Reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro to factory settings: all the ways and nuances

Why do I need a factory reset?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro to factory settings is a radical but effective solution to a variety of problems, most often when the smartphone starts to “brake” after prolonged use, stops working correctly after a MIUI update or is infected with viruses. The procedure completely cleans the internal memory of the device, removing all user data, applications and settings, returning the phone to the state in which it was in the purchase.

It is important to understand that hard reset is not a panacea; it will not help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (for example, a damaged motherboard or a broken screen), but it will ensure that software failures are eliminated: endless reboots, application errors or network connection problems, and the reset is mandatory before selling or transferring the phone to another person, this will protect your personal data from leakage.

On the Redmi 8 Pro, the olivelite model, the reset procedure has its own peculiarities due to the MIUI version and the hardware platform. For example, if the device has custom firmware installed, a standard reset via the menu may not work, you will need to use Recovery Mode.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you don't lose important data. All files, contacts, messages and applications will be deleted without recovery (unless backup was created).

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or Mi Cloud. This will save contacts, SMS, notes and some settings.
• 🖥️ Copy media files (photos, videos, music) to your computer or cloud storage. To do this, connect your phone to your PC via a computer. USB-cable and select file transfer mode (MTP).
• 🔐 Make sure you know the details from your Mi Account. After the reset, you may need to re-authorize, especially if you have enabled your Mi Account.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can make it impossible to turn on the phone.

If you use a Google Account, sync your data (contacts, calendar, email) through Settings → Accounts → Google, which will allow you to quickly recover information after a reset, and check if important services are linked to the phone, such as two-factor authentication in banking applications, and they will have to be reconfigured.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 8 Pro has Find Device enabled, you may need to enter a password from your Mi Account after reset, even if you have disabled the protection with a pattern lock!

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Copy photos and videos on PC|Record data from Mi Account|Charge the phone to 50%+|Untie the bank cards and 2FA-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method to use if the phone is switched on and reacts to touch, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 10–14 (depending on the Redmi 8 Pro firmware version):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or Device in new MIUI versions).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Delete all data (may be called Factory Reset).
5. Enter a password or pattern lock if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5-10 minutes. The phone will reboot and you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If at some stage there is an error (for example, "Can not reset"), try an alternative method through Recovery Mode.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box settings - the system will tell you the right way.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method will come in handy if the Redmi 8 Pro is not turned on, hovers on the MI logo or does not respond to touch.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. From the menu, select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions) using volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for confirmation.
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Recovery Mode Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro uses touch controls, but if the screen is not responsive, use volume buttons to move and power button to select. If the menu is in Chinese, focus on English-language inscriptions (they are usually duplicated).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is loaded into an endless reboot cycle after being reset via Recovery, this may indicate a damaged firmware, in which case you will need to reflash the device using the Mi Flash Tool (instructions for this are available on the forums). 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Cloud (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen, but you have access to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi 8 Pro.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action by entering a password from the Mi Account.

Remote reset works only if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.
• 🔋 Device is on and not discharged.

Once a command is sent, the reset can take several hours (depending on the speed of the phone’s connection to the network), which does not guarantee 100% data cleanup, but will make the phone unusable without entering your Mi Account.

What do I do after the dump?

After the Redmi 8 Pro is successfully reset, the initial setup is due.

1. Language and region choice: Specify Russian and Russia (or your country).
2. Wi-Fi Connection: It is recommended to use the home network to download updates.
3. Sign in to your Mi/Google account: If your phone has been linked to your account, log in. This will unlock access to previously synchronized data.
4. Restore from backup: If you created a backup through Mi Cloud, the system will offer to restore it.
5. Set up protection: Set a new pattern lock, PIN or fingerprint.

After setting up, check:

• 📞 Work. SIM-Cards (sometimes after reset, mobile network re-activation is required).
• 🔊 Sound and microphone (record voice message or call another number).
• 📷 Camera (take a test shot).

If the phone is slower than before the reset, it may not be the software that is the problem, but the wear and tear of the internal memory (especially for budget models after 2-3 years of use), in which case only replacing the memory module in the service center will help.

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After reset, don’t rush to install all the old apps at once, start with the most essentials and monitor performance – this will help identify the “heavy” programs that have slowed down the phone before.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, users face problems, including the following cases and ways to fix them:

1.The phone does not turn on after reset

If the screen is black or the MI logo is on for more than 10 minutes:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes – it may be that the battery has run out in the process.
• 🔄 Try re-entering Recovery Mode and reset again.
• 💻 If nothing helps, run your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool (you will need a computer and the original one). USB-cable).

2.Mi Account password required after reset

This is Xiaomi's standard theft protection. If you forget your password:

• 📧 Restoring access through the recovery page.
• 📄 If the account is not restored, contact the service center with proof of purchase (check or box).

3.Reset is not completed (hung by 99%)

It happens because of damaged memory sectors.

• 🔄 Wait 1-2 hours – sometimes the process ends on its own.
• 🛠️ Run the reset via Fastboot (Team: fastboot erase userdata).
• 🔧 If the phone is warranty, contact the service - you may need to replace the memory.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 8 Pro "with your hands" and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, it will be impossible to unlock the phone without his data!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions