How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro to factory settings: 3 working ways

The Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is a popular smartphone with a balance of performance and price, but even it can eventually start to slow down, issue errors or require a complete system reinstallation. Hard reset solves most software problems, from freezes to viruses. However, improper actions can lead to Mi Account lockdown, data loss or even “bricking” the device.

This article features three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Mi Flash Tool), unique nuances for the Redmi 8 Pro with Snapdragon 665 and MIUI 12+ processors, and instructions for unlocking Xiaomi’s account after a reset. Particular emphasis is placed on preserving IMEI and avoiding the “This device is locked” error that often occurs when informal firmware is installed.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow the critical steps.The Redmi 8 Pro doesn't have a memory card slot in some modifications (depending on the region), so backing up data can be a challenge.

Here's what you should check:

  • 🔋 Battery charge - at least 60%. When reset via Recovery, the device must not turn off, otherwise the risk of partition damage /data rises in 3 once.
  • 📱 Sync with Mi Cloud. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and make sure that backup of contacts, notes and SMS.
  • 🔐 Google Account Untied: After a reset, the device may require the last associated account to be entered (FRP-Delete it in Settings. → Accounts. → Google.
  • 📡 Disable Find My Device.This feature blocks reset if the device is tied to a Xiaomi account. → Additionally. → Security → Find My Device.

💡

If you plan to sell the phone, delete all accounts in advance. Once reset, the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your username/password from Mi Account (if there was a link).

Feature of Redmi 8 Pro: When reset via Recovery, the partition is automatically formatted /internal_storage, Even if you don't manually select this item, it means that all photos, videos and documents will be deleted without recovery. /sdcard to copy files to the PC if the phone is still turned on.

📊 How often do you reset your device?
Once a year to clean the system
Only when you sell
Never dropped it.
Only after critical failures

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The safest method is if the phone turns on and responds to touch, is suitable for eliminating small lags, removing viruses or preparing for sale.

  • 🚫 The device is locked with a pattern lock/PIN-code.
  • 🚫 The system is loaded in an infinite loop (bootloop).
  • 🚫 Impossible to enter settings due to critical errors.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Settings → About Phone → Update the system and make sure the latest version of MIUI is installed. This minimizes the risk of errors when resetting.
  2. Return to the main settings menu and go to Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting.
  3. Select "Erase all data" (not to be confused with "Reset network settings").
  4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
  5. Confirm the action with the Reset button, and it takes 5-10 minutes.

Check the battery charge >50%|

Disable Find My Device|

Delete your Google account (if you plan to sell)|

Synchronize data with Mi Cloud|

Download the latest updates MIUI-->

After the reboot, you'll be greeted by the initial settings screen, and the important thing is that if the phone requests data from the Mi Account that was previously linked, it's OK to type it in. If you forgot your password, use the official recovery service.

What to do if the phone asks for an old one after resetting PIN-code?
This means that the device has activated the MIUI data protection feature. Enter the PIN that was used before the reset. If you forgot, you will have to reset via Fastboot (method 3), but this will delete all data without the possibility of recovery, including IMEI in some cases.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method is used when the phone is not turned on, stuck on the logo or does not respond to touch. Redmi 8 Pro has stock Recovery from Xiaomi, but in some firmware (for example, custom) it may differ. Official Recovery supports Russian language and intuitive interface.

How to log in to Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
  2. Press Volume Up + Power Button 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 with touch support.

Further action:

  • 📱 Choose the language (Russian is available in the language) MIUI Recovery).
  • 🔧 Tap on "Wipe Data" (Erase data).
  • 🔄 Confirm the action with a swipe or by selecting "Wipe All Data".
  • 🔄 Wait until the end (the screen will appear the words Data wipe complete).
  • 🔙 Return to the main menu and select "Reboot).

💡

Recovery removes all data, including files in internal memory, but does not affect the firmware. If the problem was in system files (for example, after a failed update), this method will not help - you need to reset via Fastboot (mode 3).

Warnings for Redmi 8 Pro:

⚠️ Note: If you have installed custom Recovery (TWRP), A discharge through it can result in a loss IMEI. In this case, before reset, backup the nvram partition via adb: adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/nvram nvram_backup.img It can be restored by a similar command with a push key.

Method 3: Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)

This is the last method used if:

  • 🔄 The phone doesn’t even turn on in Recovery.
  • 🔐 Forgotten. PIN-code or pattern lock, and other methods do not work.
  • 📱 The device "buried" after a failed firmware.
  • 🚫 You need to delete Mi Account without password (requires unlocking the bootloader).

This method will require:

  • 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Mi Flash Tool is not working properly).
  • 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original, as cheap cables may not transmit data in Fastboot mode).
  • 📥 Firmware for Redmi 8 Pro (codename begonia) from Xiaomi Firmware.
  • 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked). To do this, link the device to Mi Account in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then Additional → For developers → Unlock OEM). After that, apply for unlock through the official website (can take up to 72 hours).
  2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power button for 10 seconds.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
  4. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\begonia_global_images...).
  5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press "Select" and specify the path to the firmware folder.
  6. At the bottom, select "Clean all" or "Clean all and lock" mode. + loader-lock).
  7. Press Flash and wait until it's finished (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
Firmware mode in Mi FlashWhat's he doing?When to use
Clean allDeletes all data but leaves the bootloader unlockedIf you are planning to use custom firmware
Clean all and lockDeletes data + blocks the loaderBefore the sale or if you want to return the official status
Save user dataSwitches the system, but saves user dataOnly to fix system errors without losing files

⚠️ Note: If you choose Clean all and lock on a device with an unlocked bootloader, after firmware, the phone may require authorization to Mi Account, even if you untied it.This is a feature of Xiaomi's policy for the Redmi 8 Pro and newer models. To avoid blocking, before firmware, link the device to the account in the settings and wait for the unlock confirmation.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, there can be problems, and here are the most common errors on the Redmi 8 Pro and how to fix them:

1. "This device is locked" error in Fastboot

Reason: The bootloader isn’t unlocked, but you’re trying to flash the device.

Decision:

  • 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official tool (requires binding to Mi Account).
  • 📱 If the phone is turned on, activate it. OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings.
  • ⏳ Wait 72–168 hours after your account is tied (Xiaomi introduces a delay for new devices).

2.The phone is not detected in the Mi Flash Tool

Reasons:

  • 🔌 unoriginal cable or USB-port.
  • 🖥️ There are no Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
  • 🔄 The phone is not in Fastboot mode (check the screen backlight - in Fastboot it flashes).

Solution: Install drivers manually through Device Manager or use USB 2.0 ports (they work more stable with Fastboot).

3. After reset, there is no network (IMEI invalid)

This is a critical error that occurs when a nvram partition is damaged (often after being reset via custom Recovery).

Decision:

  • 📡 Restore the nvram backup if you did it before resetting it.
  • 🔧 Use the utility. SN Write Tool for reflashing IMEI (Requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
  • 📞 Contact the Service Center – Self-Recovery IMEI It may be illegal in some countries.

4.Hanging on Mi logo after reset

Cause: damage to system files or incompatible firmware.

Decision:

  • 🔄 Repeat the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with Clean All mode selection.
  • 📥 Download another firmware version (for example, try Global instead of Global). EEA India).
  • 🛠️ If the firmware is interrupted by 99%, try disabling the antivirus on your PC.

How to Unlock Mi Account After Resetting

If you reset the Redmi 8 Pro without the Mi Account being detached, the first time you turn on the phone will require you to enter the account you previously tied up, which is anti-theft protection, but it also creates problems when you legally reset.

Options for a solution:

  1. Remember your account information. Try to reset your password through the official website. Xiaomi can request confirmation via email or SMS.
  2. Remotely untie the device: 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in. 📱 Find your Redmi 8 Pro in the Device List. 🗑️ Click "Delete Device" (if the option is active).

Calling for support for Xiaomi

Squeeze through EDL-regime

Mi Flash Tool

This method can permanently lock the device if executed incorrectly.

⚠️ Note: Services like “unlocking Mi Account for money” are often fraudulent. Xiaomi does not provide official ways to circumvent this protection, so the only legal way is to restore access to the original account or seek support with proof of ownership.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reset the Redmi 8 Pro without losing data?
No. Any factory reset deletes user data (photos, videos, messages, apps). The only way to save files is to back up in advance through Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or manually copy them to your PC. Except that if you flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool in Save user data mode, the system files will update and the user files will stay.
The phone asks for the old password after the reset.
This means that MIUI data protection has been activated (it turns on automatically when you configure a pattern lock or PIN). Enter the password that was used before the reset. If you forget: Try to remember the backup PIN (usually requested when you first set up the lock), if it doesn't work, only the firmware through the Fastboot with full formatting (method 3), but this will delete all the data without the possibility of recovery.
The reset stopped, and now the phone doesn't turn on.
If the reset is interrupted (e.g., the battery is dead or the cable is turned off), there is a risk of damage to the system partitions. Try: Charge the phone for 30 to 60 minutes, then reset via Recovery. If it does not help, run the phone through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean all mode. If the device is not defined in Fastboot, try to transfer it to the Fastboot. EDL-mode (requires disassembly and closure of contacts on the board) In the most severe cases (for example, damage to the loader), it may be necessary to replace the motherboard.
Do I need to unlock the bootloader for a normal reset via the settings?
No. Unlocking the bootloader is only required to run through Fastboot or install custom Recovery (like TWRP). Resetting via the settings menu or stock Recovery works without unlocking. However, if you plan to sell the phone, unlocking the bootloader can scare away buyers - many consider this a sign of a "hacked" device.
How do I know if my Redmi 8 Pro is unlocked?
There are two ways: Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Power. If you have Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked. Turn on the phone, open Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI, Tap 7 times according to version, then return to additional → For developers. If there's a clause there. OEM Unlock – the bootloader is blocked.