How to reset Xiaomi Mi 8 to factory settings: a detailed guide

The Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, remains a popular smartphone thanks to its powerful hardware and flexible MIUI firmware. However, over time, even this flagship can start to slow down, issue errors or require a complete system reinstallation. Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance, eliminate software failures or prepare the gadget for sale.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset the Mi 8 (including the Mi 8 SE, Mi 8 Pro and Mi 8 Explorer Edition versions), as well as solutions to typical problems: from a blocked Mi Account to errors in Recovery mode. We will discuss in detail how to save important data before resetting, what settings should be fixed, and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to commands. Particular attention is paid to the nuances of working with an unlocked bootloader – this is critical for users installing custom firmware.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Resetting to factory settings deletes all user data, including:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 📷 Photo and video in internal memory (folder) DCIM)
• 🎵 Music, downloads and documents
• 🔑 Saved passwords from Wi-Fi and applications
• 🎮 Game data and application settings

Before you start, follow the mandatory steps:

Backup via Mi Cloud or Google Drive|

Synchronize contacts with your Google | account

Copy photo/video to PC or external drive |

Record or photograph important settings (APN, VPN, passwords) |

Check the battery level (minimum 50%)|>

Important for users with an unlocked bootloader: if you have installed custom recavators (such as TWRP), a standard reset via the menu can lead to a device blink.In this case, use only methods through Fastboot or Recovery with the original firmware pre-installed.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 8 activated the Find Device function in the Mi Cloud, after the reset, you will need to enter the information of the Xiaomi account associated with the phone!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This is a good method if the smartphone is turned on, touch-responsive, and you have access to the menu. MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14):

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone → Additional (or Advanced Settings in new versions).
3. Choose Recovery and Reset.
4. Slip on Settings Reset.
5. The system will suggest you select which to delete, and we recommend that you mark all items (including Network Settings and Applications).
6. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
7. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it. If the smartphone requests Mi Account data, enter the linked account.

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If the Mi 8 hangs on the Xiaomi logo for a long time after reset, don’t panic – this is normal for the first 10-15 minutes.If the freeze lasts more than 30 minutes, try restarting the device manually (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).

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

If the Mi 8 doesn’t load, freezes on the logo, or locks on the password screen, use Recovery, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care:

1. Turn off the smartphone (press the power for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
5. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Possible problems and solutions:

• 🔄 Menu in Chinese: Use a translator or point location (first Wipe Data, last Reboot).
• 🔒 Password Mi Account: If you forget your data, restore access through the official website.
• ❌ The "Can't mount" error /data": Indicates partition damage. The solution is to flash the device through the Fastboot (see Method). 3).

⚠️ Note: Some Mi 8 firmware (especially custom ones) may call the Wipe All Data item Format Data, in which case you will need to manually reinstall the firmware after formatting!

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to completely reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 📱 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 🔓 Requires to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high quality).
• 📄 Official firmware for Mi 8 (you can download on the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi8_Firmware).
2. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Power + Volume down for 5-7 seconds.
3. Connect the Mi 8 to your PC. Make sure that the Android Bootloader Interface is in Device Manager.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset) mode. + loader-lock).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).
7. After successful firmware, the smartphone will restart automatically.

Important: If the Mi Flash Tool gives you an Anti-rollback error, it means you are trying to flash an older version of MIUI than the one installed now.

Through the settings menu |

Through Recovery Mode|

via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool) |

I haven't tried it yet.|>

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the exact instructions, Mi 8 users may face problems, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

1.After the reset, it requires a Mi Account, but the data is forgotten

• 📧 Try to restore access through the recovery form (you will need a linked email or phone).
• 📱 If your account is linked to another Xiaomi device, log in to it – this will unlock the Mi 8.
• 🔓 In extreme cases, contact the support with proof of possession of the device (check or box).

2.The smartphone got stuck on the Xiaomi logo after reset

• ⏳ Wait 15-20 minutes – the first download after a reset can be long.
• 🔄 If the freeze continues, try resetting the settings via Recovery.
• 📥 If it doesn’t work, run the device through Fastboot (see Method 3).

3. "This device is locked" error in Fastboot

This error occurs if the Mi 8 bootloader is locked and you're trying to flash custom Recovery or firmware.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official tool (you will need a Xiaomi account and wait 72 hours).
• 📄 Use the official firmware and Clean all and lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool.

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If the Mi 8 does not respond to any of the reset methods, the cause may be a hardware malfunction (damaged memory, power controller).

Reset before selling: what to consider

If you’re preparing the Xiaomi Mi 8 for sale, it’s not enough to just reset your settings.

1. Untie the accounts: 📱 Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out. 🤖 Google Account: Settings → Google accounts → Delete the account.

Delete. SIM-memory-card

Perform the reset.

Check the device.

• Make sure that there are no photos or files left after the reset.
• Try to log in to Mi Cloud – if it requests data, the account is not completely untied.

Additional security measures:

• 🔒 If the Find Device function was activated on the device, turn it off in advance: Settings → Mi Cloud → Find Device → Shut down.
• 💳 Delete all stored payment data in Google Pay or Mi Pay.
• 📡 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Warning: If you sell the Mi 8 with an unlocked bootloader, be sure to alert the buyer! some firmware (e.g. Global Stable) may automatically block the bootloader when upgraded, which will lead to a device blink.

Data recovery after resetting

If you forgot to back up, the chances of returning the data depend on the type of reset:

To recover photos and documents after soft reset (without formatting the data section):

1. Install DiskDigger or Recuva on your PC.
2. Connect the Mi 8 to your computer in MTP mode (after reset, you may need to unlock the screen).
3. Select the internal memory partition and start the scan.
4. Save the files found on the PC.

Important: Do not write new data to your smartphone after a reset – this reduces the chances of recovery!

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If you only need to return contacts, check if they are synced with your Google account. Go to contacts.google.com from any device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 8

Through Recovery.

Recovery Mode

Through Fastboot.

If the Mi Account is not tied, it is impossible to unlock the device without losing data.