Q1. My Nokia 8.1 is stuck in "Download Mode." Will this fix it?

Yes. This is the most common reason to flash this firmware. "Download Mode" is Nokia's fastboot interface, and if the phone is stuck there after a failed update, a full flash using the OST tool is the standard procedure to fix it.

Q2. Why would I downgrade from Android 10 to Android 9?

The Android 10 update for the Nokia 8.1 was reported by many users to cause significant battery drain and performance issues. Downgrading back to the highly stable Android 9 Pie build is a common way to restore the phone's excellent battery life and smooth performance, but be aware of the Anti-Rollback risks.

Q3. My phone's USB-C port has stopped working for charging. Is it a hardware issue?

Not always. The Nokia 8.1 has a known software bug that can cause the charging port to become unresponsive. A full reboot often fixes it temporarily, but flashing the stock firmware is a more permanent software solution. If the problem persists after a clean flash, then it is a hardware failure.

Nokia 8.1 (TA-1128) Stock ROM (Firmware)

The Nokia 8.1 (TA-1128), also known as the Nokia X7 in some markets, is a premium mid-range smartphone from 2018. It was highly praised for its HDR10-capable display, powerful Snapdragon 710 chipset, and the clean, up-to-date software experience of the Android One program. The device launched with Android 9 Pie and received updates to Android 10 and 11. However, the most common and critical issue for this model is getting stuck in “Download Mode” after a failed Over-the-Air (OTA) update, rendering the phone unusable. Other complaints include severe battery drain and performance issues on newer Android versions. This guide provides official stock firmware for both Android 10 and 9, essential for unbricking the device or downgrading from a buggy update.

⚠️ CRUCIAL WARNING: Advanced Flashing & Downgrade Risk
This firmware requires the Nokia OST (Online Service Tool), an advanced procedure. Downgrading the bootloader is often blocked by Nokia’s Anti-Rollback Protection; attempting to flash a much older version of Android 9 on a device running the latest Android 10 may fail. This process will completely erase all your personal data. Proceed with extreme caution.

⚠️ Prerequisites: Before You Begin

Click Here for the Essential Pre-Flashing Checklist

Backup Your Data: This process will wipe everything. Back up your data if your phone is accessible.
Charge The Battery: Ensure your phone has at least a 60% charge to prevent shutdowns.
Windows PC & USB Cable: You will need a Windows computer and the original Nokia USB-C cable.

📱 Quick Device Specifications

Device: Nokia 8.1
Model: TA-1128
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 710
Display: 6.18″ FHD+ IPS LCD (HDR10)
Operating System: Android 9 Pie / Android 10
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB
Battery: 3500 mAh

🛠 Required Tools & Downloads

File / Tool	Download Link
Nokia OST LA (Patched)	Download From Hub Page
Nokia USB Drivers	Download Drivers

⬇️ Nokia 8.1 (TA-1128) Stock ROM / Firmware

Android 10

Android Version	Filename	Release Date	Size	Download Link
10	Nokia_8.1_…_PNX-530B_OST.zip	~ Early 2021	1.98 GB	Download (Google Drive)

Android 9 Pie (For Downgrade)

Android Version	Filename	Release Date	Size	Download Link
9 Pie	Nokia_8.1_…_PNX-431A_OST.zip	~ Late 2019	1.98 GB	Download (Google Drive)

Quick Steps to Flash Nokia 8.1 Firmware

Install the Nokia USB Drivers and the patched Nokia OST LA tool.
Download your chosen firmware file (e.g., Nokia_8.1_..._OST.zip) and extract it to get the .nb0 or .mlf file.
Reboot your phone into Download Mode: power it off, connect it to your PC, then immediately press and hold Power + Volume Down.
Launch the OST tool, load the firmware file, and wait for it to detect your phone.
Click “Next” to begin the flashing process. The phone will reboot automatically upon completion.

For a more detailed, step-by-step guide on this process, please refer to our main tutorial:
👉 Full Tutorial: How to Use Nokia OST to Unbrick & Restore

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. My Nokia 8.1 is stuck in “Download Mode.” Will this fix it?: Yes. This is the most common reason to flash this firmware. “Download Mode” is Nokia’s fastboot interface, and if the phone is stuck there after a failed update, a full flash using the OST tool is the standard procedure to fix it.
Q2. Why would I downgrade from Android 10 to Android 9?: The Android 10 update for the Nokia 8.1 was reported by many users to cause significant battery drain and performance issues. Downgrading back to the highly stable Android 9 Pie build is a common way to restore the phone’s excellent battery life and smooth performance, but be aware of the Anti-Rollback risks.
Q3. My phone’s USB-C port has stopped working for charging. Is it a hardware issue?: Not always. The Nokia 8.1 has a known software bug that can cause the charging port to become unresponsive. A full reboot often fixes it temporarily, but flashing the stock firmware is a more permanent software solution. If the problem persists after a clean flash, then it is a hardware failure.

🔧 Device Troubleshooting

The OST tool shows an error like “Failed to read bootloader version”: This is a classic Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) error. It means the firmware you are trying to flash is older than the security version on the device, and the phone is blocking the downgrade. You must use a newer firmware build.
The tool shows “Communication with the phone is lost” or “Pipe is broken”: This is the most common error and is almost always a driver or connection issue. Reinstall the Nokia USB drivers, use a different USB 2.0 port, and use the original phone cable.
After flashing, the phone is stuck on the Android One logo: The first boot can take up to 20 minutes. If it is still stuck, you must perform a factory reset. Boot into recovery mode (Power + Volume Up), then select “Wipe data/factory reset.”