Resetting Honor 8X to factory settings is a radical but effective way to solve most software problems: from constant freezes to errors after an update. However wrong reset may lead to the loss of all data, including photos, contacts and messages. These instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and choose the best method depending on the state of your smartphone.

Honor 8X (model JSN-L21/L22/L23) works on the basis of a processor Kirin 710 and an operating system Android 8.1/9.0 with a shell EMUI 8.2/9.x. A special feature of the device is the absence of a physical button Bixby (unlike Samsung), which simplifies login Recovery mode. But there are nuances: for example, after a reset, you may need to re-authorize in services Huawei due to linking to your account.

If yours Honor 8X slows down, overheats or does not respond to touches, a reset is often the only solution without contacting a service center. But before you begin, make sure that the problem is not in the hardware - for example, in a swollen battery or a damaged screen cable. Resetting will not help if the phone does not turn on due to physical damage to the board (for example, after a fall or moisture).

📊 Why do you want to reset Honor 8X?
Freezes and lags
Preparation for sale
Removing viruses
Password reset
Other

1. Preparing for a reset: what you need to do

Even if you are planning a reset due to critical errors, saving data should be a priority. There is no memory card slot in the hybrid version (model Honor 8X there is no memory card slot in the hybrid version (model JSN-L23), so backing up to an external drive is a must.

Use standard tools EMUI:

  • 📱 Backup to cloud: go in Settings → System → Backup → Data backup. Select an account Huawei ID and mark the desired categories (contacts, SMS, notes). Please note: photos and videos are copied separately via Gallery → Cloud.
  • 💾 Local copy: connect the phone to the PC via USB (mode File transfer) and manually copy the folders DCIM, Downloads and WhatsApp (if you use messenger).
  • 🔑 Saving passwords: export logins from Settings → Passwords and accounts → Export passwords (device PIN required).

If the phone does not respond to touches, but the screen works, connect the mouse via OTG adapter - this will help control the menu without a sensor. For devices with unlocked bootloader you can use ADB to copy data, but this requires technical skills.

⚠️ Attention: After reset Honor 8X may require entering the login and password from the latter account Google (protection FRP). If you do not remember the data - restore them in advance via a browser on your PC.

Make sure the battery charge is > 50%|Save IMEI (dial *#06#)|Unlink cards in Google Pay/Huawei Pay|Remove SIM and microSD (if any)|Write down the firmware version (Settings → About phone)

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2. Method 1: Reset through the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to commands. The main advantage is controlled process without the risk of interrupting the firmware. The instructions are relevant for EMUI 8.2/9.x:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Scroll down and select System → Reset.
  3. Tap Reset all settings (not to be confused with Reset network settings!).
  4. Enter PIN code or pattern key, if requested.
  5. Confirm the action by pressing Reset phone.

The process will take 3-5 minutes. After rebooting, you will see the welcome screen, as in. the first time you turn it on. If the smartphone stuck on the logo longer than 10 minutes, force restart it by pressing Power + Volume Up for 15 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Honor 8X automatically turns on after reset Power saving mode. Disable it in Settings → Battery, otherwise the phone will slow down.
Problem after reset Possible cause Solution
Does not connect to Wi-Fi Reset network settings Forget the network in the settings and connect again
SIM card not visible IMEI failure Restore via ##2846579## → ProjectMenu → Background Settings → Restore IMEI
Continuous update notifications Service cache Huawei Clear data applications Huawei Update

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery (if the phone does not turn on)

If Honor 8X it boots only up to the logo or the screen is black, but the device responds to charging (lit indicator), use hard reset. To do this, you will need physical buttons:

  • 🔄 Turn off the phone (press Power for 10 seconds).
  • 🔕 Press simultaneously Power + Volume Up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the logo appears Honor.
  • 📱 Release the buttons when you see the menu eRecovery (blue screen with the text EMUI).
  • 🔍 Use the volume buttons to navigate and Power to select. Select Wipe data/factory reset.
  • 🗑️ Confirm by selecting Wipe data (password may be required).
  • 🔄 Reboot the device via Reboot system now.

If after resetting the phone freezes on the logo again, try repeated reset or flash the device via Huawei Multi-Tool (PC required). On models with a damaged Type-C connector, Recovery may not start - in this case, only a service center will help.

What to do if the volume button does not work?

If the physical buttons are broken, try connecting a USB keyboard via an OTG adapter. In the Recovery menu it will work as an alternative to the volume buttons. If this does not help, all that remains is to flash the firmware via Fastboot (you need a PC and cable).

4. Method 3: Reset via Huawei HiSuite (alternative for PC)

The official utility Huawei HiSuite allows you to reset Honor 8X via a computer, even if the screen does not respond to touches. This method is useful if you have forgotten the pattern key or the phone is locked after unsuccessful attempts to enter the password.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download and install HiSuite c Huawei official website (version no lower than 10.0.0).
  2. Connect Honor 8X to the PC via the original cable (important! Cheap cables may not transmit data).
  3. Run HiSuite and wait for the device to be recognized. If the phone is locked, select System recovery in the main menu.
  4. Follow the reset wizard. The app will prompt you to save the data on your PC before starting the process.
  5. Confirm the action and wait for completion (about 10 minutes).

HiSuite will automatically install the latest firmware, which is useful if your Honor 8X worked on outdated software. However, after resetting, you may need to re-configure Huawei Mobile Services (HMS).

⚠️ Attention: If HiSuite does not see the phone, check:
  • Is the mode enabled USB debugging (in the developer settings).
  • Are the drivers installed Huawei on the PC (downloaded automatically the first time you connect).
  • Are you using the original cable (not all USB cables support data transfer).
💡

If, after resetting via HiSuite, the phone asks for a password for the old Google account, but you don’t remember it - use password recovery service or delete your account via Fastboot (technical skills required).

5. What to do after the reset: initial setup

After a successful reset Honor 8X will start in initial setup mode. Here are the key steps that users often miss:

  • 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi: use a reliable network, as immediately after the reset, updates will begin downloading (weighing up to 1-2 GB).
  • 🔐 Skip entering Google account: if you do not want to link the device, press Skip (not available on all firmware).
  • 📱 Disable unnecessary services: in the setup wizard, uncheck the Sending diagnostics and Personalized advertising.
  • 🔄 Data recovery: if you made a backup via Huawei Cloud, select Recover from the cloud at the setup stage.

If after the reset there are artifacts on the screen or the phone began to discharge faster, check the battery status via ##2846579## → ProjectMenu → Battery Test. Indicator Health Below 80% indicates the need to replace the battery.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes when resetting Honor 8X. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

Error Consequences How to avoid
Reset with a low battery (<30%) Interruption of the process, "brick" of the device Charge the phone to at least 50% or connect it to charging during the reset
Using a non-original cable for HiSuite Loss of connection with the PC, firmware failure Use the cable included or certified USB 2.0
Interruption of the process in Recovery Damage to system files Do not press the buttons until the message appears Data wipe complete
Reset without backup Loss of contacts, photos, messages Save the data at least to the cloud Huawei or on a PC

If after resetting Honor 8X you no longer see the SIM card, check:

  1. The physical condition of the slot (dust, deformation).
  2. Network settings: Settings → Wireless networks → Mobile network → Network mode (select 4G/3G/2G).
  3. IMEI: dial *#06# — if zeros are displayed instead of the number, recovery is required via Engineer Mode.
💡

If after resetting the phone does not turn on or boots into an endless loop, try flashing it via Fastboot using the utility Huawei Multi-ToolThis is an extreme measure that requires technical knowledge, but it saves 90%. cases of "brick".

7. Alternative methods: when the standard reset does not help

If Honor 8X does not respond to any of the described methods, consider the following options:

  • 🔧 Firmware via Fastboot: you will need a PC, cable and firmware for your model (JSN-L21/L22/L23). Instructions: 
    fastboot flash system system.img

    fastboot flash boot boot.img
    

    fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
    

    fastboot reboot

    Firmware files can be downloaded on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.

  • 🛠️ Reset via TestPoint: an extreme method for unlocking the bootloader. Requires disassembling the phone and shorting the contacts on the board (risk of damage!).
  • 📱 Contacting the service: if the phone is under warranty, resetting through the service center will keep it valid. The average cost of the service is 1000–1500 rubles.

For firmware via Fastboot you need an unlocked bootloader. To check its status, enter in the terminal: 

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot oem get-bootinfo

If the answer is locked, unlocking is possible only through the official service Huawei (since 2018 the company has banned self-unlocking).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware for unofficial versions EMUI or custom recovery (TWRP) on Honor 8X may lead to loss of IMEI or problems with the camera. Use only official firmware for your model.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to reset Honor 8X without losing data?

No, full reset (Hard Reset) always deletes user data. However, you can save them in advance via Huawei Backup, Google Drive or manually on your PC. A partial reset (for example, only network settings) is available in the menu Settings → System → Reset.

After resetting, the phone asks for the old Google password. What to do?

This is protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection). To unlock:

  1. Enter the last used account Google.
  2. If you don’t remember your password, restore it via Google recovery page.
  3. If your account is deleted, contact the service to bypass FRP via Fastboot.

On some firmware Honor 8X you can bypass FRP via TalkBack, but the method does not always work.

Resetting does not help - the phone still slows down. What's wrong?

Possible reasons:

  • 🔋 Worn out battery (check through ##2846579##).
  • 🛠️ Damaged memory (test: Settings → Memory → Diagnostics).
  • 🦠 Virus in the firmware (reflash the phone via HiSuite).
  • 🔥 Overheating processor (clean the charging connector and speakers from dust).

If the problem persists, check the phone in the service for hardware faults.

How to reset Honor 8X if you forgot the pattern key?

Options:

  • 🔄 Use Huawei HiSuite (method 3 in the article).
  • 📱 Enter the key incorrectly 5 times - a button will appear Forgot your password? (account required Huawei).
  • 🔧 Reset via Recovery (method 2), but the data will be lost.

If the key was installed through third-party applications (for example, AppLock), try deleting them through Safe Mode (press Power → Boot to Safe mode).

Is it possible to cancel the reset after it has started?

No, after confirming the reset, the process is irreversible. The only way to interrupt it is forcefully turning off the phone, but this will lead to:

  • Damage to system files.
  • Cyclic reboot (bootloop).
  • The need for firmware through Fastboot.

If the reset has already started, wait for it to complete (even if it takes 20+ minutes).