Smartphones of the series Xiaomi Redmi 8 have earned popularity due to their reliability and affordable price, but over time, even the most stable devices can begin to work slower. The appearance of system errors, freezes or a forgotten pattern are common reasons why users have to resort to drastic measures. Returning to the original state allows you to completely clear the internal memory of accumulated garbage and restore the operating system to its factory speed. MIUI.
The reset process (Hard Reset) is an irreversible operation that deletes all user data, including contacts, photos, installed applications and account settings. Before taking any action, it is critical to back up all valuable information to external media or cloud storage. In this guide, we will examine in detail the two main ways to perform the procedure: through the standard settings menu and through the engineering recovery menu Recovery.
Despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires care and adherence to the sequence of steps so as not to turn the phone into a “brick”. We will look at the nuances of working with your account Google i Mi Accountthat can block the device after a reboot if it is not properly prepared. You will also learn how to act in situations where the touch screen does not respond to touches or the system does not boot at all.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
The first and most important step is to ensure the security of your personal data. Since the operation involves complete formatting of the partition /data, restoring information without a preliminary backup will be almost impossible for the average user. Make sure that all important documents, correspondence in instant messengers and media files are saved on the memory card microSD or synchronized with a cloud service.
Particular attention should be paid to accounts. In modern versions Android and the shell MIUI protection is in effect. If you delete data without first logging out of your account, the phone will require you to enter the password for these accounts the next time you activate it. Without this data, the device will remain locked. FRP (Factory Reset Protection). If you delete data without first logging out of your account Google And Mi Account, the next time you activate, the phone will require you to enter the password for these accounts. Without this data, the device will remain locked.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure the battery level is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to a low battery may damage system files and make it impossible to boot the operating system.
It is also recommended to remove the memory card Sim card before starting the procedure to prevent accidental formatting of the external drive or damage to the contacts. Although modern systems usually ask for confirmation before cleaning SD card, reinsurance in such a case will not be superfluous. Check if you know the screen unlock password, as it will be required to confirm actions in the settings menu.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Method one: Reset through the system menu settings
This is the simplest and safest method, suitable for most users who have access to the desktop and smartphone menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the general navigation logic remains the same for the model. You will need to go through several menu items in order to initiate the cleaning process. MIUI may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the general navigation logic remains the same for the model Redmi 8. You will need to go through several menu items in order to initiate the cleaning process.
Open the Settings application and scroll down to the section About phone. In some firmware versions, the required item may be located in the category Advanced settings or directly in the main menu called Reset settings. Look for an option called Factory Reset or Factory Reset. By clicking on it, you will see a screen warning about the consequences.
The system will prompt you to choose whether you need to clear only internal settings or also format the built-in storage. To completely return to the factory state, you must select the option “Clear all”. After pressing the button, the system will ask you to enter a pattern, PIN code or password that is used to unlock the screen. This is a security measure to prevent accidental or unauthorized reset.
If you have two-factor authentication or specific security settings enabled, make sure you remember not only the screen unlock code, but also the password for your Mi account, which may be required for confirmation.
After confirmation, the phone will automatically reboot and begin the data deletion process. A logo Xiaomi or robot animation Androidcan be displayed on the screen. The duration of the procedure depends on the amount of full memory: the more data there was on the device, the longer the formatting will take. Do not touch the control buttons at this moment.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface may change with MIUI updates. If you do not find the exact name of the item, look for sections related to “Privacy” or “System”, since the logic for grouping settings is sometimes changed by developers.
Method two: Hard Reset via Recovery mode
This method is indispensable in situations where the smartphone freezes, does not boot to the desktop, is locked with a pattern, or the touch screen is partially disabled functioning. Mode Recovery is a special diagnostic section hardwired into the device’s memory, regardless of the main operating system. Control here is carried out exclusively by hardware buttons.
To enter recovery mode, first turn off the smartphone completely Xiaomi Redmi 8. Wait for the vibration to turn off completely and the screen to go dark. Then simultaneously press and hold the Volume Up button (Volume Up) and the Power button (Power). Hold them until the logo appears Mi, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume button.
When a menu appears on the screen Main Menu with several items in English, you can release the second button. In this menu, the touch screen does not work, so navigation is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down), and the selection of an item is confirmed with the power button. You need to find the line Wipe Data and select it.
What to do if the menu does not appear?
If, after holding the buttons for a long time, the phone just turns on as usual, the combination may have worked too late or too early. Try again, but this time release the power button exactly at the moment of vibration or the first screen backlight appears, while continuing to hold the volume.
