How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 8T to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Why you need to reset the Redmi 8T and when to do it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 8T to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the smartphone back to work, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state.

First, if the smartphone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. Secondly, in preparation for the sale, the new owner should not have access to your accounts and files. Third, the reset helps to eliminate the error "Unfortunately, System UI has stopped", which blocks the interface. Finally, the procedure is mandatory if you forget the pattern lock or unlock password.

It’s important to understand that resetting doesn’t solve hardware problems (like a broken screen or a faulty battery), but it does clear the system partition of the “junk” that accumulates after a year of active use. According to service centers, 68% of Redmi 8T complaints are solved by resetting, without replacing components.

Preparing for resetting: what to save and how not to lose data

Before you reset the Xiaomi Redmi 8T, be sure to back up your important data.

• 📸 Photos and videos from the gallery (including screenshots)
• 📱 Contacts (if not synchronized with the Google/Mi Account)
• 📝 Communications in SMS/MMS chatrooms
• 🎵 Music, downloads and documents in internal memory
• 🎮 Game saving (if not linked to an account)

For backup, use:

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud (in the Settings menu) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup)
• 📱 Google Drive (automatic synchronization of contacts, calendar, notes)
• 💾 Local copy on PC via MTP (Put the phone on USB and copy the files manually)

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 8T Device Protection function is activated (in the Settings menu) → Lockdown and protection → Additionally, after reset, you will need to enter a password from the previously associated Mi Account, without it, the phone will turn into a brick. Make sure you remember the username / password or untie the account in advance.

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

This method works if the smartphone turns on and you remember the unlock password. 8T on MIUI 12–14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter the password/pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Click Next → Ready and wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

If you don’t have a backup and reset, try an alternative route:

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

Check the battery level (minimum 30%)

Turn it off. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Take a screenshot. IMEI (*#06#) in case of lockdown-->

⚠️ Warning: Some firmware may have a "This device is locked" error after reset, which means it was previously activated by the factory. FRP-Lock. Unlocking requires entering data from the last Google account tied to the phone.

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

If Redmi 8T is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a password, use Restore mode.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (manage by the volume and power buttons).
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm the action.
5. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires connecting Redmi 8T to your computer and using the Mi Flash Tool.

• 🔄 The phone is locked on the boot (bootloop)
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten after reset
• 🛠️ We need to reflash the device to clean. MIUI

Instructions:

1. Download and install Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot drivers.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Get Redmi on board. 8T PC-only USB-cable.
4. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number appears), follow the command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

1. Reconnect. USB-cable.

2. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).

3.Use the original Xiaomi cable – cheap counterparts often do not support data transfer to Fastboot.-->

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi 8T may not behave properly.

💡

If the Redmi 8T does not turn on or hangs on the logo after reset, the system partition is likely damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot using the official ROM for your model will help.

How to avoid problems after reset: tips from service engineers

To ensure that the Redmi 8T is stable after reset, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Charging before reset: Make sure the battery level is not lower 50%. Interrupting the process due to discharge can cause partition damage /data.
• 📶 Turn it off. SIM and SD-Map: This will prevent conflicts on first inclusion after reset.
• 🔄 Don't update. MIUI Let the phone work 1-2 days on the factory firmware, then install updates.
• 🛡️ Set up Mi Account again: After reset, re-link your account to avoid blocking.

If you drop your phone before selling:

• ✅ Take a screenshot of the Settings menu → A phone with information about the model and IMEI — This will confirm that the device is not on the blacklist.
• ✅ Format the memory card (if it was) through the PC – the data on it can be restored after resetting.
• ✅ Delete all accounts in Settings → Accounts including Google, Mi, Facebook and others.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi 8T Reset