Modern smartphones accumulate gigabytes of temporary files, app cache and system debris, which over time inevitably leads to a decrease in performance. If your Xiaomi Mi 8T started to run slower, hover in games or discharge faster than usual, a radical but effective solution is to return to the original state of the system. This procedure completely cleans the internal memory of the device, removing all user data, accounts and installed programs, returning the gadget to the freshness of the first day after purchase.
The reset process is not only necessary to optimize performance, but also in situations where the device is blocked by malware or you forgot the pattern lock to unlock the screen. It is important to understand that a full reset is an irreversible operation that requires prior preparation. Unlike a simple reboot, all partitions of user memory are deleted, so ignoring the backup rules can lead to irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and correspondence in messengers.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all available methods for restoring factory settings on the Mi 8T, including standard MIUI tools and Recovery Menu mode. We will break down the nuances of working with Mi Account, explain how to bypass theft protection, and provide a checklist of actions to be performed before starting the procedure.
Before you start taking action, make sure your device has a battery charge of at least 60-70%. Interrupting the firmware or reset process due to battery discharge can damage system partitions and turn the smartphone into a "brick." If you have the opportunity, connect the phone to a Wi-Fi network, although the Internet reset process itself is not always mandatory, it will be required for the initial system setup after cleaning is completed.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
The first and most critical step is to back up all the important data. The Xiaomi ecosystem has a built-in tool to save contacts, messages, call logs, and even desktop icons. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Restore, select the right type of data and start the process. The finished backup file is best saved to your computer or to the cloud, as it will be deleted with the rest of the information when reset.
Special attention should be paid to sync with the Mi Cloud and Google account. If you plan to sell a device or transfer it to another user, you need not only to reset the settings, but also pre-detach the device from accounts. → Mi Account and click "Log Out"; similar action should be done in the Google section. → Google Account by selecting to delete your current profile from your device.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Don’t forget two-factor authentication. After resetting when logging in to some apps (like banking or instant messengers), you may need to confirm login via SMS or Push notification on another trusted device. Make sure you have access to the phone number tied to the SIM card that will be installed in the Mi 8T after the reset.
⚠️ Note: If you do not log out of your Mi Account before resetting, the phone will require you to enter a password from that account (Find Device) after activating the account. Without this data, it will not be possible to activate the device and it will remain locked.
Resetting settings via MIUI menu (standard method)
The safest and most recommended way to get back to factory settings is to use the standard operating system interface, which is ideal for situations where the smartphone is turned on, the screen is responsive to touch, and you have full access to the settings. The action algorithm is standardized for most MIUI shells, but the location of the items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom of the About section. Here you are interested in Resetting (or Advanced Settings → Recovery and Reset in older versions of MIUI). The system will warn you that all data will be deleted, and offer two options: Reset (without deleting personal files) and Erase all data (full reset).
Once you select the data erasure option, the system will ask you to enter the screen unlock password or pattern lock to verify the identity of the owner. This is a security mechanism that prevents the accidental or malicious reset of someone else's phone. Once you enter the password, press the red "Reset Settings" button and confirm the action in the pop-up window. The device will reboot, and the cleaning process will begin, which can take from 5 to 15 minutes.
During the process, the Xiaomi logo or progress indicator may be displayed on the screen. Do not try to interrupt the system, press buttons or remove the battery (which, by the way, is not removable in the Mi 8T), Any interference at this point can damage the file table.
| Parameter | Description of action | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting settings | Returns system settings to default, but saves photos, music and applications. | Low (app settings may be confused) |
| Erase all data | Complete (format) partition of userdata. Removes absolutely everything. | Critical (recovery without backup is impossible) |
| Reset via Recovery | Hardware reset, used when the sensor or system is not working. | Critical (similar to complete erasure) |
Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
Situations where the touch screen stops responding, the system freezes on the logo or the phone goes into an endless reboot require the use of Recovery Mode. It is a low-level environment built into the device’s memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main Android interface. To enter this mode on the Xiaomi Mi 8T, a combination of physical buttons is used.
Turn off your smartphone completely. If it freezes and doesn't turn off in the usual way, press the power button 10-15 seconds before it vibrates. Once the screen goes out, immediately press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears.
Navigation in the Recovery menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by a short press of the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. In the next menu, select Wipe All Data. The system will request confirmation again - select Confirm. After cleaning, select Back to Main Menu, then Reboot and Reboot to System.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Importantly, in newer versions of MIUI firmware, the Recovery menu may require unlocking through a screen password if the security feature was previously enabled.If you don't remember the password, this method may not be available and you will need to use specialized software on a PC like the Mi Flash Tool, which is a more complex procedure.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touchscreen does not work, all actions are performed only with mechanical volume and power buttons. Be careful when selecting points, so as not to delete the system partition by mistake.
Remote reset via Google Find My Device
If your Xiaomi Mi 8T is lost or stolen and you don’t have physical access to the buttons, the only way to protect your data is by remotely resetting it, using Google Find My Device, which is only effective if your phone is on, connected to the internet (mobile or Wi-Fi) and logged in to your Google account.
Go from any other device (computer or smartphone) to google.com/android/find. Log in to the same account used on the lost phone. The service will try to locate the device. From the menu on the left, select the option “Erase Device” (Erase Device), the system will warn that all data will be deleted without recovery.
Once confirmed, the command will be sent to the phone, and once the Mi 8T is online, it will automatically start the formatting process, and once the reset is complete, the phone will reboot, but you won't be able to log in without your Google account, thanks to FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which makes the phone useless for the attacker.
Keep in mind that this method doesn't always work instantly, if the phone is in an area without a network, the command will stay in line and execute on the first connection, and some antivirus or MIUI power saving settings can block remote commands if the phone is in sleep mode.
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Useful tip: If you plan to sell the phone, after resetting through Find My Device, be sure to remove the device from the list of trusted in the security settings of your Google account so that the new owner does not run into anchoring issues.
FRP problem: what to do if your phone requests an account
FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is an Android security mechanism that prevents unauthorized users from using the device after a reset. If you have done Hard Reset through the Recovery buttons but have not logged out of your Google beforehand account, the first time you download it, the system will require you to enter a login and password from an account that was previously synced.
It's not a bug or a virus, it's a full-time theft protection. If you're the legitimate owner, just enter your details. If you forget your Google account password, use the Google site re-access procedure from another device. If you enter the wrong password several times, you can temporarily block the login.
In cases where the phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account, it is almost impossible to unlock the device legally. Bypassing FRP through third-party programs often requires the presence of a PC, special cables and technical skills, and carries the risk of installing modified software.
| Situation | Action required | The result |
|---|---|---|
| My account, I remember my password. | Enter the login and password at the start | Successful activation and entry |
| My account, I forgot my password. | Restoring access via email/phone | Access restored, phone unlocked |
| Buying a used account, someone else's account | Contact the seller to uncouple | Without the seller, the phone cannot be used. |
Initial adjustment after reset
Once the reset process is successfully completed, the Xiaomi Mi 8T will reboot and welcome you to the language selection screen, a step that resembles the first setup of a new phone: Choose a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network to activate Google services and update system components.
The system will offer to restore data from the backup. If you created a backup in Mi Cloud or Google Drive, you can choose it now, this will automatically return contacts, call history and the list of installed applications. However, large files (photos, videos) are better copied manually after setting up, so as not to overload the communication channel.
Be sure to check for system updates in the Settings → About Phone menu. After a reset, the phone may have an older version of MIUI that contains security vulnerabilities or bugs patched in newer releases. Updating to the latest stable version will provide maximum performance and autonomy.
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After reset, the system works faster, but the first 10-15 minutes can be observed increased battery consumption and heating.
Take your time to install all the apps at once. Set the minimum necessary to assess the stability of the system. If the phone is working correctly, you can gradually return the rest of the software. It is also recommended to reconfigure the biometric protection (fingerprint and facial recognition), since the old data has been deleted.