How to reset your settings on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: 3 proven ways

Why you may need a reset for the owner of the Redmi Note 8T

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T (codenamed willow) is still popular due to its balanced performance and robust hardware platform, but even with such a reliable device, users face situations where they need to return to factory settings, the main reasons range from software failures to preparing the phone for sale.

For example, slowing down after long-term use is a common problem for Android 10/11 devices with MIUI 12+. Cache accumulation, memory fragmentation, and application background processes gradually reduce performance. In such cases, soft reset helps to return smooth interfaces without losing personal data. Hard reset becomes necessary for critical errors: endless reboot, screen locking, or inability to update firmware.

Another common situation is that the phone is being prepared to be handed over to a new owner, and even after the accounts and files are manually deleted, there are traces of activity, such as authorization tokens, geolocation data, and app cache, and a full reset is guaranteed to clear the device of all user information, which is especially important for security.

Finally, the Redmi Note 8T is often used for experiments with custom firmware or root rights. If after such manipulations the phone stopped working correctly (for example, problems with the bootloop or failure of the communication module), resetting via Recovery Mode or Fastboot may be the only way to bring the device back to life.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before proceeding with a reset, it is critical to follow a few steps to avoid losing important data and having issues with activating the phone after the procedure.The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T uses a binding to a Mi Account and wrong actions can result in the device being locked.

1. Create a backup of the data. Even if you plan a soft reset, it is recommended to save:

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf via Contacts app)
• 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or Google Cloud Photos)
• 🔑 Passwords and notes (use Mi Cloud or third-party services like Keepass)
• 🎮 Save games (synchronize through Google Play or Mi Account)

2. Make sure you know the data from Mi Account. After a hard reset, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from the associated Xiaomi account. If you forget this data, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com. Otherwise, you risk getting locked through Mi Cloud Lock, which can only be removed with proof of ownership of the device.

3. Check the battery. The reset process can take up to 10-15 minutes, and an interruption due to battery discharge can damage system files and turn the phone into a brick. The optimal charge level is at least 50%.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi Note 8T Unlocked bootloader, reset via Recovery or Fastboot may require re-unlocking.Prepare a PC with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed and the original USB-cable.

Method 1: Soft Reset without data loss

If the Redmi Note 8T is stable, but you notice minor lags or app errors, start with a soft reset, which doesn’t affect user files, but clears the system cache and temporary data, which often solves performance problems.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Updating the system.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reboot in Recovery.
4. From the recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 2-3 minutes).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

Once rebooted, the system will be cleared of unnecessary temporary files, but all your apps, photos, and settings will remain in place, a method that is especially useful if the phone has started spontaneously restarting or apps have often given an “App Stopped” error.

⚠️ Warning: If problems persist after a soft reset, do not repeat the procedure many times, it can lead to fragmentation of memory.

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After a soft reset, check your energy saving settings: often the brakes are caused by aggressive MIUI optimization for background processes. Turn it off in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization for critical applications.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the Redmi Note 8T doesn’t turn on, hangs on the MI logo, or you’ve forgotten the pattern lock, you’ll need a full reset via Recovery.This method removes all data from the device, including apps, settings, and files in internal memory.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select the language (usually English or ).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by entering the yes code (or swipe if the sensor is working).
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

It can take up to 10 minutes. Once you reboot, the phone will be like new -- you'll need to reconfigure the language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log into Mi Account. If you're selling a device, don't sign in after the reset!

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If standard Recovery is not available (for example, due to corrupted system files), you can reset via Fastboot mode. This method requires connecting the phone to a PC and using the command line, so it is only suitable for users with experience with the system. ADB/Fastboot.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set)
• 🛠️ Installed Mi drivers USB Driver and ADB Tools
• 📄 Firmware file for Redmi Note 8T (download en.miui.com/download.html)

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Power + Volume down.
2. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line (cmd in Windows).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the phone.
4. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the phone doesn't turn on after these commands or if it gives a "No command" error, you'll need to flash it completely through the Mi Flash Tool.

1. Download the latest stable firmware for willow (e.g. V12.5.1.0.RCXMIXM).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Continuous use of Fastboot commands without understanding their operation can cause damage to the bootloader. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and should only be used if the first two methods fail, and it completely overwrites system partitions, which helps even in case of serious software failures.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, Redmi Note 8T users sometimes face unexpected problems.

1.The phone asks for a password after resetting

This is the Factory Reset Protection (FRP) solution.

• If you remember the data from the last Google account, enter it.
• If you forget, restore access through accounts.google.com.
• If the phone is bought by hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, contact them or provide proof of purchase to the Xiaomi service center.

2. the reset is interrupted at the stage "Wiping data..."

Reasons:

• The /data partition is damaged (often after a failed firmware).
• Flash memory is defective (less often, but possibly on older devices).

Solution: Try flashing your phone through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All and Lock mode (see Method 3).

3.After reset, there is no network or camera working

This may occur if:

• Installed unofficial firmware with damaged drivers.
• IMEI settings have been lost (relevant for devices with an unlocked bootloader).

Decision:

• Flash your phone with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• If your IMEI is missing, restore it via the Engineering Menu (#4636##) or Service Center.

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If the phone starts to discharge quickly after reset, calibrate the battery: completely discharge the device before turning off, then charge to 100% without interruptions. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions