How to reset Xiaomi Mi 8 to factory settings: all ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 8 to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing critical errors or preparing for a software update. However, improper actions can lead to data loss, locking an account or even “bricking” the smartphone.

The process varies depending on the state of the phone: whether it works, whether the screen is locked, whether it is connected to the Mi Account, and we will look at all the current methods, including resetting through settings, Recovery Mode, and even using Fastboot for dead devices. We will pay special attention to the nuances related to protection FRP and binding to the Xiaomi account.

Important: If you plan to sell or transfer a smartphone, remember to untie your Mi Account before resetting, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your data.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps that will save you from data loss and activation problems after the procedure.

Save important information: contacts, photos, messages and files. Even if you plan to reset due to a problem, backup will help restore data to a new device. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or physical copying to your PC via a PC via a new device. MTP-protocol.

Check the status of your Mi Account: if your smartphone is linked to your account, you will need to enter your login and password after the reset. Make sure you remember the data or unplug the device in Settings → Mi Account → Delete your account. On models with MIUI 12+ and later, the account binding is retained even after the reset via Recovery, unless you unlock it in advance.

• 📱 Charge the battery to minimum. 50% — discharge may take up to 10-15 minutes, and the discharge during the process will lead to failure.
• 🔌 Prepare the cable. USB (Original! – You’ll need it to reset via Fastboot if the phone doesn’t turn on.
• 🔑 Make sure there is no blockage. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: On the Mi 8, it activates automatically when you add a Google account.
• 📋 Write it down. IMEI — It may be needed to restore the network after reset (you can find it in Settings). → Phone or battery).

⚠️ Note: If you drop your phone because of the sale, but forgot to unplug the Mi Account, the new owner will not be able to use the device without your help.

Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Create a backup copy of the data|Unlock the Mi Account (if the sale is planned)|Write it down. IMEI and serial number|Prepare. USB-cable and PC (for emergency resetting)

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2. Reset via the settings menu (the safest way)

If the Xiaomi Mi 8 is turned on and reacts to touch, use the built-in reset function.This method preserves firmware integrity and minimizes risks.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter a password/pattern lock if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to set it up as new.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (especially custom) menu item may be called Additional → Reset and restore. If you can't find the section, search by settings (lamp icon at the top of the screen).

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If the phone takes longer to load (over 15 minutes) after reset, don't panic.The first boot after reset can take up to 20 minutes - that's normal for the Xiaomi Mi 8 with a MIUI 10-12.

3. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Mi 8 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touches, use Recovery Mode.This method works even when the screen is locked, but requires knowing the password from the Mi Account (if it was tied).

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.
3. Hold until the Mi logo appears, then let go.
4. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).

Next:

1. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
2. Confirm the action (a password may be required).
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

• 🔄 If the phone is stuck on the logo again after reset, repeat the procedure or try resetting via Fastboot.
• 🔐 Some firmware in Recovery asks for a password from Mi Account. If you forget the data, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
• 📱 If Recovery doesn’t open, check the buttons – on the Mi 8, a frequent problem with volume button contacts.

4. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

If the phone is completely off or locked and Recovery is not available, use Fastboot.This method requires a computer and installed Xiaomi drivers, but bypasses most locks.

Tools required:

• 💻 Windows PC 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (poor cables may interrupt the connection).
• 📦 Firmware archive for Mi 8 (select Fastboot version, not Recovery).
• 🛠 MiFlash utility (official firmware program).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Install drivers if Windows requests them (download from the official website).
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi8_Fastboot).
4. Launch MiFlash.exe, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All (Full Reset) mode.
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If after firmware through Fastboot phone requires the entry of a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, recovery is possible only through an authorized service Xiaomi.

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring the Xiaomi Mi 8 back to life with a damaged firmware or locked bootloader, but it requires strict adherence to instructions and the original USB cable.

5. Solving problems after discharge

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them.

The phone will not be switched on after resetting:

• 🔋 Check the battery power - plug in to charge for 30 minutes, then try turning on.
• 🔄 Try logging into Recovery and repeat the reset.
• 💻 If the screen is black, but the PC detects the device in Fastboot, run the phone again.

Mi/Google account requests after reset:

• 🔑 Enter the last account you linked to, and if you forget your password, restore it through Xiaomi.
• 📧 For Google. FRP Use the recovery page.
• 🛠 If the accounts do not untidy, contact the service – self-bypassing the lock violates the policy of Xiaomi.

No net after discharge:

• 📶 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and set up APN manually (options can be requested from the operator).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the communication module is not initialized the first time.
• 📡 Check if the mode is on on the plane (aircraft icon in the notification curtain).

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If features like NFC or contactless payment are lost after the reset, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware via Settings → System Update. On Mi 8, these modules depend on the version of MIUI.

6. How to avoid data loss during a reset

Many users lose photos, contacts and messages due to improper preparation. Here's how to save data before resetting:

Methods of backup:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Automatically saves contacts, notes, SMS And photos. Included in Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
• 📁 Local copy: in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset select Local Backup. The file will be saved in the folder MIUI/backup.
• 💻 Copying on PC: connect the phone to USB, Select the File Transfer Mode (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Downloads, Pictures.
• 🤖 Google Account: syncs contacts, calendar and some settings. Check Settings → Accounts. → Google.

To recover data after resetting:

1. When you first set up your phone, select Restore from backup.
2. Specify the source (Mi Cloud, Google or local file).
3. Wait until the process is complete – it can take up to an hour depending on the amount of data.

⚠️ Note: If you have used device encryption (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption, backup on PC will be unavailable without password. Copy files in decrypted form in advance.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistakes in resetting Xiaomi Mi 8 are often due to ignorance of firmware features or hardware problems, and here are the most common ones:

Error: "Cannot verify update" in Recovery

• 🔧 Reason: A corrupted firmware file or an incompatible version.
• 🛠 Solution: download the firmware again from the official site and try again.

Error: "Mi Account Locked" after reset

• 🔒 Reason: The phone was tied to a Mi Account but not untied before the reset.
• 📧 Solution: restore access to your account or contact the service with proof of ownership of the device.

Mistake: Phone vibrates but doesn't turn on after reset

• ⚡ Reason: battery drained or damaged power connector.
• 🔌 Solution: Connect to charging on 1-2 If it doesn't work, take it to the repair.

Error: "No command" in Recovery

• 🤖 Reason: Recovery malfunction or incompatible firmware.
• 🔄 Solution: Press the power button + Volume up 10 seconds to reboot Recovery.

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Most of the errors in resetting the Xiaomi Mi 8 are due to the failure to follow two rules: insufficient battery power and ignoring the binding to the Mi Account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions