Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite is a popular smartphone of 2018, which is still actively used due to balanced characteristics and support for updates. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give errors or require resale - in such cases, resetting to factory settings becomes a topical solution. This procedure removes all user data, returning the phone to the state "out of the box", but requires caution: wrong actions can lead to locking the bootloader or losing important files.
In this guide, we’ll look at all the ways to reset the Mi 8 Lite, from a simple soft reset to a full hard reset via Recovery Mode. We’ll focus on the nuances of MIUI (including versions 12–14), unlocked bootloaders and issues after a failed update. If your phone is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to touches, or just needs a clean firmware, here’s the solution.
When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite?
Factory reset is a last resort, but sometimes it's a must, and here are the typical situations where the procedure is justified:
- 🐢 Strong brakes after the update MIUI Even cleaning the cache doesn't help.
- 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-If you don't remember the unlock password, resetting is the only way to retrieve access (but delete all data!).
- 📱 Preparing for the sale, so that the new owner does not have access to your accounts, photos or messages.
- 🔄 System errors: Constant reboots, app crashes, or messages like “com.android.phone process stopped".
- 🆕 If the firmware broke the phone and it didn't load beyond the Mi logo.
However, resetting doesn’t always solve the problem, for example, if the Mi 8 Lite doesn’t turn on due to a damaged battery or hardware malfunction, it needs repairs, not software reboots, and it’s useless to reset when you lock IMEI (requires firmware via EDL Mode).
⚠️ Note: If the phone has Find Device enabled and the Mi Account is tied, you will need to enter the username and password from this account after the reset. Without them, the phone will become a "brick"! Before you reset the Mi 8 Lite, follow the steps you need to take to avoid losing important data and avoiding problems: Backup photos and videos (via Google Photos or Mi Cloud) Save contacts (synchronize with Google Account or export to.vcf file) Record username and password from Mi Account (if linked to phone) Check battery power (should be at least 50%) Make sure that you have a username and password. You know the Wi-Fi password – after resetting it will have to be re-entered --> Pay special attention to backup. Even if the phone is unstable, try to save data through the phone: 🖥️ Mi Cloud (Integrated Cloud Xiaomi): Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup. 📁 Local Copy: Connect your phone to your PC and copy files from folders DCIM (Photos, Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp (chats). 🤖 Google Account: sync contacts, calendar and notes in Settings → Accounts. → Google. If the phone doesn't respond to touch or turn on, you can't back up, in which case the data will be lost forever after the reset. Also remember that some apps (like WhatsApp or Viber) require a separate chat backup. Yes, I reset it through the menu Yes, but only through Recovery Mode No, I never had to.--> Method 1: Soft Reset: This is the easiest and safest method if the phone is switched on and responds to commands. It is suitable for eliminating software glitches without completely flashing. Instructions: Open Settings (cog icon on the desktop). Go to the About Phone section (in some versions) MIUI — Additionally. → Reset and Reset. Select Reset (or Delete all data) and the system will prompt you to enter PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed) Confirm the action by clicking Reset or Delete Everything. The phone will restart and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-15 minutes. Once completed, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after purchase. ⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (in Settings) → Security → Encryption, it can take up to an hour to reset, and don't interrupt the process, it will damage the system! 💡Soft Reset does not remove updates MIUI — The phone will remain on the current firmware version, but all user data and settings will be erased. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset) If the Mi 8 Lite does not turn on, hovers on the logo or does not respond to touch, reset via Recovery Mode will help. This method is also called hard reset, which is deeper and resets even when there are serious crashes. Instructions: Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds). + Volume Up Button Hold them until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear. In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection). Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions). Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. Once you complete, select Reboot to reboot. If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of items (usually Wipe Data is the second or third on top). In new versions of MIUI, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account even in Recovery Mode. Problem Reason Phone solution Not included in Recovery Faulty buttons or bootloader lock Try Power combination + Volume down or connect to PC to unlock Recovery Menu on Chinese Firmware for Chinese market Target icons or install global firmware via Fastboot After reset requires Mi Account Activated Find Device Protection Enter login/password from tied account or contact in support of Xiaomi Recovery gives an error E:unknown command Damaged section Recovery Recovery via Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader) 💡If the phone still doesn’t turn on after resetting via Recovery, try pressing the power button for 30-60 seconds – sometimes it helps to “wake up” the device after a failed reset. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users) This method is suitable if: 🔓 You have unlocked the bootloader (Bootloader). 📥 Not only do you need to reset the settings, but also flash the clean version. MIUI. 🛠️ The phone doesn't respond to other reset methods: 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool. 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original). 📄 Firmware for Mi 8 Lite (download from the official Xiaomi website or forum) 4PDA). Instructions: Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the power button + Volume reduction The screen will have a hare in a hat-eared hat (Fastboot logo). Connect your phone to your PC. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz). Press Refresh - the program must determine the device. Select Clean All mode (full cleaning) and press Flash. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.Warning: This method completely reflashes the phone, erasing all data, including updates. MIUI. If you choose the wrong firmware (for example, for another model or region), the phone can turn into a "brick." What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone? 1. Check if Xiaomi drivers are installed> (Please download this. 2. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of your PC). 3. Disable the antivirus, it can block the Mi Flash Tool. 4. Reinstall the program with administrator rights. 5. If the phone is still undetectable, check the cable or try another PC. What to do after resetting the Mi 8 Lite will launch as new: 🌍 Select the language and region (we recommend Russia for the correct operation of Google services). 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (password must be known in advance!). 🔑 Sign in to your Mi Account (if you were tied before the reset). 📲 Restore data from backup (if you did backup). 🔄 Update MIUI If the phone is slower than before, check if it was reset due to old firmware glitches: 🔋 Battery status (C Settings) → If the capacity is below 70%, it's time to replace the battery. 📉 Memory load. Remove unnecessary applications and clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse. 🛡️ Install an antivirus (like Dr.Web or Kaspersky) and scan the system. If the phone doesn't connect to the mobile network after the reset, check the settings. APN (Access points. You can find them in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). Usually, the parameters are loaded automatically, but sometimes manual input is required (check them with your operator). Common errors and their solutions Even with the correct reset, you can have problems. Error Possible Reason How to Fix After a reset, the phone asks for Mi Account, but I don't remember it Activated Protection Find Device Restore password via account.xiaomi.com or contact in support with proof of purchase phone is stuck on the Mi logo after reset Damaged firmware or Failed Wipe Repeat reset via Recovery or run your phone through Fastboot Camera or speaker not working after reset Drivers or incompatible firmware Flighted Update MIUI until the latest version or flash the original firmware No network after reset (does not catch) SIM-Map) Settings flew IMEI Or Baseband Check. IMEI in *#06#. If it is not available, restore it through QCN-file (required) EDL Mode) Phone overheats after reset Background processes or damaged battery Check load in Settings → Battery or battery replacement If none of these methods worked and the phone still doesn't work, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a motherboard or flash memory is damaged). For Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite repair is inexpensive, as it is a popular model with affordable parts. FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite Can you reset Mi 8 Lite without losing data? No, any reset to factory settings deletes all user data (photos, messages, apps). The only way to save the information is to back up in advance (via Mi Cloud, Google Account or PC) and the phone asks for a password after reset, but I don't remember it. What to do? This means that the phone has enabled Mi Account with Find Device. Without entering the username and password from this account, you will not be able to use the phone. Try to restore the password on account.xiaomi.com. If this does not help, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box, IMEI). After resetting the phone does not turn on. What to do? Possible reasons: Unsuccesssssful reset via Recovery (interrupted firmware). Discharged battery (if the reset takes too long to solve, the solution, if the phone does not switch to the 8 minutes, then the graphics from the Fast help). If you remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone: 5 If you enter the wrong pattern lock, you will see a button, "Forgot your password?" click on it. Enter the data from Mi Account and reset the lock. If Mi Account is not tied or you do not remember the data from it, then only hard reset via Recovery Mode (all data will be deleted!). Can I reset my settings on a PC? Yes, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and a Mi Flash Tool. 3 (You can also use utilities like Xiaomi. ADB/Fastboot Tools, but they require command line knowledge. If the bootloader is locked, you can't reset the settings through the PC, just through the phone menu or Recovery.