Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the smartphone back to work, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to a “out of the box” state, most often in three cases:

First, if the phone has started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. Incorrect firmware or conflicting applications can lead to critical failures that are not solved by the reboot. Second, the reset is necessary before selling or transferring the device to another user - this ensures that your personal data (photos, messages, passwords) do not fall into the wrong hands. Third, the procedure helps eliminate logo getting stuck or cyclical reboot when the smartphone cannot boot the system.

It is important to understand the difference between soft and hard resets. Mild reset (via settings) saves the MIUI version and the system kernel, removing only user data. Hard reset (via Recovery or Fastboot) reinstalls the firmware completely, which can be required in case of serious software damage. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia model), both methods work stably, but the second requires more technical knowledge.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset the Redmi Note 8 Pro, follow the steps to avoid losing important data and problems with your Mi Account:

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (in the Settings menu) → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to the Internet) VCF-Photo and video (copy to PC or cloud) SMS and call log (applications like SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the reset process due to discharge can lead to a device blink (inability to load).
• 🔑 Make sure you remember the data from Mi Account. Once reset, the phone will require you to enter a login and password associated with the device (Factory Reset Protection).
• 📶 Disable all accounts (Settings) → Accounts, especially Google and Mi Accounts, if you plan to sell your phone.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget your Mi Account password, reset will lock your phone.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, and the instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 8 Pro on MIUI 12-14:

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. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes). After activation, follow the instructions of the setup wizard.

If the Reset option is inactive (grey), it means that the device has enabled Find Device protection. Turn it off in the Settings menu → Mi Account → Find Device.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Create a backup copy of important data

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Turn off Find Device (if enabled)

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

If the Redmi Note 8 Pro is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to the screen, use Recovery Mode. This method doesn’t require a PC connection, but all data will be erased.

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 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. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action with Confirm. After completion, select Reboot.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 3rd item on top is Wipe Data (data cleanup).
• The last item is Reboot (Reboot).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware after reset via Recovery, the phone may require you to enter a password from a previously connected Wi-Fi. If you do not remember it, skip the network connection step in the setup wizard.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if the first two did not work or you need to reinstall the firmware completely. You will need a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Step 1: Preparation of the PC:

• 🖥️ Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📥 Download the firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then pinch the Power + Volume down before image of rabbit labeled Fastboot appears.

Step 2. Firmware via Mi Flash Tool:

1. Unclose the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
3. Connect your phone to your PC (you have to decide how to connect it to your PC). COM-port).
4. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
5. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

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If the phone does not turn on after firmware through Fastboot, try to go to Recovery (Power) + Volume up) and run Wipe Data. This often solves the problem of hanging on the logo.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, there may be problems.

• 🔒 Requires a password from Mi Account after reset This is Factory Reset Protection. Enter the username and password from the account that was linked to the phone. If you forget the data, restore access to account.xiaomi.com. Without a password, it is officially impossible to unlock the phone - this is a measure against theft.
• 📶 Mobile network or Wi-Fi may not work after resetting APN. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and set your operator’s parameters manually (the data can be found on the operator’s website).
• 🔋 After the reset, the system re-indexes files and optimizes applications, which can temporarily increase the charge consumption. Give the phone a 1-2 full charge/discharge cycle to calibrate.

If the phone is hot after reset, check:

• Are there any background applications installed (see Settings → Battery → Battery Use).
• Is the developer mode enabled with USB debugging (disable in Settings → Additional → For developers).
• Is the beta version of MIUI installed (update firmware to stable through Settings → System Update)

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If the phone does not see after the reset SIM-card, check the physical condition of the slot (the contact may have gone away) or update the modem module firmware via the Mi Flash Tool.

How to avoid problems in the next reset

To make the Redmi Note 8 Pro reset smooth in the future, follow these tips:

1. Update MIUI regularly. Fresh firmware versions contain fixes for critical errors that may lead to resetting. Check for updates to Settings → System Update.
2. Don’t install unofficial firmware without unlocking the bootloader. This can lead to a device blink. If you want custom firmware, unlock the bootloader first through the official Xiaomi tool.
3. Use cloud backup. Set up automatic data storage in Mi Cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup) This will make it easier to recover from a reset.
4. Disable Find Device before selling. This feature locks your phone after a reset, unless it's disabled in advance. Find it in Settings → Mi Account → Find Device.

If you often experiment with system settings, create a TWRP restore point (requires an unlocked bootloader) that will allow you to roll back changes without completely resetting. Instructions for installing TWRP for the Redmi Note 8 Pro can be found on the XDA Developers forum.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions