Reset settings on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 3 working methods + frequent errors

Why do you need to reset the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Resetting to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get your smartphone back on track. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, despite the Mediatek Helio G90T processor and 6GB of RAM, can eventually start to slow down, overheat or issue errors.

First, there are software failures: endless reboots, hanging on the MIUI logo, or when the phone doesn't respond to touches; second, resetting helps before selling the device to delete all personal data without recovery; third, solving problems after a failed firmware or rooting update; and finally, a reset may be required if you forget your graphical key or unlock password.

It is important to understand that the reset deletes all data from internal memory, including photos, messages and installed applications. The microSD card (if installed) is not affected, but it is better to remove it in advance. If the phone is encrypted, after the reset, you may need to enter a password from the Mi Account account - this is protection against theft.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset your settings, follow a few critical steps: Ignoring your preparation can lead to data loss or locking your device.

📱 Back up. Use the settings. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive/Mi Cloud, SMS photo.
🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Recovery reset with a discharged battery can be interrupted, leaving the phone a brick".
🔑 Make sure to remember the data from Mi Account. After resetting, Redmi Note 8 Pro can request a login and password to unlock (if there was an account link).
📶 Disable all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks) in Settings → Accounts to avoid sync problems after reset.

If you reset your phone because of a forgotten password, but don’t remember the Mi Account data, the procedure will be complicated, in which case you will have to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (checked in Settings) → Security → Encryption, after reset, you may need to enter the old password. Without it, the device will become unusable.

📊 Why you want to reset your settings?

Phone's slowing down.

Forgot my password.

I'm getting ready to sell.

After a failed update

Another reason.

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, use this method. It requires no additional tools and takes only 5-10 minutes.

Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
Select Resetting → Delete all data.
Enter a password (if requested) and confirm the action.
Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

Once you reboot, you'll see the initial setup screen, like after you've purchased it. If your phone requests data from Mi Account, enter it. If you forgot your password, try to restore it through account.xiaomi.com.

Is the phone fully charged?|Is there a backup?|Do I remember the password from the Mi Account?|Are all accounts disabled?-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI The "Settings Reset" item may be in Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. If you can't find the section, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

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

If the Redmi Note 8 Pro is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to the screen, use Recovery Mode.

Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery menu (management is carried out by the volume and power buttons).
Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

📱 The first item is reboot (Reboot).
🗑️ The second point is the data reset (Wipe Data).
🔧 The third point is the connection with MIAssistant (PC).

Recovery reset time can take up to 15 minutes. Don't interrupt the process even if it seems like the phone is getting stuck. If the device doesn't turn on after reset more than 20 minutes, try repeating the procedure or switching to the Fastboot method.

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?

If Power + Volume Up doesn’t work, try an alternative method: 1. Connect your phone to charge. 2. Press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds. 3. If the Fastboot menu appears, select Recovery Mode with a volume button and confirm with a power button. If this doesn’t work, the firmware may be damaged, you’ll need to flash it over the SP Flash Tool.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if the first two methods did not work or if the phone is in a “brick” state (does not respond to buttons, does not load).

We warn you that the wrong actions in the Fastboot can permanently put the phone out of action. If you are not sure of your abilities, contact the service center.

Install Mediatek Preloader drivers on your PC (you can download from Xiaomi or the 4PDA forum).
Download and unpack Android Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip the power + Volume down for 10 seconds. Connect the phone to the PC through USB-cable.

cmd

platform-tools

fastboot devices

(Serial number of the device must be displayed)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If after the reboot, the phone requests a password from Mi Account, but you don’t remember it, you have to contact the service center with a check about the purchase. In some cases, waiting 72 hours helps – Xiaomi can automatically unlock the device when you connect to the Internet.

Resetting method	Difficulty	Time.	You need a PC?	Suitable for
Through the settings menu	⭐	5-10 minutes	No.	Phone is on, no critical failures
Through Recovery.	⭐⭐	10-15 minutes	No.	The phone does not turn on, but responds to buttons.
Through Fastboot.	⭐⭐⭐	20-30 minutes	Yes.	Brick, damaged firmware.
Through the Mi Flash Tool	⭐⭐⭐⭐	30–60 minutes	Yes.	Full reset with flashing

💡

If the phone does not turn on after reset via Fastboot, try to execute the command fastboot flash boot.img, pre-downloading the original firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro from the MIUI Downloads website.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

🔄 "The phone is stuck on the logo. MI after reset, this may mean firmware damage. Try repeating the reset via Recovery or running your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.
🔒 "Requires a password from Mi Account, but I forgot it" - restore the password on the Xiaomi website or contact the service center with proof of purchase.
📵 "Recovery Mode doesn't open -- check if you're pressing the buttons right. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, that's Power. + Volume up. If it's not working, try with the charging plug.
🖥️ "Computer doesn’t see phone in Fastboot – install Mediatek drivers and check USB-cable (it is better to use the original cable).

Another common problem is losing IMEI after a Fastboot reset, which can lead to a network failure, and it will require an engineering menu (#4636##) or specialized utilities like Maui META to restore IMEI, and without the skills, it is better to consult specialists.

⚠️ Note: If the sound is lost after reset, check the settings in Settings → Sound. Sometimes resets the sound profiles to the factory, turning off notifications or media.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after reset for more than 30 minutes, don't try to repeat the procedure repeatedly, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (for example, damaged eMMC memory), in which case a diagnosis is required at the service center.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 8 Pro will launch with a welcome screen.

Choose the language and region (Russia is recommended for the correct operation of Google services).
Connect to a Wi-Fi network (required to download updates).
Sign in to your Mi Account (if your phone has been tied) without it, some features (such as themes or cloud storage) will not be available.
Restore the data from the backup (if it was created).
Set up your fingerprint and pattern lock in Settings → Password and security.

After setting up, check:

📶 Mobile network operation (call or check the mobile Internet).
🔊 Speaker and microphone sound (record voice message).
📷 Camera operation (take a test shot).
🔋 Charging the battery (connect the charger).

If you notice a problem (e.g., the camera is not focusing or the speaker is wheezing), it may indicate hardware problems not related to the reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reset the settings on the Redmi Note 8 Pro without losing data?

No, a full reset always removes all data from internal memory. However, you can try a partial reset via Settings → Applications → Delete data for specific programs. This will not clean the system completely, but can help with minor crashes.

The phone asks for the old password after the reset.

This means that the phone has been encrypted, and without the old password, you can't unlock the device, and the only option is to contact Xiaomi's service center with proof of purchase, and bypassing yourself leads to a complete lockdown.

Recovery reset is interrupted by 50 percent. Why?

This can be caused by damaged memory parts or unstable power. Try: Charge the phone to 100% and repeat the procedure. USB-If the problem is repeated, the memory chip may be damaged, repairs are required.

How to reset Redmi Note 8 Pro if you forget the pattern lock and don’t remember the Mi Account?

Without Mi Account data, it is officially impossible to unlock the phone. The only options are: Contact Xiaomi Service Center with a check to buy. Wait 72 hours - sometimes the system automatically unlocks the device when you connect to the Internet (it does not work). Use of informal circumvention techniques (e.g. through EDL Mode can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the phone.

The camera doesn't work after the reset.

Check: Is the camera lens covered with protective film or dirt. Update the firmware to the latest version in Settings → System Update. Reset the camera settings to Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the data. If the problem remains, the camera module may have been damaged (replacement required).