How to reset the settings on Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite: all ways with explanations

Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite (codename Platina) is a popular smartphone of 2018, which is still in active use. Over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give errors or require preparation for sale. In such cases, a reset helps, but the procedure has nuances, from data loss to the risk of blocking the device through Mi Account.

In this article, we will cover all the current ways to reset the Mi 8 Lite, taking into account the MIUI version (including MIUI 14), the type of lock and the state of the device (works / does not turn on), we will understand how to avoid errors like This device is locked or endless boot after hard reset, and what to do if the smartphone asks for an old password after reset.

When you need to reset your settings on Mi 8 Lite

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to bring a smartphone back to life.

• 🐢 Strong lags: apps take a long time to open, animations twitch, although there is enough memory.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: The phone turns on, shows the Mi logo, then turns off and repeats the cycle.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock/password: if none of the saved options fit and Find My Device is disabled.
• 📱 Preparation for sale: to delete personal data (photos, messages, accounts) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔧 Errors after update: for example, after firmware MIUI Updater lost sound or camera is not working.

But there are also false reasons when the reset will not help or even harm:

• ⚡ Fast battery discharge: the problem is more often in the worn battery than in the software. Resetting may temporarily improve the situation, but will not solve it.
• 📶 Bad Network Signal: The Communication Module or Antenna is to blame, not the settings.
• 💥 Physical damage: A cracked screen, broken buttons, or moisture need repair, not software intervention.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 8 Lite was bought hand-held and tied to someone else's Mi Account, a reset via Recovery will lock the device).

Preparation for resetting: what to save and check

Reset removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and camera footage).
• 💬 Communications in SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers.
• 🎵 Music, downloads and documents (if not stored on the SD-map).
• 📱 Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts in applications.
• 🎮 Save in games (unless linked to Google Play or Mi Account).

To avoid losing something important, follow 4 mandatory steps:

Make a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup

Copy files to your PC or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

Write down the username / password from Mi Account (you will need after reset)

Check the battery charge (should be) ≥50%)-->

Backup through MIUI:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Backup.
2. Choose Local Backup or Mi Cloud (if you have an account).
3. Check the necessary data (contacts, messages, applications).
4. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.

Important: A MIUI backup does not save:

• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords (they will have to be re-entered).
• 📁 Files in folders DCIM, Downloads, Music (you have to copy them manually).
• 🎮 Games without cloud synchronization.

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on but the screen is responding to charging, try connecting it to your PC in Fastboot mode (hold Volume Down + Power) and copy files via ADB or Mi PC Suite.

Method 1: Reset via Settings (Soft Reset)

The safest method is if the phone turns on and responds to touch, suitable for eliminating software lags or preparing for sale.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Additional → Resetting settings.
3. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
4. If necessary, enter a password/pattern lock.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

After the reset, the phone:

• 🔄 Reboot to the state "as out of the box".
• 📱 Ask to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to Mi Account (if you were tied in).
• ⚙️ All settings (sound, display, fingerprints) will be reset.

⚠️ Note: If the phone requires an old Google password after reset (FRP), If you don't remember it, you'll have to enter the last account you had on the device, otherwise you can only unlock it via Fastboot (see Method 3).

Method 2: Recovery (Hard Reset)

This method is needed if:

• 📵 Phone not turned on (hangs on the Mi logo).
• 🔒 Password is lost and Find My Device is disabled.
• 🔄 We need to get around the lock. MIUI (But it only works if the Mi Account link is disabled).

How to get to Recovery on Mi 8 Lite:

1. Turn off the phone (hold power for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds.
3. Release the buttons when the Mi logo and menu appear in English.

Resetting instructions:

1. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (move with volume buttons, confirm with Power).
2. Select Wipe All Data (full reset).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
4. Wait until the end (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe successful).
5. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after resetting the phone:

• 🔄 It's stuck on the boot, so the firmware is damaged. You need to flash it through Fastboot).
• 🔒 Asks for Mi Account password: Device is linked to account. Without owner data, you can't unlock.
• ⚡ Quickly discharges: after reset calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions).

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for experienced)

This is the last resort if:

• 📵 The phone does not turn on or enter Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 Need to get around FRP (Google Blocking or Reset Mi Account (only for unlocked bootloader!).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, firmware 8 Lite (platina_images...).
• 🔋 Battery charge ≥30%.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Mi 8 Lite (select region and MIUI version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi8Lite\).
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and ADB drivers.
4. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: 1. Turn off the device. 2. Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds. 3. Connect to the PC - should be defined as Fastboot.
5. In Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is locked, the Mi Flash Tool will not be able to flash the device without unlocking. You need to get permission from Xiaomi (it will take 3-7 days) and use the Mi Unlock Tool.

💡

Fastboot’s firmware deletes all data, including Mi Account and FRP, but requires an unlocked bootloader. This method won’t work on locked devices!

What to do after a reset

After a successful reset of the Mi 8 Lite, you will need to set up the following:

1. Choose the language (Russian or English).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (preferably the same network as before the reset – this will speed up the recovery of the backup).
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if the phone was tied) without it, some features (such as Mi Cloud) will not work.
4. Restore the data from the backup (if you did it through MIUI).
5. Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Recommendations for optimizing work:

• 🚀 Turn off animation: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times to open Developer Mode, then in Additional → For developers, install animation = 0.5x.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: after resetting, discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (e.g. Google Play Protect) to avoid re-infection with viruses.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache once a month through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

If the phone is faster after reset but slows down again a week later, check the apps in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Autorun. Turn off autoruns for unnecessary programs (especially for social networks and games).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right reset, there can be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the methods helped, there may be a problem with the hardware:

• 🔋 Bloated battery can put pressure on motherboard, causing crashes.
• 🔌 Oxidized contacts on the board after moisture hit.
• 💾 Damaged memory (eMMC), which causes firmware not to be installed.

In such cases, only diagnostics at the service center will help: the average cost of repairing the Mi 8 Lite in 2026:

• Battery replacement: 1,500–2,500 ₽.
• Diagnosis of fees: 1000-1 500 ₽.
• Boxing flashing (if eMMC crashed): 2,000–3,500 ₽.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions