How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings: all the ways and nuances

Why Redmi 8 Resets Are Needed and When to Use Them

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the smartphone back to work, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state, most often in three cases:

First, if the smartphone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. Incorrect firmware or conflict of system files can lead to lags that are not solved by the reboot. Second, reset helps in preparing the phone for sale - so you are guaranteed to delete all personal information. And finally, this is the only way to unlock Redmi 8 if you forget the pattern lock or password.

However, it is important to understand that reset is not a panacea; it will not fix hardware breakdowns (such as a faulty battery or a broken screen) or remove viruses if they penetrate system partitions. In some cases, after a reset, you may have problems activating the device through Mi Account, which we will discuss in detail below.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you drop Redmi 8, take a few critical steps or you risk losing photos, contacts, and other data without recovery.

• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive. Pay special attention to: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) Messages (applications like.vcf) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the discharge process due to discharge can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the data from Mi Account. After resetting, the phone may require you to enter a login / password to activate.
• 📶 Disable all accounts (Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account, if any) and make it easier to set up after a reset.

If you reset your phone before selling, additionally log out of all accounts and delete SIM-A card with a memory card, the buyer should not have access to your data.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 8 has Find Device enabled, the reset will require the Mi Account that was tied to it, and without that data, the phone will become a brick".

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on, and you remember the unlock password. It's the simplest and the least risky.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
4. The system will suggest choosing which to reset: Settings only - Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, application settings are removed. All data is a complete factory reset (recommended).

Confirm the action by entering a password / pattern lock.

Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it, and if the phone requests Mi Account data, you can type it in -- that's OK.

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

If Redmi 8 doesn’t respond to clicks, hovers on the logo, or requires a password you’ve forgotten, Recovery mode will help.This method works even on a locked device, but requires accurate execution of instructions.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. You'll be taken to the Recovery menu.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm
5. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter a password if it was set).
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, it means that the phone has a custom recap (for example, TWRP).

1. Select Wipe → Format Data.
2. Enter yes to confirm.
3. Reboot through the Reboot → System.

Instructions:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab (or Device Management in the Russian version).
3. Find your Redmi 8 and click on it.
4. Select the Erase Device option.
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email (confirmation code will come).
6. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

After the remote reset, the phone will restart and be ready to set up. Note: this method does not work if:

• Phone's off the grid.
• You've previously disabled Find Device.
• The Mi Account was not tied to the device.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after a remote reset, plug it into a 10- to 15-minute charge, sometimes the battery runs out during the cleaning process.

Table: Comparison of Redmi 8 reset methods

Important: If after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires Mi Account data that you do not remember, you can only restore access through the official Xiaomi website. Using third-party services to bypass the binding may lead to the account being blocked.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 8 will launch in initial setup mode.

1. Choose a language and a region. For Russia, specify Russia to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't log in to Mi Account or restore a backup.
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if the phone requests it) and use the same data as before the reset.
4. Restore data from the backup (if you did backup via MIUI or Google).

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 🔄 The phone is cyclically rebooted → Try resetting again via Recovery or flashing the official firmware through Fastboot.

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If the phone is running slower after the reset than before the procedure, it is likely that the problem is in the hardware (a worn-out battery or an overheating processor).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi 8 reset