How to reset the settings on Xiaomi Mi 8: a complete guide with photos

Resetting your Xiaomi Mi 8 can be required in a variety of situations, from a simple system slowdown to preparing the device for sale. However, not all users know that a complete reset removes not only apps and settings, but also all personal data — photos, contacts, messages. Without prior backup, you risk losing important information forever.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the three official reset methods (via menu, Recovery and Fastboot), as well as how to prepare the phone for the procedure and what to do if the Mi 8 does not respond to commands, and pay special attention to the hidden nuances that are not written in standard instructions - for example, why the IMEI can disappear after a reset or how to avoid the "No command" error in Recovery mode.

If your Xiaomi Mi 8 is unstable — often restarts, slows down, or makes errors when installing apps — resetting is often the most effective solution. But before you start, make sure that the problem is not with the memory filled or the outdated firmware. Sometimes it is enough to clear the cache or update the MIUI to return the smartphone to its previous performance.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset the Xiaomi Mi 8 to factory settings, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which will save you from data loss and unforeseen problems like blocking your Mi Account.

First, back up all your important data. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset) or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Note: MIUI backup does not save:

• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords
• 📱 Data from certain applications (such as WhatsApp or banking programs)
• 🎵 Music and video downloaded manually

Second, check your Mi Account binding. Once reset, the phone may require you to enter a login and password from an account that was active before the procedure. If you forget the data, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com. On models with MIUI 12 and later when reset via Recovery, Factory Reset Protection (FRP) can work, which will lock the phone without confirming the account.

Third, charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the discharge process due to discharge can cause the device to fail (total) and if the phone is discharged, plug it into charging for 20-30 minutes before the procedure.

Backup in Mi Cloud or Google Drive|

Check the attached Mi Account and remember the password |

Charge your phone to 50% or more |

Make sure that SIM-Card retrieved (if you plan to sell)|

Write it down. IMEI phone (in case of problems after resetting)-->

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

If your Xiaomi Mi 8 is turned on and reacts to touch, use the built-in reset menu, which is the easiest and least risky method, since the phone controls the process itself.

Step instructions:

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-10 minutes. Upon completion, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after purchase. If at this stage the phone requires data input from Mi Account, use the account that was tied before the reset.

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If after reset, the phone asks for a password from Mi Account and you do not remember it, try to restore access through your computer.

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Attention: Some firmware may lose access to the mobile network after a menu reset, due to a modem reset. To return the connection, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point (APN) and select the operator manually.

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 8 doesn’t load beyond the MI logo, freezes on the lock screen or gives out errors when you start, use Recovery mode. This method works even in case of serious system failures, but requires accuracy.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears and the vibrations are visible.
4. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

• 🔹 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
• 🔹 Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
• 🔹 Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
• 🔹 Go back to the main menu and select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

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Note: If you select Wipe Data and have a "No command" error with the Android robot lying down, you're going to have to reflash your phone via Fastboot (see next section).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (for example, due to a damaged Recovery or a blocked bootloader), then reset via Fastboot mode, which requires a computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers, but is guaranteed to work even on bricks.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔋 Charging the phone at least 30%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Xiaomi Mi 8.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB/Fastboot.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
6. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be completely cleaned. If after this procedure, the Mi 8 requires unlocking the bootloader, follow the instructions on the screen (you will need a tied Mi Account).

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Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring the Xiaomi Mi 8 back to life with damaged firmware or locked Recovery. However, it requires an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, first unlock it through the official Mi Unlock app.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi 8 will offer to go through the initial setup, at which point it is important to properly configure the key settings to avoid problems in the future.

Main steps:

• 🌍 Select the language and region (Russia is recommended for the correct operation of services).
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (required to restore backup).
• 🔑 Enter the data from the Mi Account that was tied before the reset (if required).
• 📱 Restore data from the backup (if you created it in advance).
• 🔒 Set up the lock screen (recommended) PIN graphical).

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Note: If after reset mobile Internet disappeared, check the settings APN. Automatic configuration may not work. Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) Add your operator’s manual settings (you can find them on the provider’s website).

Also after discharge is:

• 🔄 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Avast or Dr.Web) to check the system.
• 📁 Clean internal memory of unnecessary files (Settings) → Warehouse).

Common Post-Dump Problems and Their Solutions

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

If none of these methods worked, it may be hardware (e.g., a motherboard or memory module) that is damaged, and you can contact the service center. For the Xiaomi Mi 8, there are official centers in most major cities; you can find the nearest one on the Xiaomi Service website.

How to avoid data loss during resetting

Many users lose important files due to improper preparation for a reset. To prevent this from happening, follow these tips:

📌 Keep backup copies in several places:

• 🖥️ Local copy on the computer (via Mi) PC Suite or manually).
• ☁️ Cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).
• 📱 External drive (flash drive through) OTG or SD-map, if supported).

📌 Check what exactly is being saved:

By default, MIUI backup does not include: photos in the DCIM folder, browser downloads, data from certain games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

📌 Use specialized tools:

• 📷 For photos: Google Photos (automatic synchronization).
• 💬 For communications: SMS Backup & Restore (Saves) SMS call history).
• 🎮 For games: built-in backup features (e.g., in Clash of Clans binding to Google Play Games).

📌 Write down important settings:

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Before reset, take pictures of screens with Wi-Fi, APN, accounts, and sync settings, which will save time when resetting.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 8