How to safely disable Fastboot on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: 5 proven methods

Why Redmi Note 8 is stuck in Fastboot mode and how to fix it

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a utility tool for firmware, unlocking the bootloader or restoring the system. However, many Redmi Note 8 users face a situation where the device β€œhangs” in this mode: the screen is burning a rabbit in a hat-earch, and the phone does not respond to buttons. The reasons can be different from accidental pressing of the key combination to failure when updating the software.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to exit from Fastboot - from elementary (reboot) to advanced (ADB commands). Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of the Redmi Note 8, since this model has specific bugs with the ginkgo bootloader. You will also learn how to avoid re-entry into the Fastboot and what to do if the phone does not respond to any manipulations.

Before proceeding with the instructions, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery level (should be at least 30% - otherwise you risk getting a brickΒ»)
  • πŸ”Œ Is the original cable connected? USB Type-C (cheap cables may not transmit data)
  • πŸ–₯️ The PC has Mi Flash Tool drivers installed or ADB (You can download it on the official Xiaomi website)

If your Redmi Note 8 hit the Fastboot after a failed firmware or settings reset, don’t try to flash it right through Mi Flash β€” this can make the problem worse if the bootloader is locked.

πŸ“Š How you got into Fastboot mode on the Redmi Note 8?
Accidentally pressed the button combination
After the MIUI update
When you try to unlock the loader
After resetting to factory settings
Other

Method 1: Standard Reboot (works 60% of the time)

The easiest way to exit the Fastboot is a forced reboot. On the Redmi Note 8, it is done with a long hold on the power button, but there are nuances:

  1. Hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
  2. After vibration, release the button and wait 30 to 60 seconds – the phone should boot in normal mode.
  3. If the screen shows Fastboot again, repeat the action 3 times in a row (sometimes it works with 2-3 attempts).

This method will work if:

  • πŸ“± Phone hits Fastboot due to accidental button pressing
  • πŸ”„ System not damaged (no failures after update)
  • πŸ”“ No bootloader is locked (No message This device is locked)

If the reboot doesn't work, move on to the next way. Don't try to pull out the battery -- it's not removable on the Redmi Note 8, and disassembling without experience can damage the plumes.

πŸ’‘

If the phone turns on after rebooting, but goes back to the Fastboot after a few seconds, this is a sign of damaged firmware, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (section 5) will help.

Method 2: Exit through the button combination (for unlocked bootloader)

If the standard reboot didn’t work, try the hardware combination to exit the Fastboot. On the Redmi Note 8, it’s different from other Xiaomi models:

  1. Hold the power button + increase the volume at the same time for 10-15 seconds.
  2. When the screen goes out, immediately press the volume down and hold it until the Recovery menu appears.
  3. In the recovery menu, select Reboot β†’ System (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).

This combination will only work if:

  • πŸ”“ bootloader unlocked (checked by the Unlocked label at the bottom of the Fastboot screen)
  • πŸ› οΈ The phone is not damaged recovery section (if the menu does not appear - the firmware flew off)

Make sure the loader is unlocked|Use the original buttons (not touchpad)|Don’t release the buttons before the time.|If it doesn’t work, try the Power combination. + volume-reducing-->

If you see Fastboot again instead of the Recovery menu, the recovery section is damaged, and only the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (section 5) or ADB (section 4) will help.

⚠️ Note: Don't confuse Recovery and Fastboot! Recovery has a text menu in English, while Fastboot only has a picture of a hare and inscriptions. FASTBOOT MODE. If you see a rabbit, the button combination didn’t work.

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If hardware methods don’t work, you can exit Fastboot using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and drivers installed, but it’s versatile and works even on locked bootloaders (unless the system is damaged).

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Download ADB and Fastboot Tools from Google’s official website and unpack the archive.
  2. Connect the Redmi Note 8 to your PC with a USB Type-C cable (required to be original!).
  3. Open the command line (Win + R β†’ enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools
  4. Check if the device is detected: fastboot devices If you see the serial number, you can continue. If not, install the Mi USB Driver drivers.
  5. Run the reboot command: fastboot reboot

If the fastboot reboot command doesn’t work, try alternatives:

  • πŸ”„ fastboot continues to boot the system (sometimes helps when β€œhanging” on the logo)
  • πŸ“± fastboot oem reboot-recovery – reboot your phone in Recovery Mode
  • πŸ”“ fastboot oem unlock – unlock the bootloader (only if it is blocked)
Team team.When to applyThe result
fastboot rebootPhone β€œHanged” in Fastboot without errorsReboot to the system or Recovery
fastboot continueFastboot screen appears, but system is not damagedContinued download of MIUI
fastboot oem reboot-recoveryYou need to get to Recovery to reset.Switching to the recovery menu
fastboot oem unlockThe device is locked (this device is locked)Unlocking the bootloader (requires confirmation)

If the phone returns to Fastboot after the fastboot reboot command, it means that:

  • 🚨 Boot or system partition is damaged (reflashing is needed)
  • πŸ”’ The boot loader is locked and the system cannot boot (you need to unlock)
  • πŸ”‹ Battery discharged below critical level (plug charging and try again)
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your Redmi Note 8, Follow the following steps: 1. Check the cable – use the original from Xiaomi (cheap cables often don’t transmit data). 2. Install Mi drivers USB Driver (you can download it on the official website). 3. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 β€” They are more stable with Fastboot). 4. Reinstall. ADB Fastboot from the latest version of Platform Tools. 5. If you are using Windows 10/11, Turn off driver signature verification (instructions are available on Microsoft website).

Method 4: Recovery Mode Reset (if the system is damaged)

If the Redmi Note 8 loads into the Fastboot after a failed update or reset, but the Recovery Mode is available, you can perform a hard reset (wipe) that will delete all data, but return the phone to working condition.

