How to recover data after resetting to factory settings on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 working ways

Why is the data lost after resetting and can it be returned?

Factory resetting on Xiaomi Redmi is a radical way to solve system problems, but it has a side effect: the device erases all user information, including photos, videos, contacts, messages and app settings. Many owners face this problem without realizing that some of the data can be restored even after full formatting.

The reason for the loss is because of the Wipe Data/Factory Reset function, which deletes file system tables but keeps the files on the disk until they are overwritten with new data, which means that the chances of recovery are up to 70% with a quick response, especially if no new applications are installed or media files are written after the reset.

It is important to understand the difference between the types of reset: soft reset (via the settings menu) and hard reset (via Recovery Mode).The first saves some of the system files, the second completely clears the /data partition. In this article, we will look at recovery methods for both cases, including a unique way to retrieve data through ADB if the phone does not turn on after the reset.

Recovery Preparation: What to Do IMMEDIATELY After Resetting

The first hours after a reset are critical, and every new write to the disk (install applications, download files, even upgrade the system) reduces the chances of a successful recovery.

• 🛑 Do not connect your phone to the Internet – this will prevent automatic synchronization and downloading updates.
• 📵 Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data in settings or through the notification panel.
• 🔋 Do not charge your device to 100% – when fully charged, the system can start optimizing storage.
• 📁 Do not create new files (photos, videos, documents) – they will overwrite deleted data.

If the phone doesn't turn on after the reset or freezes on the Mi logo, don't try to reflash it right away. First try logging into Fastboot Mode (press Power + Volume Down) and plugging it into your PC. In 30% of cases, data can be extracted even from the brick through specialized utilities.

⚠️ Note: If you have already updated the firmware after reset, the chances of recovery fall to 10%. New versions MIUI Use more aggressive partition encryption /data, What makes it difficult for resuscitation programs.

Method 1: Restore through MIUI backup (if any)

Xiaomi Redmi automatically backs up when you connect to your Mi Account, but many users turn off this feature to save space.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Click Local Backups or Cloud Storage.
3. If there are files with a date before reset, select the last backup and click Restore.

Cloud copies are stored on Xiaomi servers for up to 30 days, local ones are stored in /MIUI/backup/AllBackup. If the backup is encrypted, you will need a password from Mi Account. Recovery will take from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data.

⚠️ Note: If the phone fails to restore backup when you restore the backup, try resetting again and repeat the process. This error often occurs due to a version conflict. MIUI.

Method 2: Recovery programs (if no backup is available)

If there is no backup, the only option is to use specialized utilities. Xiaomi Redmi is suitable for:

• 🔧 DiskDigger is the best choice for media files (photo, video, audio) works without root, but with root rights finds 3 times more files.
• 📱 EaseUS MobiSaver – Recovers contacts, messages and call history. Requires a PC connection.
• 💾 7-Data Recovery – Supports recovery from internal memory and SD-There is a free version with a limit of 1 GB.
• 🔍 Dr.Fone (Wondershare) is a paid, but most powerful tool that even recovers data from encrypted partitions.

Instructions for DiskDigger (on the example of Redmi Note 10 Pro):

Install the program on your PC and connect your phone in file transfer mode (MTP).

Start DiskDigger and select your Xiaomi drive (usually “Internal Storage”)

Select the file type to search for (e.g. JPG/PNG for photo)

Press "Scan" and wait until it is completed (may take 1-2 hours)

Tag the files found and click "Recover" to save to PC

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An important nuance: recovery programs only work until the first data rewriting. If you install new applications or download files after a reset, some information will be lost irretrievably. Use Deep Scan for maximum results, but keep in mind that it takes 5-10 times longer.

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If the program doesn’t see the phone’s internal memory, try turning on the developer mode and activate the USB debugging option in the settings.

Method 3: Recovery through ADB (for power users)

If the phone doesn’t turn on or freezes in Fastboot mode, you can try extracting data via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires command line skills, but offers a chance to save data even from a brick.

Preconditions:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Fastboot (you can download from Google website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if the phone does not turn on, this item is skip).

Instructions for data extraction:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when turned on).
2. Open the command line and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue. If not, install the drivers.
3. Create a temporary userdata image (where user data is stored): fastboot pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/userdata userdata.img
4. Use 7-Zip or DMDE to mount the image and extract files.

This method works even if the phone doesn't boot, but requires technical knowledge. If you've never worked with ADB, you better consult a specialist - the wrong commands can permanently damage the data.

Method 4: Recover Contacts and Messages through Google Account

If synchronization with Google Account was enabled before reset, you can return contacts and some data in 5 minutes:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and click Sync.
3. Go to the Contacts app and update the list – the data should appear automatically.

To recover SMS and call history, you will need a third-party application, such as SMS Backup & Restore. It creates local backups that can be transferred to a PC or another phone. If the application was installed before reset, check the /SMSBackupRestore folder for files with the.xml extension.

Important: Xiaomi only syncs your contacts with Mi Account by default, not Google. If you haven’t changed this setting, check backups on i.mi.com under Cloud → Contacts.

Method 5: Contacting a service center (extreme case)

If independent attempts were unsuccessful, the last option is to contact a specialized service. The cost of data recovery on Xiaomi Redmi varies from 1500 to 10 000 rubles depending on the complexity:

• 💰 1500–3000 ₽ — Recovery of photos and videos without physical damage.
• 💰 3000–5000 ₽ — Retrieving data from a phone that is not turned on.
• 💰 5000–10 000 ₽ — recovery after flashing or damaging the memory chip.

Before choosing a service, specify:

• 🔍 Do they use clean rooms (for phones with damaged memory).
• 📄 Whether you give a guarantee on the recovered data (good services provide a report on the found files before payment).
• 🕒 Execution time (standard recovery takes 1-3 days).

⚠️ Warning: Avoid services that offer "100% recovery" at too low a price. Often, such companies use unlicensed software that can permanently damage data. Xiaomi's official partners in Russia are Mi Service and Communications Service.

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If data is critical (such as work papers or single photos), don't experiment with software recovery yourself. Wrong actions can reduce the odds even for professionals.

How to Prevent Data Loss in the Future: 5 Rules

To avoid the problem again, follow these recommendations:

1. Enable automatic backup in Settings → About Phone → Backup. Set a schedule (e.g. once a week).
2. Sync media files with Google Photos or Mi Cloud. Google Photos' free tariff allows you to store compressed photos without limiting the volume.
3. Use two-factor authentication for Mi Account, which will protect your backups from being hacked.
4. Keep important files on SD-card (if the Redmi model supports memory expansion) When reset, the internal memory is cleared, and SD-map.
5. Check backups periodically. Go to Settings → System → Backup and make sure the latest copies are recent.

For Redmi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) It's especially important to keep track of backups. UFS 3.1 drives that wear out faster when formatted frequently, increasing the risk of permanent data loss.

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Create a separate folder on your PC or cloud drive called Xiaomi Backup and copy your most important files from your phone once a month, which will take 5 minutes, but save you hours of nerves when you reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data recovery on Xiaomi Redmi