How to exit Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: a step-by-step guide

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a special engineering mode that is used to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, sometimes the smartphone can “hang” in this state after a failed update, resetting or even accidentally pressing the combination of buttons. If your Redmi Note 8 screen is FASTBOOT with the image of a hare in a hat-eared, and the device does not respond to standard methods of reboot – do not panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved by yourself without the help of the service center.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to exit from Fastboot mode, from the simplest (reboot buttons) to advanced (working with ADB and Mi Flash Tool). Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of the Redmi Note 8: this model sometimes triggers a “soft” lock bootloader after several failed firmware attempts, which requires additional actions, and you will learn how to avoid re-entry into the Fastboot and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to any commands.

Why is Redmi Note 8 stuck in Fastboot mode?

Before proceeding to the instructions, it is important to understand the cause of the problem. Fastboot mode can activate spontaneously in the following cases:

• 🔄 Failed software update - interrupted firmware through OTA Mi Flash Tool often leads to sticking in Fastboot.
• 🔧 Factory reset – if the reset was made via Recovery with errors, the system may not boot.
• 🔌 Battery problems – Redmi Note 8 is sensitive to low charge (less than 20%) during critical operations.
• 🎯 Accidental pressing of the combination – simultaneously pressed buttons Power + Volume down translates the device into Fastboot.
• 🛠️ Boot partition damage – often occurs after improper installation of custom firmware or cores.

There is another feature on the Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) that if the device was previously unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool, then after several failed login attempts, the bootloader can automatically lock, in which case the standard methods of exiting the Fastboot will not work – you will need to re-unblock.

⚠️ Note: If you installed an informal firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience) before you get into Fastboot, then leaving the mode may lead to data loss or a device “brick”. In this case, it is recommended to immediately switch to the method with the Mi Flash Tool (section 5).

Method 1: Hard button reboot

The easiest and safest method is to force a smartphone to restart, which works 60-70% of the time if the reason for getting into the Fastboot is not due to damage to system files.

Follow the following steps:

1. Hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. If the screen is left on, press Power + Volume up at the same time for 10-15 seconds.
3. After vibrating and turning off the screen, release the buttons and wait 30 seconds.
4. Press the Power button once to turn on the smartphone in normal mode.

If the Redmi Note 8 is loaded back into Fastboot, then move on to the next method, and if the device turns on but returns to Fastboot in cycles after a few seconds, it’s a sign of damage to the boot partition (see Method 5).

Method 2: Exit through Recovery Mode

If a hard reboot didn't work, try entering Recovery mode and resetting your cache or resetting your settings completely, which is effective if the cause of the problem is corrupted temporary files.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it is on in Fastboot, hold the power until it is turned off).
2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to Recovery Mode (English or Chinese menu).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

In Recovery, select:

• 🧹 Wipe Cache Partition – Clearing the cache (safe, data is not deleted).
• 🔄 Reboot to System – Reboot to normal mode.

If the smartphone loads back into Fastboot, go back to Recovery and run Wipe Data (Factory Reset) which will delete all user data, but often solves the problem.

Disconnect the smartphone from charging|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)|Download a backup copy of the data (if possible)|Prepare original USB-cable

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⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note 8 firmware (especially custom) may not have the Recovery menu or be in Chinese. If you see characters, look for pictogram items. 🗑️ (cleaning 🔄 (restart).

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)

If the first two methods didn’t work, you can try to log out of Fastboot using the ADB-This method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and a tool. ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official package from Google).
2. Connect the Redmi Note 8 to your computer USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (serial number will appear), type: fastboot reboot

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

• 🔄 Fastboot Continue – Trying to continue downloading.
• 📱 fastboot oem reboot-recovery – reboot in Recovery.
• 🔧 fastboot oem edl - transition to mode EDL (For Firmware with Mi Flash Tool).

If the smartphone still returns to Fastboot after you enter the commands, this may indicate damage to the bootloader, in which case only flashing (see the next section) will help.

Method 4: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (guaranteed method)

If all previous methods did not help, you can reflash the smartphone through the official Xiaomi tool - Mi Flash Tool. This method is guaranteed to remove the device from Fastboot, but delete all data (if you do not backup in advance).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer running Windows 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (important!).
• 📦 Official firmware for Redmi Note 8 (codenamed Ginkgo).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for your model (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery!). For the Redmi Note 8, you can find the latest firmware here.
2. Unclarify the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\ginkgo_fastboot).
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
4. Connect the Redmi Note 8 turned off to your computer by clamping Power + Volume down (Fastboot mode should be).
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean all (full clean) and click Flash.

The firmware process will take 5-10 minutes, and once completed, the smartphone will automatically restart in normal mode.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 8 still loads into Fastboot after the firmware is installed, this may mean that the bootloader is blocked, in which case you will need to re-unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official website).

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Before you run the firmware, check the Mi Flash Tool. New firmware (MIUI 13+) requires a version of the utility at least 20220901.

Method 5: Hardware reset (if nothing helps)

In extremely rare cases (less than 1% of devices), the Redmi Note 8 may stick to the Fastboot due to hardware problems.

• A damaged button Power or Volume.
• Power controller malfunction.
• Short circuit on the motherboard.

If none of the software methods worked, perform a hardware reset:

1. Turn off the smartphone from charging.
2. Extract. SIM-card and memory card (if any).
3. Hold the Power button for 30-40 seconds (even if the screen is unresponsive).
4. Connect the charger and try to turn on the smartphone.

If this did not help, most likely, the problem is in the iron, in this case, it is recommended to contact the service center. The average cost of diagnosis for the Redmi Note 8 is 500-1000 rubles.

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Before visiting the service center, make sure the battery isn't the problem. Try connecting the Redmi Note 8 to a different power supply or charging from another smartphone for 1-2 hours.

How to avoid getting into Fastboot in the future?

To minimize the risk of re-sticking in Fastboot mode, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Do not update the software with a battery charge of less than 30% – Redmi Note 8 is sensitive to sudden power outage during firmware.
• 🚫 Do not interrupt the update process – even if the smartphone is long “hangs” on the Mi logo, wait at least 20 minutes.
• 🔄 Use only official firmware - custom ROM (For example, LineageOS may conflict with the bootloader.
• 🔌 Check it out. USB-cable before firmware – cheap cables often cause data transmission errors.
• 📱 Do not accidentally press buttons when connecting to a PC – Power combination + Volume down translates the device into Fastboot.

If you experiment with firmware often, install TWRP Recovery, which will allow you to backup the system before any changes. Instructions for installing TWRP for the Redmi Note 8 can be found on the XDA-Developers forum.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot mode on Redmi Note 8