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

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after its release. But over time, any phone starts to slow down, emit errors or completely stop turning on. In such cases, hard reset is the most effective way to restore the device to work, but the wrong actions can turn the phone into a brick, especially if it is a model with a locked bootloader.

In this article, you will find three proven methods of resetting the Redmi Note 8 to factory settings: through the system menu, using physical buttons, and in Fastboot mode using the Mi Flash Tool. We will take a detailed look at each step, point out critical errors that lead to data loss without recovery, and give recommendations for preparing the device. If your phone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or requires unlocking after firmware, here you will find a solution.

What is Hard Reset and When is it Needed on the Redmi Note 8?

Hard Reset is the complete deletion of all user data and the return of the smartphone to the factory settings. Unlike a normal reset, this process involves:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data
• 📁 Files in internal memory (photos, videos, documents)
• 🔑 System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts)
• 🔒 Passwords, fingerprints and graphic keys

On the Redmi Note 8, a hard reset may be required in the following cases:

• 🐢 The phone is slowing down or constantly overheating.
• 🔄 Hanging on the Mi logo or cyclic reboot (bootloop)
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or unlock password
• 📱 Preparation for sale or transfer to another user
• 🛠️ Errors Resolved After Failed Software Update

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note 8 with a bootloader, a Recovery reset may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account even if you haven't used it. If you don't remember your account details, use the Fastboot method (Section 3).

Before resetting, be sure to check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (at least 50%)
• 📡 Availability of a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages)
• 🔑 Access to your Mi Account if it was linked

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is turned on)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember your password or pattern lock
• 📶 No critical system errors (e.g. com.android.phone)

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset (could be called All Data Reset).
4. Confirm the action by entering a password or pattern lock.
5. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

Battery charge > 50% | Backup of important data | Google account disabled (if you plan to sell) | Memorized password from Mi Account (if tied)

-->

After resetting, the phone will automatically restart and prompt it to be configured as new. If at this stage the error "This device is locked" appears, then the bootloader is locked and an alternative method is needed (see Method 3).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note 8 firmware (especially custom ones) may not have Recovery and Reset. In this case, use Recovery Mode (Method 2).

💡

If the phone asks you to enter your old password after reset, try connecting to Wi-Fi and logging in through your Mi Account, which can unlock the device without losing data.

Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (buttons)

This method will be useful if:

• 📱 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo
• 🔓 You forgot the unlock password.
• 📵 The screen doesn’t respond to touch (but the phone shows signs of life)

The Redmi Note 8 uses physical buttons to log into Recovery Mode, and Importantly, some versions of the firmware may have menus in Chinese, so be sure to look at the location of the items.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then let them go.
4. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will appear (may be in English or Chinese).
5. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
6. Select Wipe Data (or Chinese) and then Wipe All Data.
7. Confirm the action (usually you need to choose Confirm or Yes).
8. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter your Mi Account data, and you do not remember them, you will have to use the Fastboot method (Method 3) or contact the service center to unlock.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (for locked phones)

This method is the last chance if:

• 🔒 Phone requires Mi Account data after reset
• 📱 The bootloader is locked (bootloader locked)
• 🛠️ You need to reflash your phone after a failed update

This method will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool Programming
• 📦 Firmware for Redmi Note 8 (Fastboot version)

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
2. Download the firmware for Redmi Note 8 (for example, ginkgo_global_images_...) Unpack it in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off your phone. Press the Power Button + Volume Down until the Fastboot logo appears.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
6. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't find device" error, install Qualcomm drivers manually through Device Manager (Other Devices section). → QDLoader 9008. also check that in the settings BIOS Virtualization enabled (VT-x).

Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will restart in a factory state. If the process is interrupted, do not turn off the cable and try again. Interrupting the firmware in Fastboot mode can damage the EFS partition, making the phone unusable for calls (losing IMEI).

💡

Fastboot resets ALL data, including firmware, and is the only way to bypass Mi Account locks, but requires care — errors can build up the device.

Frequent Hard Reset Errors on Redmi Note 8 and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes have problems with resetting, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

If after resetting the phone:

• 🔋 Fast discharge – Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions).
• 📵 Not catching the net - check IMEI In Settings → The phone. → General information: If you need to restore Null instead of Null numbers.
• 🐢 Brake – Turn off animation in Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

How to Recover Data After Hard Reset

If you haven't backed up, the chances of getting back the data are minimal, but there are. Here's what you can try:

1.Recovery through Mi Cloud

• If the phone has backup enabled in Mi Cloud, log in to the same account after the reset.
• Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore.
• Select the latest backup (if any).

2. recovery programs (if the phone is recognized by the PC)

• 🖥️ Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, Recuva (for internal memory).
• 🔌 Connect the phone in mode MTP (if it's on).
• ⚠️ The chances of recovery are higher the less you use your phone after a reset.

3. Contact the service center

• If data is critical (such as photos), experts can extract information through a chip-off (direct memory reading).
• Cost: from 3 000 to 10 000 rubles (depending on the amount of data).

⚠️ Note: Do not install data recovery software on the phone itself after a reset – they can overwrite the remaining fragments of files, making recovery impossible.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Hard Reset Questions on Redmi Note 8