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

Why Redmi Note 8 Pro may require a reset

Resetting to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro. This smartphone, released in 2019 based on the Mediatek Helio G90T processor, still remains popular among users due to its powerful filling and affordable price. However, over time, even it begins to “brake”: applications spontaneously close, the battery goes down in a few hours, and the system produces errors like “Android System Stopped”.

Reasons for a reset can range from preparation for sale (to delete personal data) to fixing software failures after a failed MIUI update. For example, after a firmware update via Fastboot, a device may hang on the Xiaomi logo - in this case, "hard reset" often becomes the only way out. But it is important to understand that the reset deletes all data, including photos, messages and installed applications, if no backup was done.

Another common situation is a forgotten pattern lock or password, where if you have entered the wrong unlock code several times, the system can lock the device for 24 hours or even require a reset, in which case the alternative is unlocking through Mi Account, but it only works with a tied Xiaomi account and active Internet.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps: First, check the battery level — it should be at least 50%. If the smartphone runs out during the process, it can damage the system files and "brick" the device. Second, extract. SIM-microSD card and memory card (if used) to avoid accidental formatting.

The most important step is to save data. Even if you plan to reset due to a crash, try connecting the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer via USB and copy the files manually.

• 📱 Use Mi Cloud (if synced previously) to check if contacts, notes and photos are saved to the cloud via i.mi.com.
• 💾 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup: This method saves applications and their data, but requires free space on the device.
• 🖥️ Connect to your PC and use programs like Xiaomi PC suite ADB file-copying.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone is locked (forgot the password), and USB-The debugging was not enabled in advance, so you can't copy the data, and the only way out is to reset with the loss of all the files.

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

This is the easiest and safest method if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch, it is suitable for eliminating non-critical failures, for example, when applications are constantly restarted or the system is slow.

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 the Mi Account password (if required) or the pattern lock.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 3-5 minutes. After the reboot, you'll be asked to set the device as new. If you see a message saying "No Command" with the robot lying down on the screen, don't be alarmed, that's okay. Just press the power button + volume up for 10 seconds to restart the smartphone.

Remember the password from Mi Account (if tied)

Make sure the battery is charged >50%

Copy important files to a PC or cloud

Disable two-factor authentication (if used)

-->

This method does not remove MIUI updates - after the reset, the same firmware version will remain as before.If the purpose of the reset is to eliminate crashes after the update, try first rolling back to the previous version through Recovery.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If the smartphone does not turn on, hovers on the Xiaomi logo or does not respond to touch, you will need to reset via Recovery, which allows you to bypass the locking of the screen and bring the device back to life even in case of serious failures.

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 8 Pro (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the power button + volume up at the same time and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when the Recovery menu (black screen with English inscriptions) appears.

Control in Recovery is carried out by volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection).

• 🔧 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
• 🔄 Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
• ✅ Wait until the end (Data wipe complete will appear on the screen).
• 🔙 Go back to the main menu and select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If after reset via Recovery smartphone requires to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, unlock the device can only be through the official service Xiaomi (requires a purchase check).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if the first two fail or you need to completely reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 📦 Official firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (download from en.miui.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the power button + volume down until the hare appears in the hat-eared.
2. Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.
4. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
5. If necessary, run the official firmware: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash recovery.img
6. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

1. Install MediaTek Preloader drivers manually.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. disable the driver signature in Windows (you need to reboot in debugging mode).-->

This is the most risky way, because if you make a mistake in the commands, you can damage the bootloader. If you're not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center. After a successful reset via Fastboot, the smartphone will be like new, but all data will be irretrievably lost.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After resetting, the Redmi Note 8 Pro will offer to go through the initial setup.

• 📋 Skip Mi Account binding if you don’t remember the login details (otherwise, the device may be blocked).
• 🔄 Restore data from a backup copy (if it was created through MIUI or Google Drive).
• 🔒 Set a new password or pattern lock (it is recommended to use at least 6 characters).
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If after the reset there are problems with connecting to the mobile network or the operation of sensors, follow the following steps:

1. Check if it's installed. SIM-Cards are correct (sometimes slots are reset after resetting).
2. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
3. If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth isn’t working, upgrade your firmware or manually run modules through Fastboot.

- Calls and SMS (communication module).

- Camera (rear and front).

- Fingerprint sensor.

Charging (plug the charger and make sure the charge is on).

If something is not working, it is a sign of hardware malfunction or firmware damage.-->

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, the reset can be a mistake.

If none of the methods worked, and the smartphone still doesn't turn on or gives out errors, the reason may lie in a hardware malfunction, for example, a damaged eMMC memory or a faulty power controller will not allow the reset to be completed, in which case a diagnosis will be required at the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions