Reset Xiaomi 8T to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 8T to factory settings is a forced measure when the smartphone starts to brake, emit errors or need to transfer it to a new owner. The procedure removes all user data, returning the device to the “out of the box” state. But many users face problems from accidentally deleting important files to getting stuck the phone in Fastboot mode.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Mi Flash Tool), explain how to prepare your phone to keep your photos and contacts safe, and warn against common errors, and answer the questions most commonly asked by Mi 8T owners after a failed reset.

When you need to reset Xiaomi 8T to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to bring your smartphone back to life. Here are 5 signals to do hard reset:

• 🐢 The phone slowed down to indecency: applications open on the Internet 10-15 Seconds, animations twitch, although free memory is enough.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: Mi 8T It turns on, shows the Xiaomi logo, turns off and repeats the process endlessly.
• 📱 System Errors: Constant notifications such as “Android System Stopped” or “Google Play Services Not Responding".
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code and your Mi Account is not tied (or you don’t remember the password from it).
• 📦 Preparing for the sale or transfer of your phone – so that the new owner does not get access to your data.

But resetting won't help if the problem is hardware, like a broken display, a faulty battery, or a damaged motherboard, and in those cases, you need repairs, not software flashing.

⚠️ Attention: If Xiaomi 8T not turned on at all (no charging response, no vibrating when you press buttons), a reset via Recovery or Fastboot can make things worse!

Preparing for resetting: how not to lose important data

Resetting to factory settings permanently removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
• 📞 Contacts if they are not synced with Google Account or Mi Cloud.
• 🎵 Music, documents and files downloaded manually.
• 🎮 Game saves (unless linked to a developer account).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, application settings and account data.

To avoid losses, follow 3 mandatory steps:

1. Sync contacts and calendar with Google Account: Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync contacts Check that the top menu displays your email and status “Synced”.
2. Copy files to your PC or cloud: 🖥️ Connect Mi. 8T computer-only USB (Select the File Transfer Mode). ☁️ Upload photos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (free 5GB available).

Keep a list of installed applications

Settings → Applications → Application Management → List Export

This will help to quickly restore the software after resetting.

If the phone doesn’t respond to touch or doesn’t turn on, try removing the microSD card (if it’s installed) – the data on it won’t suffer when reset.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method if the Xiaomi 8T is turned on and responds to commands, suitable for eliminating software lags without the risk of “bricking” the device.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Slip on Reset (in some versions of MIUI - Recover and Reset).
4. Select Reset all settings (not to be confused with Network Reset!).
5. Enter the password from Mi Account (if requested) or the pattern lock.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the initial setup screen, just like after you've bought it.

⚠️ Note: If after the discharge of the Mi 8T requires you to enter the old password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, restore access through account.xiaomi.com. Without this, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the phone!

💡

If resetting through settings doesn't help fix the lags, try first clearing the app cache: Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.This often solves the problem without completely restarting the system.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Xiaomi 8T is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to the screen, resetting through Recovery Mode will help. This method works even with damaged firmware, but requires accuracy.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the power button + volume button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. In the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English) and then tap on Wipe Data.
5. Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by entering Yes.
6. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Instructions:

1. Install drivers: Download Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers for Xiaomi 8T.
2. Download the firmware: Select the version MIUI for your model (for example, platina_global_images_V12.0.1.0.QEEMIXM global-firm).
3. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the Mi 8T, then press the power button + volume down until the hare appears in the ear-headed hat (Fastboot logo).
4. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the utility, click Select, specify the path to the unpacked firmware, then Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
6. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended). Clean All and Lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (only for official firmware).

Flash

⚠️ Attention: Continuous power is critical! If the process is interrupted, Xiaomi 8T You can turn into a brick. Use a laptop with a charged battery or UPS.

💡

Fastboot removes all data, including the contents of internal memory. If you want to save files, remove the microSD card (if any) and use method 1 or 2.

What to do after resetting Xiaomi 8T

After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial settings. Follow the instructions on the screen, but note a few nuances:

1. Don’t miss Mi Account setting: If you’re selling a phone, create a new account and log out immediately. If you keep it, log in to avoid lockdown issues.
2. Restore data from backup: 📱 Contacts and calendars will automatically be adjusted if your Google Account is synced. 📸 Photos can be downloaded back from Google Photos or Mi Cloud.

Update the firmware

Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI.

Set up your fingerprint and face unlock

Settings → Lock screen → Add a fingerprint

If the Mi 8T is slower than before it was cleaned, it may be a problem with the damaged memory. Check its health using the AIDA64 app (Storehouse → NAND State).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi 8T