The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (codename ursa), launched in 2018, was a special, feature-packed version of the Mi 8 flagship designed to showcase cutting-edge technology. It became instantly recognizable for its iconic transparent glass back, which offered a stylized glimpse of the internal components. More than just a design piece, it was one of the first Android phones to feature both an in-display fingerprint scanner and a secure 3D structured light face unlock system. Powered by the flagship Snapdragon 845 processor, the ursa was a true powerhouse. As this device was exclusive to the Chinese market, this page provides the official China Fastboot ROM, the essential Xiaomi.eu ROM for international users, and the TWRP custom recovery needed to install it.
Important: The Mi 8 Explorer Edition (ursa) has unique hardware for its biometric sensors. Its firmware is not compatible with the standard Mi 8 (dipper) or Mi 8 SE (sirius). Flashing the wrong ROM will cause hardware malfunctions and will likely hard brick your device.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (ursa)
- Release year: 2018
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
- Display: 6.21″ Super AMOLED, HDR10
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Original MIUI: Android 8.1 (Oreo), MIUI 10
- Key Features: Transparent Back, In-Display Fingerprint, 3D Face Unlock
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Included with Mi Flash Tool |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official & Custom ROMs / Recovery
| Region | Build | Android | Type | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | V12.5.3.0.QEHCNXM | 10.0 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | ursa |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V12.5.3.0.QEHCNXM (Based) | 10.0 | Custom Recovery ROM | Download | ursa |
| TWRP (Custom Recovery) | 3.3.1 | — | Custom Recovery | Download | ursa |
How to Flash Official ROM (Mi Flash Tool)
Use this method to restore your phone to the official China MIUI firmware.
- Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
- Extract the official China firmware (.tgz file) and select the main folder containing the
/imagesdirectory in Mi Flash Tool. - Select clean all for a safe installation (you can use clean all and lock to return to a fully stock, locked state).
How to Install TWRP & Flash Xiaomi.eu ROM
Use this method to get a multilingual experience with Google Apps.
What is TWRP? TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a powerful custom recovery that replaces your phone’s basic stock recovery. It is the essential tool needed to install, or “flash,” custom software like the Xiaomi.eu ROM. It also allows you to make full system backups, root your device, and perform other advanced tasks.
Disclaimer: This is an advanced process. Proceed at your own risk.
- Unlock the Bootloader: This is the first and most important step. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool.
- Flash TWRP:
- The TWRP download is a .zip file containing the recovery .img and flashing scripts. Extract it.
- Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down) and connect it to your PC.
- Run the fastboot-flash-recovery.bat script from the extracted folder to install TWRP.
- Boot into TWRP: After flashing, immediately boot into recovery by holding Power + Volume Up.
- Install Xiaomi.eu ROM:
- In TWRP, it’s recommended to first go to “Wipe” and select “Format Data” to remove encryption.
- Transfer the Xiaomi.eu .zip ROM file to your phone.
- In TWRP, tap “Install,” locate the xiaomi.eu…zip file, and swipe to confirm the flash.
- Reboot your system once the installation is complete.
FAQs
Q1. Is the transparent back on the Mi 8 Explorer Edition real?
The design shows a beautifully crafted, cosmetic plate of the internal components, not the actual working motherboard. This was done for aesthetic appeal and to create a unique, futuristic look.
Q2. Is there an official Global ROM for this device?
No. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition was sold exclusively in Mainland China. To get a multilingual experience with Google Play Services, users must unlock the bootloader and install a custom ROM like the Xiaomi.eu version provided here.
Q3. Can I flash a standard Mi 8 (dipper) ROM on my Explorer Edition?
No, absolutely not. The Explorer Edition has an in-display fingerprint scanner and 3D face unlock hardware that the standard Mi 8 lacks. Flashing the wrong firmware will cause these critical features to fail and will likely brick the device.
Q4. What was the final official update for the Mi 8 Explorer Edition?
The device launched with Android 8.1 Oreo and received its final major OS upgrade to Android 10. The MIUI 12.5 builds provided on this page are the last official software updates for this model.
Troubleshooting
- Drivers: If your PC does not recognize the phone in fastboot mode, reinstall the Xiaomi USB drivers and run Mi Flash Tool as Administrator.
- Fastboot errors:
- “error: not catch checkpoint” → This common error means you have selected the wrong folder. In Mi Flash Tool, be sure to select the parent folder that was created when you extracted the .tgz file, not the images folder inside it.
- “Anti rollback error” → You are attempting to flash an older firmware version than what is currently on the device. Xiaomi’s Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) prevents this.
- TWRP Issues:
- TWRP asks for a password → This means your phone’s storage is encrypted. The standard fix is to go to the “Wipe” menu in TWRP and choose “Format Data”. This will erase everything on your internal storage.
- Stuck on boot after flashing → If the phone doesn’t boot up after flashing a custom ROM, reboot to TWRP, perform a full wipe (Cache, Dalvik, System, Data), and then re-flash the ROM .zip file.
