Reset settings on Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite: a complete guide with photos and videos

Why do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite?

Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite back to its original performance, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state, most commonly used in three cases:

First, if the smartphone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update; second, in preparation for the sale, to prevent the new owner from gaining access to your accounts; and third, if you forgot the pattern lock or the screen unlock password, in which case the reset becomes the only way to return access to the device.

It’s important to understand that the Mi 8 Lite (codename platina) runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, and its firmware has features. For example, after a reset via Recovery, you may need to re-authorize your Xiaomi account to unlock the bootloader.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset the Mi 8 Lite, follow the steps to avoid losing important data:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Save a copy to Google Drive or computer.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%.When reset via Recovery, discharging during the process can cause the device to "brick" (inoperability.
• 📡 Disable accounts: log out of Mi Account, Google and social media. After the reset, you may need proof of ownership of the device.
• 📝 Write it down. IMEI (You can use *#06# if the network is lost after the reset.

On the Mi 8 Lite with MIUI 12.5+ firmware, Factory Reset Protection (FRP) automatically activates after resetting via Recovery. To unlock the phone, you will need to enter a username and password from a previously linked Xiaomi account.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

The easiest method is if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, which is suitable for eliminating software lags without losing data (unless you choose to format internal memory).

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Update the system and make sure the latest version of MIUI is installed. This minimizes the risk of errors when resetting.
2. Return to the main settings menu and go to Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
3. Select Delete all data (or Delete all data and settings in new MIUI versions).
4. Enter the password from the lock screen (if installed) and confirm the action.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new, and it's important that if you reset it, you get a message saying, "This device is linked to an existing Mi Account," you've already been linked to the Mi Account, and you enter the data from it to unlock it.

Make sure you're stable. MIUI|Disable Two-Factor Authentication in Mi Account|Check for backup copy|Charge the phone to 70%+-->

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

This method is used if the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo or locked with a password.Requires physical access to the device buttons.

1. Turn off the Mi 8 Lite with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button and Volume up simultaneously until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-7 seconds). Release the buttons when the Recovery menu appears.
3. With the help of volume buttons, select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions), confirm the choice with the power button.
4. Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action. Wait for the process to be completed (Data wipe complete will appear on the screen).
5. Go back to the main Recovery menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Warning: Some Mi 8 Lite firmware may miss IMEI after resetting via Recovery or have a "Baseband unknown" error, which is due to damage to the modem partition.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if the first two didn't work or you need to reflash the phone completely. Requires a computer with Qualcomm drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Before you start, download the official firmware for Mi 8 Lite (platina code) from en.miui.com. Choose the Fastboot version (file with.tgz extension).

1. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot mode:


- Press Power + Loudness down for 10 seconds.




Connect to the PC via USB- cable.





2.In Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.




3. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device (the COM- port will appear).




4. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.




5. Wait until the end (green check) and turn off the phone.

⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the firmware process through Fastboot, this can damage the boot partition and the device's "brick." If the Mi Flash Tool gives an "anti-rollback" error, then you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, It's a firmware that's unlocked, but it's not the same as before.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, the Mi 8 Lite may not behave properly.

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If the sound is gone after the reset, check the settings of Settings → Sound → Media Volume. Sometimes the reset drops the volume sliders to zero.

How to save data before resetting (if the phone is blocked)

If you forgot your password but need to save photos, contacts or messages, there are a few workarounds:

• 🔌 Connecting to PC in Fastboot mode: using the utility ADB You can copy files from internal memory (root rights required).
• 📱 Mi Cloud usage: If sync was previously enabled, data can be restored after reset via Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi 8 Lite with MIUI 11+ This means that without the unlock password, even physical memory extraction will not allow access to user files - they are encrypted.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

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If the Mi 8 Lite doesn’t turn on or freezes on the screensaver after reset, don’t panic. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by re-running through Fastboot using official Xiaomi software.