How to go to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all working ways

Why Recovery Mode on Redmi Note 8 Pro is not just a reset menu

Many users of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed Begonia) mistakenly think that Recovery Mode is only needed to reset to factory settings.

• Install official and custom firmware (fastboot or OTA).

Clear cache and application data without losing files in memory.

• Restore the smartphone after the “brick” (soft-brick).

• Verify the integrity of the /system partition via fsck.

However, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Xiaomi’s stock Recovery is blocked for installation ZIP-Files – this feature is only available in custom type solutions TWRP Or OrangeFox. If you need to run something through ZIP, First you need to unlock the loader and install an alternative Recovery.

In this article, we’ll cover all the current ways to log in to Recovery Mode on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, including bypassing typical bugs (like when the phone vibrates but doesn’t load on the menu).

Method 1: Classic button input (on 99% of devices)

This is a basic method that works even if the smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the MI logo. Important: on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the button combination is different from other Xiaomi models!

Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds if it freezes)

Wait for the full screen switch off (vibration when turned off is the norm)

Disconnect the charger (if connected)

Make sure the battery is at least 20 times charged%-->

Instructions:

  1. Press and hold the power button and Volume Up button at the same time.
  2. In 3-5 seconds, the MI logo will appear – don’t let go of the buttons!
  3. After 2-3 seconds, the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese) will be displayed.

If instead of Recovery, the phone simply turns on:

  • 🔄 Try to pinch the buttons 1-2 seconds longer (sometimes it takes up to 10 seconds).
  • 🔋 Check if the battery is discharged (at the charge level) <10% The menu may not open).
  • 🔌 Connect charging and try again - sometimes helps.

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If you have a customized recap (TWRP), use the Power + Volume Up combination to enter, but release the buttons immediately after the TWRP logo appears (otherwise the smartphone will reboot).

Method 2: Sign in via ADB (if the phone is turned on but the buttons are not working)

This method will come in handy if physical buttons are damaged or unresponsive.

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
  • 📱 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.

If USB debugging is not enabled, activate it first:

  1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
  2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
  3. Activate Debugging via USB and confirm the resolution.

Next, connect the phone to the PC and execute the commands:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, install the Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools drivers.)

adb reboot recovery

After 5-10 seconds, the smartphone will reboot in Recovery Mode. If the command does not work, try:

adb shell reboot recovery
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
1. Check if file transfer mode is enabled (MTP) When connecting to a PC. 2. Try another one. USB-cable (cheap cables often don't support data transfers). 3. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Device Manager "ADB Interface" for Xiaomi Begonia. 4. Reboot your PC and phone, then reconnect.

Method 3: Automatic login after reset or update

Sometimes the Redmi Note 8 Pro will go to Recovery Mode after:

  • 🔄 Failed update MIUI through OTA.
  • 🧹 Reset to factory settings through Settings.
  • 🔧 Interrupted firmware via Fastboot.

In such cases, the Recovery menu can appear automatically with the following suggestion:

  • 📥 Repeat Update (Apply Update from) ADB).
  • 🗑️ Perform reset (Wipe) data/factory reset).
  • 🚫 Cancel Changes and Restart (Reboot System Now).

If your phone is stuck in a Recovery boot cycle:

⚠️ Warning: Don't choose Wipe data without backing up! On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this will delete all data in memory, including photos and apps. First try Reboot system now or connect to your PC via a PC. ADB diagnostic.

SituationReason.Decision
The phone boots itself to Recovery after the updateIncompatible version of MIUI or corrupted OTA fileSelect Apply update from ADB and run the full MIUI package through fastboot.
Cyclical reboot in RecoveryThe /data or /system partition is damagedRun the Wipe cache, then reboot. If it doesn't work, reset to factory settings.
Recovery in ChineseInstalled global firmware on the Chinese deviceUse a translator or run the correct version of MIUI for your region
Recovery menu not responding to touchSensor or incompatible recaveri damagedControl Volume Up/Down and Power to Select Points

How Stock Recovery is Different from TWRP on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Xiaomi’s standard reclaimers are severely limited in features, and here are the key differences:

FunctionStock RecoveryTWRP/OrangeFox
Installation ZIP-file❌ No.✅ Yes (firmware, Magisk, modules)
Backup (backup)❌ No.✅ Full section backup /data, /system etc.
Section management❌ Just the reset.✅ Formatting, modifying the file system
ADB-access✅ Yes, but limited.✅ Full access to adb shell
Interface language🇬🇧 English/🇨🇳 Chinese✅ Many Language Supports (including Russian)

To install TWRP on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you first need to:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires binding Mi Account).
  2. Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
  3. Lock the bootloader back (optional, but recommended for safety).

Stock from Xiaomi

TWRP

OrangeFox

Another custom

I don't know what I've got.-->

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes have problems logging into Recovery, and here are the most common ones:

  • 🔴 Phone vibrates but doesn't load in Recovery Reason: Faulty Volume Up button or custom core conflict Solution: Try clamping Volume Down + Power (sometimes triggered to log in to Fastboot, and from there you can go to Recovery via the fastboot reboot recovery command).
  • 🔴 Recovery menu in Chinese Reason: Firmware installed for the Chinese region (China) ROM). Solution: Run a European or Global Version MIUI via Fastboot.
  • 🔴 Recovery does not respond to touch Reason: Sensor or incompatible recavers are damaged Solution: Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to confirm your choice.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 8 Pro with Android 12-based firmware+ The stock receptacle can block the input through the buttons if the Anti-Rollback function is enabled. ADB or Fastboot.

💡

If you plan to flash custom software, first check the version of Anti-Rollback in Fastboot with the fastboot getvar anti team. Installing firmware with a lower Anti-Rollback number will lead to the brick of the device!

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?

If neither of these methods worked, the problem could be hardware or software.

  1. Hardware malfunctions: 🔋 Check the battery - at low charge (<5%) Recovery menu may not be running. 🔌 Connect the original charger and wait. 10–15 minutes, then try again. 🛠️ If the phone fell or got wet, damage to the motherboard is possible (diagnosis is required in the service center).

Programmatic failures:

  • 📱 If the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Try to log in to Fastboot (Volume Down) + Food) and sew stock Recovery:
  • 🔄 If you previously installed custom recavery, but it does not work, return the stock through the Mi Flash Tool.

If the phone does not respond to buttons and is not detected by the PC:

  • 🔌 Try hardware reset: pinch the power + Volume Up + Volume Down for 20 to 30 seconds (sometimes it works on dead devices).
  • 🔧 Contact the service center – you may need to reflash through EDL (emergency).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Recovery on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Can I log in to Recovery if the screen is broken but the sensor is working?
Yes, if the sensor is touch-responsive, you can control the Recovery menu through it. If the screen is completely black, but the phone is turning on, plug it into your PC and use ADB (adb shell) commands to navigate.
Why does the phone say "No command" after logging in to Recovery?
This is the normal state of the stock recavery on the Redmi Note 8 Pro. To continue: Press and hold Power. Without releasing it, press Volume Up once. Release both buttons, a menu will appear. If that doesn't work, the /recovery partition may have been damaged. Fastboot re-run it.
How to back up data with Recovery if there is no TWRP?
There's no backup in a drain recaveri: 📱 Use it. ADB pull to copy files to PC (works if phone turns on): adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Backup\ ☁️ Sync data with Mi Cloud (photos, contacts, notes). 🔧 Install. TWRP (requires unlocking the loader).
Can I use Magisk through stock recovery?
No, Xiaomi stock recavator does not support installation ZIP-To make Magisk firmware, you need to: Install TWRP Or OrangeFox. Sweat Magisk through the Install menu in a custom Recovery. boot.img on PC and stitch through Fastboot.
What if after resetting to Recovery, the phone requires a password?
It's protection. FRP (Factory Reset Protection. To unlock: Enter the last password you used from your Mi or Google account. If you don't remember the password, use Xiaomi's recovery service. In extreme cases, run the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (will delete all data). ⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 8 Pro with Android 11+ discharge FRP Fastboot can lock your device permanently (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).