Xiaomi is not yet announced Android 9 Pie update for Mi 8 Lite, but you can install Android 9 Pie on Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite with LineageOS 16 custom ROM. If you aren’t a great fan of MIUI, then you can install the LineageOS 16 (unofficial) on Mi 8 Lite, but it required unlocked bootloader and TWRP recovery on the phone.
Xiaomi has already upgraded some of its devices to official Android 9 Pie based MIUI 10, including Mi 8 and announced Pie update for Redmi Note 5, Redmi 6 Pro, Mi 6X, and Redmi S2 (Redmi Y2), but Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite not in the list. It might also get the official Pie update sooner or later. Meanwhile, custom ROM fans can enjoy Android 9 Pie based LineageOS 16 on Mi 8 Lite.
First LineageOS 16 (Unofficial) build has been released for Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite, code named Platina. Though still in alpha stage, the ROM seems to be working as expected, according to the developer. Note that the official LineageOS 16 not yet released for any device, but it is expected to be releasing soon.
As usual, to flash the LineageOS 16 ROM on Mi 8 Lite requires unlocked bootloader. Also, since the ROM is not in GSI category, TWRP custom Recovery needs to be installed on the phone to flash it.
Downloads:
– LineageOS 16 Unofficial and Boot.img from development page here
– Android Pie based open Gapps package from here
– TWRP for Mi 8 Lite (Platina) from here
Backup: As always, remember to backup all data first you have on the phone before flashing the ROM.
How to Install LineageOS 16 on Mi 8 Lite
1. Flash TWRP for Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite (Platina) – guide
2. Download the ROM zip file and Gapps zip file from development page (link above) and save it on your phone.
3. Boot your phone into TWRP.
4. Select Wipe > Advanced wipe > and wipe cache, data, dalivk cache and system.
5. Now, select Install in TWRP, navigate and flash the ROM zip file (just saved on the device). Now, flash Gapps zip file as well.
6. Once the installation has finished, return to the main menu > select Reboot > then System.
7. If your system does not boot, flash boot.img file via fastboot.
Disclaimer: Please follow above guide at your own risk. We can’t take responsibility for anything that goes wrong. This guide is intended for technically talented users only. [Source]
