How to completely reset the settings on Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even it can eventually start to slow down, issue bugs or require a complete system reset. Hard reset solves most software problems, from freezes to viruses. However, the wrong actions can lead to data loss or even a device blink.

In this article, you will find three official ways to reset – through the phone menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot, and learn how to prepare the Redmi 8 for the procedure to avoid typical errors.

When do I need to reset my settings on Redmi 8?

Resetting your smartphone to factory settings isn’t just about selling or transferring it to another user, but here are 5 signals that your Redmi 8 needs a “reboot”:

• 🐢 The phone has become slower to work - applications open for a long time, animation "slows down", although free memory is enough.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot – the device is constantly switched on and off for no apparent reason.
• 📱 System errors: messages like "Com.android.phone process stopped" or "System stopped" UI answer".
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or malware that is not removed by antivirus.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code, and other ways to unlock it do not help.

However, reset is not a panacea; if the problem is physical damage (for example, after a fall or moisture), then hard reset will not help, and in such cases, a diagnosis at a service center is required.

⚠️ Note: If you reset Redmi 8 due to a forgotten password, note that after the procedure you will need to enter the information of the Mi Account (if it was tied!

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you reset Redmi 8, follow 4 mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and account issues:

1. Back up. Use the settings. → System system → Backup or third-party applications like Titanium Backup (root rights required: 📞 Contacts (export to.vcf) 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) 📝 Messages (annexes such as: SMS Backup & Restore) 🎮 Save games (if linked to an account) Google/Mi)

Make sure you know the details of your Mi Account.

Mi Account

Find Device

Charge the battery at least 50%.

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Delete the memory card and SIM.

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, log out of all accounts (Settings → Accounts) and untie your device from Mi Cloud.

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

If the phone turns on and responds to commands, use this method. It's the least risky and doesn't require any additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (or Reset all settings).
4. The system will suggest choosing whether to delete files from internal memory. If you want to completely clean your phone, mark Clear internal memory.
5. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Press Reset and wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

Once completed, the phone will turn on with a welcome screen, as after purchase.If you haven’t cleared the internal memory, the personal files (photos, music) will remain intact, but all settings and applications will be deleted.

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 touches or is locked, resetting through recovery mode will help, which works even without access to the system, but requires physical access to the buttons.

Step-by-step:

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 and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with yellow text in English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (you may need to enter a password from Mi Account).
6. After cleaning, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 8 (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi8_Fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
4. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC via USB-cable.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone to restart.

After the procedure, the phone will be like new, with clean firmware, and this method also helps if you want to downgrade the MIUI version or remove root rights.

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If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a “couldn’t find fastboot” error, try running it on behalf of the administrator or install drivers manually through Device Manager (the device should be defined as Android Bootloader Interface).

What to do after resetting: setting up Redmi 8 from scratch

After hard reset, the phone will require initial setup. Follow these tips to avoid errors:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't log into your Google/Mi Account and download updates.
2. Skip the recovery from the backup (if you are not sure about its security); it is better to transfer the data manually.
3. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install the latest version of MIUI.
4. Set up your fingerprint and Face Unlock (if necessary) in Settings → Passwords and Security.
5. Enable “OEM Unlock” (Settings → For Developers) if you plan to get root rights.

If the phone is running slower than before, check:

• 🔋 Battery condition (possibly worn out and needs replacement).
• 📱 Free memory – if internal storage is less than 10%, the system will slow down.
• 🛠️ Background Processes – Turn off autoloading unnecessary apps in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.

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After reset, do not restore data from the backup created on the infected phone – this can return viruses or errors that caused you to make a hard reset.

Typical Redmi 8 Reset Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems, and here are 3 common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔌 "The phone doesn't turn on after a reset - usually associated with a discharged battery or an interrupted process.Plug it into a 30 minute charge and try again.
• 🔒 "Requires an old password after reset, which means you haven't untied your Mi Account. Enter the account you were tied to before the reset.
• 📱 "Hanging on the Xiaomi logo - possibly damaged firmware. Repeat reset via Fastboot with clean firmware.

If the phone does not determine after the reset SIM-map, check it out:

1. Is SIM inserted correctly (on Redmi 8 tray for two cards + microSD).
2. Are mobile networks activated in Settings? → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
3. Is IMEI damaged (you can find out by typing *#06#). If IMEI is missing, you will need to flash it back.

⚠️ Note: If after reset via Fastboot, the phone stopped seeing Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, most likely, the firmware was installed for another model).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi 8 Reset