How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 to factory settings: 3 working ways + problem solving

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 to factory settings is a forced measure when the smartphone starts to brake, emit errors or need to transfer it to a new owner. The procedure removes all user data, returning the device to the “out of the box” state. But many face problems from a blocked Mi Account to a cyclical reboot after reset.

In this article, we’ll discuss 3 proven ways to hard reset on the Redmi Note 8 (including the Note 8 Pro and Note 8T models), detailed instructions for saving important data, and solutions to common errors. We’ll discuss when settings reset is enough and when Fastboot or Recovery Mode is needed. We’ll focus on the nuances of linking a Xiaomi account, the main reason why a device can turn into a brick after a failed reset.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary:

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 You sell or transfer your phone to another person – a reset will delete your personal data.
• 📱 The device is infected with viruses that cannot be removed by antivirus.
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI The phone stopped turning on or was malfunctioning.
• 🔑 Forgot the pattern lock or password to unlock the screen.

Before resetting, however, check for alternative solutions:

• 🧹 Clean the cache manually through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the off button) →"Restarting in Safe Mode").
• 📥 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is locked through Find Device (remote lock Xiaomi), reset will not help - you will need to enter the account data associated with the device. Otherwise, after the reboot, you will see a request for authorization in 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 in the gallery (except for those in the gallery) SD-map).
• 📱 Contacts, messages, call history (if not synchronized with the Google/Mi Account).
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
• 📥 Uploaded files, documents, music.

Methods of backup:

To speed up the process, use Mi Mover (pre-installed application on MIUI):

1. Open Mi Mover on the Redmi Note 8.
2. Select "Send" → Connect the second Xiaomi smartphone or download data to the PC through QR-code.
3. Tick the desired categories (contacts, messages, photos) and click "Send".

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption), backup via Mi Mover may not create a correct backup. In this case, use manual copying on PC.

Synchronize your contacts with Google|Copy photos/videos to PC or cloud|Export SMS through SMS Backup & Restore|Record data from Mi Account (login and password)|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)-->

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

The easiest and safest method is if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password.

• 📱 Deletion of personal data before sale.
• 🔄 Resolving software failures without loss of performance.
• 🧹 Cleaning up the system from garbage.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data (entry may be required) PIN-code-key).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process (it will take 3-10 minutes) and after you complete, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after you purchase it.

💡

If after reset, the phone requires data input from the previous Mi Account, and you do not remember them - try to restore the password through account.xiaomi.com. The device can only be unlocked through the official account associated with it previously.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

This method is needed if:

• 🔒 Forgot the screen unlock password.
• 📱 The phone does not turn on or hovers on the Redmi logo.
• 🔄 Soft reset via settings did not help (for example, after a failed update).

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (including Note 8 Pro and Note 8T):

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery Mode 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 (full reset).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese:

• The third point on the top is (data cleanup).
• The first paragraph is (resetting all data).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may have a “This device is locked” error after reset via Recovery, requiring you to enter Mi Account details. If you do not remember the linked account, the phone will become unusable without official unlocking through the Xiaomi service center.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method is used when:

• 📱 The phone does not respond to buttons and does not load Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to reflash the device or unlock the bootloader.
• 🔒 Recovery: This device is locked error".

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and Drivers ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official Xiaomi website).
2. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press Power + Volume down for 10-15 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC and a Hare in a Cap will appear on the screen.

Win + R

cmd

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), move on.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Once the commands are done, the phone will restart and start the reset process, and this method doesn't remove the firmware, but it resets all user data and settings.

💡

Reset via Fastboot does not remove the Mi Account binding! if the phone has been locked through Find Device, account data will be required after the reboot.

Typical post-reset errors and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems.

If after resetting the phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo:

1. Try going to Recovery Mode and repeat the reset.
2. If it doesn’t work, run your phone through Fastboot (instructions in Method 3).
3. In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center (if the phone is warranty).
4. 📡 Check it out. IMEI after reset (type *#06#). IMEI reset to 0 – you will need to restore through an engineering menu or firmware.
5. 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% before resetting. Interrupting the process due to battery discharge can lead to "bricking".
6. 📋 Save the firmware data: Version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Device model: Settings → The phone. → Model (e.g. Redmi Note 8 – Ginkgo, Note 8 Pro – Begonia).

💡

Never use a custom ROM unless you are sure it is safe, which can cause you to lose your IMEI, network problems, or your phone to fail completely.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 8 reset