Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 to factory settings: the full guide

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the smartphone back to work, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to a “out of the box” state, most often in three cases:

First, if the phone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. This is a typical problem for memory-limited devices where accumulated cache and fragmented data slow down the system. Second, the reset is necessary before selling or transferring the gadget to another user - to delete personal information without the possibility of recovery. And finally, the third case is a forgotten pattern lock or password, when other unlock methods do not help.

It is important to understand that resetting is not a panacea for hardware problems (such as a dead battery or a damaged screen). SD-If it's in the slot, the files in the internal memory -- photos, videos, contacts, messages -- will be permanently erased if you don't back up.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset the Redmi Note 8, take a few critical steps to keep you from losing data and unforeseen problems in the process.

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Mi Cloud app or third-party services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk). Pay special attention to contacts, SMS Notes and notes are the hardest to restore.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to a blink (inoperability) of the device.
• 📋 Write down the account data Mi. After reset, you will need a second authorization, and without a login and password, it will be impossible to unlock the phone.
• 🔌 Disable all peripheral devices: headphones, memory cards, OTG-They can interfere with the proper execution of the procedure.

If you are resetting your phone because of a sale, check the status of your Mi Account binding on account.xiaomi.com. The active-reset device will require the previous owner to enter the data after the reset, a measure of protection against theft.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 8 is installed custom Recovery (TWRP) or unofficial firmware, resetting through a standard menu can result in a logo hanging.In this case, use the method via Fastboot (described below).

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the Redmi Note 8 is turned on and you remember the unlock password.The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select the Reset option.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a password or pattern lock.

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process. An animation with the MIUI logo will appear on the screen, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process, even if it takes more than 15 minutes. When you complete it, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as you did after you bought it.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Resetting can be in the settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. If you can't find a section, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

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

If the Redmi Note 8 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery mode, which works even when the screen is locked, but requires physical access to the phone’s buttons.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue text in English).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.

Once you've finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System. The phone will reboot to factory state. If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items (the first one on top is Wipe Data).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most reliable, but requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

• 🔄 The phone is getting stuck in bootloop (infinite reboot).
• 🔐 Password is forgotten and Recovery is not available.
• 📱 Installed custom firmware that prevents the standard reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers for your OS.
2. Turn off the Redmi Note 8 and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down until the hare appears in the eardress cap.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh – the device must be determined.
5. Select the Clean All option and click Flash.

It takes 3-5 minutes. When it's done, it automatically restarts. If the Mi Flash Tool is making an error, try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 📥 Download a different firmware version (e.g. Global Stable instead of China).

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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset via Fastboot, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds. Sometimes the device "falls asleep" after firmware and requires a forced awakening.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 8 will launch with a welcome screen, where it is important to properly perform the initial setup to avoid problems in the future:

1. Choose the language and region (Russia is recommended for the correct operation of Google services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't log in to Mi Account.
3. Enter the Xiaomi account that was linked to the phone before the reset. If you forgot your password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com.
4. During the data recovery phase, select Do Not Copy if you have not made a backup.

If the phone asks for an old password after reset, even though you didn't set it, it means that Find My Device (anti-theft protection) was previously activated.

• 📧 Enter the Mi Account that was used on the phone.
• 🔑 If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is purchased from hand) – ask the previous owner to untie the device via i.mi.com.

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After reset, be sure to update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update. This will fix possible bugs and improve stability.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when resets are performed correctly, users face typical problems, including the most common ones and ways to eliminate them:

If they're missing after the dump. IMEI (The phone is not catching the network, this indicates damage NV-You can restore them using the engineering menu:

1. Please dial the phone application ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information → Select a network.
3. If IMEI is not available, you will need to flash through Fastboot with an official ROM.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi Note 8 after reset shows the error "This device is locked", it means that previously was activated Mi Cloud Lock. unlock the phone can only be through the official service Xiaomi with proof of ownership (check or box).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions