Resetting your smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8 to factory settings may be necessary in a variety of situations: from banal selling a device to dealing with freezes, viruses or errors after an unsuccessful update. The procedure seems simple, but in practice, many users are faced with nuances - for example, a forgotten pattern key, lack of access to the menu, or the fear of losing important data. This article will help you understand all the intricacies of the process, avoid common mistakes and choose the optimal reset method depending on your situation.

Redmi 8 (code name olive) works on the basis of a processor Snapdragon 439 and operating system MIUI, which imposes its own characteristics on the process of restoring factory settings. Unlike newer models, there is no support for separate data storage, so a reset affects all memory sections equally. It is important to understand that Xiaomi, no support here Dynamic RAM or separate data storage, so a reset affects all memory sections equally. It is important to understand that a full reset deletes not only user files, but also application settings, accounts, Wi-Fi passwords.and can also affect the operation of some system functions (for example, Find Device from Xiaomi).
📊 Why do you want to reset Redmi 8?
The device is slow
Preparing for sale
Forgot my password
After an unsuccessful update
Other

Before starting the procedure, answer yourself two key questions:

  1. Do I need to save data (photos, contacts, messages)? If yes, be sure to make a backup copy.
  2. Is there access to the smartphone settings menu? The choice of reset method depends on this.

1. Preparing for the reset: what you need to do before you start

Even if you are sure that there is no important data on the phone, neglecting preparation may lead to loss of access to accounts or problems with activation after the reset.. For example, if an account was linked to Redmi 8 account was linked Google with two-factor authentication, after the reset you will need to enter backup codes or verify your identity through another device.

Here is the minimum checklist before resetting:

☑️ Preparing Redmi 8 for reset

Done: 0 / 5

Pay special attention backup. MIUI has a built-in archiving function: Settings → About phone → Backup and reset → Local backup copy. However, it does not save all data (for example, it does not record Wi-Fi passwords or settings for some applications). For a complete copy, it is better to use Google Drive or specialized utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 8 The function Find Device (device search) is enabled; after resetting, you may need to enter data from the linked one Mi-account. Make sure you remember your email and password!

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

This method is suitable if you have access to the smartphone menu and it turns on normally. The main advantage is minimal risk of errors, since the process is controlled by the operating system. In MIUI 12/13 (relevant for Redmi 8), the path to the reset function may be slightly different, but the general logic remains the same.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to section About phone (usually at the very bottom of the list).
  3. Select Backup and reset → Reset settings.
  4. Click Erase all data (You may need to enter a PIN code or pattern).
  5. Confirm action by selecting Reset settings.

The process will take 3-10 minutes. Upon completion, the phone will automatically reboot and offer to configure it as new. On Redmi 8 after resetting through the menu, sometimes an error occurs in activating the Mi account if it was previously enabled Find Device. In this case, you will need to enter data from your account Xiaomi.

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If after resetting the phone asks for the old password, but you don’t remember it, try entering the last used PIN code from the SIM card. Sometimes this works due to a bug in MIUI.

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

If Redmi 8 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touches, you will have to use recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method works even when the screen is locked, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to brick (turning the phone into a brick).

How to log in Recovery Mode on Redmi 8:

  1. Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Press simultaneously the power button and the volume up button.
  3. Hold them until the logo appears Mi, then release.
  4. After a few seconds, the menu will open Recovery (in English or Chinese).

Next proceed as follows:

  • 🔄 Use the volume buttons to navigate the menu.
  • ✅ Select the item Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
  • 🔍 Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (you may be required to enter a password if previously set).
  • 📱 After completion, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
⚠️ Attention: In some versions MIUI for Redmi 8 item Wipe Data may be called Factory Reset or Erase All Data. If the menu is in Chinese, look for the hieroglyphs (clear data).
What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If after holding the buttons the phone vibrates, but does not load the menu, try a different order: first hold Volume Up, then (without releasing it) press Power. If this does not help, the firmware may be damaged and will require flashing via Fastboot.

4. Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for experienced users)

This method is the most radical and is used if the first two methods did not work (for example, due to a damaged Recovery or locked bootloader). To work, you will need a computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot and a cable USB Type-C. Without experience with Fastboot it is better not to use this method —errors can lead to complete inoperability of the device.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Install on PC Platform Tools from Google (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
  2. Turn off Redmi 8 and press power button + volume downto enter in Fastboot Mode (an image of a hare in a hat with earflaps will appear).
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line in the folder with platform-tools.
  4. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    fastboot devices

    The serial number of the device should be displayed.