In the next submenu, select item Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation of the action, usually this is item Confirm. After confirmation, the cleaning process will begin, the progress of which will be displayed as a percentage. When completed, you will see a message Data wiped successfully. Select item Back to Main Menuand then Reboot -> Reboot to System to reboot to normal mode.
| Action | Control button | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation up | Volume + |
Move the cursor through the menu |
| Navigation down | Volume - |
Move the cursor through the menu |
| Confirm selection | Power |
Enter the selected item |
| Exit/Back | Power |
Return to a higher level (in some menus) |
Initial setup after reset
After successful completion of the procedure and reboot, the device will start in the same state as it was in when it was first turned on in the store. You are greeted with a language selection screen. Select Russian from the list for ease of further configuration. Next will be a connection to the network Wi-Fi, which is necessary to activate the device and check for updates.
One of the most important stages is logging into your account Google. If you plan to restore data from a backup, sign in to the same account you used previously. The system will offer to restore contacts, call history and installed applications. Carefully read the offered options so as not to restore accidentally deleted files or unnecessary settings.
Owners Xiaomi will also be asked to log in Mi Account. This is necessary for the operation of proprietary services, such as “Device Search”, theme synchronization and cloud storage. If you reset your phone due to a sale, you can skip this step by clicking “Skip” or “Later.” However, for personal use, logging into the ecosystem Mi significantly expands the functionality of the smartphone.
The final stage is setting up security settings, fingerprints and face, as well as recovery passwords for important applications. Don't rush to install all applications in a row; It is better to load them gradually, monitoring the impact on system performance. This will help you understand whether any specific software was causing problems before the reset.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the standardization of the procedure, users may encounter a number of difficulties. One of the most common problems is getting stuck on the logo Mi after a reset. This may indicate a damaged system partition or a software version conflict. In this case, you may need to flash the device via a computer using the utility Mi Flash Tool.
Another common situation is activation lock FRP Lock. If your phone requires you to enter a password for your Google account that you don't remember, it will be difficult to unlock the device legally. You will have to contact the service center with purchase documents confirming ownership of the gadget. Never buy locked devices from your hands.
⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the phone endlessly reboots (bootloop), do not try to do this endlessly. This may overheat the processor. Try entering Recovery mode and resetting again, or contact a specialist for flashing.
It is also worth mentioning the problem with the sensor after the update or reset. Sometimes the touch screen calibration gets lost. If you notice inaccuracies in your clicks, try using the engineering menu to check the sensor or install the calibration application from the official store Play Market.
Most software failures can be solved by a full reset, but if the problem is hardware (for example, memory failure), a reset will not help and may even worsen the situation, so diagnostics are important.
Prevention and optimization of Xiaomi Redmi operation 8
To avoid the need for frequent resets in the future, you should adhere to the rules of digital hygiene when using your smartphone Redmi 8. Regularly clear the cache of applications, especially those that actively use the Internet, such as browsers and social networks. The built-in Security application from Xiaomi does this task perfectly in automatic mode.
Do not install applications from dubious sources. Third-party APK files often contain malicious code that not only slows down the system, but also steals personal data. Use only the official store Google Play or proven alternatives. Regularly updating the Android security system and patches closes vulnerabilities through which viruses penetrate.
Keep an eye on the free space in the internal memory. Full storage (more than 90%) critically slows down the operation of flash memory and the entire system as a whole. Try to store large volumes of photos and videos on a memory card or in the cloud, leaving internal space free for system processes and application cache.
Is it possible to reset a phone if it is completely discharged?
No, it is impossible to perform the reset procedure on a completely discharged device. The phone must have sufficient charge to run the processor and write changes to memory. Connect the charger and wait at least 10-15 minutes before trying to turn on or enter Recovery mode.
Will information be deleted from the memory card during a reset?
During a standard reset through the settings menu, the data on the memory card microSD usually remains unless you check the box next to "Clear" SD card." However, when resetting via Recovery mode, only the internal memory is formatted, external media is not affected.
How long does the reset process take on Redmi 8?
On average, the procedure takes from 5 to 15 minutes. The time depends on the amount of data to be deleted and the writing speed of the built-in memory. The first boot after a reset can also take a long time (up to 10 minutes), as the system optimizes applications.
What to do if the phone asks for an old Mi account after a reset?
This is an anti-theft function. You need to enter the login and password for the Mi account that was synchronized with the device before the reset. If you have forgotten your data, restore access through the i.mi.com website from your computer. Without this data, you will not be able to activate the phone.
Will the IMEI number disappear after a reset?
No, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is recorded in a special protected memory section that is not affected by a normal factory reset. Your phone will retain its unique serial number and the ability to work in cellular networks.