How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 8: from software to iron

The Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2019, but even it eventually starts to “brake,” issue bugs or require cleaning before selling.Resetting to factory settings solves 90% of software problems, but only if done correctly. In this article, three proven zeroing methods (including hidden MIUI features), parsing common bugs and tips on how to avoid data loss.

It's important to understand that you can reset your phone in many ways. Soft reset saves files in memory but removes apps and settings. Hard reset (via Recovery) erases everything, including photos and music. And if the device is locked, you'll need to be tied to your Mi Account or even unlock the bootloader. We'll look at all scenarios, including those that aren't written in the official instructions.

Preparation for resetting: what to save and what to remove

Before you click Reset, check which data will disappear irrevocably:

📱 Accounts: Google, Mi Account, social networks (you will have to enter logins again).
📸 Media files: photos, videos and music in internal memory (on the SD-map).
📱 Settings: Wallpaper, sound circuits, allowed notifications for applications.
🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth device data (earphones, fitness bracelets).

What can be recovered after resetting:

☁️ Contacts and calendars if synced with Google or Mi Cloud.
📲 Applications (the list of installed programs will be saved in the Google account).
🔄 Backup copies from Settings → Additionally. → Backup (if done in advance).

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If you are selling a phone, be sure to untie Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!

Redmi 8 reset via Recovery erases data from internal memory but does not affect SD-However, if you used the card as an "adoptable storage" function, it will also be formatted.

The easiest method is if the phone turns on and responds to touch, suitable for eliminating lags, removing viruses or preparing for sale (but does not delete files from internal memory!).

Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (check that the latest version of MIUI is installed – this will eliminate possible reset bugs).
Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
Tap Reset settings, then Delete all data.
Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
Confirm the action with the Reset button.

Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Synchronize your contacts with Google|Copy photos on PC or cloud|Remember the Wi-Fi passwords|Untie your bank cards in Google Pay-->

The phone will restart and start the cleanup process (3-10 minutes) and after switching on, you will be asked to configure the device as new or restore data from a backup.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, you will have to unlock the device through the official Xiaomi website».

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

This method is needed if:

🔄 The phone is stuck on the logo or not loading.
🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code.
🦠 The device is infected with a virus that blocks access to settings.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi 8 (current for all MIUI versions, including MIUI 12/13/14):

Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
Press the power button + volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery Mode menu (in English or Chinese).
Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete cleanup).
Confirm the action (Confirm).
Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

What to do if you recover in Chinese?

If the menu is displayed in characters, focus on the order of items: 1. The first item is reboot (don't choose!). 2. The second item is Wipe Data (we need). 3. The third item is Connect with Mi Assistant (to unlock via PC).

It takes 5-15 minutes, and if you reboot your phone and you need a password again, you've got a factory reset with protection (FRP).

Enter the data from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
If you do not remember the password, restore it through the Xiaomi website (you will need access to an email or phone).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8 with firmware MIUI 11 and older after 5 failed attempts to enter your account password, the device will be locked for 72 hours!

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if the phone is locked)

If you forget your phone password but remember your Mi Account, you can reset your device remotely:

Go to the Find Device website and log in.
In the list of devices, select your Redmi 8.
Press Erase Device (Erase Device).
Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Cons of the method:

❌ It works only with active Internet on your phone (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
❌ It does not work if the Find Device function is disabled on the device.
❌ After the reset, you may need to re-authorize in the Mi Account.

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

If your phone is not connected to the Internet, but you remember your account information, try:

Connect Redmi 8 to your PC via USB.
Download Mi PC Suite and log in.
In the program, select Device Management → Reset settings.

Table: Comparison of Reset Methods for Redmi 8

Method	Deletes files.	Requires a password	It works on a locked phone.	Implementation time
Through settings	❌ No (only apps and settings)	✅ Yes (PIN/graphical)	❌ No.	3-10 minutes
Through Recovery.	✅ Yes (full clean-up)	❌ No (unless it's on). FRP)	✅ Yes.	5-15 minutes
Through the Mi Account.	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes (from the account)	✅ Yes (provided the Internet is available)	10.30 minutes
Through Fastboot (for Advanced)	✅ Yes.	❌ No.	✅ Yes.	15-40 minutes

What to do if the reset didn't help: 3 hidden problems

Sometimes even after a complete reset, Redmi 8 continues to "glut." Causes and solutions:

Damaged firmware: If the phone is cyclically restarted or if it gives an error “System UI stopped”, you will need to reflash it through Fastboot.
Memory malfunction: If the phone doesn't turn on after reset or shows "No OS installed", internal memory (eMMC) may be damaged. Check through Fastboot: fastboot getvar all If there is a string (bootloader) has-slot:no in the answer, this is a sign of hardware malfunction - you need to replace the memory chip.
Loader lock: On Redmi 8s MIUI 12+ After the reset, you may see the words "This device is locked." This means that the bootloader is locked: 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (it takes a wait of 7-30 days). 🔧 Or run the phone through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

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If the phone doesn't turn on for more than 20 minutes after reset - don't panic.The Redmi 8 on the first boot after cleaning can "think" up to 30 minutes (especially if the internal memory is clogged).

How to Avoid Data Loss: Backup

Before resetting, be sure to save:

📎 SMS and Call Log: Use the App SMS Backup & Restore.
📂 Application files (e.g. game saves): copy the folder /Android/data/ PC-only.
🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords: Export through Settings → Wi-Fi → Save networks → Exports (required) PIN-code).

For a full backup:

Connect your phone to your PC and copy the DCIM, Downloads, Pictures folders.
Use the Mi PC Suite to create a backup (includes apps and settings).
For correct recovery, do not change the folder structure to SD-map.

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If you are selling Redmi 8, format it after resetting. SD-You can also use a computer to delete files from your phone, and you can restore them with special software.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 8

Can I reset Redmi 8 without losing photos?

Yes, if you use soft resets through settings (Recovery and Reset section), it only deletes applications and settings, but it leaves files in memory. However, there is no guarantee - sometimes the system cleanses media files, it is better to copy them to the PC in advance.

The phone asks for the old password after the reset.

This is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, and if you remember the Mi Account that was attached to the phone, enter it. If you don't, restore access through Xiaomi's website (you'll need an email or phone number), without which you can't unlock the phone (except through an official service).

Recovery reset doesn't work -- the phone turns on again with an error. Why?

Probable reasons: /data is damaged — try to select Wipe Data → Format Data in Recovery. Unofficial firmware — if the phone was stitched with custom ROM, the reset may not work. You need to flash the official version through Fastboot. Hardware malfunction — if the phone doesn't turn on at all after the reset, check the battery or contact the service.

How to Reset Redmi 8 if the Screen is Not Working

There are two options: Through Mi Account: Use Find Device on i.mi.com (you need Internet on your phone). ADB Tools. Enter commands: adb shell recovery --wipe_data If the screen is completely black, but the phone is responding to the connection to the PC (sound, vibration), try a blind reset via Recovery: pinch the power. + Volume up, wait for vibration, then 4 Click Loudness Down (Select Wipe Data) and Power to Confirm.

After the reset, the camera/sound/network is down.

This is a typical problem after an incorrect reset or firmware conflict: 🔄 Update: Go to Settings → Updating the system. 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings. 📱 Ride the phone over to Fastboot (if there are any errors left). If the problem is only with the camera, check if the module is disabled in Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Camera.