Reset Xiaomi Mi 8 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos and videos

Why you need to reset Xiaomi Mi 8 and when to use it

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 8 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to restore the smartphone to work, which removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state.

First, if the smartphone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. Second, in preparation for the sale - to delete personal information. Third, if you forgot the pattern lock or unlock password. But it is important to understand that resetting will not help with hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen or a broken battery).

On the Mi 8 (model M1803E1A/M1803E1G), the procedure is nuanced by the firmware versions and bootloader status. For example, on devices with a locked bootloader, resetting via Fastboot requires pre-unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool. And MIUI 12+ has an accidental reset protection, now you need to confirm the action with a password from Mi-account.

Ready to Reset: What to Save and How to Avoid Data Loss

Before you start resetting, be sure to check the status of your Mi Account: if the phone is linked to your account, you will need to enter your login and password to activate it after the reset. Without this data, the Mi 8 will turn into a “brick” with the request “This device is locked”.

List of critical data for backup:

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: Export through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Mover application.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to your PC or Google Cloud Photos/Mi Cloud (check that sync is enabled!).
• 🔑 Passwords and Tokens: Save backup codes for two-factor authentication (e.g. from Google Authenticator).
• 🎮 Save Games: Use built-in cloud-based storage features (e.g., Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).

Pay special attention to applications with local data: banking programs (for example, SberBank Online), messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), fitness trackers (Mi Fit). They often store data that is not automatically synchronized. For WhatsApp, create a backup manually through Settings → Chat → Backup.

Disable Find My Device in Mi-account|Copy IMEI (type *#06#)|Charge the battery to a minimum 50%|Delete SIM-card and memory card (if any)|Check for drivers. ADB/Fastboot on PC (for alternative methods)-->

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 8 is installed TWRP or custom firmware, resetting through standard Recovery can result in a bootloop ( looped reboot).In this case, use only the method through Fastboot with the original firmware MIUI.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from a working system, and it is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the password from Mi-account (required to activate after resetting).
• ⚙️ You need to delete only user data without affecting the firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Update your system and make sure you have the latest version of MIUI installed (this minimizes the risk of errors).
2. Return to the main settings menu and go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset, then Delete all data.
4. Enter the password from Mi-account (if requested) and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes). After activation, follow the instructions of the setup wizard.

If the Mi 8 requires a password from your previous Google account (FRP protection) after reset and you don’t remember it, you’ll need to use Fastboot workarounds or contact the service center. On MIUI 14, this protection works more aggressively than on MIUI 10, so check your associated accounts in Settings → Accounts in advance.

Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (when the phone is not turned on)

If the Mi 8 doesn’t load beyond the MIUI logo, freezes on the No Command screen, or reboots cyclically, resetting through recovery mode will help, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires physical access to the device’s buttons.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will see the Recovery menu with a touch panel (on the Mi 8 it works even when the screen is broken, if the matrix is intact).

Next:

1. Select the language (if the menu is in Chinese, look for the character "clear the data").
2. Tap on Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (some versions of MIUI Recovery call it Clear All Data).
3. Confirm the action by swipe or press Confirm.
4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On the Mi 8 with unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP The standard Recovery may not be available. In this case, you need to download the reset. TWRP (feeding + Volume upwards longer than 20 seconds and select Wipe → Format Data, then enter Yes to confirm.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The method through Fastboot is the most reliable, but requires a computer and minimal knowledge of working with ADB.

• 🔧 I need to re-flash the Mi 8 to clean. MIUI (For example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 Password is forgotten and Recovery is blocked by Mi-account.
• 🛠️ Requires to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

Preparation:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Flash Tool).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then return to Additional → For developers).
3. Connect the Mi 8 to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

Instructions for discharge:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a bunny with the words Fastboot should appear).
2. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

(Serial number of the device must be displayed).

1. Run the reset command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For full flashing (if the smartphone does not turn on even after reset), download the official firmware for the Mi 8 from en.miui.com and run through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode (delete all data, including MIUI).

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If the phone doesn’t show up after the fastboot device command, install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers manually through Windows Device Manager. On Mi 8 (Snapdragon 845), this is a common problem due to the lack of signed drivers.

Frequent Mistakes When Resetting Xiaomi Mi 8 and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users face problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. "This device is locked" error after reset: Reason: Mi 8 is tied to Mi-account and you don't remember the data. Solution: restore access to your account or use the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires waiting 7-30 days to unlock).
2. Bootloop: Reason: Boot section or Magisk module conflict is damaged. Solution: Squeeze MIUI through Fastboot with Clean All ticked.
3. Recovery won't open: Reason: faulty buttons or custom Recovery (like OrangeFox).Solution: Use ADB to reboot in Recovery: adb reboot recovery
4. "Cannot load Android system" error: Reason: system partition is damaged. Solution: run MIUI through Mi Flash Tool in Clean All and Lock mode.
5. After resetting no network: Reason: the settings are lost IMEI Or Baseband. Solution: Check it out. IMEI *#06# and re-establish it if necessary. QCN-file (requires) QPST maui META).

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If the Mi 8 does not determine the SIM-NEVER enter the unlock codes of the network (NCK, SPCK) It can lock the modem permanently.

What to do after resetting: setup and optimization of the Mi 8

After a successful reset of the Xiaomi Mi 8, you will need an initial setup. Follow these steps for optimal performance:

1. Device activation: Connect to Wi-Fi and enter data from Mi-account (if requested).If the account is not tied, create a new one or skip the step.
2. Update firmware: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI. On the Mi 8, the current firmware is MIUI 14 (Android 12) or HyperOS (if available).
3. Data recovery: Use Mi Mover or Google Backup to restore contacts, messages and apps. Google Photos is good for photos.
4. Performance optimization: Turn off animation in Settings → Additional → Developer (set window animation, transition animation, and animator duration at 0.5x).
5. Battery check: After reset, calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat 2-3 times.

To extend the life of the Mi 8 after resetting:

• 🔋 Turn off Auto-Update apps in Google Play (saves charge and traffic).
• 🛡️ Install Magisk for root rights and optimization modules (e.g. Greenify for hibernation applications).
• 📵 Set up the Developer Mode → Background processes on Without background processes to save RAM.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Mi 8 Reset