Xiaomi Redmi 8A is a budget smartphone of 2019, which is still popular due to reliability and simplicity. However, over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, give out errors or require complete cleaning before selling. Formatting (reset to factory settings) solves these problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to turn the phone into a “brick”.
In this article, three official reset methods for Redmi are available. 8A (including hidden features like Recovery Mode and Fastboot, comparing their effectiveness, and answering common questions like what to do if the phone doesn't turn on after a reset, how to save data, and why sometimes a reset doesn't work. MIUI, including the latest updates to 2026.
Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump
Factory reset removes all user data: photos, messages, apps, even accounts, and if you don't prepare, you lose access to important information.
- 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or manually copy files to your PC. Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) will save contacts and some settings, but not all data.
- 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lead to damage to system files and the need to flash through EDL.
- 🔑 Make sure to remember the data from the Mi Account. After the reset, the phone may require you to enter a login / password to unlock (Mi Account protection).
- 📶 Disable all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks) in Settings → Accounts to avoid authorization issues after reset.
If the phone is not turning on or getting stuck, skip this step and go straight to the Recovery or Fastboot reset methods. In this case, data recovery will only be possible using specialized programs (for example, Dr.Fone or Tenorshare UltData).
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 8A With an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery can result in a loss of the ability to download custom firmware. If you use unofficial software, select the reset method via Fastboot.
2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest)
This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, it requires no additional tools and takes no more than 5 minutes.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
- Select Resetting → Delete all data.
- Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
- Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.
The phone will restart and start cleaning, the Mi logo and progress indicator will appear on the screen, and don't turn the device off at this time, it can cause the system to crash, and once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.
Check the battery level.|Create a backup copy|Shut down all accounts.|Remember the data from the Mi Account|Close all applications-->
⚠️ Note: If after a reset, the phone requires data entry from Mi Account, and you do not remember them, use the official instructions for restoring access on account.xiaomi.com. Attempts to bypass the protection by informal means can lock the device permanently.
3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the Redmi 8A is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or does not load beyond the lock screen, use Recovery Mode. This mode allows you to reset settings without access to the main system.
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Press the Power Button + Volume Up button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
- In the menu, select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions of MIUI) with volume buttons.
- Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
- Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.
Recovery menus on Redmi 8A may look different depending on the MIUI version. In some cases, items are called in English, in others - in Chinese (for example, instead of Wipe Data). If you are not sure, choose the item with the bin icon or recovery icon.
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
| Parameter | Reset via menu | Reset via Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop screen required | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Data retained | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Time of procedure | 3-5 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Risk of error | Low. | Medium (if the process is interrupted) |
| PC required | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)
This method is used if the first two failed or you need to completely reinstall the firmware. It will require a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Fastboot utility.
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
- Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot mode: press the Power Button + Volume Down button for 10 seconds. A hare in a hat-eared hat (Fastboot logo) will appear on the screen.
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), type: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.
These commands will clear user data and cache completely, but will not affect system files. If you want to reinstall MIUI from scratch, download the official firmware for Redmi 8A (codenamed Olivelite) from the Xiaomi Firmware site and run it through the Mi Flash Tool.
1. whether Xiaomi USB Drivers are installed.
2.Do you use the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).
3. Is the debugging mode on USB In the developer settings (if the phone is turned on).-->
Possible problems after discharge and their solution
Even after the Redmi 8A formatting is successful, problems can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔄 The phone got stuck on the Mi logo. Cause: damage to system files. Solution: run the phone through Fastboot with official firmware (see method 3).
- 🔒 Requires a Mi Account after a reset. Reason: Find Device protection activated. Solution: enter data from the associated account or restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
- 📵 It doesn't catch the net after it's reset. IMEI. Solution: check it out IMEI In Settings → The phone. → General information: If it is missing, restore it using the engineering menu (#4636##) or contact the service.
- 🔋 The reason: after the reset, the system indexes the files and optimizes the work. Solution: let the phone run for 1-2 days or calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption).
If none of the methods helped, there may be a hardware problem (memory, power controller, etc.) in which case it is recommended to contact the Xiaomi service center or a proven wizard.
💡
Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring the phone back to life if it doesn't respond to other methods but requires technical skills.
6. How to recover data after formatting
If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning deleted data depend on which reset method was used:
- 📁 Reset via the settings menu: data is deleted programmatically and can be recovered using DiskDigger, Recuva or 7-Data Recovery (root access required).
- 🔧 Dumping through Recovery/Fastboot: The data is deleted at a low level, and recovery is unlikely, in which case only professional services (such as Chip-Off) will help, but they are expensive.
For recovery:
- Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode (if it is turned on).
- Run a recovery program (e.g. EaseUS MobiSaver).
- Select the file type (photos, messages, contacts) and start the scan.
- Save the files found on the computer.
Important: Do not write new data to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of a successful recovery, and avoid using dubious programs that promise to “get it back in 5 minutes” – they may contain viruses.
7. Alternatives to full formatting
If the purpose of the reset is to eliminate brakes or errors, try less radical methods:
- 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This will delete temporary files without losing data.
- 🔄 Resetting network settings: in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings, helps with Internet problems or calls.
- 📦 Remove Unnecessary Applications: Check the list of installed programs in Settings → Apps and remove those you do not use.
- 🛠️ Update MIUI: Sometimes bugs get fixed in new firmware versions. Check the updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
If your phone is slowing down due to memory shortage, transfer the files to the SD-map or cloud, and turn off animation in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional Settings → For developers → Scale of animation and choose No animation).