How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings: all ways + FAQ

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even it eventually starts to “brake,” give out bugs or require a complete cleanup before selling.Reset to factory settings (hard reset) solves most software problems, but it’s important to do it correctly so as not to lose important data or lock the device.

In this article, you will find 3 proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), unique nuances for MIUI 12/13/14, and instructions for recovering data after the procedure. We will discuss how to avoid typical errors (for example, requesting a Mi Account after a reset) and what to do if the phone does not turn on.

If you plan to sell or transfer Redmi 8, be sure to read the section on secure data deletion – a standard reset doesn’t always erase information permanently!

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting to factory settings removes all user data, including:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 📷 Photos, videos and documents in internal memory
• 🎮 Installed applications and their settings
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts in social networks and instant messengers

Before you start, follow these steps:

Backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup |

Sync your contacts with Google Account |

Transfer photos/video to PC or cloud |

Record passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts |

Charge your phone to at least 50% |

Delete your Mi Account if you are planning to sell|Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account (required after resetting)-->

Attention MIUI! If your Redmi 8 has MIUI 12 or later installed, after a reset, the system can request a password from the last Mi Account, even if you deleted it.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the Mi Account password, the reset will result in a complete lock on your phone, and you can only restore access through the official Xiaomi service with proof of ownership (check or box).

Also check if your phone is linked to your Google account (FRP-After reset, you may need to enter your login and password from the last Google account. If you do not remember it, use the instructions in the FAQ.

Preparation for sale |

Removal of lags and brakes|

Removal of viruses or malware |

Recovery after a failed update |

Another option-->

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (most secure)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if installed.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After the reboot, you'll see the initial setup screen, like after you buy it. If the phone requests a password from Mi Account, enter the last account you linked.

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If Redmi 8 hangs on the MI logo for a long time after reset, don’t panic – wait 15-20 minutes.

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

If Redmi 8 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or does not load, use Recovery mode.This method will also help if you forget the pattern lock.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power + Volume increase for 10 seconds).
2. Press both Power and Volume Up until the MI logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when the Recovery Mode menu appears (English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the order of items:

⚠️ Note: If you select Wipe All Data, you will see a Can't mount error. /data", It means damage to the memory partition, and then only resetting through Fastboot or flashing it will help.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔧 Recovery needs to be removed (for example, TWRP).
• 🛠️ Refresh your phone after a failed update.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) from Xiaomi's website.

Once you've firmware, the phone automatically restarts, and this method completely reinstalls MIUI, removing all the data and settings.

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring the phone back to life if it doesn't respond to buttons or is fixated on booting. However, it requires a computer and official firmware.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, Redmi 8 will offer to go through the initial setup. Follow the instructions on the screen, but pay attention to these points:

1. Account login:

• 📱 If the phone requests Mi Account, enter the details of the last account associated with the account.
• 🔑 If you forgot your password, use the recovery (you need access to an email or phone).
• 🚫 If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner to unbundle.

Data recovery:

• 📲 Contacts and calendars will automatically be restored if they are synced with Google.
• 🖼️ Photos and videos can be returned from Mi Cloud backup or Google Photos.
• 🎮 Apps are restored from Google Play (My Apps and Games section) → Library).

Optimization of work:

After reset, the Redmi 8 can run faster, but for long-term performance:

• ⚡ Turn off autoloading of unnecessary applications in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse → Clean up.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

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If after resetting the phone began to discharge faster, perform the battery calibration: completely discharge it before turning it off, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

Typical post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems.

If Redmi 8 doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo after reset, try:

1. Charge your phone for at least 30 minutes.
2. Repeat the reset via Recovery Mode.
3. Swipe your phone through Fastboot (see Method 3).

⚠️ Note: If the phone does not see after the reset SIM-Check if the beta version is installed. MIUI. Some firmware has network-enabled bugs, so the solution is to roll back to a stable version via the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 8