Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a forced measure when the smartphone starts to brake, emit errors or need to transfer it to a new owner. But not all users know that there are three types of reset: soft reset, hard reset and reset via MIUI Recovery. Each of them solves different tasks, from a simple reboot to completely delete data from internal memory.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all methods, including hidden MIUI features that are not described in the official documentation.We will also discuss how to avoid typical errors (for example, getting stuck on the Mi logo after a damaged firmware is reset), and what to do if the phone does not respond to buttons. All methods are tested on Redmi 8 with MIUI 12-14 firmware and are relevant for 2026.
1. When you need to reset your settings on Redmi 8
Before you start taking drastic measures, make sure the problem does require resetting. Here are 5 signs it's time to act:
- 🐢 Smartphone noticeably slows down even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary applications.
- 🔄 Applications spontaneously close or issue an error "Stop".
- 📱 The screen got stuck on the Mi logo after a failed update.
- 🔒 You forgot your pattern lock or password from the lock screen.
- 📦 You need to prepare the phone for sale and delete all personal data.
However, resetting is not always a panacea, for example, if the Redmi 8 does not turn on due to a damaged battery or a physical failure of the board, software manipulation will not help, in such cases, a diagnosis is required in the service center.
⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone before selling, remember to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device!
2.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand
Regardless of the reset method chosen, preparation is a critical step, and neglecting these steps can lead to the loss of important data or even the phone becoming a brick.
Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)
Remember the username and password from the Mi Account (if linked)
Check the battery (minimum 50%)
Delete SD-map SIM (if they are installed)
Record the IMEI of your phone (in case of recovery)
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Pay special attention to backup. Even if you plan to reset through the settings menu (soft reset), errors happen.
- 🖥️ Mi Cloud – for contacts, notes and certain settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud).
- 📁 Local copy - for photos and videos (copy files on PC via USB-cable).
- 🤖 Google Account – to synchronize email, calendar and part of applications.
⚠️ Note: If data encryption is enabled on Redmi 8 (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption, after reset, the phone may require the old password to be entered. Without it, it will be impossible to unlock the device!
What happens if you don’t log out of your Mi Account before you reset?
3. Method 1: Soft Reset via MIUI menu
This is the safest and easiest method that doesn’t affect user data, and it’s suitable if the phone is stable, but you want to fix minor crashes (like brakes or app errors).
Instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the About Phone section.
- Tap system update. → Three points (⋮) top-right → Reboot.
- Confirm the action by pressing OK.
The phone will reboot and all temporary files (cache) will be cleared.
- 📸 Photos and videos
- 📞 Contacts
- 🎮 Installed annexes
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If you have problems after a soft reset, try clearing the cache of individual applications. Go to Settings → Apps → Select the application → Storage → Clear the cache.
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
This method completely erases all data from internal memory, including applications, settings and files.
- 🔐 Forgot a password or pattern lock.
- 🤖 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo.
- 📦 You need to return the factory settings before selling.
Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi 8:
- Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will be taken to the MIUI Recovery menu (English or Chinese).
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select the item.
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
- Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
It takes 3-5 minutes, and when you reboot, it's like new, you'll need to reset your language, your Wi-Fi, your account.
| Parameter | Soft Reset | Hard Reset |
|---|---|---|
| Deletes personal data | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Requires a password after resetting | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Yes, if there was encryption. |
| It works when you're hanging. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Implementation time | 1-2 minutes | 3-5 minutes |
⚠️ Note: If the phone fails to turn on after a hard reset or if it gives a "No command" error, this may mean damage to the firmware).
5. Method 3: Reset via MIUI settings (without Recovery)
If the phone turns on and responds to touch, but you want to make a complete reset without using buttons, use the built-in MIUI function:
Step-by-step:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap Reset (or Restore and Reset in older versions of MIUI).
- Select Reset Settings → Delete all data.
- Enter the password from the lock screen (if installed).
- Confirm the action by clicking Reset.
This is similar to hard reset, but it's more convenient because it doesn't require remembering button combinations, but it won't work if:
- 🔒 You forgot the password from the lock screen.
- 📵 The phone doesn't respond to touch.
💡
Resetting through MIUI settings is the safest way to completely reset if the phone is working, and it is guaranteed to delete all data, but it keeps the firmware running.
6 What to do if the discharge did not help: alternative solutions
If Redmi 8 still doesn't work properly after reset, the problem may be deeper.
6.1 phone is stuck on Mi logo after reset
This is a typical sign of a broken firmware.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to charge and wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes it helps.
- 🖥️ Fly the device through the Mi Flash Tool (requires a PC and cable) USB).
- 🛠️ Contact the service center if you are not sure of your abilities.
6.2 Requires an old password after reset
If the phone has been encrypted, after a hard reset, it can request an old PIN or password.
- 🔑 Enter the password that was used before resetting.
- 📧 If you forgot, try to restore it through your Mi Account (if it was linked to you).
- ⚠️ In extreme cases, you will need a complete flashing with loss of data.
The sensor is not working after resetting
It could be a hardware problem (a plume is damaged) or a firmware failure.
- 🔄 Make another reset through Recovery.
- 📱 Connect the mouse through OTG-adapter and check the screen.
- 🛠️ If it doesn’t help, carry it to repair.
How to stream Redmi 8 via Fastboot?
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting the Redmi 8. TOP-5 Failures and How to Prevent Them:
- Do not log out of your Mi → Phone locked after reset Solution: Always log out (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out) before reset.
- Reset with low battery charge → The phone turned off during the process. Solution: Charge to at least 50% or plug into charging during the reset.
- Forgot backup → Important data lost. Solution: Use Mi Cloud or copy files to your PC before resetting.
- Interrupted reset → Phone does not turn on. Solution: Do not press any buttons while the reset is underway (usually takes 3-5 minutes).
- Not deleted. SD-map → Solution: Always remove the memory card before hard reset.
If you do encounter a problem, don't panic. In 90% of cases, the phone can be recovered, either through reset or through firmware reflashing.