How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems. The device can slow down due to overloaded memory, pick up viruses through third-party apps, or simply “glut” after a failed update. In such cases, hard reset returns the smartphone to its original state, removing all user data, settings and installed programs.

However, the procedure has nuances: on the Redmi Note 8T (model with the index M1908C3XG), the reset can be done in three ways - through the settings menu, Recovery mode or using the Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks"). Each method is suitable for different situations: for example, if the phone does not turn on, you have to use physical buttons, and when the screen is locked, only a PC. In this article, we will analyze all options taking into account the features of the MIUI firmware and the hardware platform Redmi Note 8T.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Before you start taking drastic measures, make sure the problem does require a complete reset. Here are the typical cases where it is warranted:

• 🐢 Smartphone strongly slows down, applications are constantly “flying out”, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 Forgot your pattern lock or password, and unlocking through Mi Account is not possible (for example, no linked number).
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus: advertising in all applications, spontaneous installation of software, overheating without load.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Critical bugs (camera is not working, no network, boot errors).
• 📦 Before selling or transferring a phone to another user (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).

However, resetting won’t help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions, such as a broken screen, a broken battery or a damaged charging connector, in which case repairs are required, not software restarts.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 8T firmware MIUI 12+ After reset, you may need to re-activate the device through Mi Account, if the security mechanism was previously enabled (even without linking to the account!). Make sure to remember the username and password from Xiaomi, otherwise the phone will turn into a “brick».

Preparing for resetting: what to save and how to avoid losses

Resetting to factory settings permanently removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS/MMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎵 Music, documents and uploaded files.
• 📌 Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts in applications.

To minimize losses, follow the following steps:

1. Sync your data with the cloud: Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for contacts, notes, photos. For Google Services: Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync.
2. Copy files on your PC: Connect Redmi Note 8T over USB (select File Transfer Mode). Copy DCIM (photo), Downloads, Documents folders to your computer.

Keep a list of installed applications:

• Use utilities like App Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
• Or manually write down the names of important programs (for example, banking applications).

Sync your contacts with Google/Mi Cloud|

Copy photos and videos on PC|

Record logins/passwords from accounts |

Ensure battery life (>50%) |

Disable protection with a pattern lock (if possible)-->

If the phone is locked and does not respond to touch, try connecting it to your PC in Fastboot mode (keep Volume Down + Power on when turned on) and copy the data via ADB.

Yes, via the settings menu |

Yes, through Recovery|.

Yes, with a PC (Mi Flash Tool) |

No, I never did.|I don't know what it is.-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

The easiest method is to use the built-in reset function in MIUI. It is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember your password/pattern lock (or it is disabled).
• 🔋 Battery level above 30%.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will offer two options: Reset – only deletes settings, applications and data, but saves files in memory.

Confirm the action by entering a password (if required).

Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Attention: If on the Redmi Note 8T Device Protection is enabled (in Settings) → Lock and protect), after reset, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you haven't used it! make sure to remember the login details, otherwise the phone will lock.

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If after a reset, the phone asks for the account of the previous owner, and you do not know him, contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase (check, box).

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on or locked)

If the Redmi Note 8T doesn’t respond to touch, hangs on the logo, or is locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires physical access to the buttons.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Xiaomi (usually installed automatically when you connect your phone).
2. Unpack the downloaded firmware (file with extension.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the Redmi Note 8T and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 5-10 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC – the screen will appear a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot Mode).

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Clean all

Flash

Wait for the end (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool deletes all information, including data on internal memory, and resets settings MIUI If the phone was tied to the Mi Account, you'll need to log in after the firmware, and make sure you download the firmware for the Redmi Note. 8T (M1908C3XG), Otherwise, you risk "killing" the device.

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If your phone is even included in Recovery, use more gentle methods (through menus or physical buttons).

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 8T will be turned on in initial settings, just like after purchase.

1. Select language and region: We recommend you to specify Russia or Global to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi: This is necessary to download updates and recover data from the cloud.
3. Sign in to Xiaomi account: If the phone was tied to Mi Account, without authorization, further settings will be blocked.

Update firmware:

Settings → About the phone → System update

If your phone is running slower than before, follow these steps:

• 🧹 Clean the cache manually: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🚫 Turn off autoloading of unnecessary apps: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 🔄 Restart the device after data recovery.

If there are any errors in the recovery (for example, does not connect to Wi-Fi or does not recognize) SIM-map, check it out:

• 📶 Network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point (APN).
• 🔧 Updates for the communication module: sometimes a separate firmware for the modem is required.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct reset, problems can arise. Consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged flash memory).

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If you lose your photos after reset, try to restore them with programs like DiskDigger or Recuva, and don’t write new files to your phone until you recover them!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions