How to reset Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the flagship smartphone of 2018, which still remains relevant thanks to powerful hardware and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down: temporary files accumulate, updates conflict, and viruses or failed experiments with root rights can make the system completely inoperable, in which cases, resetting to factory settings is the only way to return the device to its former performance.

But how to properly perform a hard reset on the Mi 8 Pro so as not to turn the phone into a brick? In this article, three working methods (including hidden Recovery and Fastboot features), tips for saving data, and a breakdown of typical errors that users encounter.

Reset Preparation: What to Do Before Hard Reset

Factory reset is not just a single button press, an unprepared device can lose critical data or even lock itself.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%. If the phone runs out during reset via Recovery, there is a high risk of damage to system files.
• 📱 Backup. Even if you plan to reset your phone because of viruses, copy photos, contacts and SMS on PC or in the cloud (for example, through Mi Cloud or Google Photos).
• 🔑 Xiaomi account details. After the reset, you'll need to enter the username and password from the Mi Account associated with the device. If you forget the password, restore it in advance.
• 📡 Wi-Fi network. Once reset, the phone will require an Internet connection to activate.

If the Mi 8 Pro has custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), note: after resetting through standard Recovery, the device can bootloop (infinite reboot), in which case you will need to reflash the phone via Fastboot - this will be discussed in the corresponding section.

⚠️ Note: If the Find Device feature is enabled on the phone, confirmation via the device may be required after the reset. SMS Make sure you have access to a linked number or mail.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, use this method, which is the simplest and requires no additional tools, and the instructions are relevant for the original MIUI firmware (including global and Chinese versions).

Open Settings → About Phone → Additional → Reset. Alternative path (newer versions of MIUI): Settings → Memory → Reset. Next:

1. Select “Delete all data” (or Erase All Data in English).
2. Enter a pattern lock or PIN-lock-code.
3. Confirm the action by clicking “Reset”.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will suggest you set it up as new, at which point you can restore data from the backup (if it was created through Mi Cloud or Google Account).

Save Contacts in Google Account

Copy photos on a PC or flash drive

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Connect the charger

Make sure the phone doesn’t run out.-->

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware may not have Settings Reset or not work properly if the phone hangs on the logo after pressing the reset button. MI, Use methods 2 or 3.

Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Mi 8 Pro doesn't load beyond the logo, freezes or reboots cyclically, a Recovery reset will help, and it's sewn into the firmware and works even if there are serious system failures. Importantly, phones with an unlocked bootloader can have custom Recovery (like TWRP) installed, and the steps will be slightly different.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the power button + volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu.

In standard Recovery (Chinese or global MIUI), the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you have TWRP on your phone, it's touch-sensitive.

1. Click Wipe → Format Data.
2. Enter yes to confirm.
3. After formatting, press Reboot System.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔄 The phone is loaded into bootloop (infinite reboot).
• 🔧 The device has custom firmware installed, and a standard reset does not help.
• 🛠️ Requires to completely reflash the phone (for example, after a failed update).

The work will require:

• A computer with Xiaomi drivers installed (you can download here).
• USB Type-C cable (preferably original)
• Fastboot (part of the Android SDK Platform-Tools)
• Firmware file for Mi 8 Pro (e.g., from here).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button + volume down until the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line in the folder with Platform-Tools and execute the commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you need to reflash your phone completely (for example, after a crash), use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase userdata command deletes all data, including files in internal memory. If you need to save photos, pre-extract the memory card (if installed).

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If the fastboot flash all command is followed by a FAILED error (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State'), then the bootloader is blocked on the phone. Unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the Mi 8 Pro will offer an initial setup.

• 📱 Activate Mi Account. Enter the username and password from the account that was linked to the phone before the reset. If you forget the data, restore it through the Xiaomi website.
• 🔄 Data recovery. If you have backed up your Mi Cloud or Google Account, select the appropriate item in the settings menu.
• 🔒 Install a new pattern lock or PIN-Do not use simple combinations (e.g. 1234 or 0000).
• 📲 Software Update. After reset, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If after reset, the phone asks to enter a password from the previous Google account (FRP-locking, and you don't remember it, the only way to unlock it is to contact Xiaomi Service Center with proof of purchase.

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone to another person, after a reset:

1. Delete all accounts (Settings → Accounts).
2. Untie the device from the Mi Cloud on the official website.
3. Do another reset via Recovery (for full cleaning).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Mi 8 Pro users often face problems.

If the phone loads after reset but is unstable (e.g., spontaneously restarts or warms up), the hardware is likely to be the problem.

• Check the battery status (it may have swelled).
• Clear the dust charger.
• Reset your settings via Fastboot (method 3).

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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset for more than 10 minutes, don't panic. Sometimes the first download after hard reset takes up to 20 minutes (especially on custom firmware).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro