How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Resetting on Xiaomi Redmi 8 can be necessary in a variety of situations, from banal brakes of the system to critical failures after a failed update. This smartphone, released in 2019, is still popular due to the balance of price and capabilities, but its MIUI firmware (especially older versions) sometimes behaves unpredictable. Unlike flagship models, Redmi 8 does not have a hardware button Bixby or additional chips for disaster recovery – everything here is based on standard Android 9/10 mechanisms and a proprietary shell.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (including methods for bricks), how to save important data before the procedure, and warn about hidden MIUI traps that can turn a routine operation into an hour-long headache. For example, did you know that linking a Mi Account account can lock a phone after a reset if it is not untie in advance? or that in some firmware, the Recover and Reset item is hidden in an unobvious submenu?

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you click Reset All Settings, make sure you don't lose critical data. Xiaomi Redmi 8 doesn't have a memory card slot in the hybrid version (the 64/128GB model), so backup is not a whim, it's a necessity.

Here's what you have to do:

• 📱 Copy your contacts to a Google account or export them to a.vcf file via the Contacts app → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
• 📷 Save photos and videos to your PC or the cloud. DCIM When reset, it will be empty. Use Xiaomi Cloud (if it is not locked) or connect your phone to your computer in mode to speed up. MTP.
• 🔑 Write down your Wi-Fi passwords. You can find them in Settings. → Wi-Fi by clicking on the connected network, or use applications like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).
• 🎮 Export game data if you play with an account-based project (e.g. Genshin Impact or a game with a game-specific account). PUBG Most games are synced via Google Play Games or their own servers, but some (especially offline) store progress locally.

Pay special attention to tethered devices if your Redmi 8 is used as:

• 🔐 Smart home key (such as Mi Home or Aqara), untie it in the appropriate app.
• 💳 Bank token (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, etc.), remove the binding in the mobile bank.
• 🚗 Car Loop (if you use it) NFC to unlock, reset the settings in the application of the car manufacturer.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from your Mi Account account linked to your phone, resetting your settings may result in a device lock (requires login/password entry when you first turn on). This feature is a protection against theft, and it is officially impossible to get around it without account data. In this case, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, reacts to touch, and you have access to the main menu, the main advantage is to save files on internal memory (unless you choose a full reset).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click Additional (or Advanced Settings in some firmware).
4. Select Restore and Reset → Reset settings.
5. The system will offer two options: Reset - only removes user settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, application settings); Reset all settings - complete cleaning (recommended for selling or fixing serious crashes).

graphical key/PIN-code

Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will turn on with the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If you choose to Reset (not a full reset), some applications and files will remain in place, but the system settings will reset to the factory.

Checked backup of contacts

Photos/videos saved on PC or cloud

Mi Accounts are untied (if the sale is planned)

Battery charge > 50%

Remembered password from Google account (for recovery after reset)-->

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may not have Recovery and Reset. Use Recovery Method 2. Also check if Developer Mode is activated, which may not work in a Reset mode.

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

If Redmi 8 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or requested a password after a failed update, resetting through Recovery mode will help.

Steps to Enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press simultaneously: Power button (Volume Up)

Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).

Recovery

Next:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear All Data in newer versions).
3. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm (a password may be required if it has been set).
4. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. When installing, select all drivers (including Qualcomm).
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\olive_fastboot).
3. Turn off your phone. Press Power + Volume Down before the Fastboot screen appears.
4. Connect your phone to a PC. Device Manager should have a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device (if not, install the driver manually).
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. At the bottom, choose Clean All (complete cleanup) or Save User Data (save user data – not always working).
7. Press Flash and wait for the end (10-15 minutes).

If the process is interrupted with the error "critical partition flashing is not allowed", then:

• You are using the wrong firmware version (e.g. Redmi 8A instead of Redmi 8).
• You have a bootloader blocked. To unlock, you need to apply on the Xiaomi website and wait 7-30 days (for Redmi 8, unlocking often takes less time than for flagships).

1. reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).

2. to run the program on behalf of the administrator.

3. Manually install the driver QDLoader through Device Manager (you can download on the XDA Developers).-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems.

If the phone does not connect to the mobile network after reset, check:

• 📶 Whether established SIM-card (sometimes after resetting the slot "forgets" the card).
• 🔄 Settings APN (Path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)).
• 📡 Network mode (if only necessary) 4G, If your operator does not support you, change to 3G/2G).

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset for more than 10 minutes, don’t panic – the first boot after full cleaning can take up to 20 minutes.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, you have to go through the initial setup process.

1. Language selection: If there is no Russian on the list, select English and then add Russian in the language settings.
2. Wi-Fi connection: Use the network you saved in advance, if you forgot, connect later via mobile Internet.
3. Log in to Google: Enter the same account you had on your phone before the reset (otherwise, FRP will block access).
4. Lock setting: If you want to set a password/PIN, select Skip and set up later in Settings → Lock and Protection.
5. Data recovery: On the Copy Data screen, select Do Not Copy unless you want to restore your old settings from your Google account.

After logging in:

• 🔄 Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Disable unnecessary permissions for applications (especially access to location and contacts).
• 🗑️ Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache (after recovering data from backup).

If you dropped your phone before selling, remember:

• ✅ Check that your Mi Account is untied (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Get out).
• ✅ Delete everything SIM-memory-cards.
• ✅ Reset again right before handing over to the buyer (in case you forgot to delete something).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions