How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Why you need a Redmi Note 8 Pro reset and when to use it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems, a process that completely removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state, most often resorted to in three cases: before selling the device, after serious system failures or after unsuccessful experiments with firmware.

It's important to understand that hard reset is different from a normal reset, and it affects not only temporary files, but also erases accounts, photos, messages, and even some system updates. For example, if your Redmi Note 8 Pro started to slow down after installing custom firmware or contracted a virus through third-party software, reset may be the only way to get it back up without going to the service center.

However, not all problems are solved by reset. If the smartphone does not turn on due to hardware malfunctions (for example, a motherboard or battery is damaged), then software manipulation is powerless. In such cases, diagnostics are required at the service center. It is also worth remembering that after a reset, the device may require the entry of Mi Account data if the Factory Reset Protection function was previously activated.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you start resetting, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to loss of access to Google accounts, Mi Accounts, and even locking the device after you reboot.

Create a backup copy of the data|Make sure the battery is charged (>50%)|Delete your Google account (if you plan to sell)|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

Backup is the most important step. Use the built-in Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud.

• 📸 Photos and videos – they can be uploaded to Google Photos or copied to PC.
• 📱 Contacts – sync with your Google account or export to a file VCF.
• 🔑 Passwords and Notes – If you use Mi Notes or Keep, make sure they are saved to the cloud.
• 🎮 Preserve games – many games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact linked to social media accounts.

If you reset your device before selling, be sure to log out of all accounts (Settings → Accounts) and turn off Find My Device in Google settings. Otherwise, the new owner may encounter a request for your credentials when you first set up.

⚠️ Note: If the device activates Mi Cloud Activation Lock, you will need to enter the username and password from the associated Mi Account after the reset. Make sure to remember this information or turn off the protection in advance in Settings → Mi Account → Xiaomi's Cloud → Find Device.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This is a method that works if you turn on your smartphone and you have access to the main menu, and it's the simplest and least risky because it's controlled by the operating system. 8 Pro-based MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. The system will ask you to enter a pattern lock or PIN-proof-code.
5. Click Next and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

Once completed, the smartphone will automatically restart and start the initial setup, as after purchase. If at this stage there is an error "Can not reset the settings", try the following solutions:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge – it should be at least 30%.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet.
• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone is stuck on the Redmi logo for longer than 15 minutes after resetting via the menu, do not force it to turn it off. Let the system complete the process - it can take up to 30 minutes.

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If your smartphone is slowing down and doesn’t respond to touch, try plugging it into a charger for 10 to 15 minutes before resetting, and sometimes a low battery charge will block the operation.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the smartphone doesn’t boot)

If the Redmi Note 8 Pro is not turned on, stuck on the logo or locked with a pattern lock, you will have to use Recovery Mode, which requires care, since improper actions can lead to a blink (complete failure) of the device.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu in English.

Control in Recovery is carried out by the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation) and the power button (Choice).

1. Select the Wipe Data option → Wipe All Data.
2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data or the smartphone gives an error "Can't mount /data", this may indicate damage to the memory partition, in which case you will need to flash through Fastboot (method 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used in extreme cases when the first two methods did not work, it requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and using the Mi Flash Tool utility.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (the latest version can be found on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and put it into Fastboot mode: press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. The image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear on the screen.
2. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware (file with the.tgz extension).
4. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode (full clean) and press Flash.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-10 minutes) and the smartphone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool contains a “This device is locked” error, it means that the bootloader lock is activated on the device. Unlocking will require official permission from Xiaomi via the Mi Unlock Tool service!

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring the Redmi Note 8 Pro back to life if it doesn’t turn on and come with Recovery.However, this method requires technical skills and is risky for beginners.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

One of the most frustrating things is that you're blocking your Mi Account after you've reset, and if you forget your Mi Account, you can retrieve it through Xiaomi's official website by giving you your email or phone number, and you'll have to go to the service center to prove you've bought the device.

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after a Fastboot reset, which happens if the firmware is damaged or not designed for your model, and to avoid this, always download the firmware from an official source and check its compatibility with the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia).

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If the sound is lost or the sensor is not working after the reset, try resetting again, but through the settings menu (method 1). Sometimes the "soft" reset corrects the errors that occurred after the "hard" one.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 8 Pro will launch in initial setup mode, just like after purchase.

1. Choose the language and region (Russia is recommended for the correct operation of Google services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. If your smartphone can't see the network, check if the plane's mode is on.
3. Sign in to your Google account (if you plan to use Play Market, Gmail, etc.).
4. In the Data Recovery step, select Do Not Copy if you want to configure the device from scratch.
5. Set a pattern lock or PIN-lock-in.
6. Update the system through Settings → About the phone → System update.

If you've reset the device before selling, don't sign in to accounts or set up your smartphone - just turn it off after resetting.The new owner must go through the setup on their own.

Once the system is updated, it is recommended that:

• 🔒 Enable Find My Device in Google’s Settings for Protection Against Theft.
• 📱 Install applications only from official sources (Play Market, Mi App Store).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: fully discharge and charge the smartphone 2-3 times.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi Note 8 Pro Reset