How to completely reset settings on Xiaomi Redmi 8: a detailed guide

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings 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 there are three fundamentally different methods for performing this operation, each of which has its own nuances and consequences. Wrong choice of method or errors in the process can lead to data loss, locking the device or even its “bricking”.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available reset options, including soft reset via settings, hard reset via Recovery and remote reset via Mi Account. You will learn how to properly prepare the phone, what data can be stored and what will be lost irretrievably, pay special attention to the typical errors that users make, and give specific recommendations for avoiding them.

Before you start the procedure, it is important to understand one thing: resetting is not a panacea. If your Redmi 8 is slowing down due to overloaded memory, it is better to first try to clean the app cache or delete unnecessary files. Reset should be used only when other methods have not worked, or when you really want to return the phone to a “clean” state.

1.Preparing the phone for resetting: what to do in advance

Even if you're determined to reset, don't act rashly, a few simple steps will help you avoid losing important data and make it easier to recover your phone after the procedure.

The first thing you need to do is back up. Redmi 8 has a built-in Settings tool → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. It saves:

• 📱 Contacts and call log
• 📁 Communications SMS/MMS
• 🖼️ System and application settings
• 🔑 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Devices Data

But remember, photos, videos and music are not copied by this tool, but you have to transfer them manually to your computer or to the cloud, and you can use Mi Cloud (if you have it set up) or third-party services like Google Photos for convenience.

Second, check your Mi Account. After a reset, your phone may require you to enter the account information that was linked to your device, and if you forget your password, restore it beforehand on Xiaomi's official website, otherwise you risk getting your device locked.

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If you sell a phone, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account settings, which will save the new owner from having to enter your details.

2. Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu

It's the simplest and safest method, and it's the most suitable method, and it doesn't require any special knowledge, and it's done right from the operating system, and the key is that the phone needs to turn on and respond to touch.

Instructions are Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (usually at the bottom of the list).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Settings Reset.
5. The system will tell you what to reset. To completely reset, mark Erase all data.
6. Enter a password/pattern lock if required.
7. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of data, and the phone will reboot several times, which is normal, and once the reset is complete, Redmi 8 will automatically turn on in its initial setup mode, as it did after the purchase.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Create a backup copy of important data|Remember the Mi Account data|Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell)-->

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

This method comes in handy if the phone is not turning on, stuck on the logo or not responding to touch, and it is performed through a special Recovery Mode, which is available even in case of serious system failures.

To log in to Recovery on Redmi 8:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then let them go.
4. In a few seconds, you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

In the Recovery menu, the volume (move) and power (select) buttons are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
4. Select Reboot to reboot.

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Note: If after reset via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - restore access through the site account.xiaomi.com. Without this, you will not be able to unlock the device.

Method 3: Remote reset via Mi Cloud

Few people know, but Xiaomi provides the ability to reset your phone remotely via the Mi Cloud web interface, which is convenient if the device is lost or stolen, but at the same time:

• 🔄 The phone is on and connected to the internet
• 🔒 It has the function Find the device.
• 📱 You have access to your Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi 8.
3. Click Find the device, then erase the data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.

Note that this method does not guarantee 100% reset, as it depends on the stability of the Internet connection and the condition of the phone. If the device is turned off or discharged, the reset command will be executed only after it is turned on and connected to the network.

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Remote reset via Mi Cloud erases data, but does not remove the lock Mi Account. After the procedure, the phone will still require you to enter the data of the last associated account.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Redmi 8, which can lead to unpleasant consequences.

🔋 Resetting at low battery charge

If the charge level is below 30%, the phone may turn off during the procedure, which can damage the system files. Always check the charge before resetting or connect the device to charging.

🔒 Forgotten password from Mi Account

This is the most common problem after a reset. If you don't remember your account details, restore them in advance, otherwise the phone will turn into a brick - it can only be unlocked through the official Xiaomi service (which takes up to 30 days).

📱 Use of informal firmware

If your Redmi 8 has custom firmware installed (like LineageOS), a reset via standard Recovery can result in a logo getting stuck, in which case it is better to use TWRP or other specialized tools.

🔄 Interruption of the discharge process

Don't take the battery out or press the buttons during the reset. If the process is interrupted, the phone may stop loading, and in such cases, only flashing through the Fastboot helps.

6.What to do after resetting settings

When the phone finally restarts, you will be greeted by the screen of initial setup, and here it is important to follow a few steps correctly to avoid problems in the future.

📱 Primary setting

Follow the instructions on the screen:

• Choose a language and region
• Connect to Wi-Fi
• Enter your Mi Account details (if the phone was tied)
• Set up a fingerprint or pattern lock

🔄 Data recovery

If you backed up through Mi Cloud or locally, you can now restore it:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Choose Recover Data.
3. Specify the source (cloud or local file).
4. Choose which data to restore (contacts, messages, settings).

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Warning: If you sell a phone, don't restore your data after a reset, which may result in the new owner gaining access to your information, instead, reset again without being linked to your account.

🔧 Optimization of work

After reset, the phone works like new, but to keep it in this state:

• 🚫 Do not install unnecessary applications
• 🧹 Clean the cache regularly in Settings → Annexes
• 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system
• 📵 Turn off the autoload of unnecessary applications

Frequently asked questions