Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi 8 face the need to completely clear the device’s memory sooner or later, which can be caused by selling the gadget, transferring it to another user, or critical errors in the operation of the MIUI operating system. The process of returning to the original state deletes all personal information, so it is important to understand each step of the procedure.
There are several proven methods of doing this operation, each with its own characteristics: some are suitable for normal operation of the phone, others for emergency cases when the device is locked or does not respond to touch, we will consider all the options available so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
Before you start taking action, you need to realize the irreversibility of the process. Once you have completed the procedure, it will be impossible to restore deleted photos, contacts and messages without prior backup. Carefully study the requirements and prepare the device for radical changes.
Preparing the smartphone for a complete data reset
The first and most critical step is to back up critical information, and even if the phone is stable, there is always a risk of data loss when reset, and backups can be done through Google's cloud services or the built-in MIUI shell.
Be sure to check the battery level. To successfully complete the process, the charge must be at least 50-60%. If the device turns off at the time of formatting the system partition, this can lead to serious software errors that require flashing through the computer.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account and Google account. Once reset, the system will require you to enter the data to confirm ownership, otherwise the phone will remain locked.
It is also recommended to remove the microSD card and SIM-Although modern versions of Android usually ask if you need to format an external drive, physically extracting the card ensures that your files on it are safe.
Be sure to disable the device search function if it is activated by third-party antiviruses or specific enterprise security settings, which will prevent potential conflicts when reactivated.
Reset via the Android settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get the Xiaomi Redmi 8 back to factory status is to use a standard interface, which is suitable for devices that function properly, turn on and respond to user commands.
Open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. Find About Phone or Advanced Settings, depending on the version of the MIUI shell installed. Next, select Resets.
The screen will show a warning that all data will be deleted, and the system will offer two options: Reset (saving files) and Erase all data. To return to full factory state, choose the second option. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will restart.
What happens when you drop through the menu?
When choosing this method, the operating system tags all user memory partitions for overwriting. Files are not deleted instantly, but become inaccessible to the system, and free space is marked as available for new recording. This is the standard formatting procedure in Android file systems. It is important not to interrupt the process and wait for the welcome screen characteristic of the new device. If the phone is stuck on startup the logo for more than 15 minutes, a forced reboot may be required, but in most cases the system copes independently. Use Recovery mode for reset If the operating system does not load or the touch screen does not respond, the diagnostic mode comes to the device, the device's low-level control of the device. Enter this mode is a combination of physical buttons. To enter, you need to turn off the Xiaomi Redmi 8 completely. Then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume. Recovery Menu supports both volume and touch control. In the menu that appears, select the language (if available) or immediately go to Wipe Data. Confirm the choice with the power button or tap. The system will then request confirmation of the action, often requiring you to enter the word yes or select Confirm. ⚠️ Warning: Many protections are disabled in Recovery mode, so any wrong action can lead to data loss. Make sure you choose Wipe All Data, not just Reboot. Once the cleanup process is complete, the following will appear at the bottom of the screen: "Data wiped successfully». Select the Reboot option to restart the system. The first start may last longer than usual, before 5-7 Deleting a forgotten password or pattern lock A common reason for resetting is a forgotten screen lock password. If you can't get into the settings menu, the standard method through the interface becomes unavailable. In this case, the only solution is to use the Recovery mode described above. MIUI They have serious protection. Once you reset your password through Recovery, the phone will require you to enter a Google account that was synced to the device before. FRP (Factory Reset Protection). If you don’t remember your Google account data, unlocking it can be a technical challenge that requires specialized software. 💡Reset via Recovery removes the lock password, but activates the protection FRP, In some cases, if the phone was linked to a Mi Account with Find Device enabled, it may be necessary to enter a password from the owner's Google account, which is an additional layer of security that you cannot ignore. Resetting through computer and debugging USB For advanced users, there is a method of reset via computer using the Android Debug Bridge platform (ADB). This method requires that the phone pre-debugging was enabled on USB menu "For developers». If this option wasn't activated before locking, it won't work. You need to connect the phone to your PC, install drivers and tools. ADB. After connecting in the computer command line, a command is entered to reboot in recovery or direct reset mode. Example of command to log in to recovery: adb reboot recovery. adb shell recovery --wipe_data This method is convenient because it allows you to control the process from a large screen monitor and log errors if they occur. However, for the average user, it can seem unnecessarily complicated compared to using buttons on the case. ADB-A mistake in team syntax can lead to unexpected results, so copy the commands accurately from verified sources. The most common problem is the reboot cycle, where the phone is constantly turned off and on. This can indicate damage to system files or a power button malfunction. If the phone requires an account you don't remember after a reset, the only legal way to unlock is to restore access through a Google or Xiaomi site. Bypassing these protections often violates warranty and can be illegal. Problem Possible cause Phone solution not included in Recovery Wrong button pressing time Try to connect phone to charging or PC with buttons pressed Formatting error Memory partition damage Required flashing via Fastboot on computer Infinite boot Conflict System files Reset or log in to Safe Mode Sensor Not working after reset Calibration or driver Error Checking software updates or resetting calibration settings ⚠️ Warning: If the phone heats up to critical temperatures during reset, immediately interrupt the process.Overheating may indicate a short circuit or a power controller malfunction. 💡If a standard reset doesn’t help eliminate errors, try completely discharging the phone before turning off before re-proceding, and then charging it in a state of shutdown for at least 2 hours. In case of persistent problems with the software after reset, it is recommended to contact an authorized service center. MIUI It can permanently disable the device. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Will photos be deleted from the memory card when the phone is reset? By default, the system will prompt you to choose whether to format internal memory and SD-If you don't check the card or retrieve it before resetting, the files will be saved. However, for safety, it's always better to remove the microSD before you start. How long does it take to completely reset the Xiaomi Redmi 8? The process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of data and the speed of memory recording. The first run after a reset can take longer, up to 10 minutes, as the system creates new configuration files and optimizes applications. Can data be recovered from Hard Reset? Recovery after a full formatting reset is extremely difficult, especially on modern encryption devices. The chances of returning photos or contacts without a previously created backup are close to zero. What if the phone asks for a password from the Mi Account after the reset? This is standard protection. You need to enter your username and password from your account. MI, If you forget your password, restore it to the official Xiaomi website via a computer or other device. Does the Android version reset when you return to factory settings? No, operating system and shell version MIUI The one that was installed at the time of the discharge. The reset only returns settings and deletes user data, but does not roll back the software to an older version.