How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the settings on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing critical system failures. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to locking the device through the Mi Account, loss of important data or even “bricking” the smartphone. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting – from the simplest (via the settings menu) to advanced (via the Fastboot), and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

Redmi 8 (codenamed Olivelite) was released in 2019, based on the Snapdragon 439 processor and MIUI shell. Despite its age, it is still popular due to the reliability and ability to install custom firmware. But these features make resetting more difficult than on the new Xiaomi models: there is no universal solution, and the choice of method depends on the condition of the phone — whether it works, the screen is locked, or connected to the Mi Account.

Before you start, answer two key questions: 1. Do you need to save data (photos, contacts, messages)? 2. Do you remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone?

The answers will depend on which method of resetting is suitable for you.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand

Even if you're sure that data isn't important, neglecting preparation can lead to problems, such as when you reset it via Recovery, the phone may require you to input data from Mi Account, which you lost access to long ago, or it turns out that the MIUI backup is not fully saved and contacts cannot be restored.

Here is the mandatory checklist before resetting:

Unlike Google Drive, Xiaomi Cloud backup includes not only contacts and photos, but also:

• 📱 System settings (wallpaper, brightness, sound profiles);
• 📁 Applications and their data (e.g. progress in games);
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords;
• 📝 Notes and Records from Standard Applications MIUI.

To create a backup in Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup;
2. Select Backup in Mi Cloud;
3. Click Create Backup and wait until it is completed (may take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If you are not logged in to Mi Account, backup to the cloud will not be available. In this case, use local copying through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. The file will be saved in the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup memory.

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

This is the recommended method if the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touches, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-Advantages of method:

• 🔄 No need to detach Mi Account;
• 📱 It can be unlocked via Find Device (if the phone is stolen);
• ⚡ Faster than resetting through Recovery (takes up) ~5 minutes).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Settings Reset.
5. The system will tell you what to drop: 📱 Resetting all settings; 🗃️ Cleaning internal memory (optional if you want to delete all files).

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

Wait for the reboot (the phone may be on longer than usual).

Once reset, the phone will start with the initial setup screen, as it did after purchase, and if you have previously backed up to Mi Cloud, you can restore it at the setup stage.

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If after the reset, the phone asks you to enter data from Mi Account, but you do not remember them, try unlocking the device through the official Xiaomi website (the “Find Device” section), for this, the phone must be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or a mobile network.

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

This method will be useful if:

• 🔒 The phone is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-code;
• 🐢 MIUI It slows down and does not respond to touch;
• 🔄 You need to reflash the phone (reset via Recovery is often required before installing custom firmware).

For Redmi 8, the standard Recovery from Xiaomi is used, but there is a caveat: if the phone was tied to the Mi Account, after the reset, a request for entering account data may appear. Without a login and password, it will be impossible to unlock the phone - you will need official unlocking through the Xiaomi service center.

Instructions for resetting via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume Up Button at the same time and hold for ~10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery menu (manage by the volume buttons for moving and the power button for selecting).
4. Select Wipe Data (in some versions – Wipe & Reset).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, then the phone has custom recovery (for example, the Recovery menu, TWRP). In this case, the reset is performed through the Factory Reset item, but before that it is recommended to make a backup through Backup in the same place. TWRP.

If the phone hangs on the Redmi or MIUI logo after the reset, it could mean:

• 🔋 Sat battery (plug in charge and wait 15-20 minutes);
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware (reflashing via Fastboot is required);
• 🔒 Mi Account lock (the phone may not load beyond the account data entry screen).

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is the most radical and is used when:

• 🔧 You need to reflash your phone (for example, after a failed update);
• 🔒 Recovery blocked or damaged;
• 📱 The phone does not respond to buttons, but is determined by the computer.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot;
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original);
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or Fastboot commands.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume Down button for 10 seconds until the screen with the hare in the eardress cap (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install ADB drivers.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the phone fails to turn on after these commands or if it gives a FAILED error (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State'), this means that:

• 🔒 Device blocked by Mi Account;
• 🔧 You need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).

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Fastboot resets all data without recovery, including files on internal memory, which should only be used as a last resort when other methods do not work.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, Redmi 8 users often face problems, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked and the phone still doesn’t work, it’s possible that the problem lies in the hardware (e.g. damaged eMMC memory).In this case, it’s recommended to contact the service center. For Redmi 8 repair is inexpensive – it costs ~ 1500-2500 rubles to replace the memory module.

6.How to recover data after reset

If you did not back up in advance, the chances of recovering the data depend on which reset was performed:

• 📱 Reset via the settings menu: data on internal memory can be saved (unless you have noted the item "Cleaning internal memory").
• 🔧 Recovery or Fastboot Reset: Data deleted without recovery by standard means.

If you can still recover files, try the following methods:

1. Through Mi Cloud: If a backup has been created, log in to the same Mi Account on your phone and recover the data at the setup stage.
2. Connect your phone to your computer and use data recovery software such as: 🖥️ Recuva (for photos and documents); 📱 Dr.Fone (specializes in Android); 🔍 DiskDigger (works without root rights).

Google Account

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Google Photo

Google

myaccount.google.com

⚠️ Note: Data recovery software only works if no new files are written to internal memory after reset. The more you use your phone after reset, the lower your chances of successful recovery.

7. Alternative ways to unlock (if you forgot the pattern lock)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but the phone turns on, you can try unlocking it without completely resetting:

• 🔑 Using Find Device (Mi Cloud): Go to i.mi.com and log in. Select your Redmi 8 from the device list. Click Unlock Device (requires your phone to be connected to the Internet).
• 📧 Through Google Account (if sync enabled): After 5 failed key attempts, the button Forgot the pattern lock?. Enter the data from the Google Account associated with the phone.

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If none of the methods worked, there is only a full reset via Recovery, but be prepared for the phone to require data from Mi Account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions