How to return Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings: 3 working ways

Why a Redmi 8 reset could be a lifesaver — and when to avoid it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to bring the smartphone back to work. The device, released in 2019, is still in active use, but over the years accumulates “digital garbage”: traces of deleted applications, erroneous MIUI settings, conflicts after updates, as a result, the phone begins to slow down, overheat or refuses to turn on.

But resetting is not a panacea. If the problem is in the hardware (e.g., a memory module or a motherboard is damaged), going back to the factory settings won't help. Moreover, an incorrect reset can turn the Redmi 8 into a brick — especially if you interrupt the process or use the wrong firmware. Before you start, make sure that your situation really requires tough measures.

This article presents three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), as well as unique nuances for Redmi 8 that are not in standard instructions, such as why IMEI can disappear after a reset and how to avoid it, or how to bypass Mi-account lock without losing data.

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (most secure)

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, start with this method, which preserves the integrity of system files and minimizes risks. Importantly, before resetting, unplug your Mi Account (if tied), otherwise, after rebooting, the device will require login / password.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
  • 🔄 Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
  • 🔒 Enter a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed).
  • ✅ Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5-10 minutes. After you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you bought it. The Redmi 8 feature is that if you turned on Developer Mode before you reset, you'll have to re-activate it (7 taps on the MIUI version in the settings).

Save contacts in Google account | Download photos on PC/cloud |Record IMEI (type *#06#) |Disable Mi-account binding (if you sell a phone) |Check battery (minimum 50%)

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⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, and you do not remember it - do not try to guess! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours).

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

When Redmi 8 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to the screen, use Recovery Mode.This method bypasses the screen lock, but doesn’t reset the Mi-account binding (if it was active).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power + Volume increase for 10 seconds).
  2. Hold Power + Volume Up until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (English or Chinese).
  4. Select Wipe Data (or ) with volume buttons, confirm Power.
  5. Select Wipe All Data and confirm it again.
  6. After completion, press Reboot.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

  • 🧹 — data-cleaning,
  • 🔄 — restart.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Phone doesn't come into RecoveryThe volume button or firmware is damagedUse Method 3 (Fastboot)
After the reset, the Mi logo flashesBoot section damagedCheck your phone with the Mi Flash Tool.
Recovery says "No command."Failure to work recovery menuHold power + Volume increase for 15 seconds
What if there is no Wipe Data in Recovery?
If the Recovery menu does not have a cleanup option, then custom recovery (such as TWRP) is installed. In this case: 1. Select Advanced Wipe. 2. Check Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage, Cache. 3. Swipe for confirmation (in TWRP).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

  • 🔐 The phone is blocked Mi-account and does not allow you to reset your settings;
  • 🤖 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged;
  • 📱 You need to reflash the device from scratch (for example, after a failed update).

You will need a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool. Attention: the method erases all information, including data in the Internal Storage section.

Instructions:

  1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 8 (select region and version of Fastboot).
  2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi8_fastboot).
  3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume Down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
  4. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC via USB.
  5. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
  6. At the bottom, select Clean All (full clean) and click Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes. When it's done, it automatically restarts. If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "cannot receive hello packet" error, try:

  • 🔌 Change. USB-cable (original or data support required);
  • 🖥️ Launch the program on behalf of the administrator;
  • 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi Drivers with Mi Phone Manager.

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If the phone does not turn on after firmware through Fastboot, check the version MIUI. For Redmi. 8 (codename olivelite) only firmware marked olivelite_global or olivelite_eea. Install firmware from another model (for example, Redmi) 8A) lead to the device's brook.

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, Redmi 8 will offer to go through the initial setup.

  1. Do not connect your old Mi-account if you are selling a phone (this will link the device to your account).
  2. Skip recovery from backup if you want to avoid carrying old errors.
  3. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update.

To recover data:

  • 📱 Contacts: sync through Google account (Settings) → Accounts. → Google).
  • 📷 Photo/video: copy from PC or download from the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
  • 🎮 Apps: Reinstall from Google Play (lists of installed programs can be exported via Settings) → Annexes → Application management).

⚠️ Note: If you have disappeared after the discharge IMEI (no network, in *#06# zeros are displayed, don't panic. 8 This is a problem related to the reset of the module modemst1/modemst2. Restore IMEI You can use the engineering menu ##4636##. Go to Phone Information → Settings GSM/CDMA/LTE. Enter the originals IMEI (If the menu is not available, use the box or battery. MTK Engineering Mode (download from Play Market).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make mistakes when resetting Redmi 8.

Mistake.Effects of consequencesHow to prevent
Reset with discharged battery (<30%)Interruption of the process, device brookCharge your phone to at least 50% or plug in to charge before resetting
Using firmware from another model (e.g. Redmi 8A)Loss of IMEI, errors in the operation of modules (camera, sensors)Check the code name (olivelite for Redmi 8)
Interrupting the process in FastbootDamage to the boot sector, "brick"Don't turn it off. USB-cable, do not restart the PC
Resetting without detachment Mi-accountLocking the phone with a password requirementTurn off the binding in Settings → Mi Account → Exit

A unique nuance for Redmi 8: if the camera or fingerprint sensor stopped working after resetting via Fastboot, most likely, the driverless firmware for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 was installed. The solution is to flash the device again by selecting the MIUI version marked "stable" (not "developer").

Through settings MIUI|Through Recovery Mode|Through Fastboot.|Never dropped it.|Another way.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi 8 Reset

Can I reset Redmi 8 without losing data?
No. Any factory reset erases user data (photos, messages, apps). The only way to save information is to back up in advance through Settings → Additional → Backup and reset or manually copy files to your PC.
The phone after the reset asks for the password from Mi-account, but I don't remember it.
If the device is tied to a Mi Account and you don't remember the login details, there are two options: Restore access to the account via account.xiaomi.com (you need an email or phone number attached to the account); Reset the link via Fastboot (see Method 3), but this will delete all data and may require unlocking the bootloader. Note: Xiaomi blocks devices with other accounts (if the phone was stolen or bought from hands).
After the reset, Redmi 8 doesn't see SIM-How to fix the map?
The problem is resetting the modem. Try: Reset the phone. SIM-card in another slot (if 2 is used) SIM). Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Update system. If nothing helps, run your phone over Fastboot again (see Method 3). SIM-The card is still not determined, there may be a hardware malfunction (a slot or antenna module is damaged).
How to reset Redmi 8 if you forget your pattern lock?
If the phone is turned on but locked with a pattern lock: Try entering the key 5 times, will you see the Forgot Password button? Press it and log in to your Mi or Google account. If the button is not, reset it with Recovery Mode (Method 2). Importantly, after resetting through Recovery, the Mi-account binding will remain! If you don't remember your account details, use Fastboot.
Does a reset remove viruses from your phone?
Yes, factory resets delete all user data, including viruses and malicious applications. However, if a virus has infiltrated system files (e.g., via root access), it can persist. In this case: Sweep your phone through Fastboot with official firmware. Install antivirus (e.g., Dr.Web or Kaspersky) and scan the device after the first setup. To avoid re-infection, do not install applications from unknown sources and do not give root rights to dubious programs.

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If the Redmi 8 is unstable after reset (brakes, overheats), the most likely problem is in the hardware. the Reset does not correct physical malfunctions - check the battery, motherboard and plumes at the service center.