How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 ways to reset and clean

Xiaomi Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) is still a popular budget device even after years, but over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, glitch or require complete cleaning before selling. Formatting (reset to factory settings) solves most software problems, but it is important to do it correctly - otherwise you risk getting a “brick” instead of a work phone.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to format Redmi 8, from simple menu resets to hard hard hard Resets with physical buttons and even flashing through the Mi Flash Tool. Here’s a special focus on bootloader nouns, which are often overlooked in standard instructions. If your phone hangs on the logo, doesn’t respond to touches, or requires cleaning before installing custom firmware, you’ll find a solution.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting

Before you start cleaning Redmi 8, follow the mandatory steps, and neglecting them can result in the loss of important data or the inability to recover the phone after a reset.

• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → System system → Backup or third-party applications like Swift Backup (requires root). Especially important to save: Contacts (export to the root) VCF) Photo and video (copy to PC or cloud) SMS and call log (applications) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. interruption of the process due to discharge can damage system files.
• 🔐 Make sure you know the username/password from your Mi Account. After the reset, the phone will require you to enter the account data associated with the device (Mi Account Lock).
• 📡 Disable all locks: pattern lock, PIN-This will make it easier to access the recovery menu.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the Redmi 8 with your hands and don’t know the details of your previous Mi Account, the reset will result in your phone being locked, in which case you will need to officially unlock through the Xiaomi service center (cost) ~1500–3000 ₽).

For owners of devices with unlocked bootloader: after reset, you may need to re-unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool. Note that Xiaomi limits the number of unlocks for one account (maximum 1 device in 30 days).

Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu (without data loss)

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, the easiest way is to reset through the standard menu, which saves user files (photos, music) but deletes apps, settings, and cache.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional settings → Reset.
4. Click Reset all settings (not to be confused with “Reset to factory”!).
5. Confirm the action by entering a password (if installed).

It takes 2-5 minutes, and after you restart, you'll get a clean system with your personal files saved, and this is a good method if you:

• 📲 The phone is running but glitching (for example, spontaneously restarting).
• 🔄 Errors should be fixed after updating. MIUI.
• 📁 Do not want to lose photos or videos, but you need to remove unnecessary applications.

⚠️ Note: If the phone requires a password from your Google account after resetting (FRP-locking, and you do not remember it, use the instructions for bypassing FRP end-of-article.

Backup created

Battery charge > 50%

All screen locks are disabled

Mi Account details are known

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Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (full reset)

If Redmi 8 doesn’t turn on, freezes on the logo, or doesn’t respond to touch, you’ll need a hard reset via Recovery Mode, which deletes all data, including files on internal memory.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
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 be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete cleanup).
6. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

It takes 5-10 minutes. If the phone freezes on the logo again after the reboot, the firmware may be damaged, you will need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 3).

Method 3: Complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)

If a soft and hard reset doesn’t work (e.g., the phone reboots cyclically or gives an error This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device), you’ll need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

Requirements:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (do not use extension cords!).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model (Redmi 8 – olive code).

Instructions:

1. Download and install: Official firmware for Redmi 8 (select Global or Russia region), Mi Flash Tool (version at least 2020.3.14), Qualcomm drivers (usually installed automatically when you connect your phone to Fastboot).

Fastboot

Food + Volume Down

Device Manager

Android Bootloader Interface

Mi Flash Tool

Select

• Clean All – Complete cleaning (recommended).
• Clean All and Lock – Clean + Lock bootloader (only for official firmware!).
• Save User Data – Save User Data (not always stable)
• Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is in error anti_rollback, So you're trying to install an older version. MIUI, It's more than the one on the phone, and you'll need to flash a special recoil firmware (you can download it on the forum). 4PDA redmi-themed 8).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

💡

If there is no network after firmware, check the settings APN: Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) And you can pick the operator manually. APN The factory (reset button in the same menu).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical mistakes and how to fix them.

1.The phone is not included in Recovery/Fastboot

Possible causes:

• 🔋 Battery discharged (even if the indicator is on, voltage may not be enough).
• 🔌 Damaged. USB-Port or cable (try another cable).
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction (for example, the button plume fell off).

Solution: plug your phone into charging for 30 minutes, then try again. If it doesn't work, try pressing the buttons with force (the contacts sometimes oxidize).

Error "This device is locked"

This error appears when you try to flash custom recovery (TWRP) or unofficial firmware on a locked bootloader.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and wait 72-360 hours).
2. Use the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

3.The sensor does not work after resetting

Frequent problem after incorrect firmware.

• 🔄 Check out the phone with Clean All mode.
• 🛠️ If the firmware does not help, the sensor module is defective (replacement is required).

4. FRP-blocking (request Google password after reset)

If you reset your phone but don’t remember the Google account that was linked to it, use one of the methods of bypassing:

• 📞 Put it in. SIM-card with the Internet, when connected to Wi-Fi can work automatic authorization.
• 🔧 Use it. FRP Bypass APK (D&G Unlock Tool, but this requires access to the settings menu.
• 📥 For Redmi 8, the method is suitable through TalkBack: On the lock screen, turn on TalkBack (hold two fingers on the screen). → Reset and perform another reset.