How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it can eventually start to slow down, issue errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective solution to most software problems. However, the wrong actions can lead to data loss, locking the device or even “bricking”.

In this article, you will find three proven reset methods (through settings, Recovery Mode and Mi Account), learn how to save important data before the procedure and what to do if the phone requires a password after reset, and we will also analyze common errors (such as hanging on the Xiaomi logo) and give recommendations for restoring the device.

Important: The instructions are valid for all Redmi 8 modifications (including Redmi 8A and Redmi 8A Dual), but may differ for devices with custom firmware or unlocked bootloader.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting to factory settings completely removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Unless you back up in advance, it will be impossible to recover the information.

Here is what you need to do before the procedure:

• 📱 Sync your Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronize and make sure that you have synchronized contacts, notes and call history, which will allow you to recover some of the data after the reset.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 8 has a pattern lock installed or PIN-code, remember it -- after resetting via Recovery, the phone may require you to enter a password to unlock, even if you haven't set it before (FRP).

If you plan to sell or transfer a smartphone to another person, be sure to log out of Mi Account before resetting. otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your data.

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

This is a good method if your smartphone is turned on, and you remember the unlock password, and it's the simplest and least risky, because it's controlled by the operating system.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete All Data).
4. Click Reset phone settings and confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
5. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase. If the smartphone requires Mi Account data, use the same account that was tied before the reset.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 8 is stuck on the Xiaomi logo for longer than 15 minutes after a reset, do not force it to turn it off. Try to wait another 30 to 40 minutes - sometimes the first download after a reset takes a long time due to the optimization of applications.

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

If Redmi 8 doesn’t respond to taps, freezes on the screensaver or reboots cyclically, use Recovery Mode. This mode allows you to reset your settings even without access to the main system.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button and Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Xiaomi logo appears, then let them go – you’ll be taken to the Recovery menu.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (in some versions – Factory Reset).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (or Yes).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 🔹 The first item is reboot (Reboot).
• 🔹 The second is power off (Power Off).
• 🔹 The third is reset (Wipe Data).

Once reset via Recovery, the phone may require you to enter Mi Account data, even if you didn't tie it to it. This is Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which activates if the device has been enabled Find Device (phone search).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot the pattern lock)

If you forget your unlock password, but remember the Mi Account data attached to your phone, you can reset remotely, which only works when you are actively connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in with the same account you are attached to Redmi 8.
3. In the Devices section, find your smartphone and select Find the device.
4. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.
5. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 30 minutes).

This method will not work if:

• 🚫 The phone's offline.
• 🚫 Mi Account was not linked to the device.
• 🚫 Locking upon discharge (in some regions).

⚠️ Note: After a remote reset via Mi Account, some Redmi 8 firmware may have a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is linked to another account (for example, if you bought a used one). In this case, contact the previous owner or Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.

Table: Comparison of discharge methods

If none of these methods worked (for example, the phone does not respond to buttons or gives an error "No command" in Recovery), the last option is the firmware via Fastboot, USB-cable and special tools (Mi Flash Tool), so we recommend you to contact the service center.

💡

If Redmi 8 is slower to work after reset than before the procedure, try disabling the system animation. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times on the line with the version to activate Developer Mode. Then in Additional → For developers, set the parameters Animation Scale and Animation Duration on Off.

Typical post-reset errors and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, Redmi 8 may not behave properly, and let's look at some of the most common problems and how to fix them.

1.The phone requires an old password after resetting

This is a manifestation of Factory Reset Protection (FRP) -- anti-theft protection.

• 🔑 Try to enter the last used PIN graphical.
• 📧 Enter the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
• 📞 If nothing helps, contact Xiaomi Support with a check to buy.

2. Hanging on the Xiaomi logo

If the phone does not load for more than 20 minutes:

• 🔄 Force it to restart with a long press on the power button (15).+ seconds).
• 🔌 Connect to charging and try again to turn on.
• 🛠️ If it doesn’t work, repeat the reset via Recovery.

3.No net after discharge

Sometimes the mobile network settings go missing.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map and enable mobile data.
3. In the Access Points (APN) section, click Reset to factory.
4. Reboot the phone.

4: Touch ID or Face Unlock is not working.

Once reset, the biometrics are erased to reconfigure:

1. Go to Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Choose a fingerprint or face recognition.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to add new data.

💡

After the reset, Redmi 8 stopped seeing SIM-map, check if the network settings are wrong. In rare cases, re-activating the aircraft mode helps (Settings) → Plane mode: turn on, wait 30 seconds, turn off).

How to recover data after resetting

If you made a backup before reset, you can restore the data in several ways:

1.Recovery from Mi Cloud

When you first set up after resetting, the system will prompt you to recover data from the cloud:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Log in to your Mi Account.
3. Select a backup from the list and click Restore.

2. Manual copying of files

If you saved files to your computer:

• 📂 Connect Redmi 8 to your PC via USB-cable.
• 📥 Move photos, videos and documents back to folders DCIM, Downloads, etc.
• 🎵 For music, use the Music folder.

3. Reconciliation of contacts

If your contacts are synced with Google Account:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Turn on contact sync.
3. Wait until the process is completed (may take a few minutes).

Message recovery (SMS) and call history will require specialized programs, such as Dr.Fone or Tenorshare UltData, but their effectiveness depends on whether the data was overwritten after the reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 8