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

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it is not immune to software failures, viruses or the need to prepare for sale.Reset to factory settings (hard reset) solves 90% of problems associated with the operation of the system, but requires caution: wrong actions can lead to data loss or lock the device.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset – through phone settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot, as well as detailed recommendations for data retention and recovery after the procedure. We will analyze the nuances for different versions of MIUI (including global and Chinese firmware) and explain how to avoid typical errors, such as hanging on the Xiaomi logo or requiring you to enter a Mi Account after a reset.

When you need to reset Redmi Note 8T to factory settings

Resetting is not always the first recommendation, but in some cases it becomes the only solution:

• 🔄 Slowdown: Phone slows down, apps spontaneously close, and cache cleaning doesn't help.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware: Even after removing suspicious applications, traces remain in the system.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code: if you don't remember the password and your Mi Account is not tied.
• 📦 Preparing for sale: deletion of personal data, photos and accounts.
• 🔄 Errors after the update MIUI: Failures in the camera, network or sensors.

However, before resetting, it is worth trying alternative methods:

• 🧹 Cleaning the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Restart in Safe Mode (click the Power button) → Restarting in Safe Mode).
• 📱 Removing Problem Applications Through Settings → Annexes.

⚠️ Note: If your phone is locked due to multiple misentry of a password, resetting via Recovery may not work – you will need to unlock through your Mi Account.

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Resetting to factory settings completely removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots).
• 📞 Contacts (if not synchronized with the Google/Mi Cloud).
• 📝 Communications SMS/MMS call history.
• 🎵 Music, downloads and documents.
• 🎮 Game saving (if not linked to an account).

Methods of backup:

For a full backup:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save (contacts, messages, system settings).
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.
4. Copy the backup file (located in MIUI/backup/AllBackup) to your PC or cloud.

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If you have root or custom Recovery (TWRP) installed, use it to create a full.zip backup system, which will restore the phone to its exact state before resetting.

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

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the unlock password.
• 📶 No critical failures in the work MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip Settings Reset.
5. Select Delete all data (on some firmware - Reset all settings).
6. Enter. PIN-code or password if the system requests.
7. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 3-7 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the initial setup screen, just like after you buy it.

Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Create a backup copy|Remember the Mi Account details|Disable Find My Device (if enabled)|Ensure the stability of the Internet connection-->

⚠️ Note: if after resetting the phone requires you to enter the account Mi, which was previously tied, and you do not remember it - you can restore access only through the official site Xiaomi (account.xiaomi.com.

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

Use this method if:

• 🔄 The phone is getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo or MIUI.
• 🔒 Password is forgotten and login is impossible.
• 📱 The screen responds to touch, but the settings menu is not available.

Instructions for Redmi Note 8T:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button and the Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
5. Select the Wipe Data option (on Chinese firmware - ).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or ).
7. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
8. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese:

• (Wipe Data) → (Confirm) → (Back to main menu) → (Reboot).

After resetting via Recovery, the phone can:

• 🔄 Boot in standard mode (success).
• 🔒 Require to enter a Mi Account (if you were tied).
• 🚨 Hang on the logo (reflashing required).

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Recovery does not delete data from the memory card (if installed), but completely clears the phone’s internal memory.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used in extreme cases:

• 🔧 Recovery section damaged.
• 📱 The phone does not respond to other resetting methods.
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you plan to stitch custom software).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
3. Hold until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools.
6. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
7. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is recognized, you will see its serial number.
8. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a complete reset (including system partitions), use:

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase data




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot erase system commands will remove firmware and the phone won't boot without re-installation MIUI Use the Mi Flash Tool only if you are confident in your actions!

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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing it with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Download the correct version of MIUI for the Redmi Note 8T (codename willow) on en.miui.com.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, you will have to:

1. Choose the language and region (we recommend Russia for global firmware).
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (required to restore a backup).
3. Sign in to your Google and/or Mi Account (if previously linked).
4. Restore data from backup (if created).
5. Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update).

Typical post-reset problems and their solutions:

If the phone is running slower than before:

• 🧹 Clean the cache in Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition).
• 🔄 Turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times, then turn off animation in the developer settings).
• 📵 Remove unnecessary apps that have been restored automatically.

How to unlock Redmi Note 8T if you need a Mi Account after a reset

If you have forgotten the details of the Mi Account associated with the phone, you have several options:

1. Restoration of access: Go to account.xiaomi.com. Click Forgot password?. Enter email or phone number associated with your account. Follow the recovery instructions (email/SMS code).
2. Bypass bootloader unlock (power users only): Apply for unlock via Mi Unlock Tool. Wait for approval (may take up to 72 hours), Unlock bootloader and run your phone through Fastboot.

Contacting the service center

• If the phone is guaranteed, provide a check and documents.
• The service center can remove the binding by serial number.

Independent bypass of the lock without access to the account is impossible.