In this guide, we let you know how to install Google Pixel 2 based stock Android 9 Pie on Xiaomi Mi 8. Xiaomi’s MIUI is a heavily customized Android operating system that comes bundled with company’s own apps and features. While many users like MIUI on their Mi 8 and would not like to replace it with any other UI, some users might want pure Android and its bloat free features on their device.
If you own Xiaomi Mi 8 and would like to install stock Android 9 Pie on it, then you will love the port of Pixel 2 stock firmware. Note that we are not talking about Pixel Experience ROM, which has been out for a while now. The firmware is based on Google Pixel 2 Android 9 Pie (build PPR2.180905.006.A1) and brings Pixel 2 stock experience on Mi 8.
Read on to know how to install Pixel 2 stock firmware (custom ROM) on Xiaomi Mi 8. Note that the ROM will not offer any customization like the other custom ROMs. It only offers full stock/Google experience.
Related: How to Install MIUI 10 on Xiaomi Mi A1
Though the status of Google Pixel 2 firmware is beta, it is stable enough to be used as a daily driver. However, NFC and Google Pay will not work for now. If you are interested, here is how to install the custom ROM on Xiaomi Mi 8.
How to Install Google Pixel 2 stock Android Pie ROM on Xiaomi Mi 8
Warning: Before start, do remember that we are not responsible for anything that goes wrong by installing this ROM. Follow the guide at your own risk. The below guide and mentioned files are taken from XDA.
1. First, you need to unlock Mi 8 bootloader and flash TWRP recovery on it [guide].
2. Download latest stock Android 9 Pie build from development page [here] to your phone.
3. Boot your Mi 8 into TWRP and then wipe Data and Cache
4. Now, install the ROM by selecting the Install button.
5. After installation, reboot your phone.
The first boot will take about 10 minutes. Since the ROM includes Google apps, you do not need to flash the Gapps zip file separately. (source – XDA)
