How to format Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 5 proven ways (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones of the brand even years after its release. However, over time, any gadget begins to “slow down”: temporary files accumulate, applications crash, and internal memory is littered with garbage. Formatting (or resetting to factory settings) is a radical but effective way to return the phone to its former performance. But how to do it correctly, so as not to lose important data and turn the device into a “brick”?

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to format the Redmi Note 8 Pro, from soft reset via settings to hard Hard Reset via Recovery Mode. You’ll learn when to use each method, how to save data before cleaning, and what to do if the phone freezes during the process. And also unique nuances for this model that are not mentioned in the standard instructions (for example, why a reset via Fastboot can block the bootloader).

1.When do I need to format the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Formatting is not a panacea, and should only be used in extreme cases. Here are specific signs that your Redmi Note 8 Pro needs a reset:

• 🐢 Phone's hanging at 10.+ seconds when opening even standard applications (Settings, Phone, Camera).
• 📱 Memory “disappears” on its own: the system shows that 30 GB is occupied, but manually you find files only 10 GB.
• 🔄 Applications are spontaneously closed or restarted (especially relevant for the use of MIUI 12/13).
• 🚨 Errors such as “Com.android.systemui process stopped” or “No command” appear when booting.
• 🔋 The battery is discharged in 2-3 hours with minimal load (even after replacing the battery).

It's important to distinguish between software failures and hardware problems, because if the phone overheats, doesn't turn on at all (even when charging), or displays artifacts on the screen, formatting won't help, and in such cases, you need a diagnostic in the service center.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the Redmi Note 8 Pro from hand and it requests the password of the previous owner after reset, the device is tied to the Mi Account.

Preparation for formatting: how not to lose data

The factory reset removes everything from photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, even some system files.

IMEI is a special focus. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is sometimes reset after being hard formatted via Fastboot. To avoid network problems, write it down in advance:

1. Dial on the phone keyboard *#06#.
2. Write both down. IMEI (if you have two SIM-map).
3. Save a screenshot or write down the numbers on paper.

If you are using Mi Cloud, check if automatic backup is enabled: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Make sure the last copy is created no later than a week ago.

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On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 14+ firmware, a backup in the Mi Cloud may not restore some of the app settings (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).

3. Method 1: Soft reset via settings (without data loss)

If the phone is even more or less working, start with the safest method, which is to reset your settings without deleting user files.

• 📱 The device brakes, but turns on and reacts to touch.
• 🔧 We need to fix the malfunction. MIUI (For example, errors com.android.phone).
• 📁 It is important to keep photos, videos and documents.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Delete All Data!).
3. Confirm the action with a password or pattern lock.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 2-5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: This method does not delete applications and their data. If the problem is related to viruses or “curved” installed software, resetting will not help - you need a full Hard Reset.

Method 2: Complete reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the phone is stuck on the Redmi logo, doesn't respond to touch, or you've forgotten your pattern lock, you'll need a hard reset via Recovery Mode, which removes everything, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery.
• 📱 Installed applications and their data.
• 📞 Contacts (if not synced to Google).
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. In a few seconds, you'll see the Recovery Mode menu (English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action (Confirm).
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with firmware older than MIUI 12.5, the Recovery menu may not have Wipe All Data. In this case, select Wipe Data, then enter Yes manually.

5. Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 📱 You need to reflash your phone (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 Forgot the password, and FRP block.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (download from the official website of Xiaomi or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (with a Mediatek Helio processor) G90T) The fastboot erase userdata command can lead to loss of IMEI. If this is critical, use fastboot format userdata instead.

Method 4: Cleaning memory without reset (to free up space)

If the goal is simply to free up memory, rather than fix the failures, try a partial cleanup:

• 🧹 Settings → Memory. → Cleaning – removes cache and temporary files.
• 🗑️ Settings → Annexes → Removing unnecessary applications.
• 📁 Use File Manager to manually clean folders: DCIM/.thumbnails — Download - downloads from the browser. Android/data — game-cache.

For deep cleaning without data loss, use the SD Maid app (requires ROOT) or Files by Google.

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On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the MIUI/Extra folder can take up to 1-2 GB to back up the system, and you can remove it manually, but only if you don't plan to roll back the firmware.

7 What to do if the phone does not turn on after formatting

If you reset the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 🔄 Hangs on the Redmi logo.
• 🚨 It is a Bootloop error (cyclic reboot).
• 📵 Not responding to the buttons.

Possible causes and solutions:

If nothing helps, the last option remains – firmware through the EDL-This requires an authorized Xiaomi account and the Mi Flash Tool. This method is risky and requires experience, so it is better to contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 8 Pro formatting