How to format Xiaomi Mi 8: a complete guide to reset

Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still a popular device thanks to its unique design. AMOLED-It's a screen and a processor, but over time, the operating system has to be a very powerful one. MIUI It can accumulate software errors, app cache and fragmented files, which leads to a noticeable decrease in speed. In such situations, users often wonder how to format the phone to return it to the original sharpness of the interface and stability of the operation.

Cleaning a device’s memory completely is a radical but often the only effective way to solve system bugs. Before you start, you need to clearly understand the difference between simply removing applications and deep formatting. Formatting involves completely destroying all user data, including photos, contacts, instant messaging and system settings, returning the gadget to the “out of the box” state.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to reset the settings for the Mi 8. We will look at the standard method through the settings menu, the option through the Recovery engineering menu for cases when the system does not boot, and the use of a computer for forced cleaning.

Preparation of the device for the formatting procedure

Before taking action, a number of critical preparatory steps must be taken: ignoring this stage can lead to the irretrievable loss of valuable information or locking the device with security mechanisms. Backup is the first and most important step that should not be missed under any circumstances.

Create a full copy of all important data. Xiaomi Mi 8 owners can use the built-in Mi Cloud or third-party services such as Google Photos for media files. It is also recommended to manually copy folders with documents and downloads to your computer or external drive through the use of a digital file. USB-cable.

• 📸 Backup your contacts and call history through sync with your Google account.
• 💾 Save important files from internal memory to your computer or memory card (if you use an adapter).
• 🔑 Write down or remember passwords from Google and Mi Accounts, as they will be required for authorization after resetting.
• 🔋 Make sure that the battery is at least 60-70%, so that the process is not interrupted by the discharge.

⚠️ Warning: If you don't know the password from the Mi Account or Google account that is linked to the phone, do not reset. FRP (Factory Reset Protection, and the device will become a useless brick without the ability to enter.

Another important aspect is the extraction SIM-Although formatting internal memory should not affect external drives, an accidental error or the choice of the wrong menu item can lead to loss of data on the flash card.

Method 1: Reset via system settings (Soft Reset)

The safest and easiest method for most users is to use the operating system’s regular tools, which is relevant if your Xiaomi Mi 8 is turned on, the screen is responsive to touch, and you can freely navigate the menu, and it ensures that all system processes are completed correctly before cleaning.

To start, open the main app menu and find the Settings icon (cogs). In the list of options that opens, you need to scroll down to the About Phone section, and this is where the basic device management tools, including information about the MIUI and Android version, and reset functions, are concentrated.

Inside the About Phone menu, find the Reset button or Delete All Data. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (MIUI 10, 11, 12 or later), but the logic remains the same. The system will alert you that all data will be deleted and prompt you to enter a graphical key or screen unlock password for confirmation.

Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Delete all data

Once confirmed, the system can request a password from the Mi Account, a security measure that prevents the stolen phone from being remotely reset, and once the password is entered, a preparation process will begin, which will take a few minutes, after which the phone will restart and begin cleaning.

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If you have a lot of apps installed on your phone, it can take up to 15-20 minutes to clean up. Don't interrupt it and wait for the welcome screen to appear.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If MIUI is unstable, the phone is stuck on the logo or the touch screen is not responding, the Hard Reset method is used through Recovery Mode, a low-level menu that loads independently of the main operating system, allowing you to format even in critical situations.

To enter Recovery mode on the Xiaomi Mi 8, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the volume button ("Loudness +") and the power button at the same time. Keep both buttons pressed until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to hold "Loudness +" until the Recovery menu appears.

Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data. Some versions of Recovery may require additional selection of the Wipe All Data item for full formatting.

• 📉 Use volume buttons to move the cursor around menu items.
• ✅ The power button serves as an analogue of the “Enter” button to confirm the choice.
• ⚠️ Beware: There is no option to cancel the action in the Recovery menu except for a reboot.

After selecting a cleaning point, the system may request confirmation, often requiring you to select Confirm or enter the code displayed on the screen (in newer versions of MIUI). After successfully completing the process, which will take a few minutes, select Reboot or Reboot to System to restart the phone.

Method 3: Formatting via computer (ADB and Fastboot)

For advanced users who have experienced serious software failures, there is a method of cleaning through a computer, USB-cable and installed set of drivers ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to control the device at a deep level, bypassing the phone interface.

The first step is to activate USB debugging mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number (MIUI version) 7 times to activate the Developer Menu. Then, in the advanced settings, turn on USB debugging.

Connect the phone to your computer and open the Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell in the folder with the ADB installed. Enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the device is determined, you can send a command to restart in Recovery mode, from where it is easier to reset, or use a direct command to wipe data (does not work on all versions of firmware without root rights):

adb reboot recovery

This method is especially useful when the touch screen is partially down and you can’t exactly get to the right menu items on the phone itself.

⚠️ Attention: Use of teams ADB Incorrect commands, especially those associated with system or boot partitions, can make it impossible to boot the phone).

Comparison of discharge methods and their features

The choice of formatting method depends on the current state of your Xiaomi Mi 8 and your goals. To make it easier for you to decide, we have prepared a comparison table that highlights the key differences between the methods described.

As you can see from the table, the best choice for the average user is to reset through the settings menu, which is the most understandable and safest. Recovery mode is "heavy artillery" for cases when the system does not respond. The method with a PC is worth using only if you are a confident user or other methods did not help.

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For 90% of users, it is enough to use a standard reset via the Settings menu, the remaining methods are needed only if the system is critical.

Initial configuration after formatting

Once the formatting process is successfully completed, the Xiaomi Mi 8 will reboot and you will see a welcome screen with a choice of language.This is a sign that the phone is clean and ready for a new life. However, the process does not end at this stage - the correct initial setup will help avoid many problems in the future.

Follow the instructions on the screen, connect to the Wi-Fi network. During the account verification phase, the system may request a password from a previously synchronized Google account. This is the standard FRP procedure. Once you have successfully logged in, the phone will prompt you to restore data from the backup if you have previously created it.

Don’t rush to install all apps at once. It’s recommended that you first update system components through the Security or Google Play Services app, which will ensure that your device runs smoothly with the latest security patches.

• 🚀 Check for system updates in the About Phone menu».
• 🛡️ Set up biometric protection (fingerprint or facial recognition).
• 📲 Install applications only from trusted sources (Google Play, Mi GetApps).

Now your Xiaomi Mi 8 is formatted and configured. You should notice significant performance gains, fewer bugs, and faster interfaces. Regular cache cleaning and monitoring of installed applications will help keep this speed for the long term.