How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to Factory Settings: A Complete Guide with 3 Proven Methods

Why Reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to Factory Settings and When It’s Really Needed

Resetting the Redmi 8 to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get the smartphone back on track. Many users resort to this procedure when slowing down when the phone starts to “brake” after a year of use, or after a failed MIUI update when the system is behaving unstable. However, on the Redmi 8 model, resetting through Recovery can lead to a bootloader lock if you previously unlocked it using informal methods – this is an important nuance that is often ignored.

There are other good reasons for a hard reset: preparing the device for sale (to delete all personal data), fixing sync errors with your Mi Account account, or fighting viruses that are not removed by antivirus programs. But before you click on the Reset button, you need to understand the difference between a soft reset (via settings) and a hard reset (via Recovery or Fastboot), the first saves some system files, and the second completely clears the partition. /data, including internal memory, unless the appropriate tick is removed.

In this article, we will discuss all three official reset methods, their pros and cons, and give recommendations on how to minimize the risk of data loss. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances associated with the Redmi 8 – for example, why this model does not work on the standard combination of buttons for login to Recovery, and what to do if after the reset the phone requires you to enter the old password from Mi Account.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Regardless of the reset method chosen, there are a few critical steps to avoid unpleasant surprises. First, back up all important data. On Redmi 8, this can be done via the Settings menu → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Note that this feature does not store:

• 📸 Photos and videos in folders other than DCIM/Camera (For example, screenshots or downloads from messengers)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (they will have to be re-entered)
• 🎮 Save games if they are not synced to the cloud
• 📱 Screen lock settings (PIN, pattern lock, fingerprints)

Second, check your battery. The reset process can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, and if the phone runs out at that point, you run the risk of getting a brick. The optimal charge level is at least 50%. It's also worth disabling all accounts (Google, Mi Account, social media) through Settings → Accounts to avoid problems with reauthorizing after reset.

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If you plan to sell the phone, after the reset, be sure to log out of your Mi Account manually via Settings → Mi Account → Exit. Otherwise, the new owner may face locking the device through the Find Device feature.

Finally, prepare your computer with drivers installed (if you use the Fastboot method), as well as the original one. USB-Redmi 8 often has problems connecting through cheap cables, especially if you used them only for charging. To check drivers, you can use the Mi Flash Tool utility, which will automatically install everything you need.

Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you can log in.It saves some system files, so it's less radical than a Recovery reset. To perform a soft reset on Redmi 8, follow the instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (the lowest item on the menu).
3. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You are a developer!” appears (this will unlock hidden settings).
4. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Backup and Reset.
5. Click Reset Settings, then select Reset phone settings.
6. The system will tell you whether to clear the internal memory. If you have made a backup, you can note Clear all data.
7. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code-key.

It's gonna take about 5-10 The phone will reboot and start setting up as new. PIN-code from the lock screen, this method will not work – you will have to use Recovery or Fastboot.

Make a backup copy of important data|Charge your phone to at least 50%|Disable all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks)|Remember or drop PIN-lock-screen-->

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Does not require computer or special knowledge
• 🛡️ Minimum risk of “bricking” the device
• ⚡ Faster than resetting through Recovery

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 It won’t help if the phone isn’t switched on or locked.
• 🗑️ Not always completely clears the app cache

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

If Redmi 8 doesn’t respond to clicks, hovers on the logo, or requires a password you’ve forgotten, you’ll need to use Recovery mode. However, there’s an important caveat: on Redmi 8, the standard Power + Volume Up combination often doesn’t work due to firmware features.

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons at the same time.
3. When the Redmi logo appears on the screen, release the Power button, but keep holding the Volume Up until you see the Recovery menu.
4. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the Power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data (which can be called Wipe & Reset depending on the version of Recovery).
6. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
7. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for the location of the items: Wipe Data is usually the third or fourth item on top. Redmi 8 with global firmware should have an English menu.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Redmi 8 may need to enter a password from a previously linked Mi Account after reset via Recovery, even if you have disabled it.If you do not remember the password, you will have to contact Xiaomi to unlock it.

⚠️ Note: If you previously unlocked the bootloader informally (for example, to install custom firmware), a reset via Recovery may result in the bootloader being re-locked.In this case, the phone will not turn on until re-unlocked via the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is the most radical and requires a computer, but it is guaranteed to work even if the phone does not turn on completely.

• 🖥️ Windows computer (recommended) 7/10/11)
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi)
• 📱 Firmware for Redmi 8 (the version must be the same or newer)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press the Volume Down + Power buttons and hold for 5-10 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
2. Connect the phone to the computer.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode (complete cleanup) or Save User Data (retain user data – not recommended).
5. Press Refresh – your Redmi 8 should appear in the list of devices.
6. Press Flash and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-15 minutes).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. It can take up to 10 minutes to start up the first time -- don't interrupt. If the Mi Flash Tool gives you an error, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the driver (use Mi Phone Manager to install automatically)
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (better on the back of the system unit)
• 📥 Download the firmware again (maybe the file is damaged)

Through the Settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Not yet reset-->

What to do after resetting: set up Redmi 8 as new

After a successful reset, the phone will launch with a greeting screen, like after purchase.

1. Select language and region. Redmi 8 is recommended to specify "Russia" to avoid problems with localization of system applications.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. Use the same network your phone connected to before resetting, which will speed up your backup recovery.
3. At the Mi Account login stage, you can skip this step by clicking “Skip” (unless you plan to use Xiaomi cloud services).
4. Restore data from the backup (if you did it through Settings → Additional → Backup).
5. Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

A few tips for optimal work:

• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Avast or Bitdefender) and check your system for malware.
• 📱 Set up the lock screen: fingerprint or PIN-code (pattern lock is less reliable).
• 🔄 Include automatic optimization in Settings → Special facilities → Optimization.

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After reset, take your time to install all the apps at once.Let your phone run clean 1-2 days to evaluate the real performance improvement.

If you notice that the phone is slowing down after the reset, there may be a problem with the hardware (e.g., worn-out memory), in which case only replacing the memory module in the service center will help.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience problems after a reset due to ignorance of the nuances, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

1. Mi Account Reset: If you didn’t log out of your Xiaomi account before the reset, your phone may require you to enter your username and password after the reboot, so you can either restore access to your account or seek support with proof of ownership of the device.
2. Using a non-original cable for Fastboot. Cheap cables often don't transmit data, leading to firmware errors. Solution: use a kit cable or a certified USB-C cable.
3. Interrupt the reset process: If you take out the battery or turn off the power during the reset, you can damage the system files, solution: provide stable power and not touch the phone until you fully restart.
4. Install the old firmware version via Fastboot, which is lower than the current firmware version, and which can result in a download cycle, solution: always use the latest stable firmware from the official website.

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after a Fastboot reset, which happens if the /nvram partition is damaged. You can restore the IMEI using an engineering menu (enter ##4636## in the dialer) or special utilities like the SN Write Tool, but this requires root rights.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Redmi 8 Reset