How to return 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 eventually starts to “slow down” due to accumulated garbage, viruses or failed updates. Hard reset solves 90% of software problems, from endless reboots to MIUI errors. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device.

In this article - 3 proven ways to reset the Redmi Note 8 Pro (including models with a high-end reset). MTK Helio G90T), Detailed instructions for each method, and answers to questions like what to do if the phone doesn't turn on after a reset, how to bypass a Mi Account password request, and why a Recovery reset might not work. MIUI 12–14 (including global and Chinese versions).

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is a last resort, but sometimes it’s not enough. Here are 5 signs that your Redmi Note 8 Pro needs a clean reboot:

• 🐢 Smartphone stuck on the logo MI or cyclically rebooted (bootloop»).
• 📱 Applications are spontaneously closed, and the system emits errors like “Com.android.phone process stopped».
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or spyware (for example, after installation) APK unverified).
• 📲 Before selling or transferring a phone to another user.

But resetting won't help if the problem is hardware, like a broken screen, a faulty battery, or a damaged motherboard, and in such cases, repairs are needed.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a good method if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.

• ✅ Does not require computer or special knowledge.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.
• ✅ You can choose whether to save files (photos, videos) or not.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Indicate whether you need to save media files (the option to Clear all data or Save files).
5. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code/password (if set).
6. Press Reset and wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

After resetting, the phone will turn on with the initial setting (language selection, Wi-Fi connection, etc.).

⚠️ Note: If you have chosen the option Save files, then after resetting in the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup You'll have backups of some of the applications, and you can manually remove them to make room.

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

If the Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn’t respond to the power button, freezes on the logo or reboots cyclically, a Recovery Mode reset will help.This method will delete all data, including photos and apps!

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the power button + volume button and hold for 5-7 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 for selection.
5. Select the Wipe Data option → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action (Confirm).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — «Clear the data" (analogue of Wipe Data).
• ⚙️ — «Reboot».

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, you have to run the firmware on Fastboot, which requires a computer and deletes all the data without any recovery, and only use it in extreme cases.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux There may be problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (select Fastboot version).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\ROM\redmi_note_8_pro).
3. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press the power button + volume reduction for 5-10 seconds. Connect the phone to your computer.

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Refresh

COM-port

Clean All

Flash

Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Important: If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't load device" error, install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers manually (the Redmi Note 8 Pro requires MTK Driver).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run through Fastboot, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds. Sometimes "forced" battery discharge helps (turn off the cable and wait 10 minutes).

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 8 Pro will turn on in initial setup mode.

1. Skip signing in to Mi Account if you sell a phone (or sign in if it’s your device).
2. Restore data from a backup (if it was created through MIUI Backup or Google).

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 🔒 Requires a Mi Account password → See the section below.
• 📵 Not catching the net. → Check the settings. APN or re-install SIM-map.

💡

After resetting the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you may need to re-activate features like Fingerprint or Face Unlock. → Passwords and security.

How to bypass the Mi Account password request after resetting?

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, it means that the device was tied to the Xiaomi account. Without entering the username and password, you can not use the smartphone - this is a measure of protection against theft.

Options for a solution:

• 📧 Restore your password through the Mi Account website (you need access to your email or phone number).
• 📄 Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box) if your phone is yours but the data is lost.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi Note 8 Pro from hand and the seller did not untie the account, return the device or demand help in unlocking. MIUI 12+).

When resetting won't help: hardware problems

If there are problems after the reset, it may be due to hardware. Here are the signs of hardware malfunctions Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 🔋 The phone does not hold a charge (discharges in 1-2 hours) → Battery wear and tear.
• 📱 The screen flickeres or does not respond to touch → Display or plume damaged.
• 🎧 The speakers/microphone are not working. → Problems with audio chip or connector.
• 📶 No network or Wi-Fi. → Communications module malfunctioned (MT6785).

In such cases, the dumping is useless - you need repairs. Average prices for services (in Russia, 2026):

Where to repair:

• 🛠️ Xiaomi Authorized Service Centers – 6-12 Months Guarantee, but More Expensive.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 8 Pro reset