yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
Both times that I experienced severe persist failure. I installed a global Rom, allowed it to boot, then signed into Mi-Cloud and Google and began setup.

Afterwards I made the full TWRP backup.

@ Leoleo96 : I made a correction here , I meant to say the Global Android 9 Miui V11.0.6, the fastboot version posted on the OP. Since I have been using mostly Xiaomi.EU, I have not tried the latest Android 10 stable and the fastboot rom hasn't been released yet. So as it turned out the persist file that I made is actually from Android 9 ( Sorry I misspoke, I just assumed without looking) but the persist definitely comes from Global Android 9 Miui V11.0.6 unpacked. I think that you are possibly missing some steps. Follow the steps below and on post https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=81680641&postcount=58

I have added Additional persist Solutions on my mega drive.

File : https://mega.nz/#F!BVY2xQDB

Key: ldzN5kPCIh0OwuUgCAfn3g

I would suggest using the Global Android 9 Miui V11.0.6. Just be sure that it is the fastboot version.

You only need to use it temporarily then you can switch to whatever you want. (Personally I prefer Xiaomi.EU and Havoc if using AOSP)

Prior to experiencing persist failure 3 weeks ago, I had used Xiaomi.EU for 10 weeks without a persist failure. Because, of the Chinese New Year that Rom hasn't been updated for 3 weeks. So I switched to Havoc just to ensure that I could use Asop without issues and it's been very smooth with no issues, except it doesn't come close to Xiaomi.EU SOT of 8 hours. Havoc only has about 4.5hours Sot., so I will o back to Xiaomi.EU once it has been updated.

But anyway, use the global Rom as I mentioned then whatever you want. Also, take out the some card and reboot the phone a couple of times then reinsert it.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
To be clear on what should work.

Follow these steps.

1. Flash the flashable fix

2. Flash the fastboot images Rom, ( on OP) via MiFlash, Adb or flashall.bat

3. Flash root

4. Then flash be latest Xiaomi.Eu

5. Make full TWRP backup, and copy it to computer.

6. Go to wipe, swipe factory reset, boot, sign into Miui 11 account.

7. After setup you can flash Magisk using Patch boot method. ( explained below.)

Now if you can get this far, you should be able to flash whatever you want without issues.

I would strongly suggest sticking with Xiaomi.EU for at least a couple of days.

Patch boot

Whenever you want to flash root, place boot image ( from Rom being used) in downloads folder and flash magisk binaries to the boot image, and then boot to recovery and make a Twrp backup that includes persist. (It's does not need to include system or user data) the full backup should not be larger than 2gb.

Next, Flash patched boot to boot, then flash Magisk and Magisk should stay installed without issues. I am thinking that possibly Magisk is one of the reason for these persist issues. but it seems that no one really knows for sure.

At this point if you experience another persist fail. Restoring the boot and persist should completely resolve, without having to start over. As I mentioned I went for over 2 months without a persist fail, and when i finally did have a persist failure, it was because I tried the Pixel 3 rom and flashed various magisk mods including kernel management mods.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] sk3lt:
Hi,

I did all these steps correctly, my MI8 came back to life for a few hours, it worked without any problems, but then the failures came back. I took the backup I had made and restored the persist partition with twrp, I turned on the device and was thinking about "powerd by Android" is no more. I went back to twrp and what a surprise the content of persist has disappeared I can't even mount the partition. Now how do I??
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
I have already provided these steps

Reflash the boot of the rom that you were using, the boot that should still be in your downloads folder when you patched Magisk. it still has the correct system binaries. Do not use any Magisk Mods, except for energized protection

Also restoring Persist via Twrp restore, bypasses the mount failure it auto mounts. if not then format User data reboot to recovery then restore TWRp from your usb drive backup of Twrp persist. For the record persist will continue to fail, the goal is for it to fail once every 2 or 3 months. Having the backups, and correct boot files ready, is the best practices for quickly resolving.

