How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 8A to factory settings: a complete guide with photos and videos

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 8A to factory settings is a radical but effective way to restore the smartphone to its previous performance, eliminate system errors or prepare the device for sale. However, the wrong actions can turn the procedure into a nightmare: from losing important data to completely locking the device due to binding to a Mi Account. In this article, you will find three proven reset methods (including hidden Recovery and Fastboot features), tips for saving data and instructions for unlocking after reset - taking into account the features of the Redmi 8A.

It's important to understand: Redmi 8A (codename olivelite) runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor and has unique nuances when reset via Fastboot, distinguishing it from models on MediaTek. `fastboot erase userdata` — It'll lead to a mistake. `FAILED (remote:'Not allowed in Lock State')`, If you don't pre-unlock the bootloader, we'll take a look at all the pitfalls in detail so you can avoid the typical mistakes.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure begins

Before you start resetting, answer two key questions: why do you do it and what will you lose: If the goal is to sell your phone, a standard reset is enough, if the device is slowing down, overheating or emitting errors, maybe the problem lies in MIUI, and you should first try alternative methods (cleaning the cache, rolling back updates).

List of things that will be irretrievably removed upon reset:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including hidden folders and screenshots).
• 📱 Contacts that are not synced to Google or Mi Cloud.
• 🎵 Music and downloads (including files from messengers).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, app settings, and game data (if not linked to your account).
• 📁 Local notes and files in the folder MIUI/Notes.

Make a backup copy through Mi Cloud|Copy photos on PC or Google Photos|Export contacts to VCF|Remember passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts|Get out. SIM-card and memory card if not necessary)

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Pay special attention to the Mi Account binding. Once reset, Redmi 8A may require you to enter a login and password from the last account, even if you disabled it in the settings. This is due to the Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature, which activates automatically when you turn on Find the device. If you do not remember the data, go to the FAQ, where we told you how to unlock the phone without a password.

Yes, via the settings menu | Yes, via Recovery | No, never | I tried but there were errors.

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2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, you have access to the menu, and you do not plan to sell the device (as the Mi Account will remain tied).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode (optional, but useful for debugging).
3. Return to the main Settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset Settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

The phone will restart and start the cleanup process. The MI logo and progress bar will appear on the screen. Don't interrupt the process, it can damage system files. On average, it takes 3-5 minutes to reset, after which the device will boot into a "out of the box" state.

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

If the Redmi 8A is stuck on the logo, does not respond to clicks or is blocked, a reset via Recovery Mode will help. This method is also useful if you forgot the pattern lock. However, there are nuances: the Redmi 8A has a custom Recovery from Xiaomi, which does not support touch control - only volume and power buttons.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power + Volume increase for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Up and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see a menu with an Android robot and the inscription No command.
4. Press Power + Volume Up again to open the full menu.

Follow the instructions:

• 🔹 Use Volume Down to select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on some versions).
• 🔹 Click Nutrition to confirm the choice.
• 🔹 Select Wipe All Data and confirm Power button again.
• 🔹 Wait until the end (the screen will appear the words Data wipe complete).
• 🔹 Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

Attention! Some Redmi 8A firmware may have Wipe Data called Factory Reset or Erase All. If you see a menu in Chinese, look for characters (that's reset).

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader. It is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t turn on (even in Recovery).
• 🔒 You want to remove the Mi Account binding (only if the bootloader is unlocked!).
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Archives from Google's platform-tools.
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked – follow the instructions below).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the platform-tools in the folder C:\adb.
2. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the adb folder (press Shift + right mouse button → Open the command window).
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear) - continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

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Warning! Resetting via Fastboot on a locked bootloader can result in a full lock of the phone (brick).If you are not sure of your actions, contact the service center.

5. How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 8A (if required)

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices to protect against unauthorized access.

1. Link your device to your Mi Account in settings (Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud).
2. Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to it under the same account.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

The process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) as Xiaomi imposes a restriction on new accounts. Once unlocked, you can use Fastboot for reset or firmware.

1. Use another. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

2. disable the antivirus and firewall.

3. Repeat the attempt after 24 hours (sometimes the Xiaomi server temporarily blocks requests).

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6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems, and we've collected some of the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Attention! If the Redmi 8A has been getting stuck on the MI logo for more than 10 minutes after the reset, it's a sign of damaged firmware. Don't try to reset the settings!

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 8A (Olisolete code) from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive and run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions