Resetting your smartphone to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get it back on track. Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, is still a popular budget device, but its owners often face the need to completely reset: due to viruses, MIUI errors, a forgotten pattern lock or before sale. Unlike resetting through settings, the method using the recovery mode works even when the system is not booting.
But the procedure has nuances: wrong actions can lead to locking the bootloader or losing the IMEI, the unique device identifier. In this article, we will break down the safe reset algorithm through stock and custom recavers, explain the difference between the two, and caution against typical errors. If you are looking for a way to bypass blocking a Mi Account, this guide is not for you: resetting through recovery does not remove the binding to the Mi Account.
Before you start, make sure you have a backup of important data. Recovery removes everything: photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. If the phone still turns on, transfer the files to your computer or to the cloud. If not, try extracting the data using ADB (you can find instructions in the section on alternative methods).
What is the difference between resetting via Recovery and resetting via Settings?
The main difference is the access level. Reset via the settings menu (Settings → About Phone → Reset) is started from the operating system and saves some data (for example, files on a memory card). Recovery mode operates at a lower level, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.
- 🔧 It works even on a faulty system: if the Redmi 8 is stuck on the logo, rebooting cyclically or not responding to touch, recovery is the only way out.
- 🔒 Bypasses screen locking: reset removes pattern lock, PIN or password, but does not remove the binding to Mi Account (you need to enter a login / password after rebooting).
- ⚠️ Deletes everything without exception: including files on internal memory (microSD card is not affected unless Wipe All Data option is selected).
- 🛠️ Requires accuracy: an error in choosing menu items can lead to firmware damage.
Another nuance is the type of recovery. Redmi 8 has limited-function stock recovery installed by default. If you've previously installed custom (like TWRP), the reset algorithm will be different, read about this in a separate section.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Even if the phone doesn't turn on, preparation will reduce risks and save time.
☑️ Preparation for the reset of Redmi 8
Special attention is given to battery power. If the battery runs out during reset, the device can turn into a brick. The optimal level is 70-100%, but not below 30%. If the Redmi 8 does not turn on, recharge it for 15-20 minutes when it is off.
If you plan to sell or transfer a phone, be sure to untie it from Mi Account before the reset, and you can do this through account.xiaomi.com under Device Management, and once reset, the new owner will not be able to activate the device if it remains in your account.
⚠️ Note: If you forget your Mi Account and your phone is tied to your account, a recovery reset will not unlock your device, in which case you will need to officially unlock through Xiaomi Service Center (paid, ~1500-3000₽).
Step-by-step: reset via stock Recovery
The stock recaps on Redmi 8 only support basic features, but that's enough to reset.
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Press the button combination to enter recovery: 🔘 Power button (Power) 🔘 The Volume Up button (Volume Up)
Hold both buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and recovery menu appear.
Choose a language
English
Wipe Data
Wipe & Reset
Wipe All Data
Wait for completion
If Redmi 8 requires Mi Account data to be entered after reset and you don’t remember it, try to restore the password through Xiaomi’s website.
What happens if recovery does not open?
Alternative Resetting Methods If Recovery Does Not Work
If the stock receiver is damaged or the phone does not respond to buttons, there are two workarounds:
1.Reset via Fastboot (no recovery)
You will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool program.
- Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
- Connect Redmi 8 to your PC via USB.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the Clean All option and click Flash.
Instructions for TWRP:
- Enter recovery (power + volume up)
- Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
- Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (optional, delete all files)
Swipe to Wipe
After resetting via TWRP, it is recommended to immediately reflash the device, as deleting system files can make the phone inoperable.
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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset via TWRP, try flashing stock firmware through Fastboot. You can download the official ROM for Redmi 8 on the Xiaomi Firmware website.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, users encounter problems, and the table below shows common errors and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Can't mount /data in TWRP | Data section or encryption damaged | In TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data, enter Yes. Warning: Delete everything, including files on internal memory. |
| The phone vibrates, but does not enter recovery. | The bootloader or buttons are damaged. | Try Power + Volume Up + Volume Down. If it doesn't work, use Fastboot. |
| After reset, asks for Mi Account, but the data is not suitable | The device is linked to another account | Restor access to your original account or contact Xiaomi to unlock it. |
| E:unknown command in recovery | Damaged or unofficial Recovery | Fastboot Refuse Stock Recovery with Fastboot Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery.img |
If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), which requires a diagnosis at a service center.
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Resetting through recovery is not a panacea. If the phone doesn't turn on even after reset, the cause may lie in damage to the motherboard, battery or firmware at the bootloader level.
What to do after resetting: setup and recovery
After a successful reset, Redmi 8 will launch as new.
- Go through the initial setting: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to Mi Account (if the phone was tied).
- Recover: If you have backed up your data through Mi Cloud or Google Account, sync your contacts, photos, and apps.
- Update your firmware: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI.
- Set up security: Enable data encryption (Settings → Additional → Encryption) and set a strong password.
To avoid problems in the future, update your firmware regularly and don’t install apps from unverified sources.Redmi 8 on the latest versions of MIUI is more stable, but its performance is limited to 4GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 439 processor.