How to completely forget Bluetooth device on Xiaomi Redmi 8: from basic settings to hidden commands

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its owners often face a typical problem: the phone is “stubbornly” remember previously connected Bluetooth devices, even when they are long gone in sight. Headphones continue to automatically connect to other devices, the speaker gives a sound with a delay, and the list of saved gadgets hangs dozens of “dead” devices that can not be removed in the standard way.

In this article, we will discuss all possible methods for removing Bluetooth devices on Redmi 8 – from the obvious to the hidden, including resetting module settings, manual cache cleaning and even the most common methods of removing Bluetooth devices. ADB-We will focus on common errors that make the device “not forgotten”: for example, when the delete button in the menu is inactive or the gadget instantly appears in the list again. You will also learn how to forcefully reset all Bluetooth connections without losing other data on your phone.

Why Redmi 8 doesn’t forget Bluetooth devices: 5 main reasons

Before you get to the instructions, it’s important to understand why the smartphone ignores attempts to remove the device.

• 🔄 Automatic reconnection – many headsets (especially Xiaomi/Airdots) Keep the phone in touch and initialize it when you turn it on, even if you manually delete them.
• 🗑️ Cashed data MIUI — The system stores connection information in service files that are not cleared in standard deletion.
• 🔧 Bluetooth module failure – after updates or physical damage (e.g. falls) the controller may not work properly.
• 📱 User profile conflict – if there are multiple accounts on the phone, devices may be linked to a different profile.
• 🛠️ Restrictions MIUI — In some firmware versions, the “Forget” button is blocked for devices with an active connection.

If you tried to remove the gadget through the standard menu, but it returned to the list after a few seconds, the problem is not exactly your actions, but one of the reasons listed below.

Method 1: Standard removal via Bluetooth settings

Let's start with the most obvious method, which works 70 percent of the time, and it's important to follow the instructions precisely, because many users miss critical steps.

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and make sure the module is enabled.
2. Find the device you want to remove in the list and tap it.
3. On the screen of connection details, click on the icon «⚙️ Settings" (or «ℹ️ Information»).
4. Select Forget (in some versions of MIUI, Delete or Disable and Forget).
5. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

If the Forget button is inactive (grey), follow these steps:

Turn off the device physically (turn off the headphones/column)

Reboot the Redmi 8

Make sure your device is not connected to another MIUI profile (guest/working)

Check if there is currently a file transfer over Bluetooth.-->

Important! When you delete, reboot your phone, and it prevents you from automatically reconnecting, so if the device still appears on the list, move on to the next way.

Method 2: Reset Bluetooth module settings (without data loss)

If standard deletion doesn’t work, the next step is to reset Bluetooth settings, which clears all stored connections but doesn’t affect other data on the phone (photos, apps, etc.).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Additional settings → Resetting.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (in some versions of MIUI, Wi-Fi, Mobile Network, and Bluetooth Reset).
3. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
4. After the phone is restarted, all Bluetooth devices will be deleted from memory.

This is effective if the problem is caused by a software failure or setting conflict, but it will not help if:

• 🔌 The device connects automatically due to the stored data on the headset / column itself.
• 📱 On the phone installed custom firmware with modified Bluetooth stack.

💡

If after resetting the device again connected itself - try to reset it to factory settings (for headphones: usually hold the power button 10 + seconds until the indicator blinks).

Method 3: Manually clean your cache and Bluetooth data (for power users)

When resetting doesn’t work, you have to manually clear the data from the system applications that control Bluetooth, a method that requires caution because incorrect actions can disrupt the module.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show System Processes".
3. Find the Bluetooth app (or com.android.bluetooth) in the list.
4. Click on “Storage”, then sequentially select “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”.
5. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After this procedure, all Bluetooth devices will be erased from the phone’s memory, and the module will return to factory settings, and if this method does not work, the problem may lie in a hardware failure or firmware damage.

Method 4: Remove via ADB (for advanced users)

If none of the previous methods have helped, it remains to be used. ADB-This is a method that is only suitable for those who are willing to work with the command line.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi 8 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your phone.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Make sure your phone is on the list.)

1. Get a list of all the Bluetooth devices saved:

adb shell settings get global bluetooth_devices

(You'll see a line with MAC-Device addresses separated by commas.)

1. Remove the unnecessary device from it MAC-address (replace) XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX real address):

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_devices $(echo $(adb shell settings get global bluetooth_devices) | sed 's/XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX//g' | sed 's/,,/,/g' | sed 's/,$//g' | sed 's/^,//g')

Once you've completed the command, restart the phone. MAC-The address will be completely removed from the system, including hidden files. MIUI.

💡

ADB-commands are the most reliable way to remove stubborn Bluetooth devices, but it requires caution. A syntax error can cause your settings to fail.

Table: Comparison of Bluetooth Devices Removal Methods on Redmi 8

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes when trying to remove a Bluetooth device, and here are the most common ones and ways to get around them:

⚠️ If you remove the Xiaomi Mi Band or other wearable devices, untie them in the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app first. otherwise they will automatically connect again the next time Bluetooth is turned on.

• 🔄 Do not restart the phone after removal → This causes the device to connect again due to cached processes.Always reboot Redmi 8 after manipulation with Bluetooth.
• 📱 Try to delete the device during file transfer → Interrupt all active Bluetooth operations before deleting.
• 🔧 Ignoring updates MIUI → In older versions of firmware (below) MIUI 12) there are bugs with Bluetooth control. Update the system in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Another common problem is that the device is removed, but it reappears immediately.

• The headset/column keeps the connection to the phone and initializes the connection when turned on.
• The phone has enabled the “Fast Connection” function (disables in Settings → Bluetooth → Additional).

💡

To permanently “forget” headphones Xiaomi Airdots, before removing from the phone reset them to factory settings: hold both touch buttons for 15 seconds until the double blink of the white indicator.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions