Reset settings on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: 3 proven ways

Why do you need to reset the Redmi Note 8?

Resetting to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution for owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, a procedure that returns the smartphone to its original state by removing all user data, apps and settings, most often used in three cases:

First, if the device started to slow down or spontaneously restart after the MIUI update, this happens due to system file conflicts or cache overflows; second, reset helps eliminate viruses or malware that are not removed by antiviruses; and finally, it is a mandatory step before selling or transferring the phone to another user - to protect personal data.

It is important to understand that Redmi Note 8 (model ginkgo) has features in working with a locked bootloader and binding to the Mi Account. Incorrect reset can lead to activation of FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which will block access to the device without the data of the previous owner, so before the procedure, it is critical to understand the nuances.

This article provides three working reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Mi Unlock Tool) and instructions for saving data and bypassing possible locks, all of which are tested on current versions of MIUI 12-14.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Redmi Note 8, follow the steps to avoid losing important data and activation issues:

• 📱 Back up. Use the built-in Settings tool. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) Messages (applications like.vcf) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔒 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account. Once reset, the phone may require authorization to unlock.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network, which will speed up the download of updates after reset and help avoid errors in the recovery.

If you plan to sell your phone, log out of all accounts (Settings → Accounts) and untie the device from Mi Cloud. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the smartphone without your data.

⚠️ Note: If the Find Device feature is enabled on your phone, you must turn it off before resetting, otherwise after the procedure, the phone will require you to enter a password from your previous Mi Account, even if you reset via Recovery.

Make a backup copy of the data|Remember the username/password of Mi Account|Charge the phone. ≥50%|Disable "Find the device"|Get out of all accounts-->

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and if you remember a pattern lock or a key. PIN-The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

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. Enter the password from the lock screen (if requested) and confirm the action.
5. Wait until the process is complete. The phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new.

Once reset, the device will automatically go to the initial setup mode. If you see a request for Mi Account data on the screen, use the same accounts that were tied before the reset.

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone asks for a password from the old Mi Account, but you don't remember it - don't try to guess! Three wrong attempts will lock the device for 24 hours.

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If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time after reset, don't panic. Give it 10-15 minutes - the first download after reset can take longer due to app optimization.

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

If your phone doesn't turn on, freezes on your logo, or doesn't respond to touch, use Recovery, which works even when your firmware is damaged, but requires care.

Instructions for Redmi Note 8:

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 when you see the Recovery menu (black screen with yellow inscriptions in English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. Wait until it is completed (the process takes 2-5 minutes).
6. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after the reboot, the phone requires a password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, try:

• 📧 Restore your password through account.xiaomi.com (access to your linked mail or phone number is required).
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Support with a purchase check or phone box (to confirm ownership).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Unlock Tool (for locked phones)

If the phone requires the old Mi Account data after resetting via Recovery and you don't know it, the official way to unlock it is to use the Mi Unlock Tool utility.

• 🔓 Linked to your Mi Account (you remember your login/password).
• 📱 Have an unlocked bootloader (if not, it will take 7-15 days to unlock through the official process).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock (requires authorization in Mi Account).
2. Install the utility on a Windows PC 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux It works through emulators).
3. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. + Volume down for 10 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable.

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in under the same account that you are linked to your phone.

Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).

After successful unlocking, the phone will reboot to standard setup mode.

⚠️ Note: Use of informal tools to bypass Mi Account (like the Mi Account) FRP Bypass) may lead to blocking IMEI Xiaomi is actively fighting against such methods, so the risk of “bricking” the device is extremely high.

Through the phone settings | Through Recovery Mode | Through Mi Unlock Tool | I haven't tried-->

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 8 will offer a process of initial setup.

1. Language and region choices: Indicate Russia or your country, and this will affect the services available (e.g. Google Play).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. Use the same network as before the reset – this will speed up the recovery of backups.
3. Sign in: Sign in to Mi Account (required if your phone was previously tied) Add Google Account to access the Play Market and sync contacts.

Data recovery. If you've backed up through Mi Cloud, select it from the recovery menu. For local backups, connect your phone to your PC and copy the files manually.

Disabling unnecessary functions:

• In Settings → Applications disable auto-run of unnecessary services.
• In Battery → Performance mode, select Balanced for optimal performance.

If after setting up the phone again began to brake, check:

• 📱 Free space in memory (Settings) → Warehouse).
• 🔄 Updates MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛡️ Viruses (scan your device via Google Play Protect or Dr.Web).

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Don't install all the applications at once after reset, add them gradually, keeping track of the stability of the operation. Often the brakes are caused by a conflict of background processes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting the Redmi Note 8, and here are the most common ways to prevent:

If you have a problem with the IMEI after the reset (the phone does not catch the network), the modem partition is likely to be damaged.

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) from MIUI Downloads.
2. Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
3. If the IMEI has not recovered, contact the service center – self-editing the IMEI is illegal in most countries.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 8 reset

Through ADB

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

This command initializes the reset via Recovery without manually logging into the menu.

Both methods require an unlocked bootloader (if it is locked, unlock it first through the Mi Unlock Tool).