How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings: instruction 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone thanks to reliable hardware and support for MIUI. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require resale — and then comes the help of a factory reset. This procedure removes all user data, returning the phone to the state “out of the box.” But how to do it correctly, so as not to lose the important and not to lock the device?

In this article, we will discuss the three official ways to reset Redmi 8: through system settings, Recovery mode and using the Mi Account. You will also learn how to prepare your phone for reset, what to do if you forgot your MIUI password, and how to recover data after the procedure.

Important: the Redmi 8 reset procedure is nuanced by the MIUI firmware and Xiaomi's security policies, for example, after a hard reset via Recovery, the phone may require you to enter data from your tied Mi Account - even if you don't remember it - and we'll tell you how to avoid or bypass the lock.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting to factory settings is an irreversible process. All photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and settings will be deleted. So preparation is a critical step. Let's start with the most important thing: backup.

The first thing to do is to save important data, and even if you plan to restore it later through your Google or Mi Cloud account, some files (such as screenshots or downloads from instant messengers) may not sync automatically.

• 📸 Photos and Videos: Use Google Photos, Mi Cloud or connect your phone to your PC via USB-Type C cable.
• 📞 Contacts: export them to.vcf via the Contacts app or sync with Google Account.
• 💬 Messages: SMS fitting SMS Backup & Restore, and for chats in WhatsApp or Telegram – built-in export features.
• 🎮 Game and application data: many games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) are linked to Google Play or Facebook accounts, but some saves are stored locally.

The second is to make sure you know the data from your Mi Account. After resetting via Recovery, Redmi 8 may require you to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was tied to the phone. If you forget this data, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com. Otherwise, you risk getting a “brick” – a phone that does not turn on beyond the logo.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the Redmi 8 with your hands and you don’t know if the previous owner’s Mi Account is tied to it, a reset via Recovery can block the device. In this case, only use the reset via settings (method 1) or contact the service center to unlock.

Third, charge your phone to at least 50 percent. Reset can take 5 to 30 minutes, and if the battery runs out, you're at risk of software failure. Also check that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection (if you plan to recover data after resetting) and a USB-Type C cable to connect to your PC (in case of force majeure).

Make a backup copy of photos and videos|Synchronize your contacts with Google|Save messages from messengers|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Charge your phone to 50% or more|Disable protection with a pattern lock (if any)-->

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The advantage of the method is that it does not require the entry of Mi Account data after rebooting and is as simple as possible.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (usually at the bottom of the menu).
3. Slip on the item Backup and reset.
4. Select Settings Reset.
5. Click Delete all data (may be called Reset to factory settings).
6. Enter a pattern lock or PIN-code if the phone requests.
7. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone (or similar button).

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take a few minutes, and then you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like when you first turn on, which is a way that doesn't require a binding to Mi Account, and is suitable for preparing the phone for sale.

⚠️ Note: If the Device Protection feature is enabled in the settings (under Security), after reset, you may need to enter a password from the last Google account that was on the phone. FRP (Factory Reset Protection.To avoid the problem, delete all Google accounts in the settings before resetting.

If the phone has been stuck on the Xiaomi logo for more than 10 minutes after the reset, don't panic.

• 🔄 Forced to restart the device by pressing the Power button for 15-20 seconds.
• 🔌 Connect to charging and wait 5-10 minutes (sometimes helps with a discharged battery).
• 🛠️ Repeat the reset via Recovery (mode 2) if the phone is unresponsive.

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Resetting through settings is the only method that does not require you to enter Mi Account data after a reboot and is suitable for preparing the phone for sale.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If Redmi 8 doesn’t respond to touch, hangs on the screensaver, or you forget the pattern lock, it can help to reset through Recovery Mode, which is a riskier method, since after it the phone can require data from Mi Account, but it works even on completely locked devices.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press and hold the buttons at the same time: Power + Volume Up Hold them until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (Volume Up/Down for moving, Power for selecting).
4. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

It can take up to 10 minutes to reboot, and once it's rebooted, it'll go back to factory settings, but it'll require you to enter data from Mi Account if it's been tied, which is Xiaomi's anti-theft security measure.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a Redmi 8 with your hands and don’t know the data from the previous owner’s Mi Account, a reset via Recovery will lock the phone. In this case, contact the Xiaomi service center with purchase documents or use the official Mi Unlock Tool unlock tool (requires a wait of 720 hours).

If the phone is still unstable after reset (braking, overheating), it may be a problem with the damaged firmware, in which case flashing through the Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool will help. You can find instructions for Redmi 8 firmware in a separate article on our website.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if phone is stolen or lost)

If you lost the Redmi 8 or it was stolen, you can remotely reset it to factory settings via Xiaomi’s Find Device service.

• 🔗 The phone was tied to your Mi Account.
• 📶 It has mobile internet or Wi-Fi enabled.
• 🔋 Device is on and not discharged.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the menu, select Find Device (or Find Device in the Russian version).
3. The map will show the location of your Redmi 8 (if it is enabled).
4. Select the device and press Erase Device.
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

After that, the phone will be reset to factory settings the next time you connect to the Internet. Note that this method does not guarantee 100% deletion of data - experienced attackers can recover some of the information, and after resetting, the phone will unplug your account, and you will not be able to track it.

If you find a phone after a remote reset, you'll need to re-activate it by entering data from the Mi Account that was tied to the loss, which is protection against unauthorized use.

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Before selling Redmi 8, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account in the settings (Accounts → Mi Account → Delete account). This will save the buyer from activation problems and protect your data.

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, Redmi 8 will be activated in initial setup mode, just like after purchase.

1. Choose a language (Russian or other).
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (recommended for data recovery).
3. Sign in to Google Account (if you want to restore contacts, apps, and other data)
4. Set up a pattern lock or PIN-code (required for security purposes).
5. Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

To recover data:

• 📱 Contacts and apps: automatically recover if you are logged in to a Google Account that was synced before reset.
• 🖼️ Photos and Videos: If you have used Google Photos or Mi Cloud, you can download files back through the relevant apps.
• 💬 Messages: Restore from backup through SMS Backup & Restore or similar programs.

If you sell or give a phone, don't restore your data, just skip the steps to log in and hand over the device in a clean form, so the buyer can customize it for himself.

After setting up, check the main functions:

• 📞 Calls and mobile internet (insert) SIM-map).
• 🔊 Sound and microphone (record voice message).
• 📷 Camera (take a test shot).
• 🔋 Charging (connect the charger).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to brake more than before the procedure, the problem may be the worn memory (especially if the device is more than 3-4 years old.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, the Redmi 8 may not go as planned, and let’s look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If none of these methods worked and the phone remains locked or doesn’t turn on, there are two options:

1. Fastboot firmware: you will need a computer, USB-Type C cable and official firmware for Redmi 8 (download on the official website).
2. Contact the service center: if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the restoration to professionals. The cost of unlocking Mi Account in unofficial services starts from 1000 rubles.

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 The original USB Type C cable.
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 8 (for example, olive_global_images...).

The process of firmware through Fastboot is described in a separate manual on our website. If you have never flashed your phones yourself, it is better not to take risks - an error can turn the Redmi 8 into a "brick".

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 8