How to Reset Redmi Note 8 to Factory Settings – The Complete Guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing for a firmware update. However, improper actions can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the smartphone. In this article, 3 proven reset methods (including methods for a locked phone), a method comparison table, and answers to frequent questions about recovery after a reset.

Redmi Note 8

ginkgo

Snapdragon 665

If you've never done a Xiaomi reset, it's important to understand that the procedure deletes all the data -- photos, contacts, messages and installed apps -- and that system files go back to their original state, like after a purchase. But there are nuances: for example, a tied Mi Account can lock your phone after a reset, unless you've disabled Find Device protection.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you reset Redmi Note 8, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and activation issues after the procedure.

✅ Save backup. Use the built-in Settings feature. → The phone. → Backup or third-party applications like Swift Backup (requires root:

  • 📱 Contacts – export to Google Account or VCF-file.
  • 📸 Photos/video – copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
  • 🔑 Passwords – Check if they are saved in the browser or password manager.
  • 🎮 Game Save – Many games (such as Genshin Impact) are linked to an account, but some (such as Stardew Valley) store data locally.

⚠️ Note: If you used Mi Cloud for sync, make sure the last backup is created no later than 3 days ago. Xiaomi sometimes resets cloud data with prolonged account inactivity.

🔧 Turn off Mi Account protection. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Find Device and deactivate the option. If you don't, after resetting, the phone may require you to enter a login/password from your previous account - even if you remember it! - This is a security measure against theft, but it often works when you reset legally.

Make sure battery power > 50% | Backup contacts | Copy photo/video on PC | Disable Find Device in Mi Account | Remember password from Google account-->

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, you remember the pattern lock/PIN-code, and there's no critical system failure. 3-5 minutes and requires no additional tools.

📱 Step-by-step instruction:

    ✅ Pros of the method:

    • 📱 Keeps the ability to unlock through Mi Account after reset.

    ❌ Cons:

      💡

      If after reset, the phone asks for a password from Mi Account and you do not remember it, try to restore access through [this link] (https://account.xiaomi.com/). In 90% of cases, the problem is solved in 5 minutes.

      Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

      If the Redmi Note 8 doesn't turn on, you're stuck on the MI logo, or you've forgotten the pattern lock, a Recovery reset will help, which is a mode that starts before the system boots up and allows you to perform a hard reset.

      ⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) after resetting via Recovery, you may receive a request to enter a password from Mi Account, even if Find Device was disabled. This is a bug that Xiaomi has not fixed so far).

      🔧 How to log in to Recovery:

      1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
      2. Press the power button + volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo appears.
      3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

      📱 Resetting instructions:

      1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
      2. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
      3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
      4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

      🔍 What to do if you recover in Chinese?

      • (di yi xiang) - reboot.
      • (di er xiang) - installing the update.
      • (di si xiang) – data reset (we need a point).
      • (zui hou yi xiang) - the exit.
      What happens if Recovery does not open?
      If the phone vibrates after holding the buttons, but does not load Recovery, it may be the firmware or the buttons are faulty, in which case only method 3 (Fastboot) or contacting the service center remains.

      Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

      This method is the most reliable, but requires a computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.

      • 🔒 Phone is locked and Recovery is not helping.
      • 🤖 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
      • 🛠️ You need to unlock the bootloader (bootloader).

      ⚠️ WARNING: The wrong commands in Fastboot can bleed your phone! if you've never worked with ADB, You better consult a specialist.

      💻 Step-by-step instruction:

      1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
      2. Turn off the Redmi Note 8 and press the power button + volume down until the Fastboot logo appears (a robot labeled FASTBOOT).
      3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
      4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers.
      5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

      🔧 Additional commands (if you need to completely reflash the phone):

      • bootloader unlock: fastboot oem unlock (requires to link your Mi Account to your device).
      • Install firmware: fastboot flash boot.img (need firmware files for ginkgo).

      After being reset via Fastboot, the phone can turn on for the first time up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process! If the screen is out and doesn't respond for more than 20 minutes, try re-entering Fastboot and running the fastboot continue command.

      Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset |Another way-->

      5. Comparison of discharge methods: which one to choose?

      To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a comparative table of all ways to reset the Redmi Note 8:

      CriteriaThrough the menuThrough Recovery.Through Fastboot.
      📱 Requires unlocking of the screen?Yes.No.No.
      💻 I need a computer?No.No.Yes.
      ⚡ Reset speed3-5 minutes2-3 minutes5-10 minutes
      🔧 Suitable for "brick" phonesNo.Partially.Yes.
      ⚠️ Risk of blocking Mi AccountLow.Medium.High (if not disabled Find Device)

      💡 Recommendations for selection:

      • 🟢 If the phone is working normally → use the settings menu.
      • 🟡 If you forget your password or your phone is stuck → try out the recovery.
      • 🔴 If resetting via Recovery does not help or you need access to the bootloader → Fastboot only.

      💡

      Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring the Redmi Note 8 back to life if it doesn’t respond to buttons or hovers on the logo after a failed update.

      6.Frequent post-discharge problems and their solutions

      Even if the reset was successful, you might encounter unexpected difficulties, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

      🔐 Phone asks for password from Mi Account after reset

      • 📌 Reason: Find Device was not disabled or the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account.
      • 🔧 Solution: Go to [the unlock page](https://account.xiaomi.com/) and log in to your account. In Devices, find Redmi Note. 8 and press Delete the device. 24 The opening (sometimes the unlocking is instantaneous).

      Attention.

      impossible

      📵 Phone does not catch network after reset

      • 📌 Reason: Reset could have damaged settings IMEI communication module.
      • 🔧 Solution: Check if inserted SIM-card (sometimes after resetting the phone "does not see" the tray). → SIM-maps and mobile networks and enable Auto-Select Network. If it doesn't work, reflash your phone via Fastboot (see Method 3).

      🔋 The phone discharges quickly after resetting

      • 📌 Reason: After a reset, the system indexes files, and background processes (like Google Play Services) consume a lot of power.
      • 🔧 Solution: Let the phone work 1-2 The day is normal. Turn off auto-update apps in Google Play. Check the battery settings in Settings. → Battery and disable optimization for critical applications.

      💡

      If you lose photos after reset, check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder – sometimes thumbnails are saved even after the originals are deleted.

      7.How to recover data after reset

      If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on how the reset was performed:

      🔍 Recovery of photos and files:

      • 🖥️ Using a PC: Connect your phone to your computer and use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva to scan your internal memory for deleted files. Success depends on how much data you have written after you reset (new files can overwrite old ones).
      • 🌐 Through the Cloud: Check Google Photos, Mi Cloud or other services where automatic sync may have been enabled.

      📱 Reestablishment of contacts and communications:

      • 📞 Contacts: If they have been synced to a Google account, just add it again to Settings → Accounts.
      • 💬 Messages: Programs like SMS Backup & Restore may be restored SMS, if the backup copy was retained on SD-map.