How to get to Recovery and make a reset:

  1. Turn off your phone (hold the Power for 20 seconds if it's in Fastboot).
  2. Press Power+ Volume Up and Hold until a menu with Mi Bunny (Hare) and Recovery label appears.
  3. From the menu, select: Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data β†’ Confirm (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
  4. After reset, select Reboot β†’ System.

What's important to know:

  • πŸ“² All data will be deleted (photos, contacts, messages) If you have Mi Cloud enabled, some data can be restored after you log in to your account.
  • πŸ”§ If after resetting the phone again goes to Fastboot - damaged partition system, and you need a complete flashing.
  • πŸ”’ If the Recovery Menu contains a Can't mount error /data, This means that the data partition is corrupted (you need to stitch through the Mi Flash Tool).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI For Redmi Note 8, resetting via Recovery may not work due to a data encryption bug. If after the Wipe All Data command, the phone vibrates and returns to the menu, use Fastboot firmware (section 5).

πŸ’‘

Recovery is the most reliable way to get your phone back on track if the system is damaged but the bootloader is unlocked, but it erases all data, so only use it if other methods have failed.

Method 5: Flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (extremely)

If none of the previous methods worked, the Mi Flash Tool is completely reflashed, and this method is guaranteed to bring the Redmi Note 8 back to life, but requires:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows computer (7/10/11)
  • πŸ”Œ The original cable. USB Type-C
  • πŸ“₯ Firmware for Redmi Note 8 (codenamed Ginkgo)
  • πŸ”“ Unlocked bootloader (if locked, first unlock via fastboot oem unlock)

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 8 (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery!).
  2. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MiFlash\ginkgo).
  3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Mi USB Driver.
  4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
  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 in case of failures) Clean All and Lock – cleaning + lock bootloader (only if it was unlocked) Save User Data – data storage (not always stable)

Flash

Once the firmware is installed, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes - don't turn it off or turn it off from charging!

Possible errors and their solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Can't find deviceDrivers are not installed or the cable is faultyReinstall drivers, try another cable/port
Flash not donebootloader lockedUnlock with fastboot oem unlock
Invalid imageWrong firmware (not for Ginkgo)Download firmware specifically for Redmi Note 8
Device is lockedThe bootloader is locked and the firmware requires unlockingUse Clean All and Lock or unlock the bootloader

⚠️ If after firmware the phone turns on, but goes back to Fastboot - most likely, you chose the wrong version MIUI (For example, flash Global into Chinese or vice versa. Check the phone model in settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI) and download the appropriate firmware.

How to avoid getting re-hired in Fastboot on Redmi Note 8

To avoid any more hanging out in Fastboot, follow these guidelines:

  • πŸ”„ Do not update your software with Recovery if your battery is under 50%, which is a common cause of failure.
  • πŸ”§ Do not use unofficial firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) unless you unlock the bootloader.
  • πŸ“± Avoid accidentally pressing button combinations (especially Power) + Volume reduction is a direct road to Fastboot).
  • πŸ”’ If you unlock the bootloader, do not lock it back through the Mi Flash Tool – this can lead to a β€œbrickΒ».
  • πŸ“‘ Before updating via Ota Updater, check the reviews on the forums (for example, check the reviews, 4PDA) β€” updates MIUI buggy.

If you often have to work with Fastboot (for example, for firmware or system modification), install Minimal ADB and Fastboot. It simplifies execution of commands and reduces the risk of errors. It is also useful to have a backup of important data (contacts, photos) - for example, in Google Photos or Mi Cloud.

The Redmi Note 8 has a specific bug: when the charge level is low (less than 15%), the phone can spontaneously switch to the Fastboot when connected to charging. To avoid this, charge the device with a power switched off to 30-40% before any firmware manipulation.

The latest version of the Mi Flash Tool

Fastboot firmware for your model

- Mi USB Driver Drivers

- Archive with ADB

This will save time if the phone freezes againΒ».-->

Frequent questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8

The phone loads into the Fastboot after every shutdown. What's the problem?
This is a typical symptom of a damaged boot or recovery partition. Causes: Misfitting MIUI update via Ota Updater; interrupted firmware via Mi Flash Tool; Installing unofficial TWRP without unlocking the bootloader; Solution: Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode (section 5).
Can I log out of Fastboot without a computer?
Yes, but only if: The bootloader is unlocked (checked by the Unlocked label at the bottom of the screen), the system is intact (the phone was previously normally turned on), try the methods from sections 1–2 (reboot or button combination). If it doesn't work, you can't do without a PC.
After the firmware, the phone doesn't turn on, only the red light flashes.
The red light on the Redmi Note 8 signals a critical boot error. Reasons: Wrong firmware (e.g., flashed the Redmi Note 8 Pro instead of the Note 8); damaged EFS (responsible for IMEI); battery is low below 5% (although the phone is connected to charging); Solution: Try flashing another version of MIUI (e.g., take EEA instead of Global); If it doesn't work, check the battery (plug it to another charger for 1-2 hours); in extreme cases, contact the service center - possibly damaged memory chip.
How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 8 if it is blocked?
To unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi, you need: Get permission from Xiaomi through the official website (link your Mi Account to your phone). Install Mi Unlock Tool on your PC. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions of the program. Important: Unlocking takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting if the account is new. Also, after unlocking, all data will be deleted from the phone.
Can I recover data after a Fastboot reset?
If you run Wipe Data or flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool, the chances of data recovery are minimal: πŸ” Programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver (only work if the data partition has not been overwritten). ☁️ Restore from Mi Cloud backup (if synchronization was enabled). πŸ“§ Checking emails and instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram can store history on servers). Tip: Once the phone is restored, immediately turn backup to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.