Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 to factory settings: 3 working ways

Why Factory Resetting May Be Needed

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to a “out of the box” state, most often resorted to in three cases: before selling the device, to fix software failures or after unsuccessful experiments with firmware.

Redmi Note 8 owners often experience a slowdown after 1.5 to 2 years of use, caused by cache accumulation, memory fragmentation and background processes of dozens of applications. Factory reset solves the problem in 80% of cases without the need for flashing. Another common situation is a forgotten pattern lock or password, where hard reset becomes the only way to unlock the device without losing functionality.

It is important to understand the difference between soft and hard resets: the first one is done through the settings menu and saves the MIUI version, the second (via Recovery) may require re-authorization in the Xiaomi account and even unlocking the bootloader. We will look at both options, as well as nuances that even the official instructions are silent about.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

The unpleasant surprise after a reset is the loss of photos, contacts or work documents. To avoid this, follow three key steps:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup. Less of the method, the copy is saved on the device. Alternative: use Mi Cloud (requires authorization) or third-party services like Google Drive.
• 🔐 Make sure to unlock your Mi Account. After a hard reset, Redmi Note 8 will require you to enter a login / password from your associated Xiaomi account. If you forget the data, restore it in advance.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the discharge process due to discharge can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.

Additional tip for users with unlocked bootloader: if you have installed custom firmware (like Pixel Experience), after resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-flash MIUI through Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 8 is enabled with Find Device, you may need to confirm via the reset. SMS Or email. Turn it off in advance in Settings. → Xiaomi account → Find Device.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft method)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to have no technical skills, and it's best if you:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember your password/pattern lock
• 🔄 You need to eliminate software lags without risk

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter the device password (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 3-7 minutes. The phone will reboot and launch with the initial setup screen. If the previous owner's account requires the Redmi Note 8 to be reset, the device is tied to someone else's Mi data. Solution: Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

This method is necessary if:

• 🔒 Phone locked (forgot password/pattern lock)
• 🐢 The device is strongly braked and does not respond to touch
• 🔄 Requires a “clean” reset with removal of all partitions

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 8 with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm the action.
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Attention: MIUI Recovery has a Chinese/English interface, so if you see characters, look for the location of the points (reset is usually second on top).

adb reboot recovery

(Requires a PC connection with ADB drivers installed).

⚠️ Warning: Some firmware may have a "This device is locked" error after reset via Recovery, which means the bootloader is locked. Solution: Unlock it officially via Mi Unlock Tool (it will take 7-30 days to wait).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The most radical method used in:

• 🔧 Damage to system files (cyclic reboot, bootloop")
• 📦 Need for complete reflashing with removal of all sections
• 🔓 Unlocking the loader for installing custom firmware

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📄 Firmware MIUI Redmi Note 8 (download from official website)

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and switch to Fastboot mode, clamping Power + Volume down.
2. Connect to the PC and check for device detection by the command:

fastboot devices

1. Perform a complete reset by command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For full flashing, use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option. This method deletes all data without the possibility of recovery, but is guaranteed to solve the problems with the "brick".

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing only the boot section with the command fastboot flash boot.img. Often this solves loading problems without full flashing.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you follow the instructions, Redmi Note 8 users face typical problems.

Another common situation is the loss of IMEI after reset, which is due to deleting files in /nvram. You can restore IMEI through the engineering menu (#4636##) or through modem partition firmware. For the Redmi Note 8 (the ginkgo model), you can find the appropriate files on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

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If the sound is lost or the network is not working after the reset, the modem or dsp partitions are most likely damaged. Solution: run them separately through Fastboot using the commands fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin and fastboot flash dsp dspso.bin.

Data recovery after reset: is it possible?

Technically, data can be restored after a complete reset, but with reservations:

• 🔍 Photos and documents: If they are stored on SD-It can be copied back to the map, and it can be used for internal memory, like DiskDigger or Recuva (root access required).
• 📞 Contact and SMS: Restore from Google or Mi Cloud backup if sync was enabled.
• 🎮 Game progress: Most games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) link the data to the account. Log in again, progress will come back.

Important: the less you use your phone after a reset, the better the chances of recovery. Every new data record (photo, app installation) overwrites old files.

1. Do not connect your phone to the internet after resetting.
2. Use the recovery software immediately.
3. For deep scanning, root access is required (on the Redmi Note 8, it can be obtained through Magisk after unlocking the bootloader).

If data is critical (e.g., work documents), contact the service center, and professionals use professional tools like UFS Explorer or Chip-Off, which offer up to 70% of the chance of recovery even after full formatting.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions