Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, still remains a popular device due to its high-quality smartphone. AMOLED-It's a screen and a processor, but over time, the operating system has to be a very powerful one. MIUI It can accumulate software errors, cache files and application conflicts, which leads to a slowdown of the gadget. In such situations, the most effective solution is a complete reset that returns the device to the state of “out of the box».
The reset procedure, known as Hard Reset or Factory Reset, removes all user information, including contacts, photos, installed apps and saved passwords. This is a radical but often the only right step before selling a phone or in case of critical software failures. It is important to understand that once the process is complete, it will be impossible to restore deleted files without a pre-created backup.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways to return the Xiaomi Mi 8 to its original state, we will look at the standard method through the settings menu, the alternative option through the Recovery engineering menu, and also touch on the nuances of unlocking your Google account and Mi Account.
Preparation of the device before data reset
Before you start the cleanup process, you need to do a series of preparatory steps to secure your data and ensure that the operation is completed successfully. The first and most important step is to back up all important information. You can use the Mi Cloud service, Google account or third-party tools for your PC.
Make sure your Xiaomi Mi 8 has a battery charge of at least 50-60%.The memory partition formatting process can take 5 to 15 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage system files and "fill up" the device.If the battery is weak, be sure to plug in the original charger.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for discharge
It’s also worth checking your Google account and Mi Account passwords beforehand. Once reset, Android’s security system will require you to enter the account details that were synced to your phone before reset.This security, called FRP (Factory Reset Protection), prevents you from using stolen devices.
⚠️ Note: If you forget your Google account password after resetting, it will be extremely difficult to unlock your phone, often requiring a service center with purchase checks.
Method 1: Reset via the MIUI settings menu
The easiest and safest way to return the Xiaomi Mi 8 to factory settings is available directly from the operating system that is running.This option is preferred if you have access to the desktop and menu and the screen responds to touch. First, go to the main menu and find the Settings icon.
In the settings that open, you scroll down to About Phone, and that's where you find the basic information about the model, MIUI and Android version, and the memory management button, and click on it to open the additional action menu.
At the bottom of the screen, you'll see the Reset button, and if you click on it, it'll offer you two options: "Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth settings," or a full reset. We need the second option, "Erase all data," and the system will alert you that all files will be deleted.
What to do if the reset button is inactive?
After confirmation of action, the phone can request the input of a pattern lock, PIN-This is an additional measure of protection against accidental deletion of data by children or unauthorized persons, and once the code is entered, the preparation for the reset will begin, which will take several seconds.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Menu
If the MIUI operating system is not booting, the phone is stuck on the logo or the touch screen is not responding, the forced reset method through the Recovery menu is used.This mode works independently of the main OS and allows you to perform low-level operations with the file system.
To enter recovery mode on the Xiaomi Mi 8, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up button and the Power button. Hold both keys until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume button.
You'll see the Main Menu menu with English interface, and you'll be able to navigate with volume buttons (up/down), and you'll have to choose the power button, and you'll have to select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data, and you'll confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
| Action on the menu | Description of function | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | Normal system reboot | No. |
| Wipe Data | Data cleanup menu | Depends on choice. |
| Wipe All Data | Full reset (Factory Reset) | 100% removal |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Mode for firmware through PC | No (no firmware) |
Once confirmed, the system will start the formatting process, and the screen may display the Mi logo or a text message about progress, and when the process is complete, the phone will automatically return to the main Recovery menu, where you need to select Reboot and then Reboot to System.
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On some global versions of firmware MIUI Recovery login requires unlocking the bootloader. If the menu doesn't open, try connecting your phone to your PC via a computer. USB-cable before entering Recovery mode.
Deleting Google Account and Protecting FRP
One of the most important security features in today’s Android smartphones is FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which links the device to the Google account that was last synced before resetting, and once rebooted, the phone will require you to enter a password from that account.
If you are resetting your phone for yourself, you will not have any problems, just enter your details. However, if you plan to sell the Xiaomi Mi 8 or transfer it to another person, it is critically important to untie your account in advance. → Accounts and syncs (or Google) and delete your profile.
If the phone was bought by hand and the previous owner did not log out, the new owner will face lockdown, which can only be officially solved by contacting the previous owner. There are workarounds through special utilities and EDL modes, but they require certain technical skills and often paid software.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts at hacking FRP using unofficial methods can lead to locking the device on the IMEI or disruption of communication modules.
Solving problems after resetting settings
Once the Xiaomi Mi 8 has rebooted, the initial setup phase begins, which can take longer than usual as the system optimizes applications and checks file integrity. Don't be alarmed if the phone heats up in the first 15-20 minutes of use - this is the normal CPU response to high load.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after a reset the phone “hangs” on the Mi logo or endlessly restarts (bootloop). In most cases, this is solved by re-entering the Recovery menu and selecting the Wipe Data item again. If this does not help, you may need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Another common problem is no network or broken Wi-Fi. This may be because the reset affected network settings. Try resetting the network settings separately through the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
If after all the manipulations the smartphone is unstable, it is worth checking the version of the installed firmware. Perhaps the device was unstable beta version of MIUI, which is also desirable to replace with a stable build. You can check the updates in the menu About phone by clicking on the firmware version.
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If the cyclic reboot lasts more than 30 minutes after resetting, the problem is most likely hardware (memory or battery failure) and a diagnosis is required in the service.