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

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but even it eventually starts to slow down, glitches or require a complete system reinstallation. Hard reset solves most software problems, from freezes to viruses. However, an improper reset can turn a phone into a brick or erase important data without the possibility of recovery.

In this article, three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), detailed risk warnings, and answers to frequent questions. The instructions are valid for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14) and work even if the phone is not turned on or locked. Important: the procedure will delete all data - photos, contacts, messages and applications. If you need to save information, first read the section on backup.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is an extreme measure that is resorted to in several cases:

• 📱 The phone is slowing down, apps are constantly crashing, or the system is giving out errors like “com.android.phone process stopped».
• 🔒 You have forgotten your graphical unlock key or password, and your Mi Account is unbound (or unbound).
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by an antivirus.
• 📦 Before selling or transferring a phone to another person (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI, When the system is not working properly.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Physical breakdown of the battery or motherboard (the phone does not turn on at all).
• 📡 Hardware defects of modules (camera, speaker, sensor) - repair is needed here.
• 🚫 Blocked bootloader (bootloader) after a failed firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone because of a locked screen, but your Mi Account is tied to it, you will need to enter your username and password from this account after the reset)!

Preparation for resetting: data backup

Reset removes all information from the phone’s internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
• 📞 Contacts that are not synced to Google or Mi Cloud.
• 💬 Communications in SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers.
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
• 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents.

To avoid losing data, follow the following steps:

1. Sync contacts: Open Contacts → Settings → Import / Export → Sync. Select a Google or Mi Cloud account and wait until you complete.
2. Save photos and videos: Connect your phone to your computer via USB (file transfer mode); copy DCIM and Pictures folders to your hard drive; or upload files to Google Photos (up to 15GB free).
3. Export messages: For SMS: use the SMS Backup & Restore app (available from Play Market). For WhatsApp: Settings → Chat → Backup (in Google Drive).

Contacts synced | Photos and videos copied | Messages saved | Memory of Mi Account password (if tied) | Battery charged at least 50%-->

If the phone doesn’t respond to touch or doesn’t turn on, go straight to Recovery or Fastboot reset methods (sections below).

Yes, via the settings menu | Yes, via Recovery | No, never | I don't know what it-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the system.

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the unlock password (if installed).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 30%.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Reset).
4. Select Reset (or Erase All Data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password (if installed), and the process will begin after confirmation.
6. The phone will reboot and return to the “out of the box” state.

Reset time: ~5-10 minutes. After the reboot, you will be asked to reset the phone (language selection, Wi-Fi connection, etc.).

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, restore access through the site account.xiaomi.com!

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Resetting via the settings menu is the only method that does not require detachment of the Mi Account account after the procedure (if the phone was unlocked before the reset).

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

If the Redmi Note 8 doesn’t respond to the screen, hangs on the MI logo or is locked with a password, use Recovery mode, which works even without access to the system, but requires accuracy.

Steps:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: Hold the Power button + Volume up at the same time. Hold until the Mi logo appears (usually ~10 seconds).
3. Select a language (if a menu appears). Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.
4. Go to Wipe Data: In older versions of MIUI, this may be called Wipe & Reset. Select Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm reset: The system will ask you to enter Yes (use volume buttons to select). The cleaning process will begin (takes 2-5 minutes).
6. Reboot your phone: Once you’re done, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone is “This device is locked” or asks for a Mi Account password, the device was tied to a Xiaomi account. Without login data, you can’t unlock it – you will need to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical and requires a computer, and it's used if:

• 🔧 Recovery is unavailable or damaged.
• 📦 You need to reflash your phone after a failed update.
• 🔒 Phone locked, but Mi Account untied.

Warning: The wrong commands in Fastboot can permanently shut your phone down. If you're not sure what you're doing, contact the service center.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 🔋 Charging the phone at least 50%.

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers: Download and install Mi PC Suite or ADB drivers for Xiaomi. Connect your phone to your computer and wait for the drivers to install.
2. Start Fastboot: Turn off your phone. Press Power button + Volume down before the screensaver with a rabbit (Fastboot Mode) appears.
3. Open the command line: On your computer, open the Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd). Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is detected, you will see its serial number.
4. Enter the command to clean up completely: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the commands are complete, the phone will restart and start setting up from scratch. If you want to not only reset the settings, but also reflash the device, download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) from Xiaomi's website and use the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data irrevocably. If you make a mistake with the command (for example, enter a fastboot erase system), the phone may stop loading!

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing it with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. To do this, download ROM for your model and follow the instructions on the Xiaomi website.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.

If none of the methods helped, there may be a problem in the hardware (for example, damaged eMMC memory).In this case, self-repair is not possible – contact the Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions