional firmwares (e.g., from Russia to Global) are common reasons for flashing the stock firmware. This guide provides all the necessary tools and step-by-step instructions to get your device back on track.
This article serves as a complete reference guide:
- ✔ Official stock ROM download links (Global, EEA, Russia)
- ✔ Xiaomi.eu ROM for multi-language and debloated experience
- ✔ Required tools, drivers, and preparations
- ✔ Step-by-step flashing tutorials (Fastboot & Recovery)
- ✔ Common FAQs and troubleshooting solutions
Flashing firmware is an effective solution for many device issues:
- Unbrick / Recover from bootloop → Restore your device to a working state if it fails to boot.
- Fix performance issues → A clean firmware install can eliminate software glitches, lag, and improve overall speed.
- Return to factory state → Essential before selling the device to ensure all data is wiped and the software is official.
- Change regional firmware → Flash a different ROM to get access to specific features, security patches, or simply remove carrier-specific bloatware.
- Install a custom ROM → Prepare your device for a custom ROM like Xiaomi.eu, which offers a debloated, global-friendly experience.
- Model: Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T
- Release Year: 2019
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- Display: 6.3” FHD+ IPS LCD (2340 x 1080)
- Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable
- OS at Launch: MIUI 10 on Android 9.0 Pie
- Latest Official OS: MIUI 12.5 on Android 11
- Codename: willow
Always verify your device codename is willow before flashing. Installing the wrong firmware will permanently brick the device. Required Tools & Downloads
Before flashing, make sure you have the following:
| Tool / File | Purpose | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | Used for flashing official Fastboot ROMs | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Ensures your PC detects the device in Fastboot mode | Driver Pack |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Needed to unlock bootloader | Official Unlock Page |
| Official Fastboot ROMs | Stock firmware for unbrick/restore | V12.5.6.0 Global (MIXM) V12.5.1.0 Russia (RUXM) V12.5.5.0 EEA (EUXM) |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Debloated, Google Play preinstalled, multi-language | V12.5.6.0 EU Build |
Method 1: Flashing Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
Use this method if your device is bricked, stuck in a boot loop, or you want to return to a different stock ROM.
- Unlock Bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (one-time process).
- Boot into Fastboot Mode → Hold Power + Volume Down.
- Extract the TGZ file of the stock firmware on your PC.
- Open Mi Flash Tool, click Select, and choose the extracted firmware folder.
- Connect your device to your PC → Click Refresh to detect it.
- Choose the “clean all” option at the bottom. This will wipe all data.
- Click Flash. Wait until the tool displays a success message.
Method 2: Installing Xiaomi.eu ROM (TWRP Recovery)
Ideal for users seeking a global-like experience with fewer apps and more features.
- Unlock Bootloader (mandatory).
- Flash a **TWRP Recovery** compatible with the Redmi Note 8T (willow).
- Boot into TWRP → Power + Volume Up.
- Perform a factory reset (wipe Dalvik/Cache/Data).
- Transfer the Xiaomi.eu ROM .zip to internal storage.
- In TWRP → Tap Install, select the ROM, and swipe to flash.
- Reboot → The first boot may take up to 10 minutes.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between Global, EEA, and Russia ROMs?
These are regional variants with different pre-installed apps and update schedules. Global (MIXM) is the most common and widely used. EEA (EUXM) is for the European market, and Russia (RUXM) is for the Russian market.
Q2: Why do I need to unlock the bootloader?
Xiaomi devices require an unlocked bootloader to flash unofficial firmware or custom recoveries. This is a security measure that must be bypassed before flashing.
Q3: Will flashing official ROMs void my warranty?
Typically, flashing an official stock ROM will not void your warranty, especially if you lock the bootloader afterward. However, flashing custom ROMs may void it.
Q4: My device is stuck in a boot loop after flashing. What should I do?
Re-enter Fastboot mode and re-flash the stock firmware using the Mi Flash Tool. Ensure you selected the "clean all" option.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Mi Flash Tool “cannot read from port” → Ensure you have correctly installed the Xiaomi USB drivers on your PC.
- Flash fails with "Missmatching images and device" → This error indicates you are trying to flash a ROM for a different device. Double-check your device codename (willow) and the firmware file.
- Stuck in Fastboot mode → Force reboot the device by holding the Power button for about 10 seconds.
- Unlock tool stuck at 99% → You may be subject to a waiting period (typically up to 168 hours or 7 days) enforced by Xiaomi.