How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 8: instructions with photos and nuances

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings is a procedure that solves most software problems, from slowdowns and errors to deleting personal data before selling. But improper formatting can lead to the loss of important files, locking the Mi Account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods, their pros/cons, and hidden nuances that are not written in the standard instructions.

Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) was released in 2019 based on the Snapdragon 439 with MIUI 10 firmware (later updated to MIUI 12.5). Due to the features of the chipset and the bootloader version, some reset methods that work on new Xiaomi smartphones can fail here. For example, there is no EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, and not all commands are supported in Fastboot.

1. Reset via phone settings (the safest method)

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, you remember the pattern lock/PIN-code and do not plan to bypass the protection of Mi Account. 5–10 All data (photos, messages, applications) will be permanently deleted, but the internal memory (userdata) will be re-marked correctly, without the risk of damage to partitions.

The important thing is that if Redmi 8 has Find Device activated, you'll need to enter the password from your Mi Account attached to your phone after reset, which is a theft protection measure. If you forget your account details, resetting through settings will lock your phone permanently, you'll have to use Xiaomi's official unlocker (paid, ~$5-10).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 🔒 Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
• ⚙️ When you request, enter PIN-code.
• ✅ Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

Once you reboot, the phone will suggest you set it up as new. If you're selling a device, don't restore the backup, which can pass the personal data to the new owner. Instead, perform the initial setup to the desktop screen, then turn off the smartphone.

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If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time after reset (more than 15 minutes), don't panic.This is normal for the Redmi 8 due to the slow internal memory of eMMC 5.1. Wait for the process to complete or force the device to restart by clamping Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds.

2. Formatting via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 8 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, hardware reset via recovery mode will help.This method bypasses the screen lock, but does not remove the binding to Mi Account! After the procedure, you may need to enter a username / password from the Xiaomi account.

Redmi 8 features no touch controls in the Recovery stock, only the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection, and it also doesn’t display charging percentages, so make sure the battery is at least 30% charged, otherwise the phone will turn off during the process.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Up until the Mi logo appears, then let go.
3. With volume buttons, select a language (for example, English), confirm the power button.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you’re done, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On informal firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), Recovery menu items may differ. If you see non-standard options like Advanced Wipe, select the Recovery menu. Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, and Internal Storage then swipe to confirm.

Full formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

This is the most radical way, and it removes all partitions, including system, vendor, and userdata, and then reinstalls the stock firmware.

• 🔄 The phone is loaded into Fastboot, but not in Recovery.
• 🦠 The device is infected with a virus that blocks reset via settings.
• 📦 You need to return the smartphone to a “clean” state (for example, after unsuccessful overclocking). CPU).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📂 Firmware for Redmi 8 (Fastboot version, not Recovery!) download it by selecting a region (e.g. Global or Russia).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (download here).

⚠️ Warning: The wrong commands in Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick. ADB/Fastboot, Also note that this method removes all locks, including Mi Account, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is blocked, first unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (you need a Mi Account and wait). 7–15 days).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi8_fastboot).
2. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to enter the Fastboot (a bunny with the words Fastboot will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (full clean) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock bootloader).
6. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device (it will appear). COM-port).
7. Click Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).

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Clean All and Lock locks the bootloader back, only use it if you plan to sell the phone, otherwise you won't be able to install custom firmware later.

If the Mi Flash Tool is 0x80070002 or 0x80004005, try:

• 🔌 Reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🖥️ Launch the program on behalf of the administrator.
• 📋 Install drivers manually through Device Manager (download QDLoader for Snapdragon).

4.How to prepare Redmi 8 for sale: full checklist

Formatting before selling is not just about resetting your settings, it's also about removing all traces of your activity. Even after a factory reset, some data (like authorization tokens or app cache) can remain in memory. Follow this algorithm to prevent any leakage:

Pay particular attention to:

• 🔐 Mi Account: If you forget your password, don't reset your phone - the new owner won't be able to activate it.First restore access through Xiaomi's website.
• 💳 Payment data: remove the associated cards in Google Pay, Mi Pay and banking apps.
• 📡 Wi-Fi networks: Remove your device from the list of connected devices in your router settings (so that the new owner does not gain access to your network).

After reset, turn on the phone and check:

• 📱 Absence of your accounts in Settings → Accounts.
• 📸 Empty gallery and downloads.
• 🎵 No personal playlists in Mi Music.

5 Frequent Formatting Mistakes in Redmi 8 and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to data loss or firmware corruption, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

⚠️ Warning: If after a Fastboot reset, the phone boots into Recovery with a No command error, don't panic.This means the firmware is installed but the system partition is not activated. Turn off the device, then press the Power + Increase volume to log in to Recovery and select Reboot system now.

Another common problem is the constant reboot after reset, usually due to a damaged EFS partition (stores IMEI and network settings), which can only be restored via Fastboot using the command:

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin


fastboot erase modemst1




fastboot erase modemst2

The NON-HLOS.bin file is taken from the firmware folder, and if there's a problem, you'll have to go through the phone at the service center.

6. Alternative cleaning methods (without complete reset)

If you need to vacate space or remove viruses but keep personal data, consider these methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.This will delete temporary application files without losing data.
• 🗑️ Remove Unnecessary Files: Use the built-in Cleaner or Files by Google app to find duplicates and debris.
• 🛡️ Resetting application settings: In Settings → Annexes → App Management Select Problem App and Click Clear Data.
• 🔍 Virus search: Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light and scan the system. Do not use "antivirus" from unknown developers - they often contain malicious code themselves.

For deep cleaning without loss of photos and contacts:

1. Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Move the copy to your PC or cloud.
3. Reset through settings (section 1).
4. After the restart, restore the data from the backup, eliminating system settings and applications.

⚠️ Warning: If you suspect your phone is infected with spyware (e.g., clones) SMS or monitor location, do not restore backup, the virus may return, in which case it is better to transfer only media files (photos, videos) and set the phone as new.

7. Data recovery after accidental reset

If you formatted Redmi 8 by mistake and didn’t back up, the chances of getting your data back up depend on the reset method:

• 📱 Reset via Settings: Data is deleted software and can be recovered using DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone. success depends on how many new files were written after the reset.
• 🔧 Dumping through Recovery/Fastboot: Data is deleted at a low level (userdata partition formatting), and its recovery is almost impossible without specialized hardware (for example, Chip-Off).

To recover photos and videos:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP (file transfer) mode.
2. Install DiskDigger (the free version only looks for photos).
3. Select Redmi 8 and start a deep scan.
4. Save the files found on the PC.

To restore contacts and messages:

• If Mi Cloud was enabled, log in to i.mi.com and export your data.
• If you have used a Google account, check contacts.google.com.
• For SMS, try SMS Backup & Restore (if you have backed up before).

⚠️ Warning: Don't install data recovery software on your smartphone, they'll overwrite deleted files, reducing your chances of success. GT Recovery or Undeleter – these often contain viruses.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions