Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to factory settings: the full guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but even it can eventually start to slow down, issue bugs or require a complete system reinstallation. Resetting to factory settings solves 90% of software problems, from bugs after an upgrade to viruses and freezes. However, an improper reset can turn a phone into a brick, especially if it comes to models with a locked bootloader.

In this article, we've got three proven ways to make a hard reset on the Redmi Note 8 Pro (including lock screen techniques), step-by-step photo instructions, and answers to the questions users ask most often: How to avoid data loss, what to do when you make errors in Recovery, and why sometimes a reset doesn't work. If your smartphone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo or doesn't respond to clicks, here's a solution.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Reset is a last resort, but sometimes it is necessary. Here are 5 signs that it is time to return the Redmi Note 8 Pro to its original state:

• 🐢 The phone brakes even after cleaning the cache: applications open for a long time, animations twitch, and there is 100 in the task manager+ processes.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: smartphone turns on, shows logo MIUI, switch off and repeat.
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or spyware (for example, after installing applications from unverified sources).
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
• 📱 Planning to sell or transfer your phone – a reset will delete all personal data.

But it's not always hard to fix the problem, and if the Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn't turn on because of a damaged battery or a burnt-out power controller, it's useless to reset, and you need repairs, and you also have hardware problems with your screen or motherboard.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, a reset via Recovery could lock the device permanently, in which case you will need official unlock through the service center.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Reset erases everything from photos, contacts, messages, app settings, and even files on internal memory, and if you don’t backup in advance, the data will be lost without recovery (unless the internal memory is not encrypted).

Here is the minimum checklist before resetting:

Pay special attention to your Mi Account. If your phone is tied to it, you'll need to enter your login and password after the reset, and if you forget your data, restore it in advance, or you risk getting a locked device.

Also check if the bootloader is unlocked, which is important if you plan to flash your phone after resetting.

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If false, the firmware will require official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

If the Redmi Note 8 Pro is powered on and reacts to presses, use this method, which is the most reliable, since it does not require switching to engineering menus and minimizes the risk of errors.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5-10 minutes. The phone will restart and start setting up as it did after purchase. If you see a "failed to reset" error at this point, try alternative methods (see below).

💡

If the reset is stuck in the prep phase, don't force the phone to turn off. Wait 20 to 30 minutes, sometimes it takes longer because of the large amount of data.

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

If the Redmi Note 8 Pro does not load beyond the MIUI logo or the screen does not respond to touch, use Recovery Mode. This method works even when the screen is locked, but requires care - incorrect actions can lead to loss of IMEI or other problems.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
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 and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu doesn't have Wipe Data, it's a custom firmware (e.g., TWRP) installed.

• Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
• Check Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage.
• Swipe for confirmation (in TWRP this is done by the bar at the bottom of the screen).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Recovery may require you to enter a password from Mi Account, even if the phone was not previously tied.If you do not remember the data, reset via Fastboot (mode 3) will be the only option.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery is unavailable or damaged.
• 🔒 Phone blocked by Mi Account and data lost.
• 📱 You need to completely reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download here).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Teams.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down until the image of Fastboot (robot with open stomach) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), execute the command to completely reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For full flashing (if the phone doesn’t turn on even after reset), download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website and run through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot oem unlock or fastboot flashing unlock commands will unlock the bootloader, which can lead to loss of warranty and reset of all data without recovery.

What to do if the reset does not help

In 10% of cases, even after a reset, problems remain. Here are 3 possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: If the phone turned off during reset, a second attempt may not work.charge it to 100% and repeat the procedure.
• 📱 Damaged firmware: If the phone is stuck on the logo after reset, you will need a full flashing through Fastboot or EDL.
• 🔧 Hardware malfunction: If the smartphone does not respond to buttons or does not turn on at all, the problem may be in the power controller, display or memory.

If after resetting the Redmi Note 8 Pro requires a password from the Mi Account, but you do not remember it:

1. Try to restore access through the official website.
2. If your account is not yours (the phone is bought by hand), contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase - they can unlink.

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If the reset didn't solve the problem and the phone still doesn't turn on, 90 percent of it's hardware fault. Don't waste your time on software methods, go to the service.

How to recover data after resetting

If you didn't back up before reset, the chances of getting your data back are minimal, but there are.

• 📁 Internal memory is not encrypted: Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and use utilities like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver to scan the memory. Success depends on whether the data has been overwritten.
• ☁️ Cloud Copies: Check Google Photos, Google Drive, or Mi Cloud – some of the data may have been synced automatically.

Important: Do not write new data to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old files, and avoid using “recovery” software from dubious sites – they may contain viruses.

If you only need to restore contacts, check:

• Google account (contacts can be synced)
• SIM-card (if the contacts are kept on it).
• Export from instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram sometimes save backups).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 8 Pro reset