How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to factory settings: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones of the brand even years after its release, but over time, any gadget begins to “slow down”: temporary files accumulate, updates conflict, and viruses or unsuccessful firmware experiments can completely disable the device, in such cases, resetting to factory settings is a universal solution that will return the phone to “second youth”.

But the procedure is nuanced. For example, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a locked bootloader, a standard Settings reset may not work if you forget your Mi Account password. And the wrong Recovery mode can turn your phone into a brick. In this guide, we will take you through all the working ways of resetting, from the simplest to the “emergency,” and we will also explain how to avoid typical errors and save important data.

We warn you right away: the reset deletes all user data — photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. If the phone still turns on, make sure to back up. How to do this correctly — read the first section.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Factory resets are irreversible, and if you don't prepare, you risk losing valuable information or locking your device, and here's a checklist of mandatory actions:

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

Pay special attention to backup. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can do this in a number of ways:

• 📱 Local Copy: Go to Settings → The phone. → Backup and select "Phone Memory Backup." Minus: The file will remain on the device and be deleted when reset.
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: In the same menu, select "Reserve in Mi Cloud." You will need to log in to Mi Account. Free available 5GB.
• 💻 Computer: Connect the phone to USB file transfer (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM (Photos, Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp (chats) on PC.

Important for smartphone owners with a Mi Account attached: if you forget the password from your Xiaomi account, a Recovery reset can block your phone from requiring login, in which case you will have to contact the brand support with proof of purchase. To avoid problems, check the account's link to Settings → Xiaomi Account.

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If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, be sure to turn off Find Device in your Mi Account settings after the reset, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the device.

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

This is the main method that works if the phone turns on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-Instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 8 Pro on MIUI 12-14 (inclusive).

Steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a password (if required).
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will suggest configuring it as new. If the message This device is locked appears on the screen, then the smartphone is tied to the Mi Account, and you will need to enter a login / password from it.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require computer or special knowledge.
• ✅ Keeps Mi Account and Google Services working.
• ✅ Minimum risk of “bricking».

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It will not work if the screen unlock password is forgotten.
• ❌ Does not delete data from the memory card (if installed).

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

If the Redmi Note 8 Pro is stuck on the logo, rebooting cyclically or not responding to touch, hardware reset via Recovery will help.This method is also suitable if you have forgotten the pattern lock.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (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 be taken to the Recovery menu (black screen with English inscriptions).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a locked bootloader, a reset via Recovery can lead to a Mi Account data entry requirement even after the procedure.If you don't remember the password, the phone will become a "brick" before unlocking through the official service.

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If after resetting via Recovery, the phone asks for the Mi Account password and you don't remember it, do not enter the data at random. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Here’s what the correct Recovery menu looks like on the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

⚠️ Warning: Don’t choose Wipe Cache over Wipe All Data, which only clears the app cache, but doesn’t delete personal data. Also avoid Download unless you plan to flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and is suitable in extreme cases:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and reset via menu is blocked.
• 📱 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original......>
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from [the official website of Xiaomi](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index)).
• 📄 Redmi Note 8 Pro (Fastboot version, not Recovery!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds - the device will go to Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Important: This method will unlock the bootloader, which can lead to a loss of warranty, and after the firmware you will have to re-link the Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: Do not use firmware from third-party sources (for example, from 4PDA). Only official files from Xiaomi website guarantee stable operation. Mismatch of firmware version and phone model can cause an Anti Rollback error, after which the device will not turn on.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If the phone does not turn on after reset or gives unknown errors, check:

• 🔋 Battery Charge (Plug in to charge for 30 minutes before trying again).
• 🔌 Cable USB (A damaged cable can interrupt the firmware).
• 📥 Correctness of the downloaded firmware (only the version with the code name begonia is suitable for the Redmi Note 8 Pro).

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 8 Pro will offer a first setup.

1. Language and Region Choice: Please indicate Russia or your country to avoid localization issues with Google services.
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Without the internet, you can’t log into Mi Account or recover data from the cloud.
3. Log in: If the phone asks for Mi Account, enter details from the last account linked. If you need a Google account, use the one that was linked before the reset (or restore access via [Google](https://accounts.google.com)).

Data recovery

Mi Cloud

Recover from the cloud

Tips for speeding up: Once set up, disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Apps → App management. For example, Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps can be deactivated if you are not using them.

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To avoid getting your phone littered again, install an antivirus (like Dr.Web) immediately after setting up and turn off automatic update downloads for unnecessary apps on Google Play.

Alternatives to resetting: when you can do without it

Resetting to factory settings is a radical measure, and in some cases, the problem can be solved with less drastic methods:

• 🐢 Phone brakes: Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Clean up. Turn off animation in Settings. → Special facilities → Remove animations. Remove unused applications through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔒 Forgot pattern lock: Try to unlock Find Device on i.mi.com (Mi Account required). If you have a Google account attached, after 5 unsuccessful attempts, you will see the button "Forgot password?».
• 📱 Camera or sensors not working: Restart your phone. Reset your camera settings in Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

If the issue is with a MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous version via Recovery (but be careful with Anti Rollback!).

1. Download the desired firmware version (e.g. from [xiaomifirmware.com](https://xiaomifirmware.com)).
2. Put the.zip file in the root of the phone’s memory.
3. Go to Recovery, select Install update and specify the downloaded file.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions