Hard Reset on Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 working methods + data recovery

The Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the brand's most popular budget smartphones, but even it isn't immune to software glitches, viruses or the effects of failed firmware. Hard reset (hard reset) is an extreme measure that returns the device to factory settings, erasing all user data. However, improperly performing the procedure can turn the phone into a "brick" or block access to the Mi Account.

In this article, you will find 3 proven reset methods (through the settings menu, power buttons and Recovery Mode), as well as instructions for recovering data after a reset. We will analyze when hard reset is needed and when soft reset is enough, and warn against typical errors that users make: If your Redmi 8 hangs on the logo, does not respond to touches or requires a password after buying from hands, this guide is for you.

How is hard reset different from soft reset?

Before embarking on a hard reset, it is important to understand the difference between the two types of procedures:

• 🔄 Soft Reset: Reboot the system without deleting data, suitable for eliminating time lags, for example, if Redmi 8 started to brake after an update, performed via the Reboot menu or long hold of the power button.
• 🧹 Hard Reset – Completely erasing all data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, and is used for critical crashes when the phone is not turned on or locked.

On the Xiaomi Redmi 8, soft reset requires no additional manipulation — just hold the power button 10-15 seconds before vibration.

1. Once reset, the phone will require you to enter data from Mi Account if you previously had a Xiaomi account tied up (even if you don’t remember it!).
2. On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset can result in FRP (Factory Reset Protection) blocking.

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If you drop your phone before selling, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account in your account settings on Xiaomi’s official website. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device!

When do you need a hard reset on Redmi 8?

Hard reset is not a universal solution to all problems, but here are the specific cases where it is really needed:

If your problem doesn’t make it to this list, try more gentle methods first:

• 🔋 Clearing cache via Recovery Mode (does not delete data, but eliminates lags).
• 📱 Reset network settings in the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 🔄 Reverse Update through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Click on the icon with three dots → Select a Service Package.

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Hard reset will not help if the problem is related to a hardware breakdown (for example, a broken screen or a faulty motherboard), in such cases, repairs are required at the service center.

Method 1: Hard Resets via the settings menu (if the phone is turned on)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know. PIN-code.
• 📶 The device is not locked Mi Account after a previous reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click on Backup and Reset.
4. Select Settings Reset.
5. Remove all data and confirm the action.

Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Connect the charger (battery) > 50%)|Delete SD-map SIM-cards (optional)

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Once confirmed, the phone will restart and start the reset process (it will take 5-10 minutes) and when completed, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires data input from Mi Account, and you do not remember them, you can only restore access through the official Xiaomi website (linked email or phone number). IMEI).

Method 2: Hard Resets via buttons (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If Redmi 8 doesn’t respond to the power button, freezes on the logo, or goes into a cyclical reboot, the reset is done via the Recovery hardware menu, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires a precise sequence of actions.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi 8 (model M1908C3IC/M1908C3IG):

1. Turn off the phone (if it's on, hold the power button for 20 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold both buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. In the menu, select the language (English / Chinese) using volume buttons, confirm the choice with the power button.
5. Go to the Wipe Data section → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

In the Recovery menu on Redmi 8, volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection) are controlled. If the screen does not respond to touch, that's OK - the sensor in Recovery is turned off.

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware, the Wipe All Data item may be called Factory Reset or Format Data. Selecting the wrong item (such as Wipe Cache) will not lead to a reset - it will only clear the cache without affecting user data.

Method 3: Hard Resets via Mi Flash Tool (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, the phone is blocked by FRP or the firmware is damaged), you can reset via PC using the official Mi Flash Tool utility.

• 🔧 Restore the “brick” (a device that does not turn on at all).
• 🔓 Bypassing Mi Account lock (only for unlocked Bootloader!).
• 📥 Install clean firmware after a failed update.

This will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi 8 (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from the official source.
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi8_Fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
4. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
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 process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone to automatically restart.

Once successful, the phone will boot to its original state, as it did after purchase, a method that guarantees that it will delete all data, including viruses and corrupted system files, but requires an unlocked bootloader (if you have official firmware).

How to recover data after a hard reset?

If you did not back up before the reset, the chances of returning the data depend on what type of reset was performed:

• 🔄 Reset via Settings – Data is deleted software, it can be restored using DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone (provided that no new files were written to the phone!).
• 🧹 Reset via Recovery – Recovery is unlikely because partition formatting is performed /data.
• 💻 Firmware via Mi Flash Tool – data deleted irrevocably (complete memory overwriting occurs).

If you used Mi Cloud for sync, restore data after you log in to your account:

1. When you first turn on after reset, select Restore from backup.
2. Enter the data from the Mi Account.
3. Select the last backup from the list.

1. Do not install new applications.

2. Do not copy files to your phone.

3. Use a memory card (if the data was on it, they will not be affected by the reset).-->

To restore contacts:

• If they have been synced to Google Account, they will automatically download after you log in to your account.
• If you used Mi Account, check the Contacts section of the Mi Cloud app.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make mistakes when performing a hard reset. TOP-5 problems and solutions:

If you encounter an error not described in the table, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (should be) > 30%).
• 🔌 Quality. USB-cables (damaged cables may interrupt firmware).
• 📥 Compatibility of firmware with the phone model (model name is indicated under the battery or in the settings About the phone).

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If the phone is slower after a hard reset than before the reset, it's likely that a non-optimized firmware has been installed.Solution: Sweeve the official global version of MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions