How to reset Xiaomi Mi 8 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

The Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still a popular smartphone thanks to its powerful hardware and MIUI support. But over time, any gadget starts to slow down, glitches or requires complete cleaning before selling. Hard reset solves most software problems, but it is important to do it right - otherwise you risk losing data or locking the device.

In this article, you will find three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), detailed warnings about the consequences, and answers to frequent questions. The instructions are valid for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS) and work even if the smartphone is not turned on or locked with a pattern lock.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your important data — everything will be erased after the reset without any recovery. If the phone doesn't respond to touch, try connecting it to your PC via a computer. USB-cable and copy files manually.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Factory resets are not just a single button push, but the wrong actions can lead to data loss, Mi Account lockdown, or even a device bricking up.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%. If the smartphone runs out during reset via Recovery, it can damage system files.
• 📱 Backup – Copy photos, contacts, and messages to your PC or Mi Cloud (unless your account is blocked).
• 🔑 Mi Account details - remember the username and password from Mi Account. After the reset, you will need authorization to unlock.
• 📡 Wi-Fi network – if you reset through settings, connect to a stable network (required to download updates after resetting).

Pay special attention to the binding of the account Mi. If you forgot the password, restore it in advance on the site account.xiaomi.com. After reset, the smartphone may require the entry of account data for activation (Mi Account Lock), even if previously this function was not.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Xiaomi Mi 8 handheld and do not know the previous owner’s data, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot can lock the device permanently.

2. Method 1: Reset via settings (the safest)

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, reacts to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The main advantage is the minimum risk of errors, because the process is controlled by the system. MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to About Phone → General Settings → Resetting.
3. Select Delete all data (reset to factory data).
4. Enter a password or pattern lock to confirm.
5. Click Reset the phone and wait until it is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, the smartphone will offer to configure it as new. If you previously had a Mi Account tied, you will need to enter a login and password to unlock.

Make sure the battery is more than 50% charged

Keep a backup copy of important data

Remember the username and password from Mi Account

Connect to Wi-Fi for quick setup after reset

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⚠️ Note: If the device protection function is enabled in the settings (in the Security section), you may need to enter the old one after the reset. PIN-- A code or password, even if you reset it.

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 8 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked with a pattern lock, resetting through Recovery Mode will help. This method works even without access to the system, but requires accuracy.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🧹 The second point is Wipe Data (data cleanup).
• 🔧 Third item – Connect with MIAssistant (for firmware via PC).

Important: Some custom firmware may call the Wipe All Data item Factory Reset or Format Data. Choose an option that involves complete cleaning, not just cache.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if the first two methods did not work or you need to completely reflash the smartphone (for example, after a failed update).

Instructions:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
2. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the Fastboot folder and type in the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the driver again.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the smartphone is rebooted, it will be completely cleaned. If you want to reflash it from scratch, download the official firmware for the Mi 8 (codename dipper) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site and use the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data irrevocably. If you make a mistake with the partition (for example, instead of userdata, enter the system), the smartphone may stop loading.

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If after reset via Fastboot smartphone stuck on the logo, try re-stitching it through the Mi Flash Tool, selecting the option Clean All (full cleaning).

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Even after a successful reset, problems can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the smartphone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after reset, it is likely due to the background processes of the new firmware: Give the device 1-2 days to optimize or perform another reset.

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If after reset Xiaomi Mi 8 does not determine SIM-Check if the card has been broken. IMEI. You can restore them through the engineering menu (#4636##) or using the utility. SN Write Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

6.How to avoid blocking Mi Account after resetting

One of the most frustrating problems when resetting Xiaomi is locking up because of the Mi Account attached. Even if you own the device, the system may require you to enter your old account data.

• 🔗 Untie your account before resetting: go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account and press Exit.
• 📱 Use the official firmware: custom firmware can bypass account verification, but this violates the warranty.
• 📧 Save the confirmation of purchase: if you bought the phone from hand, ask the seller for a check or a letter confirming the detachment of the account.

If your smartphone is already locked, try:

1. Enter the last account you have linked (even if you haven’t changed it).
2. Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership (check, box with IMEI).
3. Use the official unlock tool (requires waiting 720 hours for new accounts).

Mi Account Lock is a security measure against theft, so it is not “legally” possible to get around it. Don’t trust sites that offer “unblock in 5 minutes” – this is a scam.

7. Alternatives to resetting: when can you do without it

If the goal is to speed up your smartphone or fix minor glitches, try these methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This will delete temporary files without losing data.
• 🔄 Resetting network settings: in Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Reset network settings. Helps with problems with Wi-Fi or mobile Internet.
• 📱 Retracement to the previous version MIUI: If the glitches started after the update, download the old firmware and stitch through Recovery.
• 🚫 Disabling unnecessary applications: in Settings → Annexes → Disable pre-installed services that you do not use.

If the problem is battery discharge or overheating, resetting is unlikely to help - these are hardware malfunctions, in which case, check the wear of the battery through the AccuBattery application or contact the service.

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Before resetting, try rebooting your smartphone in Safe Mode (press the power button → hold off “Stop” → “Reboot Safe Mode”). If the glitch is gone in this mode, the problem is with the third-party app, not the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 8