How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to Factory Settings: A Complete Guide with Pictures and Tips

Factory resetting on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from brakes and application errors to the consequences of a failed MIUI update. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss, locking your Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, three proven methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), unique nuances for the Redmi 8 with MIUI 12-14 firmware, and answers to frequent questions about recovery after a reset.

Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) has a default bootloader, which means that a Fastboot reset will require pre-unlocking and in some cases even linking the device to a Xiaomi account, and we’ll detail how to avoid common errors like This device is locked or Can’t verify the device that often appears when a hard reset.

Before you start, answer the main question: why do you need a reset? If the goal is to speed up your smartphone, it may be enough to clear the cache or roll back the update. If the Redmi 8 does not turn on, hovers on the logo or requires a password after buying "out of hand" - you can not do without a complete reset. In any case, make a backup copy (instruction below).

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Even if your Redmi 8 is stable, factory resets are irreversible, and without preparation, you risk losing photos, contacts, and even access to the device.

Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup |

Download Xiaomi drivers for PC (if you plan to reset via Fastboot)|

Check battery power (minimum 50%) |

Delete your Google and Mi Account (if you sell your phone)|

Remember the details for the Xiaomi account (linked email/phone)

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Pay special attention to the binding to the Mi Account. After resetting, Redmi 8 may require login and password, even if you do not remember them. This is part of the Factory Reset Protection (FRP) protection that Xiaomi implemented in MIUI 9+. If you bought the phone "hands-on" and do not know the data of the previous owner, the reset will block the device!

Another nuance is the MIUI version. On Redmi 8 with firmware older than MIUI 12.5, resetting via Recovery may not work smoothly. Check the current version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If it is below 12.0.3.0, it is better to use the method through settings or Fastboot.

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If you’re resetting Redmi 8 before selling, be sure to untie the device from your Mi Account account from the Settings → Xiaomi Account → Exit. Otherwise, the new owner won’t be able to activate the phone!

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

This method is suitable if the Redmi 8 is turned on, touch-sensitive and you have access to the menu, the main advantage is the minimum risk of errors, since the process is controlled by the system. MIUI. This is applicable to all versions of the firmware, including MIUI 14.

Step-by-step procedure:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (on some versions – Reset all settings).
4. The system will tell you what to reset: 📱 Application settings and data (deletes all programs and their data). 📁 Media files (photos, videos, music – only if stored in the phone’s memory). 🔄 System settings (resets Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, etc.).

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed).

Wait for the reboot. It'll take 3-7 minutes.

Once reset, Redmi 8 will boot into a boxy state, and you just have to go through the initial setup, select a language, and connect to Wi-Fi. If the phone requires Mi Account input during activation, but you don't remember it, use the FAQ instruction.

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

If the Redmi 8 is stuck on the Xiaomi logo, reboots or doesn’t react to touch, resetting through Recovery will help.This method is also called “hard reset.” Importantly, the Redmi 8 uses Xiaomi’s custom Recovery, not the standard Android menu, so instructions for other brands will not work here.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off your phone. If it's frozen, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Press the button combination: Volume up + Power and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. In a few seconds, you'll see the Recovery Mode menu in English.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for selection. Select: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
5. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
6. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step instructions for resetting via Fastboot:

1. Turn off Redmi 8 and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a bunny labeled Fastboot will appear on the screen).
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Install drivers if Windows doesn't recognize them (you can download them from xiaomiflashtool.com).
3. Download and unpack the firmware for Redmi 8 (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. In the lower right corner, select Clean All (full reset) or Save User Data (customer data retention – not always working).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

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Fastboot resets all information, including data in the /data partition. If the bootloader is not unlocked, this method will not work - you will get an anti-rollback or device locked error.

Errors in Fastboot Reset and Their Solutions:

5.What to do after resetting: setting up and recovering data

After a successful reset, Redmi 8 will boot with a welcome screen, just like after purchase.

1. Choose a language and region (we recommend Russia or Global to avoid problems with Google services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (required! without the Internet, you can not activate your Mi Account).
3. Sign in to Xiaomi account (if the phone was tied before reset).
4. Restore data from a backup (if you did it through Mi Cloud or locally).

How to recover data after resetting:

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: If they were synced to Mi Cloud or Google, they will be automatically restored when you log in to your account.
• 📸 Photo and video: Check the folder DCIM on a memory card (if files are stored there, they will not be deleted).
• 🎮 Application Data: Cloud-saving games and programs (e.g. WhatsApp, VK) Restore data when re-installation.

What won't recover:

• ❌ Local notes, if not exported.
• ❌ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings (you will have to connect again).
• ❌ Application data without cloud sync (e.g., progress in offline gaming).

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If Redmi 8 is slower after reset, turn off animation in the developer settings: Settings → Additional → For developers → Animation scale (select "Without animation").

6.Frequent post-discharge problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi 8 can be unstable, and here are the typical situations and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Phone requires Mi Account password after reset

This is a manifestation of Factory Reset Protection (FRP).

• 🛠️ If the phone is bought “with hands” and the previous owner did not untie the account – contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, contract).

Problem 2: After reset, the sensor or buttons do not work.

Probable reasons:

• 🔧 Wrong-stitched version MIUI (For example, Chinese firmware on the global model).
• 🔋 Power controller failure (if the phone turned off during reset).

Solution: Fastboot your device again (see section 4) by selecting a stable global firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5.7.0 Global).

Problem 3: Wi-Fi or mobile network not turned on

Often associated with resetting the communication module.

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Manually select the operator in the Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings.

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If Redmi 8 does not reset, it will not SIM-check if the firmware is installed for another region (for example, Chinese on the European model), in which case, reflash the device via Fastboot with the correct version. MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi 8 Reset