Reset Honor 8 to factory settings (formatting) - a procedure that solves most problems with performance, viruses or preparing the device for sale. But the wrong approach can lead to account blocking or even bricking of the phone. This article contains loss of important data, account blocking Huawei ID or even bricking the phone. In this article - three working formatting methods (including hidden functions EMUI), analysis of common errors and instructions for recovery after a reset.

Feature Honor 8 (model FRD-L09/L19/L04) - availability two types of memory: built-in (32/64 GB) and removable (microSD). Formatting only affects the internal storage, but under certain conditions it can also affect the memory card. We will look at how to avoid losing photos, contacts and applications, as well as what to do if the phone freezes on the logo after a reset is a problem specific to this model due to the firmware features EMUI 5.0/8.0.

Preparation for formatting: what is required do

Before resetting Honor 8, complete 4 critical steps:

  • 📱 Create a backup copy. Use Settings → System → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root). Particular attention is paid to the folder DCIM (photo/video) and files .db with messages.
  • 🔋 Charge the battery minimum up to 60%. When resetting after Recovery a discharge below 30% may interrupt the process.
  • 🔑 Make sure you remember the data from Huawei ID. After resetting, the phone will require you to enter a login/password to unlock (function Factory Reset Protection).
  • 📶 Disconnect all accounts: Google, Huawei, social networks. This will prevent conflicts during re-authorization.

If you plan to sell the phone, additionally:

  • 🛡️ Log out from Google Pay and other payment systems.
  • 📲 Remove the SIM card and microSD (if any).
  • 🔄 Reset the network settings in Settings → Wireless networks → Network reset.
⚠️ Attention: On Honor 8 with firmware EMUI 8.x and later, a reset may be required confirmation via SMS when connecting to Wi-Fi for the first time, make sure that the SIM card is active.
📊 Why are you formatting Honor 8?
Preparation for sale
Eliminating lags
Removing viruses
Reset password
Other

Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the most secure)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touchesIt preserves the integrity of system files and minimizes the risk of errors.

  1. Open Settings → Advanced → Reset (or Settings → System → Reset depending on the version EMUI).
  2. Select Reset settings (not to be confused with Reset network!).
  3. Tick the boxes:
    • 📱 Delete all data
    • 💾 Clear internal memory (optional if you need to erase media files)
  • Enter the PIN code or pattern (if installed).
  • Confirm the action with the button Reset phone.

    • The process will take 3-7 minutes. The phone will reboot and offer to set it up as new. If an error appears after the reset "An error occurred during reset", try the method via Recovery (see the next section).

    ☑️ Check before resetting through the menu

    Done: 0 / 5
    ⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Honor 8 after resetting through the menu, a folder may remain Android on the internal drive For complete cleaning. use Recovery.

    Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode

    This method is needed if:

    • 📵 The phone does not turn on or freezes on the logo.
    • 🔒 Pattern/PIN code forgotten.
    • 🐢 The system is very slow and the settings menu is inaccessible.

    Instructions for Honor 8:

    1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds, if it does not respond).
    2. Press simultaneously:
      • Power button + Volume up (for standard Recovery).
      • Power button + Volume down (for Fastbootif you need to reflash).

    Hold until logo Honor, then release.

  • In the menu Recovery (control - volume buttons, selection - power button) select: 
    Wipe data/factory reset → Yes

    Wipe cache partition → Yes
    

    Reboot system now

    • If there is no item in Recovery data-i="140">, skip it. After rebooting, the phone will be like new, but you may need to configure it again Wipe cache partition, skip it. After rebooting, the phone will be as good as new, but may need to be configured again Huawei ID.

    What to do if Recovery does not open?

    If after holding the buttons the phone vibrates, but the screen remains black, the problem is a damaged bootloader. Try connecting the phone to the PC and using it. ADB (see Method 3) or contact the service for flashing via Fastboot.

    Problem after reset Cause Solution
    Phone asks for old password after reset Factory Reset Protection (FRP) Enter data from Huawei IDthat was linked before the reset
    Stuck on the logo Honor Damaged system files Repeat the reset via Recovery or flash the stock firmware
    No network after reboot Reset IMEI settings Restore IMEI via ##2846579## (engineering menu)
    Folders with photos remain on the phone Incomplete clearing of internal memory Format manually via Settings → Memory → Format

    Method 3: Formatting via ADB (for experienced users)

    This method is suitable if:

    • 🖥️ You need to reset the phone without access to Recovery (for example, the buttons are broken).
    • 🔧 Selective cleaning is required (for example, only application data).
    • 📦 It is necessary to automate the process (for example, for several devices).

    For work you will need:

    • 💻 PC with installed ADB drivers and Platform Tools.
    • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
    • 🔓 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then go back to USB debugging data-i="180">-- if there is root access: Settings → For Developers).

    Commands for a full reset:

    adb shell

    su
    

    -- if you have root access:
    

    wipe data
    

    -- if there is no root:
    

    pm clear com.android.providers.settings
    

    pm clear com.huawei.systemmanager
    

    reboot recovery

    After completion, the phone will reboot into Recovery, where you will need to confirm the reset (see Method 2).

    💡

    If ADB does not recognize the device, try entering the command adb kill-server, then adb start-server and reconnect the phone.

    ⚠️ Attention: Using ADB without root access clears only user application data, but not system settings. For a complete reset, combine with the method. via Recovery.

    Frequent errors and how to avoid them

    1. The phone does not turn on after a reset

    Cause: Interrupted formatting process (for example, the battery is low) or damaged firmware:

    • 🔋 Connect to charger for 30 minutes, then try to turn it on.
    • 📥 Reflash the stock firmware via Fastboot (instructions for Honor 8 —see official website Huawei).

    2. Requires the password from the old Google account

    This FRP blocking. You can bypass it by Honor 8 you can:

    • 📧 By entering data from the last linked one Huawei ID.
    • 📞 By calling the phone (if the SIM card is active) and resetting the password.
    • 🛠️ Using FRP Bypass Tools (for example, Huawei FRP Unlocker, but requires a PC).

    3. Loss of IMEI

    After the reset, the network may disappear. Check IMEI with command *#06#. If displayed Null/Unknown:

    1. Install the application Chamelephon (requires root).
    2. Enter the original IMEI (written under the battery or on the box).
    3. Reboot the phone.
    💡

    On Honor 8 with firmware EMUI 5.0 and below, resetting via Recovery can lead to loss of IMEI. Always check it after formatting!

    Data recovery after formatting

    If a backup was not created, some of the data can be returned:

    • 📷 Photo/video: Use DiskDigger or Recuva (connect the phone to the PC as a storage device). Efficiency - up to 70% for files not overwritten with new data.
    • 📞 Contact: Restore via Google Contacts (if there was synchronization) or export from backup Huawei Cloud.
    • 💬 Messages: apps like Dr.Fone can extract SMS from the internal memory, but require root access.

    To restore applications:

    1. Log in Google Play —part of the applications will be restored automatically.
    2. Use Huawei AppGallery to reinstall branded utilities (HiSuite, Phone Clone).
    3. For games with saves (for example, PUBG Mobile) link your account to Facebook or Google Play Games.

    Important: The less you use the phone after resetting, the higher the chances of data recovery. Each new entry (photo, application installation) reduces the likelihood of successfully returning old files.

    Alternatives to full formatting

    If the goal is not to sell the phone, but to solve a specific problem, try less radical methods:

    • 🐢 Lags and brakes:
      • Clear the cache in Settings → Memory → Clear cache.
      • Disable animation in Settings → For developers → Animation scale (off).
    • 🦠 Viruses:
      • Install Malwarebytes and scan the system.
      • Remove suspicious applications in Settings → Applications.
    • 🔒 Forgotten password:
      • Use Huawei Find Device (finddevice.huawei.com) to unlock.
      • Reset the password via the linked email in Huawei ID.

    If the problem is damaged system files, but the phone turns on, try:

    1. Update the firmware via Settings → System → Software update.
    2. Reset network settings (Settings → Wireless networks → Reset network).
    3. Clear application data Settings (Settings → Applications → Settings → Storage → Clear data).

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to format Honor 8 without losing data?

    No, full formatting always erases user data. However, you can:

    • Reset only network or application settings (without clearing internal memory).
    • Use Safe Mode to remove viruses without resetting (press Power → Boot in safe mode).
    Phone After the reset, it asks for the password from the previous owner's account. What should I do?

    This is FRP lockSolution:

    1. Contact the previous owner and ask for data from Huawei ID.
    2. If the phone was purchased second-hand, return it. to the seller as faulty.
    3. Use the official service Huawei to unlock (a receipt or sales contract will be required).

    Bypass methods through FRP Bypass often work only on old firmware (EMUI 5.0 and below).

    How to format a memory card in Honor 8?

    Formatting microSD does not affect system files. You can do this:

    • Through the phone menu: Settings → Memory → SD card → Format.
    • On PC: connect the phone as a drive and format the card via My computer (FAT32 or exFAT).

    ⚠️ After formatting, all data on the card will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

    How long does it take to format Honor 8?

    Time depends on the method:

    • Through the settings menu: 3-5 minutes + 5-10 minutes for the first setting.
    • Via Recovery: 5-7 minutes (longer due to file system checking).
    • Via ADB: 1-2 minutes (but requires additional actions on the PC).

    If the process takes a long time (>15 minutes), do not interrupt it - wait until it reboots or the battery drains.

    Is it possible to cancel formatting after the process has started?

    No, after confirming the reset, the process is irreversible. An interruption (for example, removing the battery) can lead to:

    • Loss of all data without the possibility of recovery.
    • Damage to system files and “bricking” the phone.
    • The need for flashing via Fastboot.

    If the reset is stuck, wait until the battery drains or connect to the PC to force a reboot.