How to reset the Xiaomi Mi 8 to factory: 3 proven ways

The Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, remains a popular smartphone thanks to its powerful hardware and flexible MIUI firmware. However, over time, the device can start to brake, issue errors or require complete cleaning before selling. Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the phone to a “second life”.

In this article, you will find three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), as well as unique recommendations for saving data and solving typical problems associated with the Mi 8.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before cleaning

Resetting to factory settings deletes all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. Even if you plan to sell the phone, keeping a backup will save you from unpleasant surprises.

Here is what must be done:

• 📱 Sync your Xiaomi account: go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronize and back up contacts, notes and call history, which will allow you to recover data after a reset.
• ☁️ Save media: transfer photos and videos to PC, Google Photos or the Mi Cloud. folder DCIM will be completely cleaned!
• 🔑 Remember passwords: once reset, you have to re-enter data from Wi-Fi, banking applications and social networks. Use a password manager (for example, Bitwarden or Bitwarden). 1Password).
• 📋 Export. SMS: This is where applications like this are suitable. SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).

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If you are selling a phone, remember to log out of your Google and Xiaomi account in Settings → Accounts, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the device due to FRP-blocking (Factory Reset Protection).

Also check the battery power, which should be at least 50%, and if the reset is interrupted due to discharge, the phone may stop turning on and you will need to run the firmware through Fastboot.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12/13/14 Xiaomi Mi 8.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter the password from your Xiaomi account (if required) and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes). The phone will turn on with clean firmware.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Keep all important data

Remember passwords from accounts

Sign out of Google and Mi Account (if you sell your phone)-->

If after reset, the phone asks to enter a password from the previous Google account, then it was not disabled. FRP-The solution to the problem is described in the section "Frequent errors».

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

If the Mi 8 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked, Recovery mode will help, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
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 and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

Next:

• 🔧 Select Wipe Data (or in Chinese version) with volume buttons.
• 📛 Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data (or ).
• ⏳ Wait until the process is complete (it takes 3-7 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is stuck on the Mi screensaver after reset via Recovery, the firmware is damaged. In this case, you will need to reflash the device via Fastboot (method 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even turn on in Recovery.
• 🔧 Refuse the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 You need to unlock the bootloader (bootloader).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (download here).
• 📦 Firmware for Mi 8 (Select Fastboot, not Recovery!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds. The hare in the eardress hat will appear on the screen.
2. Connect the Mi 8 to your PC via USB.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
5. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Yeah, I've stitched it up a few times.|Yes, but with the help of a master.|No, but I want to learn.|No, I don't plan on.-->

⚠️ Note: Fastboot resets all partitions, including data, cache and system. If you choose the wrong firmware (e.g. for Mi 8) SE Instead of the Mi 8, the phone can turn into a brick. Always check the model in Settings. → The phone. → Model.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, there can be problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

1.The phone asks for a password after reset (FRP-block)

This is Google's protection, which works if you don't delete your account before you reset.

• 🔑 Enter the password from the last Google account.
• 📧 If you don’t remember the password, restore it through the recovery page.
• 🛠️ If the phone is bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account, you will need firmware through Fastboot with a shutdown. FRP (instructions are available on the forums 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

2.Reset hangs on Mi logo

Reasons:

• 🔋 Battery discharge (charge your phone and try again).
• 🗃️ Damaged firmware (reflashed via Fastboot).
• 🔌 Faulty cable or port USB (Try another cable).

3. "Cannot receive Hello Packet" error in Mi Flash Tool

Decisions:

• 🔌 Reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 🔄 Restart your PC and phone, then try again.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset for more than 20 minutes, don't panic. Turn it off with a long press on the power button (20+ seconds), then try again. 80% of the time, this helps avoid firmware through the PC.

How to recover data after resetting

If you back up, it takes a few minutes to recover, and if you don't, the chances of getting it back up depend on whether the data partition was overwritten after the reset.

Recovery methods:

• ☁️ Cloud Services: If you sync your data with Mi Cloud or Google Drive, it will automatically load when you first turn on.
• 💾 Local Backup: If you used Mi Backup or Titanium Backup, connect your phone to your PC and copy your files back.
• 🔍 Recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva, or EaseUS MobiSaver can find deleted files, but only if the data partition has not been overwritten with new information.

Important: Do not install new applications immediately after reset if you plan to recover data! Each new entry to the internal drive reduces the chances of successful recovery.

For photos and videos, Google Photos is the most effective, and it automatically uploads media files to the cloud if sync is enabled to check if your files are saved:

1. Open Google Photos on your PC.
2. Log in to the same account that was linked to the phone.
3. Check the Device folder. → Xiaomi Mi 8.

Alternatives to resetting: when you can do without it

Before you drop your phone to factory settings, try less radical methods:

1.Cache cleanup

Go to Settings → Storage → Cleanup and select Clear Cache. This will delete temporary files but will not affect personal data. Often helps with application brakes and errors.

2. rollback of updates

If the problems started after the MIUI update, try retracing to the previous version via Recovery:

• Download the old firmware (.zip) for the Mi 8 from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
• Put the file in the root of the internal memory.
• Go to Recovery and select Install update.zip.

3. Resetting the settings of individual applications

If only one app is slowing down (like Instagram or Telegram), go to Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Storage → Clear the data.

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If the phone starts to brake after installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting to factory settings may not help, in which case you need a complete firmware reflash through Fastboot with official software.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 8