Reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular budget smartphone, but even it eventually starts to slow down, issue errors or require complete cleaning before selling. Factory reset solves most software problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose important data or lock the device. In this article, three proven ways to reset (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), as well as answers to frequent questions: what to do if the phone does not turn on after a reset, how to save contacts and why it asks for a password from a Mi Account.

We will not only analyze the standard instructions, but also nuances that are rarely written about: for example, on Redmi 8, a reset via Recovery can automatically activate the Find Device function if a Mi Account was previously linked. You will also learn how to bypass the lock after a reset if you forget your Xiaomi account information. MIUI (including global and Chinese).

When do I need to reset Xiaomi Redmi 8?

Factory resets are a last resort, but sometimes you can't do without them. Here are the typical situations where the procedure is justified:

• 🐢 Phone slows down, apps constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-screen-lock.
• 📱 Before selling or transferring a smartphone to another person (to delete personal data).
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI, when the system is malfunctioning.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by an antivirus.

However, resetting doesn’t always solve the problem, for example, if the Redmi 8 doesn’t turn on due to a hardware malfunction (a dead battery, a damaged motherboard), then software reboot won’t help, and in such cases, a diagnosis is required at a service center.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone because of a lock screen, but previously tied Mi-account, after the reset, the device may require you to enter a username and password. Without this data, unlocking Redmi 8 will be extremely difficult!

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you drop the Xiaomi Redmi 8, follow a few must-do steps to avoid data loss and account issues:

1. Keep important information: 📞 Contacts (export to.vcf file via Contacts app). 📷 Photos and videos (copy to your computer or to the Google Cloud Photos). 📄 Documents, notes, files from the Download folder.

Mi-account

:

Xiaomi

Charge the battery:

50%

Remove the memory card (if any):

SD-map

If you plan to drop your phone via Recovery or Fastboot, prepare:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (for the way through Fastboot).

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

If Redmi 8 is turned on and you remember the unlock password, use this method. It is the most secure and requires no additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (on some versions of MIUI may be called Remove Everything).
6. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reset, Redmi 8 will turn on in the initial settings, as after the purchase. If the Mi Account was previously linked, the system will ask you to enter data to confirm ownership.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (especially Chinese) Reset may be located elsewhere: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. If you don't find it, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

💡

If after resetting the phone asks for a password from the Mi Account, but you do not remember it, try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com. If the account is not yours (for example, the phone is bought with hands), contact the previous owner or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

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

If Redmi 8 is locked, does not respond to touches, or is stuck on the logo, use Recovery mode, which works without even entering a password, but requires physical access to the phone's buttons.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

How to reset your settings in Recovery:

1. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on some versions).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
4. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 15 minutes).
5. Select Reboot → Reboot to System to reboot.

If the Recovery menu doesn't have Wipe Data, it might have custom firmware installed, in which case try the method via Fastboot (described below).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The sensor or buttons are not working.
• 🔄 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 💻 You have a computer and a cable. USB Type-C.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

1. Install drivers on PC ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the Android Developers website).
2. Download the Mi Flash Tool (official tool from Xiaomi).
3. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer in Fastboot mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the drivers.
5. Run the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once rebooted, the phone will be reset to factory settings, a method that doesn't remove the firmware, but cleans all user data.

💡

Fastboot reset is the most radical method, but it doesn't remove the link to the Mi Account. If you forget your account data, it's impossible to unlock your phone after the reset without the help of a service center.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, Redmi 8 will turn on in initial setup mode.

1. Select a language and region: on the first screen, specify Russian and Russia (or your country).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi: This is needed to download updates and restore backup (if any).
3. Enter the data from the Mi Account: if the phone was linked to the account, the system will request a login and password, without which you will not be able to continue setting up.

Set up the phone:

Follow the standard steps (Google account, fingerprint, Face ID).

If the phone is slow after reset, follow these steps:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Clear the app cache: Settings → Annexes → Clear the cache.
• 🚫 Turn off unnecessary background processes: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.

Common mistakes and their solutions

When you reset the Xiaomi Redmi 8, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods helped, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), in which case we recommend contacting an authorized Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 8