How to make a general reset on Xiaomi Mi8: All the ways (2026)

Xiaomi Mi8 is the flagship smartphone of 2018, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or requires a complete reinstallation of the system, in such cases, helps a general reset (hard reset or factory reset), which returns the device to the factory settings.

In this article, you will find all the current ways to reset for the Mi8 (including the Mi8 SE, Mi8 Pro and Mi8 Explorer Edition) as well as solutions to typical problems that arise after the procedure.

• 🔄 Soft reset via settings (without data loss in some cases)
• 🔧 Hard reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)
• 🖥️ Reset via Fastboot (for experienced users)
• ⚠️ What to do if the smartphone freezes after reset or requires a Mi Account

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of important data – the reset completely removes photos, contacts, messages, and installed apps (except those stored on the backup). SD-If you have forgotten the password from Mi Account, restore it in advance - after reset, you may need authorization.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Regardless of the method of reset chosen, preparation is a critical stage, and neglecting this step can lead to data loss or "bricking" of the device.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%. If the smartphone runs out during reset, it can damage system files.
• 📱 Backup: Contacts: sync with Google Account or export to.vcf. Photo/video: copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).Apps: use Titanium Backup (root required) or manually save APK App Backup & Restore.
• 🔑 Mi Account data: remember the username and password - after the reset, you may need to confirm ownership of the device.
• 📡 Wi-Fi network: If the reset is done via Recovery, connect to the network in advance (some firmware versions require authorization).

If you plan to sell or transfer the Mi8, you can also:

• 📲 Delete all accounts (Settings) → Accounts).
• 💳 Untie your bank cards in Google Pay and Mi Pay.
• 🔒 Log out of Mi Account (Settings) → Mi Account → Get out).

⚠️ Attention: If Mi8 customized recovery (for example, TWRP), The reset procedure may be different, in which case use the Wipe option. → Format Data and enter Yes to confirm.

Backed up the data.|Charged the phone at least 50%|I remember the username/password from Mi Account.|I have untied my bank cards (if I plan to sell them)|Checked that the Bootloader is not blocked (for reset via Fastboot)-->

2. Method 1: Soft reset via settings (if the phone is working)

This is the safest and easiest method to use if:

• 📱 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember your password/pattern lock.
• 🔄 Want to eliminate software glitches without completely reinstalling the system.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → System Update (check the relevance of the firmware).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Tap Reset (or Delete all data in new versions of MIUI).
5. The system will prompt you to select: Delete everything (full reset), delete settings and application data (photo/video saved).

Confirm the action by entering a password (if required) and wait for the reboot.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and after the reboot, you'll be greeted by the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

⚠️ Note: If after discharge Mi8 requires the entry of an old password (for example, when the Find Device function is enabled), use the section FAQ end-of-article.

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If the smartphone is slowing down but you don't want to lose data, try clearing the cache first: Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.This often solves the problem without a complete reset.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔐 Forgot the lock password.
• 🐢 Phone hangs on Xiaomi logo or flashes screen.
• 📵 Does not respond to touch (but is charged).

To enter Recovery Mode on the Mi8:

1. Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press simultaneously: Power button + Volume up (standard Recovery). Power button + Volume down (for Fastboot if Recovery is not available).

Mi

In Recovery, use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for selection.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
2. Confirm the action (Confirm or Yes).
3. Once completed, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Mi8 and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB Tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For full flashing, use the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz format).
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
3. Press Refresh, then Flash (select Clean All for full cleanup).

⚠️ Note: If Bootloader is blocked, fastboot erase userdata may not work, in which case, first unlock Bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires account-to-device binding and wait 72-720 hours).

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method that removes ALL, including system files, and only use it if other methods have not helped or you need to reflash the device.

5.What to do after resetting: setting up and recovering data

After the successful reset of the Xiaomi Mi8, you will have to set up the initial setup. Follow these steps to avoid errors:

• 🌍 Language and region choice: Indicate Russia or Russia to avoid Google services problems.
• 📶 Wi-Fi Connection: Use the same network as before the reset (if your router settings are saved).
• 🔑 Authorization to Mi Account: If the phone required a password after reset, enter the associated account details. If the account is not tied, skip this step.
• 📱 Data recovery: Contacts: sync with Google Account. Photo/video: copy back from PC or cloud. Apps: restore from backup or install manually.

If there are problems after the discharge:

If you sell or transfer the Mi8, after resetting:

1. Make sure that Settings → Mi Account displays the status Not authorized.
2. Check that in Settings → Google → Accounts do not have your data.
3. Perform a test call and check the camera to confirm the performance.

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After reset, it is recommended to disable automatic MIUI update in Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Settings → Auto Update. This will prevent unexpected glitches from new firmware versions.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you perform the reset correctly on the Xiaomi Mi8, there may be problems.

Error 1: Phone requires password after reset

Reason: Find Device (Discharge Protection) is activated.

Decisions:

• 🔑 Enter the password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 📧 If you forget your password, restore it through the official website.
• 🛠️ To get around FRP (If your phone is yours but you don’t have access to your account: Download Mi Account Remove Tool (requires a PC and a PC) ADB). Connect your phone in Fastboot mode. Follow the command: fastboot erase frp

Mistake 2: Hanging on Xiaomi logo after reset

Reasons:

• The system or boot section is damaged.
• The incompatible version of Recovery.
• Disposal process interrupted.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Repeat the reset via Recovery.
• 📥 Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All).
• 🛠️ If it doesn’t help, go for custom recovery (TWRP) and repeat the reset.