  5. Perform a reset: 
    fastboot erase userdata

    fastboot erase cache
    

    fastboot reboot

If after rebooting the phone requires a password, it means the reset was not complete. In this case, a complete flashing will be required via Mi Flash Tool with the selection of the option clean all.

Reset method Required access Execution time Risk of errors Deletes Mi account?
Through the settings menu Working screen 3–10 minutes Low No
Via Recovery Power/Volume buttons 5–15 minutes Medium No
Via Fastboot PC + USB cable 10–20 minutes High Yes (with full firmware)
Via Find Device (remotely) Internet + Mi account 1–5 minutes Low No

5. Reset without a password: bypass the screen lock

If you have forgotten the pattern or PIN code, but remember the data from Mi-account, you can reset the settings remotely through the service Find Device. This method only works with an active Internet connection on the phone (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

  1. Go to the site i.mi.com and log in.
  2. Select your Redmi 8 in the list of devices.
  3. Click Delete data (or Erase Device in the English version).
  4. Confirm the action and wait for completion (may take up to 30 minutes).

If Find Device is disabled, there are two options left:

  • 🔧 Reset via Recovery (described in Method 2) - does not require a password, but deletes all data.
  • 📱 Flashing via Fastboot (Method 3) - deletes even Mi-account, but requires a PC.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 8 with firmware MIUI 12.5+ after 5 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password, protection Anti-Rollbackmay work, blocking reset via Recovery. In this case, only Fastboot or contacting a service center will help.

6. What to do after the reset: setting up and restoring data

After a successful reset Redmi 8 will offer to go through the initial setup, as after purchase. It is important here:

  • 🔄 Do not skip linking the Mi accountif you plan to use the functions Xiaomi (cloud, device search).
  • 📲 Recover data from backup (if you did it in advance) via Settings → About phone → Backup.
  • 🔒 Update firmwareif the reset was caused by system errors (check in Settings → Software update).

If after resetting the phone is slower than before, check:

  • 🛠️ Background processes in Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
  • 🗑️ Residual files via Settings → Memory → Cleaning.
  • 🔋 Battery status (wear above 50% can cause lags).
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After reset Redmi 8 automatically turns on MIUI optimization, which can limit the background operation of applications. Disable it in Settings → Accessibility → MIUI optimizationif you notice problems with notifications.

7. data-i="246">Even if you follow the instructions correctly, problems may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, problems may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Error Possible cause Solution
Reset is interrupted at 50% The partition is damaged userdata Repeat the reset via Fastboot with the command fastboot format userdata
After the reset it asks for the old password Protection is activated FRP (Google) Enter the data from last Google account on the phone
Recovery does not open Damaged bootloader or buttons Try logging in through ADB: adb reboot recovery
Phone does not turn on after reset Incompatible firmware or error Fastboot Flash the official firmware via Mi Flash Tool

If none of the methods helped, or the phone gives an error This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device - most likely the problem is in a damaged partition EFS (where IMEI and serial numbers are stored numbers). In this case, professional repair will be required using a box (for example, UFi or Medusa).

Is it possible to reset Redmi 8 without loss data?

No, a full factory reset always deletes user data. However, you can selectively delete application settings through Settings → Applications → Delete data for specific apps, without affecting files (photos, videos).

What to do if after the reset there is no network (does not pick up the SIM card)?

This is a typical problem after a reset via Fastboot —the modem settings could be erased. Try:

  1. Reboot the phone.
  2. Manually select an operator in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Network selection.
  3. Update the firmware to the latest version.
  4. If that doesn’t help, flash it modem via Fastboot (requires experience).
How to reset Redmi 8if it is locked and does not connect to the PC?

The only option is reset via Recovery Mode (Method 2).If Recovery is also locked with a password, you will need:

  • Disassemble the phone and unsolder the battery for 10 minutes (will reset some security settings).
  • Use TestPoint to log in EDL Mode and flash the device via Mi Flash Tool.

Both methods require repair skills electronics!

Will the MIUI version be reset after restoring factory settings?

No, resetting does not roll back the firmware version. If you had MIUI 13installed, it will remain after the reset. However, if you flashed the phone via Fastboot with the choice of option clean all and lock, the stock firmware may return (the one that was when you purchased it).

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

No, the process is irreversible. If you started the reset through the menu or Recovery, you cannot interrupt it - this may lead to damage to system files. The only exception: if the reset is stuck at one stage for more than 30 minutes, you can forcefully restart the phone (press the power button for 15 seconds) and repeat the procedure.