@ sk3lt

Next, I have absolutely talked to you A Lot more than anyone else here and yet you haven't even clicked thanks on this thread. Did you even read the OP!
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] sk3lt:
[MENTION=7672955]tsongming[/MENTION] I had already thanked you in the pms I had also thanked you in a post and clicked once

the only thing I still have to do is the donation I promised you.

You were tireless in helping me and all the other members once again a big thank you.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] sk3lt:
We have news?

Has anyone else tested this option ??
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] alone_in_dark:
Thank you so much for your efforts for helping users. So, the conclusion is, if someone use TWRP or Xiaomi.eu rom on Mi 8, the persist will must fail. Won't it?
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] alone_in_dark:
Is it fixed in latest Orange Fox?
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
I don't know if the latest is officially released yet, (Several versions exist)

One of these is now in beta form so I guess I can talk about it? I will be brief until I confirm with Darth Jabba that it's ready for public consumption.

I have been testing it and in my opinion, it's the best version of Recovery yet. Plus, it allows us to easily backup and restore the most important partitions.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] alone_in_dark:
Please let us know your feedback. The reason I am so much worried about persist is that I use my phone for official purpose. I have data on phone and sometimes I have to use it for navigation when I am out from my city for official visit.

* Just one thing to be clear and safe:

If i save my persist backup in a OTG pendrive and face persist failure, just inserting that pen drive and just restore the partition from TWRP, will it fix persist? Or I've to format data after restoring persist partition?

Thanks :)
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
In those cases where the error is an actual persist error, the user data is usually still accessible when using the recovery file manager. but the phone will not boot to system because of the persist problem. In this case : restoring a persist from the backup will almost always work. ( at least it has for me)

On the other hand if you experience system failure and the error is failure to mount data, then restoring a recent boot.img backup also stored on the pen drive, should also work as long as it is a backup and has the correct binaries it should be able to mount other partitions and boot to system ( This has also worked for me)

On rare occasions restoring the boot image or persist, does not resolve the issue, and you are left with needing to format storage.

So at the end of the day, the best option is to stay on a rom that works, and avoid flashing too often, [MENTION=5850987]DarthJabba9[/MENTION] and [MENTION=2158849]Agimax[/MENTION] both recommend sticking with the Global stable rom. ( I am sure that they are correct, it is the most stable way to avoid issues) Personally, I really enjoyed using the Xiaomi.EU stable build, and I found it to be be one of the best experiences that I have had with the Mi8, and I never experienced any issue using that rom. Plus, it is using the Global Firmware., but apparently a different kernel.

Nonetheless, I have a tendency use the Xiaomi.EU rom , and install it's weekly updates, so without a doubt there is a greater chance of failure. Especially when new test features have been added to the recent builds.

one of these features will be extremely helpful with quickly restoring your phone from a large pen drive, ( see attached Screenshot) the latest beta rom includes the ability to backup apps and data to an external usb drive. This will be extremely useful when we need to format and reinstall.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] alone_in_dark:
Thank you so much for your detailed explanation :)
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] dummytest97:
HI i just unlock my mi 8 , and did nothing yet on the phone, which TWRP that you recommend to backup all important partitions?

my phone still use PEAMIXM 11.0.6.0 version

[/COLOR]which twrp is stable ? [MENTION=7672955]tsongming[/MENTION]
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
I am using the latest beta version of Orange Fox, it will backup everything that you need.

The main thread is here: https://xdaforums.com/mi-8/development/official-orangefox-recovery-project-t4039531

The direct download link is here: https://files.orangefox.tech/OrangeFox-Beta/dipper/

I have been using the test version of what is now called OrangeFox-R10.1_002-Beta-dipper for weeks without any issues
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] dummytest97:
how about the stable one ? Can i use this one OrangeFox-R10.0_4-Stable-dipper.zip ?

and wanted to try mi globe rom V11.0.6.0.QEACNXM . dont have problem right? its android 10 rom
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
That one is outdated, you are better off using this beta ( if using a Q based rom) If you are using pie then stay on the one that you currently have installed.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] dummytest97:
First install this beta recovery by fastboot and then the rom right? Do i have to click advance wipe too or clear wipe data and cache is suffice?
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] alkibiadis12:
I tried all the solutions and nothing works. I flashed the zip, I did the trick with the persist.img and I tried at at least 4 different miui versions. I sometimes manage to get signal and wifi but I keep losing it. Are there any other solutions?
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
First when using XDA, if you want to get someone's attention use the ampersand @ and the username. For example [MENTION=7672955]tsongming[/MENTION] or click reply. Otherwise, you are just talking to yourself, I just happened to see your comment by accident while browsing.

Next, when someone spends their personal time helping be sure to click the thanks button. Even though I have listed every step on this thread I will go over the basics.

To start what exactly is your issue, what symptoms were you experiencing?

To be clear Persist Issue: No Wifi and no Data signal- eventually the phone will stop booting completely and you will get a persist error message within TWRP.

Corrupted user Data caused by google is not a persist issue, A persist issue will give you a persist error message in TWRP.

The best possible thing that you can do when experiencing a persist issue,

Restore a full TWRP backup that includes the backup persist partition see screenshot

If you do not have a persist backup that is unfortunate. But do not ever restore someone else's persist backup image, it will temporarily get your phone working but it will eventually fail and it will be nearly impossible to fix it permanently.

Before doing anything else, I have updated the persist flashable zip file to include the persist image from the 11.0.3 stable rom, for global devices :

You can download it here : https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261781866 ( Updated April 25)

I will usually always recommend a clean start when experiencing persist issues. However, you are welcome to try flashing the file with your current installation it may work, if it does great! I still recommend that you restore the phone to stock temporarily using a fastboot rom or by following the steps below.

When experiencing a persist issue, you need to start clean, meaning a full wipe and format of data ( backup your files, because you must format user data)

Make Sure that you are using a USB2 connection and not USB3, if you only have usb3 buy a USB hub that downgrades the port to usb 2. USB 3 and fastboot do not work well together.

Now boot to fastboot mode and follow the instructions on this thread for restoring a stable fastboot rom. I strongly recommend using

dipper_global_images_V11.0.3.0.QEAMIXM_20200118.0000.00_10.0_global

Unpack it twice on your desktop, after unzipping the 2nd time you will find the flashall.bat file in the first folder. ( doe not choose the lock option)

The flashall.bat method is a very quick and easy way to restore the phone. If you still have the persist error message after restoring via flashall, continue attempting to set up the phone by signing into Mi-Cloud and Google leave the phone running just stock with no root for at least one day. if you have no issues after one day, install TWRP, I use the latest Orange Fox, and install Root using the patchboot method.

If you are still having issues, you are among the few that restoring a fastboot does not resolve the issue
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] alkibiadis12:
[MENTION=7672955]tsongming[/MENTION] Thank you very much for your help sir. I don't know why but the thank button isn't visible in your post. I followed the following steps but it didn't worked.

1)I flashed all with mi flash version 11.0.3

2)enabled usb debugging and installed twrp for dipper (the version which you provided)

3)installed magisk latest version

4)flashed orange fox version which you linked

5)I tried to install the new zip which you provided but i got the error invalid zip format( I managed to install

the previous zip which you provided (not now but before with the same steps) but it did not work)

I have also tried to copy persist.img from the fastboot rom and did the commands which you provided

but it didnt fix the problem. I also tried to flash the persist.img in the persist partition but alsodidnt fix the problem.

I tried different variation and different miui versions. I flashed all at least 15 times and tried without root with root with different dipper roms and different twrp versions. I used the special twrp version which u provided but it didnt work.

I now started to get lags after clean installs and sometimes the android setup fails to start.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
Wow, I am sorry to hear that. I am not sure why the new flashable file did not work. But there have been several small changes with files that make up the persist and it seems that some of those are now encrypted.

However, I directly flashed the image to my own phone with that same persist image while using 11.0.3 attempting to resolve a CTS issue.

