The Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite, launched in 2018, is still a popular device due to its good price-performance balance. However, over time, even reliable gadgets start to run slower, accumulate system debris or face software errors, in which a full reset becomes the only effective solution to restore performance.
There are several ways to get the device back to its original state: through the operating system settings menu, using the case buttons (Recovery mode), or using specialized software on the computer. The choice of method depends on whether the phone has access to the desktop and menu. It is important to understand that any of these methods will irrevocably delete all user data, including contacts, photos and installed applications.
Ignoring the preparatory stage can lead to the loss of important information or, in the worst case, to locking the device with a Mi Account. In this article, we will discuss each step in detail so that you can safely resuscitate your gadget.
Preparatory phase and backup
The memory cleanup procedure requires preparation to avoid losing valuable files. Backup is a critical step that should not be missed. Xiaomi’s modern smartphones allow you to create copies of data both in the cloud and on-premises.
The easiest way to save contacts and notes is to sync with your Mi Account or Google Account. Make sure that the cloud settings tick against the right points and perform the latest sync. Photos and videos are best copied to your computer or uploaded to Google Photos.
- 📸 Back up all important photos and videos to an external medium or cloud storage.
- 📞 Export your contact list in.vcf format if you don’t use cloud synchronization.
- 🔑 Remember or write down the logins and passwords from your Google and Mi Account – they will be required to unlock after resetting.
- 🔋 Charge the battery of the device to a minimum 60-70%, so that the process is not interrupted by the discharge.
⚠️ Warning: If the device has two-factor authentication enabled or you don't remember the Mi Account password, be sure to link the phone number to restore access before resetting. Otherwise, the phone may turn into a "brick" due to activation of theft protection.
Once you save the data, you need to unplug the device from your accounts if you plan to transfer the phone to another owner. → Mi Account and select logout. SIM-MicroSD card and memory card so that external storage is not formatted by accident.
Reset via the settings menu (Soft Reset)
If your smartphone screen is touch-sensitive and you can move freely around the interface, use the standard reset method, which is the safest and most understandable for the average user, and does not require the use of volume buttons or a connection to a PC.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list.Look for About Phone (in some versions of MIUI it may simply be called About Device). Inside this menu, you will need to find the Reset option, which is usually located at the bottom of the list or in the General tab.
☑️ Checklist before launching reset
The system will offer two options: "Reset" (saving files) and "Erase all data." To completely clean up, choose the second option. PIN-lock-code.
Once confirmed, the deletion process will begin, which can take 5 to 15 minutes, the screen may go out and turn on several times, do not touch the device at this time, and at the end of the procedure, the phone will restart and prompt you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi, as when you first turn on.
💡
If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for a long time after a reset, try forcibly rebooting it by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
Hard Reset is used when the phone is not turning on, the logo is getting stuck or the touch screen is no longer responsive, and it allows you to clean at a low level, bypassing the operating system. Physical buttons are used to enter Recovery mode.
The order of action is to turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up (+) and Power buttons. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then you can release the power button while you keep holding the volume button. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu opens.
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 the Wipe Data item and select it. Next, the system can offer a choice between Wipe All Data (complete cleaning) and Reset Password (password reset, requires the Internet).
| Action on the menu | Function | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | Reboot. | Regular exit from the menu without changes |
| Wipe Data | Clearing the data | Moving to the formatting menu |
| Wipe All Data | Total reset | Delete all files and settings |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Connection to PC | Mode for firmware through the computer |
Once you select Wipe All Data, the system will ask you to confirm the action, often requiring you to switch the slider to Confirm position or enter the code displayed on the screen.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touchscreen is not working, all actions are performed only with mechanical buttons. Do not press the buttons too often so as not to miss the desired menu item.
When the cleanup is complete, the screen will show "Data wiped successfully." Select Reboot → Reboot to System. The first run of the system will take longer than usual, as the application optimization is taking place.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Resetting forgotten password and locks
A common reason for applying for reset is a forgotten pattern lock or PIN-If you can't unlock the screen, the method through the settings menu is not available, and only Hard Reset via Recovery, described above, remains.
Once you reset your lock password, the phone will require you to enter a Google account that was previously synced to the device when you first turn on, which is FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which protects the owner's data when you steal. If you don't remember the password from your Google account, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to the phone.
In the case of Xiaomi devices, Mi Cloud protection also works, if the device search was enabled in the settings, after reset, you will need to enter the password from the Mi Account. Without this data, you will not be able to use the phone.
- 🔒 FRP Lock – Protection that requires you to enter a Google account after a reset.
- 🔐 Mi Account Lock – Protection that requires you to enter a Mi Account after a reset.
- 🛡️ Recovery resets don’t remove these locks, it only deletes user data.
There are specialized tools for removal FRP, But their use requires high qualifications and can be regarded as a violation of the terms of use of the software. The best way is to remember account data or restore access through the site. Google/Mi.
💡
Resetting a forgotten password is only possible through Recovery Mode, but this does not remove the protection of Google FRP and Mi Account, requiring the entry of old credentials.
Use of Mi Flash Tool and Fastboot
For advanced users who have experienced serious system errors (bootloop, damage to system files), a method of flashing or deep cleaning through Fastboot mode is available. This mode allows you to interact with the phone at the bootloader level using a computer.
To work, you will need the Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool utility and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. The phone is converted to Fastboot mode by pressing the Volume Down (-) button and Power. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android.
fastboot devices
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot rebootRun a fastboot erase userdata command is similar to a full reset, but it is performed from a PC. This method is useful if the Recovery menu is damaged or not started. However, using the command line requires caution: an error in the command can lead to the loss of the IMEI partition or other critical data.
Fastboot also provides complete flashing, which is a more radical but more reliable way to recover than a simple reset. Both global and Chinese firmware versions are available for the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite.
⚠️ Warning: When working with the Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool, make sure you choose the right device model.Firmware from another model (such as the Mi 8 Pro) can permanently disable the phone.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users can face a variety of difficulties in resetting, and one of the common problems is hanging on the Mi logo after cleaning, which can mean damage to system files or an error in updating, in which case re-entering Recovery and trying to reset, or flashing it, helps.
Another problem is endless reboot: If the phone is constantly restarting and does not reach the desktop, the cache partition or system files are likely damaged. Hard Reset is also effective here. If this does not help, the problem can be hardware, for example, memory wear or battery problems.
Sometimes, after a reset, the phone does not see. SIM-Check if the partition has been damaged. NVRAM (In most cases, waiting helps: the phone takes time (up to 30 minutes) to register on the network after the first download.