How to delete all data from Xiaomi Redmi 8T: a complete reset to factory settings

Why it’s important to delete data correctly with Xiaomi Redmi 8T

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi 8T to factory settings is not just a matter of pressing a couple of buttons. Wrong actions can lead to loss of important files without recovery, and insufficient cleaning can lead to leakage of personal data. For example, when selling a phone through Avito or Yula, the remains of photos, WhatsApp messages or logins from social networks can be restored by special programs. Even formatting internal memory through standard settings does not always guarantee complete removal.

The Redmi 8T (codename willow) runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor and has 4 memory options: 3/32 GB, 4/64 GB, 4/128 GB and 6/128 GB. Depending on the version of the MIUI (11, 12 or 12.5), the reset menu interface may differ, but the principle remains the same. The main thing is to understand that the complete erasure of data through Recovery deletes even system files, which may require flashing if the process is interrupted.

In this article, we will analyze 3 official methods of resetting, their pros and cons, and also answer frequent questions: what to do if the phone does not respond to commands, how to bypass the locking of the Mi Account after the reset, and why sometimes after cleaning the device does not turn on.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start deleting data, follow a few critical steps that will save you from losing valuable information and trouble restoring your phone.

• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (transfer to PC or cloud) Messages from messengers (to WhatsApp: Settings) → chat → Backup copy)
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to a "brick" (inoperable state) of the device.
• 📋 Record your Mi Account details. After reset, the phone may require you to enter a username and password from Mi Account if the Find Device function was activated.
• 🔌 Prepare the cable. USB. You will need it for Fastboot or Recovery reset methods if the phone doesn’t respond to the sensor.

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If you sell a phone, untie it from your Mi Account account through account.xiaomi.com under Device Management, which will save you from activation problems.

If you plan to use your phone after reset, download the necessary ones in advance. APK-Application files (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services) GMS For global firmware, you can put them on a memory card, and once they're cleaned, they can be quickly installed.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on, responds to touch, and you have access to the settings menu, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (or Delete all data in new MIUI versions).
4. The system will ask you to enter a pattern lock or PIN-proof-code.
5. Click Erase Everything and wait until it is completed (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

Once you reboot, the phone will return to the out-of-the-box state, and you just have to go through the initial setup, just like when you first turn on.

Turn off sync with Mi Account| Check backup | Charge your phone >50%| Remember your Xiaomi account password-->

⚠️ Note: If the device protection function was enabled on the phone (in Settings) → Google → Security, after reset, you will need to enter the data of the last Google account that was used on the device.

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

If Redmi 8T doesn’t respond to the screen, is stuck on the logo or does not load beyond the MIUI screensaver, use Recovery mode. This method is also useful if you forgot the pattern lock.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
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. You'll be taken to the Recovery menu.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you don't have Wipe All Data on the Recovery menu, you have custom firmware installed on your phone, and then you can select Advanced Wipe and tick all the sections: Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if the first two fail or you need to completely reflash the phone, and it requires you to connect to your computer and install ADB/Fastboot drivers.

Warning: Fastboot reset removes all partitions, including system partitions, and after the procedure, you will need to flash the phone again through the Mi Flash Tool.

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
3. Get Redmi on board. 8T PC-only USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), enter:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be reset, but without the operating system, and you will need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware for willow (codenamed Redmi 8T).

⚠️ Warning: If you are not sure about your actions, do not use Fastboot to reset. A command error (e.g. fastboot erase system) can make the phone inoperable without special firmware equipment.

Through Settings | Through Recovery | Through Fastboot | Never reset-->

What to do after resetting: the first steps

After the data is successfully deleted, the Redmi 8T will boot in initial setup mode.

• 🌍 Choose a language and a region. It is optimal for Russia to specify Russian and Russia.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't download updates and restore backup.
• 🔑 Skip the Mi Account binding (if you sell a phone). To do this, click Miss or Not Now.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest version.

If you're recovering your phone for personal use, return the data from the backup.

1. In the initial settings menu, select Restore from backup.
2. Specify the source: Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local file.
3. Select the desired copy (orientate by date of creation).

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After reset, be sure to check the basic features of the camera, speakers, sensors and NFC module (if you have one in your Redmi 8T version) to help identify possible hardware problems before selling or using it.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at typical situations and ways to fix them.

If the phone is resetting continuously after the reset, the system partition is likely to be damaged.

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 8T (Global or EEA version) from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive and copy the firmware folder to the root of the C: disk.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and flash your phone in Clean All mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 8T