How to format Xiaomi Redmi 8 phone: the complete guide

Owning a modern smartphone requires a periodic need to clean up the system of accumulated digital debris or prepare the device for sale. Xiaomi’s Redmi 8 model, despite its age, remains popular, and the question of how to correctly and safely return it to factory settings does not lose relevance. Formatting is a radical, but often the only sure way to eliminate software failures, viruses or simply make room for a new life gadget.

The process of complete reset, known among Android enthusiasts as Hard Reset, deletes absolutely all user data, including contacts, photos, apps and settings. Before starting any manipulations, you need to realize the irreversibility of this action if you do not have a backup. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for returning the Xiaomi Redmi 8 to its original state, paying special attention to the nuances of unlocking accounts and working with the recovery menu.

There are several ways to do this: standard through the settings menu, advanced through Recovery Mode, and emergency through your computer. The choice of the specific method depends on the current state of your device: whether the screen is on, whether the touchscreen is responsive, and whether there is access to the system. We will look at each of them so that you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.

Preparation of the device before formatting

Before you start the cleanup process, it is critical to perform a series of preparatory steps that will save your data and nerves. The first step should always be to back up important information. On Xiaomi smartphones, this can be done through the Mi Cloud service or standard Google tools. Photos, contacts and messages should be synchronized with the server, since after formatting, it will be impossible to restore them without a backup.

The second important aspect is battery power. The formatting process can take a lot of time. 10 before 30 If the device turns off in the middle, it can damage the system files. 60-70%. It is also recommended to remove SD-map SIM-card so as not to accidentally damage their data or to disrupt network settings during system reboot.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to sell your phone or transfer it to another person, be sure to log out of all accounts, especially Google and Mi Account, before starting a reset. FRP, The new owner will not be able to activate the device.

The third thing you need to do is to know your passwords, and once you reset, you need to enter the password from the Google account that was linked to your phone, and if you forget that, unlocking Redmi 8 becomes a technical challenge, and you need to write down or remember the credentials in advance.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu

The easiest and most secure formatting method for Xiaomi Redmi 8 is available directly from the operating system that is working. This option is suitable if the screen is touch responsive and the menu does not freeze. First, go to the main menu and find the Settings icon. Next, go to the bottom of the list and select About phone.

In the menu that opens, you are interested in the Reset option, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted. Press the button "Erase all data" (or "Erase all data") At this stage. MIUI You will need to verify your identity: you will need to enter a pattern lock, PIN-code or fingerprint, if configured.

Once confirmed, the preparation process will begin, and then the phone will restart and start cleaning. The screen can go out and light up several times, which is normal behavior. Don't touch the device at this point. The whole process takes time, depending on the amount of memory: the more data the phone has, the longer the formatting takes.

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Before resetting via settings, turn off the Internet (Wi-Fi and mobile data) to avoid random synchronization of deleted files with the cloud in the last seconds before cleaning.

Importantly, this method handles system partitions the most correctly. The operating system shuts down all processes and correctly marks the file system. If you have a choice and the phone is functioning normally, always use this method instead of hardware buttons.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the system doesn't boot, the screen is black or touchscreen doesn't respond, Recovery Mode Recovery Mode comes to the rescue. This method allows you to format Redmi 8 to a deeper level, bypassing the operating system. To enter this mode, you need to turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time.

Keep the buttons clamped until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up. In a few seconds, you'll see the Main Menu menu with black background and white or blue text. Navigation is done with volume buttons (up and down), and selection is done with a short press of the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item.

Inside the Wipe Data menu, select the Wipe All Data option. The system will ask for confirmation: select Confirm. After completing the cleaning process, which can take a few minutes, select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot -> Reboot to System. The phone will restart and the initial setup will begin.

Using Recovery Mode is a powerful tool that often helps bring your device to life after a failed update, but you should be extremely careful with other menu items like Connect with MIAssistant or Safe Mode if you are unsure of their purpose.

Method 3: Computer Formatting (ADB)

For advanced users, there is an opportunity to format Xiaomi Redmi 8 using a computer and the ADB debugging command. This method requires preliminary preparation: the phone should be enabled debugging mode over USB (in the Developer menu), and the computer has drivers and Platform-tools installed. Connect the phone to the PC with a cable.

Open the command line or terminal in the ADB tool folder. Enter the command to check the connection:

adb devices

If a device with a serial number appears on the list, it means that the connection is established.

adb reboot recovery

The phone will go into recovery mode, where you can reset as described in the second method. Direct reset command via ADB can vary depending on the Android version and access rights, so logging into Recovery via PC is the safest option for remote control.

The good thing about the PC is that it allows you to control the process from a big screen and save the logs of the operation, but it can seem unnecessarily complicated to the average user, only use it if other methods are not available or if you are diagnosing the device.

Google Account Problem and FRP Protection

One of the most common problems after formatting modern Android smartphones is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) locking, a security mechanism that requires you to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to the device before the reset. If you don't remember the password, the phone turns into a "brick" for the average user.

To avoid this situation, before formatting through the settings menu (Settings -> Accounts and Sync), delete all associated accounts. Click on Google and select Delete Account. Do the same with Mi Account. Only then do the data reset.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting your account through the settings menu before reset is the only guaranteed way to avoid being blocked FRP. Resetting the button via Recovery does not cancel the account binding on Google servers.

If you have already got your phone locked and you do not know the passwords of the previous owner, the only legal way to unlock it is to provide a check about the purchase to an authorized Xiaomi service center. FRP third-party methods are a violation of the terms of use of the software.

Primary adjustment after reset

Once formatted successfully, Redmi 8 will launch as a new one, and you will be greeted by a language-selected welcome screen. Choose Russian and press Start. Connect to Wi-Fi, a mandatory step to activate the device and check for security updates.

The system will offer to restore data from the backup. If you have created a backup before, choose Restore from the cloud or Restore from an Android device. This will allow you to return contacts, photos and a list of applications. If there is no backup, choose Do not copy applications and data for a clean installation.

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Clean installation without restoring old settings and junk apps often makes the old smartphone work much faster and more stable.

The next step is to log in to your Google account, enter the username and password you used earlier (or a new one if you sell your phone), then MIUI will prompt you to set up your fingerprint and face to unlock, complete the setup by accepting user agreements, and you will be taken to a clean desktop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)