How to format Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: 5 proven ways

Formatting the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to eliminating critical system failures. However, not all users are aware that the term formatting often hides different processes: resetting to factory settings through the menu, full cleaning through recovery, unlocking the bootloader or even flashing. Each of these methods has its own nuances, consequences and level of complexity.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to format Redmi 8 Pro (codenamed olivelite), including hidden features. MIUI, work with Fastboot and EDL-We'll focus on data security, common errors, and how to avoid building a device, and if you've never seen this kind of procedure, don't worry, we'll give you step-by-step instructions with illustrative examples and warnings about the risks.

Preparation for formatting: what to do in advance

Before you start any form of reset, be sure to follow these steps – they will save you time and nerves:

• 📱 Back up. Use the built-in tool. MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Backups or third-party apps like Swift Backup (requires root). Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud), SMS and call logs (applications) SMS Backup & Restore: Wi-Fi and App Settings (via Mi Account)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to the inability to turn on the phone without service intervention.
• 🔑 Make sure you know the data from your Mi Account. After resetting, the phone may require you to enter a login/password to unlock (Mi Cloud Lock function).
• 📋 Write it down. IMEI. Type *#06# - this data will be useful if the network disappears after formatting.

If you format your phone before selling, additionally:

• 📦 Unplug all accounts (Settings) → Accounts and synchronization).
• 💳 Remove Bank Cards from Google Pay and Mi Pay.
• 📍 Turn off Find Device in Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, a reset through standard methods will not help bypass the lock.In this case, you will need to officially unlock through the Xiaomi website (with proof of purchase) or contact the service.

2. Method 1: Soft reset via MIUI settings

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

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔄 You need to fix software failures without deleting system files.
• 📦 You are preparing the device for transfer to another user.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Erase all data (reset to factory settings).
3. When you request, enter PIN-code.
4. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once completed, the phone will launch with a clean MIUI, as after purchase.All user data, apps and settings will be deleted, but system updates will remain.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone requires a password from the previous owner (Mi Cloud Lock) after reset, and you don't know it, don't try to pick it up! After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or doesn't respond to touch, hard reset through recovery mode will help, which deletes all data, including cache and temporary files, but does not affect system partitions.

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Redmi 8 Pro:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and recovery menu appear.

In the recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

1. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
2. Confirm the action (Confirm).
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — data-cleaning.
• 🔄 — restart.

4. Method 3: Complete Fastboot Fastboot Firmware

If soft reset and recovery didn’t work (for example, after a failed update or virus attack), you’ll have to use Fastboot to run the firmware, USB-Cable and special tools from Xiaomi.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📁 Fastboot for Redmi 8 Pro (download from official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked – see Section 5).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi8Pro_fastboot).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi USB drivers.
3. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume down for 10 seconds.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended). Clean All and Lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (only if you are sure!).

Flash

1. to run the program on behalf of the administrator.

2. disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).

3. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.-->

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware with Clean All and Lock will block the bootloader. If you plan to install custom firmware (like LineageOS) in the future, choose Clean All only.

5. Method 4: Unlock the bootloader (for advanced)

By default, the bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked, which prevents you from installing unofficial firmware or modified recovery (such as TWRP).

Requirements:

• 📱 Phone with a Mi Account tied (at least 7 days of activity).
• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Unlock Tool installed.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔑 SIM-card associated with the account (for SMS-confirmation).

The unlocking process:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Turn on: Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times). USB Debugging: Settings → Additional → Developers → USB Debugging. OEM Unlock: For Developers → Unlock OEM.

Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud

Fastboot

Food + Volume Down

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

72-168 hours

After successful unlocking, you will be able to:

• 📦 Install custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🔄 Stitching unofficial firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience).
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings! make a backup in advance as all data will be deleted.

Method 5: Emergency recovery through EDL-regime

EDL-Emergency Download Mode – The last chance to bring your phone back to life:

• 💀 Not turned on at all (black screen, no reaction to buttons).
• 🔄 Fixed with the Mi or Fastboot logo.
• 📱 Has damaged system partitions (for example, after a failed firmware).

Working with EDL will require:

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 📁 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for Redmi 8 Pro.
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
• 🔌 Cable with support EDL (not USB-cables fit!).

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, wait until it’s completely discharged).
2. Hold the volume up at the same time. + Loud down and plug in. USB-plug-in.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds. Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.

Then, through Mi Flash Pro, select the firmware and press Flash. It takes 5-10 minutes. Importantly, don't turn off the cable until it's complete!

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without official permission, Xiaomi may be blocked. IMEI (To avoid this, use firmware signed auth or contact the service center.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and consider common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), which would require a diagnosis at a service center.

8. FAQ: Answers to popular questions