Xiaomi Redmi 8: From reset to formatting internal memory

Why you need a full smartphone cleanup and when to do it

Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, is still a popular budget device due to its balanced performance and support for updates. However, over time, even this reliable device begins to slow down: applications open for a long time, memory is clogged with unnecessary files, and the system emits errors. Complete cleaning of the phone is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance.

Sometimes it’s enough to delete the cache, optimize the background processes or transfer files to a memory card, and in this article we’ll discuss all the cleaning methods, from surface cleaning to deep formatting, and how to avoid losing important data and why some methods can harm your Redmi 8.

Before you start, answer two questions: 1. Do you want to just clear space or eliminate system lags? 2. Are you ready to lose all data (photos, contacts, messages)?

The choice of method depends on the answers - from gentle to "nuclear".

Preparing for cleaning: what to do before resetting settings

Regardless of the method chosen, improper preparation can lead to irretrievable data loss or even “bricking” of the device. For example, resetting through Recovery without first unlocking the bootloader on some firmware blocks access to the phone.

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → System system → Backup or third-party utilities like Mi Mover (available in the Mi App Store). Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (transfer to PC or cloud) SMS and call logs (applications like.vcf) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50% Interrupting the cleaning process due to battery discharge can damage system files.
• 🔑 Make sure you know the details from your Mi Account. Once reset, the phone will require you to enter a login and password to unlock (Factory Reset Protection protection).

If you clean your phone before selling, you should also:

• 🛡️ Log out of all messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) so that the new owner does not get access to your chats.
• 💳 Remove Linked Bank Cards in Google Pay and Mi Pay.
• 📍 Turn off Find the device in the Mi Cloud settings.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from Mi Account, resetting your phone without detachment of your account will lead to locking the device. You can only restore access through the official Xiaomi website with proof of ownership (checks, box).

Make a backup copy of important data|Charge the phone. ≥50%|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Remove Factory Reset Protection (FRP)|Delete SIM-Memory card and card (if not formatted)|Unbind Google Account (for sale)-->

Method 1: Soft cleaning – removing cache and debris without dumping

If the phone is slowing down but there are no critical errors, try cleaning without losing data. This method removes temporary files, app cache and system debris without affecting user data.

Soft cleaning methods:

• 🧹 Cleaning the app cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management, select a program (such as Chrome or Facebook) and click Clear Cache. Use Settings for bulk cleaning → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🗑️ Delete Unnecessary Files: From the Warehouse menu, select Downloads, Documents or Media categories and delete old files. Pay special attention to the folder DCIM/.thumbnails — Here are the photos that occupy up to 1–2 GB.
• 🔄 Memory optimization: Enable the Settings function → Special facilities → Memory optimization (available on the MIUI 12+). The system automatically closes the background processes.

For deep cleaning of system debris, third-party utilities will be suitable:

⚠️ Note: Do not use "cleaners" with aggressive algorithms (such as Clean Master). MIUI, And that's going to cause some interface errors.

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If the app gets worse after cleaning the cache (for example, it loads data more slowly), just restart it. The cache is recreated and optimized for current tasks.

Method 2: Hard reset via Settings (Soft Reset)

If soft cleaning didn't work, the next step is to reset to factory settings via the phone's menu, which deletes all user data but saves the current MIUI version and the system core, and is suitable for eliminating software glitches but won't help with viruses or damage to system files.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
3. When you request, enter PIN-code.
4. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will turn on in the initial settings, as after the purchase.

• 🌍 Choose a language and region.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account (if the phone was tied).
• 📱 Restore data from backup (optional).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After the reset, the error "This device is locked" may appear.This means that the bootloader is locked, and you will need the official Mi Unlock Tool tool and a wait of 72 hours to unlock it (Xiaomi's rule for protection against theft).

Method 3: Complete reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the phone doesn't turn on, freezes on the MI logo, or makes critical errors, the only way to do this is to reset through recovery mode, which bypasses system constraints and resets the device at the firmware level, and is suitable for resuscitating Redmi 8 after a failed update or virus infection.

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and confirm the choice with the Power button.
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The difference between Hard Reset and Soft Reset:

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Hard Reset is the only way to bring the phone back to life if it doesn't boot or gives a "No command" error, but after this procedure, you may need to flash it back if the system files are damaged.

Method 4: Formatting internal memory (for power users)

If you sell a phone and you want to be guaranteed to delete all the data without recovery, a simple reset is not enough, even after Wipe Data, files can be restored with special programs, in which case full formatting of internal memory via Fastboot will help.

⚠️ Warning: This method removes everything, including:

• Photos, videos, documents;
• Installed applications and their data;
• System settings and accounts;
• Even hidden system files (such as MIUI logs).

After formatting, the phone will become “clean” as after buying, but without firmware (it will have to be installed again).

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Flash Tool and official firmware for Redmi 8 (for example, olivelite_global_images_...).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh to allow the program to detect the phone.
5. At the bottom, select the Clean All and Lock option (complete clean + bootloader lock).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: After formatting via Fastboot, the phone will require the bootloader to be re-unlocked if you plan to install custom firmware. Anti-Rollback protection may also work if you downgrade the version MIUI.

What to do after cleaning: optimization and adjustment

Once reset or formatted, the phone runs faster, but to keep the performance running, follow a few steps:

• 🚀 Disable unnecessary functions: Auto-update applications (Play Market) → Settings → Auto Update; Interface Animation (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Use the version several times to open the Advanced Settings → Window/transition animation = 0.5x); Background synchronization for unnecessary accounts.
• 🛡️ Set up security: Enable Settings → Password and security → Block applications; Activate Find your device in Mi Cloud; Install antivirus (e.g. Malwarebytes).
• 📁 Organize memory: Transfer photos and videos to a memory card (Settings) → Warehouse → Data portability; Use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud); Remove pre-installed apps (Bloatware) through Settings → Annexes (or by means of ADB, If there is no removal button).

For advanced users:

• 🔧 Install Magisk for root rights and system optimization (e.g. disabling ads in the Internet) MIUI).
• 📱 You can call the phone again. MIUI EU Pixel Experience for pure Android without unnecessary services Xiaomi.

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After reset, don't restore all the data from the backup at once. Install only the necessary applications first and check the stability of the operation. Often the lags return due to the restoration of old settings or corrupted files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Xiaomi Redmi 8