How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi 8A: 3 working methods + security tips

The Xiaomi Redmi 8A is one of the brand's most popular budget smartphones, but even it eventually starts to "brake," glitch or require a complete clean before selling.Formatting (a factory reset) solves most software problems, but it's important to do it right so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a "brick."

In this article, you will find three proven reset methods, from the simplest (through settings) to the most advanced (via Fastboot), and also analyze the typical errors that users make. We will not tell the obvious things like “don’t turn off power” – instead, focus on the specific nuances relevant to Redmi 8A (codenamed olivelite).

If your smartphone is stuck on your logo, doesn't respond to touch, or needs to be unlocked after a failed update, you'll find a solution here, too, and for those who are afraid of losing photos or contacts, we've added a list of backup software with direct links to official sources.

Preparation for formatting: what to do before resetting

Resetting to factory settings erases all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers)
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Account)
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications
• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords, social media accounts and banking apps
• 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents

Even if you plan to reset your phone due to viruses or system lags, backup is a must-do. Here's how to do it as quickly as possible:

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 8A s MIUI 12+ Local Backup in Settings creates an archive that is not restored after being reset via Recovery. Use cloud services or third-party utilities.

Methods of data retention:

If you are using Mi Cloud, check if sync is enabled: go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Data Sync. For Google, the way is: Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync.

2. Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

This method is suitable if the Redmi 8A is turned on, touch-sensitive and you have access to the settings menu, the main advantage is the minimum risk of errors, since the process is controlled by the system.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Slip on Reset (in some versions of MIUI this item is called Reset and Reset).
4. Select Reset settings (not to be confused with Network Resettings!).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-7 minutes, and then you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 8A Device Protection function is activated (B) MIUI 11 and older), after reset, you will need to enter data from the Mi Account, which was tied to the phone!

If you are selling or transferring a phone, be sure to log out of all accounts before resetting:

• 🔄 Google: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account
• 📱 Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out.
• 💳 Banking Apps: Remove Linked Cards in Each App Settings

Backup of important data |

Mi Cloud sync is disabled (if not needed) |

All accounts (Google, Xiaomi, social networks) have been deleted |

Battery charge > 50%|

Remembered. PIN-code-->

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Redmi 8A is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which works even in severe system failures, but requires care.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and recovery menu appear.

In Recovery, you can control volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and power button (select). Interface in English or Chinese - don't be afraid, the right items are easy to recognize by the icons.

Next:

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

If the phone is stuck on the logo again after reset, try repeating the procedure or moving to method 3 (via Fastboot).

Method 3: Complete Fastboot reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and a bootloader that is suitable for:

• 🔄 The phone is not included in or included in Recovery.
• 🐢 System is severely damaged (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔓 You need to delete Mi Account without password (only for unlocked bootloader!).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📦 Archive with Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 8A (olivelite).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 8A (select region and version of Fastboot).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiFlash\olivelite).
3. Install ADB drivers and unlock bootloader (if not unlocked).
4. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (screen with a hare in a hat-eared).
5. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
6. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
7. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot to the clean system.

⚠️ If you have never unlocked a bootloader on Redmi 8A, Mi Flash Tool will not be able to flash the device - an anti-rollback error will appear. In this case, first unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (it requires a tied Mi Account and waiting 72-360 hours).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run through Fastboot, try repeating the process with Clean All and Lock mode (locks the bootloader back), which often solves problems with hanging on the logo.

5.Typical Formatting Mistakes of Redmi 8A and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

On the Redmi 8A with MIUI 12+, the error "This device is locked" may appear after reset via Recovery, even if the bootloader is unlocked.

If the phone after formatting:

• 🔋 Fast discharge – Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, charge to 100% without interruption).
• 📶 Does not catch the network - check the settings APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
• 🔊 No sound – reset the sound settings in Settings → Sound and vibration → Resetting settings.

6.How to recover data after reset (if you did not make a backup)

If you forgot to save important files, the chances of recovering them depend on which reset method you used:

• 📱 Reset via settings: data is not completely overwritten – you can try programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver (required) ROOT).
• 🔄 Recovery Reset: chances are minimal as format is executed /data.
• ⚡ Fastboot: data deleted irrevocably (runs fastboot erase userdata).

For recovery:

1. Install DiskDigger (from Play Market) on your phone.
2. Select Full Scan (Full Scan).
3. Wait until it is completed (may take a few hours).
4. Save the files found on SD-card.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files back to the phone's internal memory - this can overwrite the remaining data.

GT Recovery (requires ROOT) is very low to recover SMS and call logs without backup, but it's better to focus on photos and documents, and it's easier to recover them.

7. Alternative cleaning methods (without complete reset)

If the goal is not to sell the phone, but to speed up the work, try a partial cleanup without losing data:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean up and select Clear cache applications. This will free up 1-3 GB of space.
• 🗑️ Waste disposal: Use SD Maid or built-in security utility → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Resetting application settings: In Settings → Annexes → Application management → Menu (three dots) → Reset application settings.
• 📉 Disable animation: Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to Version) MIUI in About Phone), then in Developer Settings set Windows Animation Scale and Off animation scale..

If the problem is viruses, scan your phone through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.

• 🚀 Disabling Autoboot of Unnecessary Applications (Settings) → Battery → Autostart control).
• 🔋 Transition to MIUI Lite (if available for your firmware).

💡

Before a radical reset, always try a partial cleanup - in 60% of cases, this solves brake problems without losing data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 8A formatting