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

Why Redmi 8 reset could be a lifesaver for your smartphone

Xiaomi Redmi 8 owners often experience situations where the phone starts to slow down, spontaneously restart or give out errors when installing applications. The reasons can lie in overloaded memory, software conflicts or the consequences of failed updates. In 80% of these cases, resetting to factory settings helps to restore the device to its former performance - but only if the procedure is performed correctly.

This article will not just list the reset methods, but will explain how to prepare the phone so that you don’t lose important data, which methods are safer for beginners and which require experience, and we will also analyze the typical errors that make the Redmi 8 after reset can turn into a brick, and how to avoid them. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with MIUI Recovery is a Xiaomi branded tool that many users use incorrectly.

Important: the reset procedure on the Redmi 8 (model M1908C3IG/M1908C3IH) has features compared to other Xiaomi smartphones. For example, there is no separate Bixby button, and the combinations for entering the Recovery are different from the Redmi Note series. If you have previously reset other models, do not rely on past experience!

When you really need a reset: 5 good reasons

Resetting to factory settings is not a panacea, but a last resort. Before you start, make sure your problem falls into one of these categories:

• 🐢 Critical slowdown: the phone “hangs” by 10+ seconds when opening applications and in Settings → The phone shows CPU loading more than 70% in standby mode.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: Redmi 8 turns on, shows logo MIUI, It turns off and repeats the cycle, often after a failed update.
• 🚫 Account lock: you forgot your pattern lock or password, and Find the Device is disabled, in which case resetting is the only way to unlock the phone.
• 📱 System errors: persistent notifications such as “com.android.phone process stopped” or crashes when calling.
• 📦 Preparing for sale: to delete all personal data, including app cache and files in hidden folders.

If your problem doesn’t make it to this list, try alternative solutions:

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting your phone due to viruses, remember that some malware (e.g. xHelper) can persist even after a hard reset.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Many users lose photos, contacts and messages simply because they are unaware of hidden folders in the app. MIUI. Like a folder. MIUI In internal memory stores backup copies of notes and records of the recorder, and the folder Android/data — Standard copying files through Explorer won't capture them.

Here is the full preparation checklist:

Make a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset

Copy DCIM, Pictures, Downloads folders on PC

Export contacts to.vcf file via Contacts app

Save SMS with SMS Backup & Restore

Record the phone's IMEI (type *#06#) in case of network problems after resetting-->

Pay special attention to the associated accounts:

• 🔗 Mi Account: If you forget your password, the reset may block your phone (Mi Cloud Activation Lock function.
• 📧 Google account: after reset, you will need to enter the data of the last associated account (protection) FRP). If you don’t remember your password, delete your account from your device via myaccount.google.com.

The critical feature of Redmi 8 is that if you use the memory card as internal memory (Adoptable Storage function), it will have to be formatted separately after the reset. SD-map.

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If you plan to sell your phone, reset before deleting your Mi Account. Once reset, the device will automatically unplug your Xiaomi Cloud profile and the new owner will not be able to recover your data.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a good method if the phone is switched on and you remember the unlock password, and the main advantage is the minimum risk of errors, since the process is controlled by the MIUI system.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. If requested PIN-code or password - enter it.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone (button will be active in 5 seconds).
6. Wait for the reboot (it takes 3-7 minutes), the Redmi logo will appear on the screen, then the initial setup wizard.

What happens at this stage:

• 🗃️ All user data, including apps, photos and settings, are deleted.
• 🔄 Standards are being restored APK-file MIUI (For example, Browser, Music).
• 🔒 Reset all passwords (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts in applications).
• ⚙️ Returns factory screen, sound and notification settings.

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, do not try to guess! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (for experienced)

This is a method that you need if your phone doesn't turn on, if it's stuck on the logo, if it doesn't respond to touch, and unlike the settings menu, you're using lower-level tools, so you're more likely to make mistakes.

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Redmi 8:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press and hold the Volume Up button (+) + Power button.
3. Release the buttons when the Mi logo appears on the screen (usually 5-8 seconds later).

Recovery menus are controlled by volume buttons (+/- for navigation) and power button (select). Chinese interface, but the desired items are easy to identify by icons:

Step-by-step reset via Recovery:

1. Select the item with the icon 🧹 (Wipe Data).
2. Confirm the choice (on some versions) MIUI need to be PIN-code).
3. Wait for the process to be completed (there will be a progress bar on the screen).
4. Select Reboot (Icon) 🔄) reboot.

Common errors when resetting via Recovery:

• ❌ Interrupting the process: If you take out the battery or turn off the phone during a reset, it can damage the partition /data. The phone can be restored only through Fastboot.
• ❌ Wrong choice: Wipe All Data (if any) erases everything, including internal memory.
• ❌ Ignoring Warnings: If Recovery writes "Cannot mount" /data", It means that the partition is damaged. Resetting in this case will not help, you need to flash the firmware.

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Resetting through Recovery does not remove system updates. If the problem was caused by a firmware error, it can return after the reset, in which case you will need to roll back to a stable version of MIUI.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (last resort)

This method is used when the first two did not work or the phone is completely “bricked” (does not respond to buttons, does not load in Recovery).

Warning: Fastboot missteps can turn Redmi 8 into a brick, a method that is only recommended if you are confident in your skills or follow instructions from Xiaomi’s official service.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (Mac procedure is more difficult because of drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi 8 (download from the official website miuidownload, choose the version of Fastboot).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Volume Down button (-) + Power button to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh (the COMX device should appear).
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "Critical Partition Flashing Is Forbidden", it means that the phone has activated the bootloader lock, and you can unlock it only through official permission from Xiaomi (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, Redmi 8 will start in initial setup mode, where it is important to set the key settings correctly to avoid future problems:

• 🌍 Selecting a region: specify Russia or Global to avoid problems with Google services. If you choose China, many applications (such as YouTube or Gmail) will not work without Google services. VPN.
• 🔄 System Update: After reset, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Update system: Install only stable versions (marked as Stable).
• 📱 Data recovery: If you backed up through Mi Cloud, restore it at the setup stage. For local backups, use the Mi Mover app.
• 🔒 Security: Enable Find the Device (Settings) → Google → Security and link your Mi Account (this will protect your phone from theft).

If there are problems after the discharge:

Advice for selling the phone: before transferring the new owner, do:

1. Reset to factory settings (by any of the methods described).
2. Delete your Mi Account through Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Delete your account.
3. Formatting a memory card (if used as internal memory)

Frequent questions about the Redmi 8 reset