Reset Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular budget smartphone that is still in use years later, but over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require transfer to a new owner, in which case a factory reset helps - a procedure that returns the phone to a "clean" state, as after buying.

In this article, you will find 3 proven reset methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), learn how to save important data before the procedure, and what to do if Redmi 8 is blocked or not turned on. And we will also discuss the unique feature of MIUI: why it may be necessary to link to a previous Xiaomi account after the reset and how to avoid it.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Factory reset is the complete removal of all data from the internal memory of the smartphone: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications and even files in the Download folder.

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or manually copy files to PC.
• 🔒 Make sure to remember the data from the Mi Account – after resetting, the phone may require entering a login / password to unlock.
• 📶 Disable your Google Account (if linked) through Settings → Accounts. → Google to avoid problems with the FRP-lock-in.

You'll pay special attention to the Mi Account item, because Xiaomi uses a device-to-account system (Mi Cloud Lock), and if you drop your phone without untieing it from your profile, you'll need to enter your previous owner's information after you turn on, which is anti-theft protection, but it can also make life difficult if you forget your password.

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If you sell or transfer Redmi 8 to another person, be sure to remove the device from your Mi Account via account.xiaomi.com (Device Management section) and this will save the new owner from having to enter your data after the reset.

If you don’t remember the Mi Account password, but the phone is still working, try to restore access through the official Mi Account app or website.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

This is the easiest and safest method available if the smartphone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or the key. PIN-The instructions are for Redmi. 8 any version MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click Backup and Reset (in some versions of MIUI, the item may be called Settings Reset).
4. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

The process will take 3-5 minutes. Upon completion, the phone will automatically restart and prompt it to be configured as new. If a Mi Account request appears at this stage, then the device has been linked to the account (see the section on unlocking below).

The password of Mi Account is known and recorded|Backup copy created (photo, contacts, SMS)|Phone's 50-charged%+|Google Account is disabled (if not required)|SIM card extracted (optional)-->

If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time after reset (more than 10 minutes), this may indicate a software failure, in which case resetting via Recovery will help (see the next section).

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is locked or glitchy)

Recovery Mode is an emergency recovery mode that allows you to reset settings even if the smartphone is not turned on, locked or “hang” on the boot. For Redmi 8, logging into Recovery is via a combination of buttons.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. Select the language (usually English or ) from the menu.
5. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Recovery is controlled by volume buttons (moving) and power button (selecting). If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons: "" is "Wipe Data".

Once reset via Recovery, the phone may also require you to enter Mi Account data if you previously were linked to your account. If you do not remember the password, you will have to contact the Xiaomi service center with a check to purchase.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is a firmware mode that allows you to control your smartphone through a computer, and this method is needed if you:

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔒 Recovery Mode is damaged or unavailable.
• 🛠️ Refuse the device after a failed update.

To reset via Fastboot you will need:

• Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• USB-cable (preferably original).
• Mi Flash Tool or ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 8.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared hat (Fastboot logo) appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

These commands will completely clear user data and cache, returning the phone to factory status, and if after the reboot there is a No OS installed error, then the firmware has been damaged, in which case it will need to be reinstalled through the Mi Flash Tool.

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and only use it if the first two methods don’t work, as it requires command line skills and can lead to the phone becoming “bricked” when errors occur.

What to do if you need a Xiaomi account (Mi Cloud Lock) after a reset

One of the most common problems after a Redmi 8 reset is asking for data from Mi Account, even if your phone is yours, and it's connected to the Mi Cloud Lock feature, which links the device to your account to protect against theft, and if you forget your password, there are several ways to address this:

If you are selling Redmi 8, be sure to untie it from your account before the reset:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Log in and select Device Management.
3. Find Redmi 8 in the list and click Delete Device.

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If you buy Redmi 8 handheld, ask the seller to reset in your presence before paying and make sure that after the reboot the phone does not require someone else’s Mi Account to be entered.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have some problems.

• 🔒 Mi Account password requested, but account not yours Reason: previous owner didn't untie device Solution: contact seller or contact service.
• 📱 After the reset, the sensor does not work. Cause: incorrect firmware or hardware malfunction. Solution: run the phone with official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

If none of these methods worked, it may be the hardware (e.g., the motherboard is damaged), in which case we recommend contacting an authorized Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions