How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, released in 2019. Despite its age, the device is still actively used due to balanced characteristics and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, glitch or stop working correctly after unsuccessful updates, in which case full formatting becomes the only solution to return the device to “second life”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to format the Redmi Note 8, from standard reset through settings to deep cleaning through Fastboot and Recovery. Special attention will be paid to the risks of losing IMEI and methods of preventing them, as well as the nuances of working with an unlocked bootloader. If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not turn on or just “lays” – you will find working solutions here.

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump

Formatting isn't just about pressing a button. Wrong actions can turn your Redmi Note 8 into a brick or make it unconnected.

• 📱 Back up your contacts, photos and apps via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC (use Mi). PC suite ADB backup).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60% – interruption of the process due to discharge is fraught with damage to the firmware.
• 🔐 Find out the status of the bootloader: if it is unlocked, after reset, you will need to re-unblock (instruction below).
• 📡 Check it out. IMEI *#06# - Write down both numbers (slot 1 and slot 2) on paper.

Pay special attention IMEI. On Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) after deep formatting via Fastboot, these numbers can be erased if the terms are not met:

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed firmware to custom (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), IMEI could have been removed from the section modemst1/modemst2. It will be difficult to restore it later – it will be necessary. EDL-Mode and Authorized Xiaomi Account.

Also check if the device is linked to your Mi Account. After reset, you may need to enter your login/password if you previously activated Find Device. Make sure you remember the login details!

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

If your Redmi Note 8 is turned on and reacts to touch, start with the safest method, which is resetting through the settings menu, which does not affect user files (photos, music), but clears the cache of applications, settings and accounts.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version line to activate Developer Mode.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Go to Settings → System → Additional → Resetting settings.
5. Choose Resetting (not to be confused with Delete All Data!).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (takes ~5 minutes).

This method helps in 70% of cases when the phone has started to slow down due to overcrowded cache or application conflicts, but it does not remove viruses or fix firmware errors. If the problem persists, move on to the next method.

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After resetting through the settings, check the Storage section in the settings. If the system shows busy more than 10 GB of Other Files, perform a full reset (method 2 or 3).

3. Method 2: Hard Recovery Reset (complete cleaning)

If the Redmi Note 8 doesn’t load beyond the MI logo, is stuck in a reboot cycle, or requires a complete deletion of all data, use Recovery Mode.This method erases everything, including internal memory, but saves firmware and IMEI (if you do it right).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for ~15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select the language and tap Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the yes code (if required).
5. After cleaning, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Process time: ~10-15 minutes. If the phone is hanging on the logo again after the reboot, then the firmware is damaged - you will need to flash it through Fastboot (method 3).

Is the phone completely off?| Is the battery charged (>50%)?| Is there an IMEI backup?| Is Mi Account disabled (if the phone is stolen/locked)?

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⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) Recovery may not have Wipe All Data. In this case, select Wipe Data → Format Data, but note that it will also remove internal memory (/data and /sdcard).

Method 3: Deep Formatting via Fastboot (for experienced)

This method is used when:

• 📱 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔄 Refuse the device to another version MIUI.
• 🛠️ We need to remove the custom Recovery (TWRP) root-right.

The work will require:

• Computer with Windows 10/11 or Linux.
• Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB/Fastboot.
• Firmware file for Redmi Note 8 (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder. fastboot_rom disk-C:.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
3. Open the Command Prompt in the firmware folder and execute: fastboot flash all -w fastboot reboot

The process will take ~20 to 30 minutes. Once you restart, it'll look like new, but:

• 🔄 You will have to reset your Mi Account.
• 📶 You may need to re-activate the mobile network (if you have a mobile phone). IMEI preserved).

5. IMEI recovery after formatting

If the mobile signal is missing after the reset, and in Settings → SIM-The card is displayed as "Valid". IMEI» — So the numbers have been erased. On the Redmi Note 8, this is a common problem when using unofficial firmware. IMEI two ways:

Method A: Through the Engineering Menu (if IMEI is known)

1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
2. Go to Phone Information → Choose. SIM.
3. Enter the original IMEIs (from the box or written in advance) in the IMEI1 and IMEI2 fields.
4. Reboot the phone.

Way B: Through QCN-file (if) IMEI lost)

It will require:

• Backup copy of QCN (if backup was done before reset).
• The QPST or Maui META program.
• USB cable and access to the Diag port (activated by the adb shell setprop sys.usb.config diag,adb command).

⚠️ Attention: Recovery IMEI through QCN Redmi Note 8 with a locked bootloader is impossible! Unlock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires account binding and wait 72 hours).

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users are faced with problems. We have collected TOP-5 errors in the formatting of the Redmi Note 8 and how to fix them:

If your problem is not included in the table, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB — 90% of Fastboot Errors Are Associated with Bad Connection.
• 📥 Integrity of firmware – the downloaded archive should weigh ~2–3 GB (for Redmi Note 8).
• 🔒 bootloader status – if it is blocked, most Fastboot commands will be banned.

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after formatting at all (no vibration, no indicator lights), check the charger. Redmi Note 8 can discharge to 0% in 1-2 days when turned off, even if it was charged 50% before reset.

7.Alternative methods: when standard methods do not work

If none of the above methods have worked, consider extreme measures:

A. Firmware through EDL-regimen (9008)

Used when the phone:

• It's not responding to the buttons.
• Not defined in Fastboot.
• Has a damaged NVRAM area (no IMEI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

This will require:

• Xiaomi EDL cable (or homemade with contact closure).
• Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
• An authorized Xiaomi account (for new devices)

B. Contacting the service center

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the restoration to professionals. Official Xiaomi services in Russia and the CIS charge from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (2026) for unlocking the bootloader and firmware. Informal workshops can make it cheaper, but the risk of “bricking” is higher.

Before you carry your phone for repair, check:

• 📄 A check or warranty card (if the warranty is valid, repairs may be free of charge).
• 🔧 Condition of connector USB-C — Firmware problems are often associated with oxidized contacts.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions