How to remove all data from the phone Xiaomi Redmi 8: the complete guide

Before erasing everything: what you need to know

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings is a procedure that returns the smartphone to the “out of the box” state, but many users face a problem: after a standard reset via the settings menu, some data (photos, messages, accounts) can remain in the device’s memory. Why is this happening?

The fact is, a conventional reset doesn't format internal memory completely. It only deletes user files and settings, but it doesn't affect system partitions, application cache, and sometimes even data in a DCIM or Download folder. If you sell a phone or transfer it to another person, that's not enough. In this article, 5 proven ways to erase data from Redmi 8 so that it can't be restored even by specialized programs.

Important: the procedure is irreversible. Once completely reset, it will be impossible to return deleted files — even with programs like Recuva or DiskDigger. If there is important data on the phone, first back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and reset or manually copy files to your PC.

Method 1: Standard reset via settings (for a working phone)

The easiest method is to use the built-in reset function, which is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember your password or pattern lock.
• 📁 You need to quickly clean the device without deep cleaning.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (if not already activated).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
4. Check the box to clear your internal memory (important!).
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from the Mi Account (if linked).

The process will take 5-10 minutes. After the reboot, the phone will be like new, but the data can be restored using special software (unless additional protection measures were used).

Make sure the battery is at least 50 times charged%|Unrespond to Google Account (if any)|Delete SIM-card and memory card if not necessary)|Remember the username / password from Mi Account (required for activation after resetting)-->

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is locked)

If Redmi 8 doesn’t respond to the screen, forgets the pattern lock, or the device is stuck on the logo, Recovery will help, which erases all data, including passwords and accounts, but does not always delete files from internal memory by 100%.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Keep Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the power button, but keep Volume up until the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese) appears.

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power to select.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

Once confirmed, the phone will restart, and if the "This device is locked" error appears after the reset, Mi Account protection is activated, and you will need to enter the attached email and password to unlock it.

Method 3: Full formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable way to erase all data without recovery, and it's good if you:

• 🔧 You need to sell your phone and have your personal information deleted.
• 📦 It is planned to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• 🔄 Standard reset did not help to eliminate system errors.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from the site) XDA Developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 8 and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
4. Run full formatting: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format userdata fastboot format cache
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

💡

If the error "FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State') appears after the fastboot erase userdata command, then the Mi Account protection is activated on the phone. To unlock, you must first link the device to the account through the official Mi Unlock Tool application (requires a wait of 72-168 hours).

Method 4: Remote erasure via Mi Cloud (if phone is lost)

If Redmi 8 is stolen or you lose it, but it has a Mi Account attached, you can delete it remotely.

• 🌐 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 The function Find the device in the settings is enabled.
• 📱 Mi Account was not deleted from the device.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the lost device in the list (if there are several).
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.

It can take up to 30 minutes to reset, and once it's reset, the phone will be locked by Mi, and the new owner will not be able to use it without your password.

💡

Remote erasure via Mi Cloud does not guarantee 100% internal memory cleanup. Attackers can extract the memory chip and recover some of the data. Use Fastboot (Method 3) for complete security.

Method 5: Physical destruction of data (extreme case)

If the phone contains highly sensitive information (such as corporate data or personal photos) and it is not planned to be sold or transferred, you can resort to physical destruction of the drive, a method used by companies and government agencies.

How it works:

• 🔨 Disassemble and remove memory chip: Redmi 8 uses an eMMC drive that can be physically damaged (e.g., drilled or broken).
• 🔥 Heat exposure: Heating a chip to high temperatures (using a soldering station) destroys the structure of memory.
• 💧 Chemical destruction: Immersion of the board in aggressive solutions (e.g. nitric acid).

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling your phone will void warranty and can be dangerous (the risk of electric shock or battery damage).If you are unsure of your skills, contact your service center to request "destroy data without recovery capability».

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Redmi 8.

⚠️ Note: If after reset via Recovery, the phone asks to enter the old password, then the function Protect when reset was activated (FRP). To avoid this problem, before resetting, untie your Google account in the settings: Accounts → Google → Delete the account.

Error 1: The phone will not turn on after resetting

Reason: Interrupted formatting (e.g., battery dead) Solution: Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes, then reset.

Error 2: Data left after reset

Reason: No tick was ticked to clear internal memory in the settings. Solution: Repeat reset with the right settings or use Fastboot.

Error 3: Phone requires Mi Account after reset

Reason: The device was tied to Mi Account, and now requires proof of ownership. Solution: Enter your account details. If you don't remember your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions