How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 8T to factory settings: the complete guide

The Xiaomi Redmi 8T is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even it eventually starts to “brake,” glitch, or require a complete system reboot.Reset to factory settings solves 90% of software problems, from accidental crashes to viruses and junk files accumulated after updates. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss or even “bricking” the device — especially if you choose the method at random.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of resetting for Redmi 8T (including models with MIUI 11/12/13) firmware, their pros and cons, as well as give a checklist for training so that you do not lose important files.

When you need to reset your settings on Redmi 8T

Factory reset is a "heavy artillery" that should only be used in extreme cases, and here are the exact symptoms for which the procedure is warranted:

• 🐢 Smartphone noticeably slows down even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Applications spontaneously close or issue errors (e.g., “Stop com.android.phone»).
• 📱 The screen does not respond to touch (after eliminating hardware problems).
• 🔒 Device locked after failed attempts to enter password or pattern lock.
• 🆘 Phone does not turn on (hangs on the logo, cyclically reboots).
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or spyware that are not removed by antivirus.

If the problem is hardware-related (e.g., a broken screen, a broken camera, or a charging connector), resetting won’t help.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 8T s MIUI 12+ After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account associated with the device. If you do not remember the password, first untie the account in the settings!

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Even if you plan to "soft" reset through the menu, the risk of data loss remains.

1. Back up. Use the built-in tool. MIUI Backup (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, Titanium Backup (requires root).
2. Remember your account details. Once reset, you'll have to re-enter your usernames/passwords from Mi Account, Google, social media and banking apps.
3. Check the battery. Make sure the charge level is at least 50% - if the phone runs out during the reset, it can cause the firmware to fail.
4. Delete. SIM-This will prevent accidental microSD formatting.

Backup important data|Remember logins/passwords from accounts|Charge the phone to 50%+|Extract SIM microSD|Unlock Mi Account (if reset via Recovery)-->

If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of all accounts (Settings → Accounts) and turn off Find My Device in Google’s settings.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The safest method, which does not require additional tools, is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember your password/pattern lock.
• 🔄 You need to save files on the memory card (they are not affected).

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter the password from the lock screen (if requested).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 3-5 minutes, and after the restart, you'll be asked to set the phone up as new.

⚠️ Note: If after the Redmi reset 8T You need to enter Mi Account data, and you don't remember it, don't type it randomly. After 5 failed attempts, the device locks up for 24 hours, and then only official unlocking through the service center will help.

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If the phone is slower after reset than before the procedure, check the animation settings. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers and turn off the options for Windows Animation and Transition Animation (set the value to Disable Animation).

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method is used if:

• 🔒 The phone is locked and does not respond to password entry.
• 🆘 The device does not turn on or hung on the Xiaomi logo.
• 📱 You need to completely clear your internal memory (including viruses).

For Redmi 8T only official Recovery (not custom!) is suitable.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
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. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will open.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the sequence of items:

Redmi 8T with MIUI 13+ firmware may have a “This device is locked” error after resetting via Recovery. This means that the phone is tied to Mi Account, and unlocking will require login/password input. If you do not remember the data, contact Xiaomi support to restore access.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

• 🆘 The phone does not respond to buttons and does not enter Recovery.
• 🔧 Reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

⚠️ Warning: Mistakes in the Fastboot can permanently put your phone out of action. If you're not sure, contact the service center.

Instructions:

1. Download and install the official firmware for Redmi 8T (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\redmi8t).
3. Install Xiaomi drivers (you can use the Mi Flash Tool or manually).
4. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
5. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
6. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, and press Refresh. The device must be determined.
7. At the bottom, select Clean All (full clean) and click Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots.

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Resetting via Fastboot removes all information, including firmware, and sets up a clean MIUI. This method also resets the bootloader's unlock meter (if it has been unlocked before).

What to do after resetting: setup and optimization

After a successful reset, the Redmi 8T will offer an initial setup, and here are the key points to look out for:

• 🔄 Do not restore data from an old backup if the reset was due to viruses or crashes – this can return the problem.
• 🔒 Set up a screen lock (PIN or pattern lock – this will protect the data at the next reboot.
• 📱 Disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Applications to Free Memory.
• 🔋 Activate Battery Mode (Settings) → Battery → Battery mode → Balanced).

If the phone after reset began to discharge faster, check:

• 🔍 Background processes in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.
• 📶 Auto-update apps in Google Play (turn off or limit Wi-Fi).
• 📡 Mobile data in the background (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data transmission in the background).

For additional optimization, install Greenify (to “freeze” background apps) or AccuBattery (to monitor battery health).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right reset, there can be problems, and here are the common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, it may be a hardware problem (for example, damaged memory or power controller), in this case, we recommend contacting the official service center Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 8T reset