Custom ROMs for Redmi Note 8 (2021): A Comprehensive Guide

The Redmi Note 8 (2021), codenamed “biloba,” offers a compelling blend of performance and affordability. However, the stock MIUI software, while feature-rich, may not appeal to all users. Custom ROMs provide a pathway to unlock the full potential of your device, offering enhanced performance, improved battery life, greater customization, and the latest Android features. In this guide, we will delve into the world of custom ROMs for the Redmi Note 8 (2021), covering everything from preparation to installation, and highlighting some of the best options available.

Why Install a Custom ROM on Your Redmi Note 8 (2021)?

Before diving into the technical aspects, let’s understand the advantages of flashing a custom ROM.

• Enhanced Performance: Custom ROMs often strip away bloatware and optimize system processes, resulting in smoother performance and faster app loading times.
• Improved Battery Life: Many custom ROMs incorporate battery-saving features and tweaks, leading to significantly extended battery life.
• Latest Android Updates: Custom ROMs provide access to newer Android versions and features that may not be available on the official MIUI firmware.
• Customization Options: Custom ROMs offer extensive customization options, allowing you to personalize your device’s appearance and functionality to your liking.
• Bloatware Removal: Most custom ROMs come without the pre-installed apps that come with stock firmware, freeing up storage and system resources.
• Root Access: Many custom ROMs come pre-rooted or allow for easy rooting, granting you full control over your device.
• Privacy enhancements: Enhanced privacy features and control over data permissions are available on some custom ROMS.

Prerequisites and Preparation

Before embarking on the custom ROM journey, it’s crucial to ensure you have everything in place. Flashing a custom ROM involves risks, so proceed with caution and follow these steps meticulously:

1. Unlocking the Bootloader

Unlocking the bootloader is the first and most crucial step. It allows you to flash custom ROMs and other modifications.

• Enable Developer Options: Navigate to “Settings” > “About phone” and tap on “MIUI version” repeatedly until you see a message saying “You are now a developer!”
• Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking: Go to “Settings” > “Additional settings” > “Developer options.” Enable “USB debugging” and “OEM unlocking.”
• Bind Your Mi Account: In the Developer Options, find “Mi Unlock status” and tap “Add account and device.” You’ll need a Mi account for this. Make sure you’re logged into your Mi Account on your device using mobile data.
• Download Mi Unlock Tool: Download the official Mi Unlock tool from the Xiaomi website on your PC.
• Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your phone and press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously to enter Fastboot mode.
• Unlock with Mi Unlock Tool: Launch the Mi Unlock tool on your PC, log in with your Mi account, and follow the on-screen instructions to unlock the bootloader. This process usually takes a few days due to Xiaomi’s waiting period.
• Important Note: Unlocking the bootloader will wipe all data on your phone. Back up your data before proceeding.

2. Installing a Custom Recovery (TWRP)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery environment that allows you to flash custom ROMs, create backups, and perform other advanced tasks.

• Download TWRP: Download the TWRP image file for the Redmi Note 8 (2021) from a reputable source like the official TWRP website or XDA Developers forum. Ensure you download the correct version for your device.
• Download ADB and Fastboot Tools: Download the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot tools on your PC. These tools allow you to communicate with your phone via command line.
• Flash TWRP:
  • Place the TWRP image file in the same directory as the ADB and Fastboot tools.
  • Open a command prompt or terminal in that directory.
  • Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
  • Flash TWRP using the following command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img (replace “twrp.img” with the actual filename of the TWRP image).
  • Reboot to TWRP using the following command: fastboot boot twrp.img
• Permanent Installation (Optional): To make TWRP permanent, flash the TWRP installer zip through TWRP itself, if provided by the maintainer. Otherwise, flashing it through fastboot is generally sufficient for most users.

3. Backing Up Your Data

Before flashing any custom ROM, it’s crucial to back up your data. This ensures that you can restore your device to its previous state if anything goes wrong.

• Nandroid Backup: In TWRP, go to “Backup” and select all partitions to back up. Choose a storage location (internal or external) and create a backup. This creates a full system image of your current ROM.
• Backup Important Files: Copy any important photos, videos, documents, and other files to your computer or cloud storage.
• Backup Apps and Data: Use a backup app like Titanium Backup or Migrate to back up your installed apps and their data. This requires root access. Some apps may offer their own backup solutions (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram).

4. Downloading the Custom ROM

Choose a custom ROM that suits your needs and download the ROM zip file from a reliable source. Some popular options for the Redmi Note 8 (2021) include:

• LineageOS: A popular and stable ROM known for its clean Android experience and regular updates.
• Pixel Experience: A ROM that aims to replicate the Google Pixel’s software experience, offering a clean UI and smooth performance.
• Evolution X: A feature-rich ROM with extensive customization options and frequent updates.
• ArrowOS: Lightweight and fast ROM with a focus on stability and performance.
• crDroid: Highly customizable ROM with a wide range of features and themes.

Ensure the downloaded ROM is specifically designed for the Redmi Note 8 (2021) (biloba).

5. Downloading GApps (Google Apps)

Most custom ROMs do not include Google apps (GApps) by default. You will need to download a GApps package separately.

• Choose a GApps Package: Download a GApps package that matches your Android version and preferred level of Google integration. Popular options include:
  • Open GApps: Offers a wide range of packages, from minimal to full.
  • NikGApps: A popular alternative with optimized performance and battery life.
• Download the Correct Variant: Ensure you download the correct architecture (ARM64) and Android version.

Flashing the Custom ROM

Now that you have prepared everything, you can proceed with flashing the custom ROM.

1. Boot into TWRP Recovery

Power off your phone and press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button simultaneously to enter TWRP recovery.

2. Wipe Data/Factory Reset

In TWRP, go to “Wipe” and then “Advanced Wipe.” Select “Dalvik / ART Cache,” “System,” “Data,” and “Cache.” Swipe to wipe. This will erase your current ROM and data. Important: Do not wipe internal storage if you have placed the ROM and GApps files there.

3. Flash the ROM

Go back to the main menu in TWRP and tap “Install.” Navigate to the location where you saved the custom ROM zip file and select it. Swipe to flash the ROM.

4. Flash GApps (Optional)

If you downloaded a GApps package, go back to the “Install” menu and select the GApps zip file. Swipe to flash GApps.

5. Flash Magisk (Optional)

If you want to root your device, you can flash Magisk after flashing the ROM and GApps. Download the Magisk zip file and flash it through TWRP. Remember that flashing Magisk may affect SafetyNet attestation. Magisk Module Repository provides additional functionality.

6. Reboot System

After flashing the ROM, GApps, and Magisk (if desired), tap “Reboot system.” The first boot may take some time as the system configures itself.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bootloop: If your phone gets stuck in a bootloop, try wiping the cache and Dalvik cache in TWRP. If that doesn’t work, you may need to re-flash the ROM.
• No Wi-Fi or Mobile Data: This can be caused by incorrect vendor or modem files. Ensure you are using the correct ROM for your device variant. If the issue persists, try flashing the appropriate modem files manually.
• Apps Crashing: This can be due to compatibility issues. Try clearing the app’s cache and data. If that doesn’t work, try a different GApps package or ROM.
• TWRP Not Showing Internal Storage: This is usually caused by encryption. Go to “Wipe” and then “Format Data” and type “yes” to format the data partition. This will remove encryption but also wipe your internal storage.
• SafetyNet Failure: MagiskHide may be needed to pass the SafetyNet check for certain apps. Make sure Magisk is correctly installed. Consider using Universal SafetyNet Fix module from Magisk Modules repository.

Recommended Custom ROMs for Redmi Note 8 (2021)

1. LineageOS

LineageOS is the most popular after-market firmware distribution for Android devices. It is known for its stability, and privacy features.

• Pros: Rock-solid stability, clean Android experience, regular security updates, good battery life.
• Cons: Fewer customization options compared to some other ROMs.

2. Pixel Experience

Pixel Experience aims to provide the purest Google Pixel experience on your Redmi Note 8 (2021). It’s based on AOSP and includes all the Pixel goodies.

• Pros: Clean and smooth UI, Google apps pre-installed, excellent performance.
• Cons: Limited customization options, relies heavily on Google services.

3. Evolution X

Evolution X is a feature-rich custom ROM that offers a balance between performance and customization.

• Pros: Extensive customization options, good performance, active development.
• Cons: Can be overwhelming for users who prefer a simple and clean experience.

4. ArrowOS

ArrowOS is a lightweight and fast custom ROM based on AOSP. It focuses on simplicity and performance.

• Pros: Fast and responsive, good battery life, minimal bloatware.
• Cons: Fewer features compared to some other ROMs.

5. crDroid

crDroid is a highly customizable custom ROM based on LineageOS. It offers a wide range of features and themes.

• Pros: Highly customizable, many features, good performance.
• Cons: Can be resource-intensive, may not be as stable as some other ROMs.

Keeping Your Custom ROM Up-to-Date

Custom ROMs require regular updates to ensure stability, security, and access to the latest features.

• OTA Updates: Some custom ROMs offer over-the-air (OTA) updates. You can check for updates in the system settings.
• Manual Flashing: If OTA updates are not available, you will need to manually flash the updated ROM zip file through TWRP. Remember to wipe the cache and Dalvik cache after flashing.
• Clean Flash vs. Dirty Flash: A clean flash involves wiping data before flashing a new ROM. This is recommended when switching between different ROMs or when experiencing issues with your current ROM. A dirty flash involves flashing a new ROM over your existing ROM without wiping data. This can be faster but may lead to compatibility issues.

Advanced Customization with Magisk Modules

Magisk is a powerful tool that allows you to root your device and install modules that can further customize your system.

• Install Magisk: Flash the Magisk zip file through TWRP to root your device.
• Explore Magisk Modules: Magisk Module Repository has an extensive collection of modules that can improve performance, battery life, customize the UI, and add new features.
• Popular Modules: Some popular modules include:
  • Universal SafetyNet Fix: Fixes SafetyNet issues.
  • LKT (Linux Kernel Tweaks): Optimizes kernel settings for better performance.
  • ViPER4Android: Improves audio quality.
  • YouTube Vanced: Adds advanced features to YouTube.

Final Thoughts

Flashing a custom ROM on your Redmi Note 8 (2021) can breathe new life into your device, providing enhanced performance, improved battery life, and greater customization. However, it’s important to proceed with caution and follow the instructions carefully. Always back up your data before flashing any custom ROM. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and confidence to explore the world of custom ROMs on your Redmi Note 8 (2021). Enjoy the experience!

Disclaimer

Flashing a custom ROM involves risks and may void your warranty. We are not responsible for any damage that may occur to your device. Proceed at your own risk.