Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, is still popular due to its reliability and autonomy. However, over time, accumulated software debris, application errors or forgotten lock passwords can significantly slow down the gadget, in such situations, the only effective solution is a complete data reset that returns the system to its original state.
The process of cleaning the device’s memory requires care, as it completely destroys all user information. It will be impossible to recover photos, contacts and messages after the process is completed without a pre-created backup, which is why you need to make sure that important files are safe before starting any manipulations.
In this article, we will discuss in detail two main methods of returning Redmi 8 to factory settings: through the standard Android settings menu and using the Recovery Engineering Mode. Both methods are effective, but have different use cases depending on the current state of your smartphone.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you initiate the cleaning process, it is critical to perform a number of preparatory actions, and ignoring this step can lead to irretrievable loss of valuable data or problems with activating the device after restarting.
First, back up all your important information. You can use Google Drive cloud storage or the built-in Mi Cloud service to save contacts, calendar and notes. Photos and videos are best copied to a computer or microSD card if it's not formatted.
Make sure that the battery level is at least 50-60%. Sudden power outages while writing system files can damage software and turn the phone into a "brick." Also remember to extract SIM-card and memory card to avoid random formatting of external media.
- 🔒 Write down or remember your Google account details (login and password) as Android security will require their confirmation immediately after turning them on.
- 🔑 If a pattern lock is installed or PIN-code, it is better to disable them before resetting to avoid locking problems FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
- 💾 Check for a free copy of important files on external media or in the cloud.
- 🔌 Connect your smartphone to the charger or make sure the battery is high.
⚠️ Warning: If you sell a device or transfer it to another person, be sure to log out of all accounts, including Mi Account and Google, before resetting.
☑️ Ready to reset Redmi 8
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
This method is the easiest and most secure, as it runs in normal operating system mode, and is ideal for cases where you want to simply clean your phone before selling or fix software glitches and you have access to your desktop.
To start, open the main menu and go to the settings section. The MIUI shell interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the item responsible for the general system parameters.
Next, follow the path: Settings → Advanced Settings → Recover and Reset. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be simply called “About the Phone” with the reset button at the bottom of the list. Click on the “Reset” button.
The system will warn you that all data will be deleted, and you will be asked to select the option “Clear all data” and after confirmation, the system will ask you to enter your unlock password or pattern lock for security, and then the preparation process will begin and the subsequent reboot will begin.
What happens during resetting through settings?
The length of the procedure depends on the amount of information accumulated, usually cleaning takes 5 to 15 minutes, and after completion, the smartphone will turn on as a new one, suggesting you choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
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Resetting via menus is the most gentle method that minimizes the risk of user error, but requires access to the phone’s work interface.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If your smartphone doesn’t turn on, you’re stuck on your logo, or you’ve forgotten your lock password, the only way out is to use Recovery, a method that allows you to clean at a low level without having to go through the operating system.
To enter Recovery mode on Xiaomi Redmi 8, you need to perform a special combination of actions. First turn off the device completely. Then simultaneously press and hold the Volume Up and Power button.
Hold both buttons until the Mi logo or recovery menu appears on the screen. Once the device vibrates or the menu appears, the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume for a couple of seconds until the main Recovery menu appears.
Navigation in this mode is done using 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, select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
- 🔼 The Volume Up button is used to move the cursor up the list.
- 🔽 The Loudness Down button moves the cursor down.
- 🔘 The power button performs the function of confirming the selected action (Enter).
- ⏹ To exit without reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
Once confirmed, the system will start the formatting process. The screen may display a progress bar or Android logo labeled "Erazing." Once the process is complete, select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot → Reboot to System.
Comparison of discharge methods: table
The choice between a software reset via settings and a hardware reset via Recovery depends on the specific situation. Understanding the differences will help you avoid unnecessary actions and choose the best way to solve the problem.
The table below provides a detailed comparison of the two methods so that you can quickly navigate the required algorithm of actions for your case.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu is required | I'll be sure. | Not required |
| Risk of user error | Minimum | Medium (needs accuracy) |
| Implementation time | Longer (10-15 minutes) | Faster (5-8 mins) |
| Efficiency in hanging | Low. | Tall. |
| Difficulty for a beginner | Low. | Medium |
It's worth noting that both methods produce the same result: the phone goes back out of the box, the only difference being how the process is started and the availability of the control interface.
Google Account Problem and FRP Protection
Xiaomi’s current smartphones, like other Android-based devices, are equipped with a theft protection system known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which is automatically activated if a Google account is added to the device.
After a reset (especially through Recovery), the first boot will require the system to enter a login and password from a Google account that was previously synced with the phone, so that the attacker who stole the phone can not just reset it and use it as his own.
If you forget your account password, the activation process can be a serious obstacle, in which case you will have to restore access to your account through a computer or other device using the password recovery procedure on the Google site.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to bypass protection FRP using third-party software or “crackers” often lead to the locking of the device IMEI or install malware. Use only your credentials.
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To avoid FRP issues, delete your Google account from your phone settings before resetting via Recovery (Settings → Accounts → Google → Delete Account).
Also, Redmi 8 can activate Mi Account, and if the phone is tied to it, you'll need to reset the password from the Mi Account, and without that, the device will remain locked, and even flashing it will not help, since the lock is tied to the manufacturer's servers.
What to do if the phone does not turn on after resetting
In rare cases, after the Hard Reset procedure is completed, the smartphone may not start in a standard way.The screen may remain black, or the device may reboot indefinitely, stuck on the logo.
The first thing you need to do is try the forced reboot. Press the power button and hold it for 10-15 seconds. If that doesn't work, try the Power + Volume Down combination to enter Fastboot mode, and from there select Reboot.
If the problem persists, the system partition may have been damaged or the update interrupted, requiring a computer flashing of the device and the Mi Flash Tool, a more complex procedure requiring drivers and a firmware file.
Often the reason for the brick is a lack of battery power at a critical time of writing system files, so always monitor the energy level before starting any serious firmware operations.