How to fully format Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the flagship of 2018, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any smartphone begins to slow down, glitches or requires a complete reinstallation of the system. Formatting (reset to factory settings) solves most software problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose data and turn the phone into a brick.

In this article, you will find three official ways to reset – through phone settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot, and step-by-step picture instructions (for key steps), we will discuss when you need a soft reset (without deleting files), and when you need a hard reset (full formatting), and how to prepare for the procedure so as not to lose photos, contacts or passwords from accounts.

We'll focus on common bugs that might cause the Mi 8 Pro to freeze on the Xiaomi logo or stop loading, such as why you can't drop a phone with a dead battery or how to avoid locking your Mi Account after formatting, and if you're planning to sell the device, there's a checklist for safe data cleanup.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting

Resetting to factory settings removes all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers)
• 📞 Contacts, messages, call history (unless synced with Mi Cloud or Google)
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, social media accounts and banking applications
• 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents

Even if you plan to soft-reset (without deleting files in memory), some data (such as app settings or cache) will be lost.

1. Sync your data with the cloud: go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for contacts, notes, SMS and photos. Alternatively, Google Account (Settings → Accounts → Google).
2. Copy files on your PC: connect Mi 8 Pro over USB (in File Transfer mode) and transfer the DCIM, Pictures, Download folders to your computer.
3. Export passwords: If you use Mi Browser or Google Chrome, export the saved passwords to the CSV file through your browser settings.
4. Write down the IMEI: dial *#06# and save both IMEI numbers, which will be useful if the network disappears after the reset.

Charge your phone at least 50% |Sync contacts with Mi Cloud/Google |Suppress photos on PC/flash drive |Delete Google account (if you sell phone) |Record password from Mi Account (required after reset)

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If you sell or transfer your phone to another person, be sure to delete all accounts (Google and Mi) before reset, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the device due to FRP (Factory Reset Protection) blocking.

Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if:

• ✅ The phone is on and running stably.
• ✅ You remember the password from the lock screen.
• ✅ You need to make a soft reset (with the files saved in memory)

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Resetting settings.
3. Choose Reset (for soft reset) or Delete all data (for full formatting).
4. If required, enter a password from the lock screen or PIN-code.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (or a similar button).

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 5-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

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If after reset, the phone asks you to enter a password from the previous Google account (FRP), and you do not remember it – use the instructions on bypassing the lock at the end of the article.

⚠️ Note: If you choose to Delete all data, but do not delete your Google account before resetting, after the reset, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from this account. FRP, Without the data to enter the device will be blocked.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

Use this method if:

• 🔄 The phone is stuck on startup the Xiaomi logo or cyclically reboots
• 🔒 You forgot the password from the lock screen
• 📱 You need to format your device (including internal memory) completely)

To enter Recovery Mode on the Mi 8 Pro:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time 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.

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to confirm the selection.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware).
2. Then, Wipe All Data (full formatting) or Wipe Cache (clearing the cache if you need a partial cleanup).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm or Yes.
4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

It can take up to 15 minutes, and if the phone is on the Wiping screen for a long time, don't turn it off, wait for the automatic reboot.

Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is needed if:

• 🛠️ Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged
• 🔧 Refuse the phone after a failed reset
• 📥 You need to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or ADB/Fastboot (discharged)
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%

Instructions for resetting via Fastboot:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool if you plan to flash your phone).
2. Turn off the Mi 8 Pro and press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the commands are executed, the phone will restart and begin the initial setup process. If you need a full flash, instead of reset commands, use the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware for the Mi 8 Pro (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase cache commands completely delete user data, including files in internal memory. If you want to save photos, first extract them through the user's internal memory. ADB pull in Recovery mode.

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Not yet reset

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Frequent Mi 8 Pro formatting errors and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. The phone does not turn on after reset The reason: the formatting process is interrupted (for example, the battery has died) or the firmware is damaged. Solution: repeat the reset via Recovery or flash the phone through Fastboot with official firmware.
2. Requires a password from Mi Account after reset Reason: the phone was tied to the Xiaomi account, and now you need to confirm the rights of the owner. Solution: enter the username and password from Mi Account, which was tied before the reset. If you do not remember, use the unlock instructions.
3. FRP-Google account lock: Reason: Google account wasn't deleted before reset, and now the phone requires login details. Solution: enter email and password from the account that was on the phone before reset. If you don't remember, see the bypass section. FRP.
4. Recovery does not open The reason: power/volume buttons are faulty or the bootloader is damaged. Solution: Try logging into Fastboot and from there running Recovery with fastboot reboot recovery.
5. After the reset, there is no network Cause: IMEI crashed or modem files are damaged Solution: restore IMEI via Engineer Mode (type ##4636##) or reflash your phone.

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If after resetting the phone requires a password from Mi Account or Google, and you do not remember it - do not try to guess! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours. FAQ).

How to unlock the Mi 8 Pro after reset: FRP and Mi Account

If you forget the details from your Mi Account or Google account that was linked to your phone before the reset, use these methods.

1. Unlocking Mi Account

If the phone asks you to enter the username and password from Xiaomi:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and try to restore access via email or phone number.
2. If it does not work, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box, IMEI).
3. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires 72 hours of waiting for new accounts) as a last resort.

2. bypass FRP (Google Account)

If your phone requires data from your Google account:

• 📱 Method 1: Connect your phone to Wi-Fi, return to the password screen and press Forgot your password? Follow the instructions to restore access.
• 🖥️ Method 2: If you don’t remember your account, use it. FRP Bypass APK (required OTG-For instructions, look for the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers.
• ⚠️ Method 3: Refuse your phone through Fastboot with the official firmware (delete) FRP, but erase all the data).

Important: FRP bypass methods may vary depending on the Android version. On the Mi 8 Pro with MIUI 12/13, the method often works through TalkBack (enabled special features to access settings).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions