Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro Formatting: 3 Ways to Completely Reset and Clean

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but even it eventually begins to “slow down” due to filled memory, software conflicts or viruses. Formatting (reset to factory settings) solves most software problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose data or turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to format the Redmi Note 8 Pro, from standard reset via settings to “hard” methods through Recovery and Fastboot. We will focus on the nuances for models with a locked bootloader and the differences between global (MIUI Global) and Chinese (MIUI China) firmware, and you will learn how to save important data before cleaning and what to do if the phone does not turn on after reset.

Note: instructions are relevant for all modifications of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (6/64 GB, 6/128 GB, 8/128 GB) based on the Mediatek Helio G90T processor. If your device runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon - you have another model (for example, Redmi Note 8 without the Pro prefix).

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump

Formatting removes all user data: contacts, photos, messages, installed applications, and even some system settings. To avoid losing important information, follow these steps:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup (MIUI) or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. MIUI does not save Wi-Fi passwords and data from certain applications (for example, WhatsApp requires a separate backup).
• 🔐 Remember the accounts linked to the phone: Mi Account (required!), Google, social networks. After the reset, you will need to re-authorize.
• 📡 Check it out. IMEI. Dial *#06# and write down both numbers (Redmi Note 8 Pro has two slots for the game). SIM). This will help restore the network if the connection disappears after formatting.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to discharge can cause the device to lose its performance.

If the phone doesn’t turn on or is getting stuck on the MI logo, skip this section and go to formatting methods via Recovery or Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), In this case, only use methods for modified firmware (see section 4).

2. Method 1: Standard reset via MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from a working system.

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock./PIN-code.
• 🔄 You need to clear the data before selling or eliminate small lags.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. If required, enter the password from the Mi Account (if linked).
4. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and after you restart, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like you did after you bought it.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12.5+ After the reset, confirmation may be required through SMS to unlock Mi Account. make sure you have access to the linked phone number.

Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode

If your phone doesn't boot or is stuck on the logo, use Recovery, which works even when your system files are damaged, but requires care.

Steps to Enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the MI logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or in Chinese version).
2. Confirm Wipe All Data.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: If after reset via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter the Mi Account password, and you do not remember it, you will need to unlock through the official Xiaomi service (can take up to 72 hours).

Method 3: Full formatting via Fastboot (for experienced)

Fastboot is the most radical method, which deletes all information, including system partitions, and requires a PC connection.

• 🔧 You need to check the phone (for example, with the MIUI China on Global).
• 🐢 The phone is extremely slow even after resetting via Recovery.
• 🚨 Errors like DM-Verity corruption or Bootloop appear on the screen.

Procedure:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware) on PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. For full formatting, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

If you need to reflash your phone, download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) from MIUI Downloads and use the Mi Flash Tool.

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Before you run through Fastboot, turn off driver signature checks in Windows (if your PC can’t see your device). To do this, reboot to Shift + Reboot → Diagnostics → Additional settings → Boot options → Reboot, then select 7 (disable signature check).

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them:

If the phone is locked after reset, unlock it via the official Mi Unlock Tool app. Please note: unlocking the bootloader erases all data and requires you to link Mi Account to the phone for 72 hours.

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Before unlocking the bootloader, be sure to link Mi Account to your phone and wait 72 hours. Otherwise, unlocking will not be available!

6. Formatting with Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is installed TWRP (TeamWin Recovery Project, the reset process is different than the standard one. TWRP:

• 🔄 Selective partition formatting (e.g., Dalvik Cache only).
• 📁 Create full backups (Nandroid backup) before cleaning.
• 🔧 Installation of custom firmware and mods.

Instructions for TWRP:

1. Sign in to TWRP (Plug Power + Volume Up when the phone is off).
2. On the main screen, select Wipe.
3. Swipe your finger across the screen for confirmation (or select Format Data if you need full formatting).
4. After cleaning, restart the system (Reboot System).

⚠️ Attention: B TWRP Format Data removes all information without recovery, including files on internal memory, and only use it when absolutely necessary (for example, before installing a new firmware).

7. Data recovery after formatting

If you forgot to backup, some of the data can be recovered using specialized software, and keep in mind that the odds depend on whether the data was overwritten after the reset.

Recovery methods:

• 📱 Photos and videos: Use DiskDigger or Recuva (Plug your phone to your PC in mode) MTP).
• 📞 Contacts: If Google Account has been synced, they will automatically recover after logging in.
• 💬 Software like Dr.Fone can be restored SMS, But only if the internal memory was not formatted via Fastboot.

Important: Don't install recovery software on the phone itself, which reduces your chances of success. Connect the drive to your PC and work with it.

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The faster you start recovering from a reset, the better the chances of getting your data back, and each new memory record (installing apps, taking photos) reduces the likelihood of success.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 8 Pro formatting