How did you arrive at this issue? Which ROMs were you using when it happened?

I will remake the file and post it tonight. If these things don't help there is one other older method that you can try but it requires using qpst with a hex editor and I am not able to support it's use and it may make matters worse.

Nonetheless, I will look for the instructions and PM them to you.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
Did you mount the persist partition before flashing the ZIP? That is probably the issue.

I found these flashable "older version" of flashable persist images on 4PDA. Apparently they have been there for a couple of years, I searched that website inside out a few months ago and somehow found nothing .

You can try these files again at your own risk. : https://mega.nz/folder/BVY2xQDB#ldzN5kPCIh0OwuUgCAfn3g

Link: https://mega.nz/folder/BVY2xQDB

Key: ldzN5kPCIh0OwuUgCAfn3g

There is another method, where you edit the flashall batch file by adding a command, and you make an edit to rawprogram0.xml. Using ( of course the files for the Mi8) it may be worth trying, it works for some but not all.

The instructions here: https://xdaforums.com/xiaomi-redmi-5a/how-to/guide-restoring-persist-partition-to-t3906424

As I have mentioned try anything here at your own risk. These methods seemingly work for about half the people who try them.

When I experienced the exact same issue that you have myself, in August of last year, it took me 3 full days to finally repair the phone. The issue reappeared in november and I havent had it since. Stay persistent, you will eventually get it. Unfortunately, a method that fixes everyone's issue does not exist.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] alkibiadis12:
[MENTION=7672955]tsongming[/MENTION] Greetings Sir. I tried to change the lines in the fastboot files in the last solution which you provided but when I try to flash in edl mode I get the following messages from the miflash "error only nop and sig tag can be received before authentication".

I also tried some of the older flashable zips but they didnt work.

I tried once again your newer flashable zip for the rom 11.0.3. I mounted the persist partition from orangefox and I get the following error when I try to flash the zip.

Installing ZIP file /sdcard/persist_dipper_Global+V11.0.3.0++tsongming.zip

Checking for Digest file...

Skipping Digest ckeck: no Digest file found

Invalid zip file format!

Error installing ZIP file /sdcard/persist_dipper_Global+V11.0.3.0++tsongming.zip

Updating partition details...

...done
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
I found the bug in the last file, and I remade the flashable persist image based on 11.0.3

You can download it here : https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261781866

Hopefully this one works for you. Please let me know.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] dummytest97:
[MENTION=7672955]tsongming[/MENTION]

is this the correct backup? i backup with Orange Fox

currently on Mi Globe rom 11.0.6.0 and want to change to Xiaomi.eu rom, reason to change is Mi Globe not support OTA update like stock rom.

oh 1 more thing, should i change to new stable recovery OrangeFox-R10.1-Stable-dipper, im still using OrangeFox-R10.1_002-Beta-dipper
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
Yes that is it, and I am glad to see that you have it backed up.

Keep it for as long as you have the MI8. Because it will save your phone if you ever end up with the dreaded persist issue. FYI there is a chance that you may never get it. My parents both also have Mi8's and they have never had the persist issue. It's still good to have if needed.

I highly recommend the Xiaomi.EU stable 11.0.7 build, it is one of the best if not the best , most reliable , and efficient version of Miui that I have ever used and OTA updates work. For the record OTA updates with Mi-Globe will update your phone to Xiaomi.EU and without encryption issues. ( at least it has worked for me the very few times that I tried it)

One last thing, if you prefer cutting edge, the Xiaomi.EU Miui 12 will at the latest be released by Friday and I would not be surprised if they release it sooner. Maybe consider wait for it's release to save yourself some time with setting up your phone.

Finally, I use and highly recommend that very latest ( April 8, 2020) OrangeFox-R10.1-Stable-dipper
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] alkibiadis12:
[MENTION=7672955]tsongming[/MENTION] Greeting sir and thank you very much for all your help. I managed to flash this one but unfortunately it didnt fix the problem. I tried it with miui 11.0.3 global after clean install with flash all and using the twrp which you provided. I also tried the same with the Orangefox and it didn't fix the problem.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
I am sorry to hear that you are having so many issues. You are welcome to PM me to arrange to send the phone to me by mail and I will attempt to fix it for you. It wouldn't take more than one day for me to try it myself and mail it back to you ASAP. However, I can't make any promises but I will certainly try to get it working again.

However, the cost of shipping and any VAT taxes would probably keep this as being an option. So in that case you should send it off for repair. Fortunately since you are located in Greece, and you have several options for local repair: https://www.xiaomi-greece.gr/support Maybe under warranty?

You also have repair options by 3rd parties such as these guys: https://xiaomirepair.gr/

Good Luck, Once it is repaired please let us know what happened.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] porgigi:
My experience on mi8 issue

First of all I want to thank [MENTION=7672955]tsongming[/MENTION] for this post.

I tried all the options listed on page 1 of this post. I have tried persist.img taken from various fastboot room. I loaded official rom, Xiaomi eu rom, pixel rom and so but the problem is not risolved.

Since everything started with a rom update, I was convinced that the problem was software.

Randomly, the phone started working when he decided to do and suddendly stopped working.

Then I took the hairdryer and I heated the back of the phone in the point where the SIM enters under the cover.

After rebooting the phone resumes working for several hours both in wifi and data.

In conclusion, is it possible that the problem is hardware but generated by a firmare update?

That's the question

Regards
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
Wow!

Software can't have anything to do with that issue, its sounds like you have a cold solder joint and that is a defect of manufacturing, I would contact Xiaomi and ask for a free repair. This can be fixed by a local shop that specialises in component level troubleshooting and repair.

There is also some hacky ( low rent - at your own risk methods ) that you can use to do it yourself, by taking out the motherboard and placing a heat conductive piece of metal ( some people use coins that have alloys that can withstand heat without melting) Place metal on the back of the sim card and then briefly placing a soldering iron on the metal to heat the joint up enough to fuse the broken joint.

Ideally having a shop do it properly/ directly with proper tools would be much better.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] FilipeM:
Hello everyone

Possibly i have good news. For those who have tried to flash every ROM , the oldest and the most recent and the mobile signal remains unstable, possibly the issue is entry sim card with clearance, what I did was bend a little bit the sim card tray, to get back the contact and so far everything is working.

Not the extraordinary solution, but works!
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] tsongming:
Thanks for sharing, this is not the issue that most people are experiencing when they have an actual persist encryption issue, they get a persist errors in recovery, and the system fails to boot. ( I attached an image of a data issue, the persist error looks similiar)

However without a doubt this will certainly help some people, so thank you very much for contributing.
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] OneKill:
Thanks [MENTION=7672955]tsongming[/MENTION]

I used twrp, install persist... but 1 time for week the phone lost the wifi and 4g signal.. The first time I sent the phone to repair. They tried to fix the antenna, but the problem persist..

Sometimes I think it's a hardware problem... other a software.. Last week I used the twrp, erased all and installed the last version of miui11...3 days after, the same problem.

sometimes I twist the phone and the signal appears or disappears...

I'll going to buy another phone.. And meanwhile, open the phone and see if there's anything wrong
[Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers] *ICE*PIK*:
Well, my friends has MI8 not modified and he doesnt have any issue with it too. But for me ( (bootloader unlocked/root) however it's the lottery sometimes 3 days!!! after i'm like not again omg. Sometimes like here 2 months.

Anyway before finding your thread I was just doing a clean install. Today got the problem random application that weren't working correctly anymore MiFit,Google Rewards(won't start) and Youtube(crashing after a while), I decided to restore the persist image -> ~worked~ if we can say that.

Orange spitted some errors related to the vendor folder (didnt took screenshot unfortunately) about file not being present (GPS something-> might explain why my GPS don't work anymore after locking/unlocking phone) and then some for some google apps. Had to reinstall Google rewards + Mifit.

I wished it was flawless as my MI4 but it ain't, MI8 is awfull.