How to reset the Xiaomi Mi 8 settings: the full guide

Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, still remains a popular device due to its high-quality smartphone. AMOLED-The Snapdragon 845 processor and the screen, but over time, the operating system MIUI It can accumulate software errors, cause application conflicts, or simply require a complete clean before selling a gadget. In such situations, the only correct solution is a complete reset to factory parameters, which returns the device to its original state.

Memory and partition cleaning is a critically important operation that requires careful attention. Mistakes can lead to loss of personal data or, in rare cases, software failures that require flashing. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the available Mi 8 recovery methods, including standard resetting through settings, using Recovery mode and advanced methods through Fastboot.

Before you start taking action, you need to understand that Hard Reset deletes all user information, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. We have prepared a step-by-step guide that minimizes risks and helps you safely return your phone to factory speed.

Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure

The first and most important step is to back up the data. Without this step, it will be impossible to restore information after cleaning. Xiaomi Mi 8 owners are advised to use built-in MIUI tools or third-party cloud services to save important files.

It is also necessary to ensure that the battery is sufficiently charged: interruption of the reset process due to battery discharge can damage system files and inability to boot the operating system. The optimal charge level is considered to be above 60%.

• 🔋 Charge the device to minimum 60-70% before the beginning of the procedure.
• ☁️ Backup your contacts with your Google or Mi Cloud account.
• 📸 Save photos and videos to your computer or external drive.
• 🔒 Remember or write down the password from the Google account linked to the phone.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to sell your phone, be sure to log out of your Google and Mi Account before resetting to avoid blocking activation (FRP) proprietor.

Another important aspect of preparation is to turn off the screen protection if you remember the password, or vice versa, if you plan to log in after reset. Some versions of MIUI require confirmation of the unlock password before starting the cleanup procedure.

Reset via the MIUI settings menu

The easiest and safest way to bring the Xiaomi Mi 8 back to factory status is to use the built-in settings menu, which is suitable when the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you can get into the main menu.

To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to Advanced Settings. In some firmware versions, this section may be simply called About Phone or be in the Additional menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (Global, China, Russia).

Next, you need to find Recover and Reset, and here you have two options: reset or delete all data, and we're interested in the second option, which is often labeled as Erase all data.

Once you select the Delete all data, the system will ask you to enter the screen unlock password to confirm the operation, a protective measure to prevent unauthorized users from accidentally deleting the data. After you enter the password, press the confirmation button and wait for the reboot.

The cleaning process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory filled, which may show the Mi logo or animation of the Android robot on the screen, and don't try to interrupt this process, even if the phone seems to be getting stuck.

Reset via Recovery (Hard Reset)

If the smartphone does not turn on, hovers on the logo or does not respond to touching the screen, the only way out is to use Recovery mode. This method allows you to perform Hard Reset at the deep system level, bypassing the operating system interface.

To enter recovery mode on the Xiaomi Mi 8, you need to perform a certain sequence of actions with physical buttons, and it is important to do this quickly and accurately, since the system boot timer can start before you have time to press the desired keys.

Turn off the smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press and hold the Volume Up and Power button. When the Mi logo appears on the screen, release the power button, but continue holding the volume button until the main Recovery menu appears.

In the menu, navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. However, in newer versions of Recovery, control can be supported through a touchscreen, which greatly simplifies the process.

• 🔘 Select the interface language (usually available in English and Chinese).
• 🗑️ Click on Wipe Data (Erase Data).
• ✅ Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action with the Confirm button.
• 🔄 Once completed, click Back to Main Menu and select Reboot -> Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: When resetting via Recovery, Google and Mi accounts may not automatically unplug. When you first download, the system may require you to enter a password from an account that was previously synced to the device.

Using ADB to reset settings

For advanced users who have access to a computer, there is a USB debugging (ADB) method, which is especially useful if the touch screen is partially out of order but the system is booting, or if automation is required.

To work, you will need a set of drivers installed on the PC ADB And Fastboot. Also on the phone itself, the Debugging by Development option should be activated in the Developer section. USB. Connect your smartphone to your computer through high-quality USB-cable.

Open the command line or terminal in the ADB tool folder and enter the command to check the connection:

adb devices

If a device with a serial number appears on the list, it means that the connection is established.

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.SubSettings com.android.settings.Settings\$ResetDashboardActivity

Or use a more direct command to reset immediately (requires root rights or confirmed ADB permissions):

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

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Use the “adb reboot recovery” command to reboot your phone to recovery mode if the volume buttons on your device are faulty.

This method avoids the use of physical buttons, which is true for older devices where the mechanics could wear out, but it requires pre-tuning and basic command-line knowledge.

Solving Google Account Problems (FRP)

One of the most common issues after a Xiaomi Mi 8 reset is an activation lock known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection) which is a security mechanism that prevents the stolen phone from being used after a forced reset.

If you are not logged out of your Google account before reset, the system will require you to enter the username and password of the account that was last synced with the device when you first download it, without which you will not be able to use the phone.

The table below provides the main scenarios and solutions to account problems:

It is important to understand that bypassing FRP in legal ways without the owner’s password is almost impossible on modern versions of Android. Attempts to use third-party utilities to bypass the lock can lead to complete inoperability of the device.

What to do after resetting settings

After a successful reboot, the Xiaomi Mi 8 will come in the form of a fresh device, and the start screen will offer you to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi and adjust basic settings, which is the perfect moment to optimize the system.

Don’t rush to restore all applications from backup at once, it is recommended to initially set only the minimum required and check the stability of the system, which will help to determine whether the specific application was the cause of the problems.

Be sure to check for system updates. Go to Settings -> About Phone and click on the MIUI version. Installing the latest security patches can fix vulnerabilities that may have been exploited for bugs.

• 🚀 Update all system applications through the GetApps store or Play Market.
• 🛡️ Set up antivirus protection and check the device.
• ⚙️ Calibrate the sensors if there are problems with autobrightness or screen rotation after resetting.

⚠️ Warning: After first turning on, the phone can run slowly and heat up during the day. 30-60 This is normal, because the system indexes files and optimizes databases in the background.

If you sell your device, make sure the setup process is completed by the new owner and they are successfully logged in to your account, ensuring that the device will not return to you with a claim about the locks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Regular resetting of settings is not a mandatory maintenance procedure, but can significantly extend the life of a smartphone if it began to work unstable due to software debris.