How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 8A to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why a factory reset could be a lifesaver for your Redmi 8A

Xiaomi Redmi 8A is one of the brand’s most popular budget phones, but even it eventually starts to “slow down,” make mistakes, or just behave unpredictably. If your gadget gets slower, apps spontaneously close and the battery goes down in a couple of hours — resetting to factory settings can give it a “second life,” a process that deletes all user data, returning the system to its original state as after purchase.

But before you start, it's important to understand that resets aren't a panacea; they won't fix hardware problems like a broken screen or a broken battery; they won't update hardware or increase memory; they do work on software problems like viruses, application conflicts, bugs after failed updates or "curves" of firmware; they also need to do a reset before selling your phone so that the new owner doesn't get access to your data.

In this article, we’ll cover all the current ways to reset the Redmi 8A, including hidden nuances that are not even mentioned in the official instructions, how to do this through the settings menu, using physical buttons (if the phone doesn’t turn on), and even through the computer, and how to prepare for the procedure so that you don’t lose important data.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting to factory settings is an irreversible process. All your photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and settings will be deleted. So the first step is to save important data.

• 📱 Sync accounts: Check that contacts, notes and email are linked to Google or Mi Account. → Accounts and make sure synchronization is enabled.
• 📁 Copy files to your PC or cloud: photos, videos and documents can be transferred through the USB-cable, Mi Cloud or third-party services like Google Drive.
• 🔑 Remember passwords: once reset, you'll need to re-enter logins from social networks, banking apps, and other services. Use a password manager or write them down in a secure location.
• 📱 Make sure the phone is charged: if the reset is interrupted due to a discharged battery, it can cause serious system errors%.

Also, it is worth considering that after resetting the phone may require you to enter data from Mi Account, if previously the function “Device Protection” was activated (found on the firmware with MIUI 12 and later). If you do not remember the password from the Xiaomi account, restore it in advance on the official website – otherwise it will be difficult to unlock the device.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 8A If you don't know if it's tied to someone else's Mi Account, a reset could lock the phone permanently, you'll need to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

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

If your Redmi 8A is activated and responsive, it's the fastest and safest way to do it, it doesn't require any additional tools, and it's even suitable for beginners.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select the About Phone section.
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (in some versions of MIUI it may be called Resetting).
4. Select Reset (or Reset all settings).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock, if installed.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything (or Reset the phone).

And then the phone automatically restarts and starts the cleaning process. It can take 5 to 15 minutes -- don't interrupt it! When you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

The phone is at least 50% charged.

Important data copied to the cloud or on PC

Remember the password from the Mi Account (if tied)

- All off. VPN and proxies (they may prevent the resetting)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI If you don't remember your account, the phone will become a brick. Before reset, check the link to Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account.

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

If the Redmi 8A is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to touch, or doesn’t turn on at all, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which works even if you have a serious system failure, but requires care – wrong actions can make the problem worse.

Here’s how to make a hard reset through Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out).
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time and hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery Mode menu (black screen with yellow inscriptions in English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select a point. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (some firmware may call it Yes).
6. Once completed, select Reboot (or Reboot to System) to reboot.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, don't be alarmed -- the characters mean "Clear Data" and "Reset." The key is to avoid choosing items with the words fastboot or download, so as not to put your phone into firmware modes.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after resetting via Recovery, try charging it in a shutdown state for 30 to 60 minutes, sometimes a discharged battery blocks the system from starting.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is a method that works if the first two don't work, or if you want to completely reflash your phone, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. Use it only as a last resort!

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux fixed ADB Tools).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (a faulty cable may interrupt the process!).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 8A (Suitable for your model – Olivelite for the global version).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.
2. Connect the Redmi 8A to your computer, and you're going to see a bunny in a Fastboot hat on your phone screen.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
4. Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware through Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick.Make sure the firmware version matches your model's codename (olivelite for Redmi). 8A). Check it out in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (before discharge).

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, Redmi 8A will be activated in initial settings.

1. Choose the language and region (we recommend Russia for the correct operation of Google services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (required, otherwise you will not be able to download updates).
3. Sign in to Mi Account or Google Account if they were previously linked.
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created through Settings → Backup).
5. Install critical system updates (check in Settings → About Phone → System Update).

Don’t be in a hurry to install all the apps at once. First check how the phone works “in its pure form”:

• 🔋 See if the battery is running out too quickly.
• 📱 Make sure there are no lags when opening standard apps (Camera, Phone, Messages).
• 🌡️ Check the body temperature – if the phone is warming without a load, there may be a problem in the hardware.

If there are problems after reset (for example, the phone still brakes), this may indicate:

• 🔋 Battery wear (check in Settings) → Battery → Battery status).
• 🛠️ Breakdown of flash memory (frequent errors when writing files).
• 📡 Problems with the communication module (if not catching the network or Wi-Fi).

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If the phone is working normally after reset, but after a while the problems return, one of the installed applications is to blame.

Frequent Redmi 8A Reset Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple process like resetting can go wrong, and here are some of the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after a reset, which can happen if you used unofficial firmware or misfolded your phone through Fastboot. You can check the IMEI by dialing *#06# in the phone app. If Null or Invalid is displayed instead of a number, you will have to restore it through an engineering menu or service center.

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If the sound is gone after the reset, check to see if Do Not Disturb or Vibration is activated in the sound settings, and also make sure that no dust or moisture is in the speaker.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi 8A Reset