The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but even it slows down over time due to clogged memory or system failures. Formatting helps return the device to performance, prepare it for sale or eliminate software errors.
In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to format the Redmi Note 8, from standard resets through settings to forced cleanup via Recovery Mode. You’ll learn how to save important data before reset, what errors users most often make, and what to do if the phone doesn’t turn on after formatting. And also compare the effectiveness of each method depending on your goal: speeding up work, removing viruses or preparing for transfer to another owner.
When to Format Redmi Note 8
Factory resets are not a panacea, but in some cases, they are the only way to make the smartphone work again. Here are the key situations where formatting is warranted:
- 🐢 Phone slows down, apps crash, and less than 10% of free memory is left, even after cleaning the cache.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI critical bugs: the camera does not work, the connection disappears or the device overheats.
- 📱 You sell or transfer your smartphone to another person and want to completely delete your personal data (photos, messages, passwords).
- 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antivirus software (such as banner ads on menus).
- 🔧 The smartphone is stuck in a restart cycle (bootloop) or does not respond to clicks after a failed update.
However, there are cases where resetting won't help or even make the problem worse:
- ⚡ Battery swollen or phone turns off at 30-40% charge - this is a hardware malfunction.
- 📱 The screen crashed or did not respond to touch (if the sensor does not work, reset via the menu is not possible).
- 📶 Network problems due to a damaged communication module (for example, after a fall).
⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account in the settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device due to locking. MIUI!
Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting
Factory reset permanently deletes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. If you do not backup in advance, it will be impossible to recover information (or very expensive at the service center).
☑️ What to save before resetting
1. Save contacts. These can be exported to your Google account (Contacts) → Management → Exports/imports) or on SIM-Also suitable is the Mi Mover app, which transfers data to another Xiaomi smartphone.
2. Move media files. Photos and videos take up the most space. Copy them onto a computer through the computer. USB-cable or upload to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex.Disk). To speed up the process, use a wired connection - over Wi-Fi transmission can take hours.
3. Save messages. MIUI has a built-in SMS backup in Mi Cloud (Settings → Phone → Backup). Alternatively, apps like SMS Backup & Restore that export correspondence to a file.
4. Write down the Wi-Fi passwords. Once reset, all the stored networks will disappear. QR-router codes (they are usually pasted on the case) or save passwords in notes.
5. Make sure you know the username and password from Mi Account. After resetting, the phone may require you to enter Xiaomi account details to unlock (if Find Device was enabled).
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from Mi Account, reset it in advance on the official website. After formatting, it will be more difficult to restore access - you will need confirmation by the official website. SMS or email linked to an account.
💡
Before resetting, check if your Redmi Note 8 is linked to Google Find My Device. After formatting, the device may remain in your Google account, allowing you to track its new location. To avoid this, remove the phone from the device list at google.com/android/find.
Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the safest method)
This method is suitable if the phone turns on, responds to touch, and you remember a pattern lock or PIN-The advantage of the method is the minimum risk of errors, since the reset passes through the standard menu. MIUI.
Step-by-step:
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
- Select Resetting (or Resetting to factory settings).
- The system will prompt you to choose which to delete. We recommend that you mark All data (including applications and media files).
- Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
- Click Remove everything and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).
After the reboot, the phone will turn on with factory settings, as after purchase. You will only have to go through the initial setup (Welcome Screen).
| Advantages of the method | Deficiencies of the method |
|---|---|
| ✅ Maximum safety (minimum risk) | ❌ It won’t help if the phone doesn’t turn on. |
| ✅ Saves the data on SD-map (if it is installed) | ❌ Requires a working sensor and access to the menu |
| ✅ No need for additional tools | ❌ Do not reset your Mi Account settings (you need to log out manually) |
💡
If after reset, the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - do not try to guess! After 5 wrong attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)
If the Redmi Note 8 is stuck on the logo, unresponsive to clicks, or reboots cyclically, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which is also a good method if you've forgotten your pattern lock.
Warning: Recovery's sensor is not working, it's controlled by the volume and power buttons, and here's how to go into mode and reset:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
- Press the Power button + Volume Up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with yellow inscriptions in English).
- With the volume buttons (Up/Down), select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
- Press the Power button to confirm the choice.
- In the next menu, select Wipe All Data and confirm again with the power button.
- Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
- Select Reboot → Reboot to System to restart your phone.
The first download after reset via Recovery can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process! If the Redmi logo is on the screen for more than 20 minutes, then something has gone wrong (see the section "What to do if the phone does not turn on after reset").
What if you can’t get into Recovery?
⚠️ Attention: In some firmware MIUI Wipe Data can be called something else, such as Factory Reset or Clear eMMC. Don’t choose options with the word Fastboot – this is another mode that requires a connection to a PC!
Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)
This method is suitable if the standard reset did not help or you want to reflash the phone. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C. The method is more complicated than the previous ones, but allows you to completely clean the userdata partition (where all user data is stored).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
- Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot Mode: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. Release the buttons when a hare in a hat-eared hat appears on the screen (Fastboot logo).
Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
Win + R
cmd
Platform Tools
cd C:\platform-tools- Check that the device is determined:
fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number in response, you can continue. If not, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.
- Run the command to completely reset: