What happens if you reset the Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings? full guide 2026

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings is a radical solution that comes from selling the device, critical system failures, or failed firmware experiments. But what exactly is deleted in the process? Are the photos left in the cloud, will the settings remain? MIUI, Can I cancel the reset if something goes wrong?

In this article, we will discuss all the consequences of resetting for different Redmi models (from Redmi Note 10 to Redmi). 13C), We'll explain how to prepare for the procedure, and we'll reveal hidden nuances that are not mentioned in the official instructions, such as why Find My Device may be lost after a reset, even if the Mi Account was tied.

Spoiler: factory reset on Xiaomi works differently than on “pure” Android – due to the features of the shell MIUI If you're planning to sell a phone or trying to fix the com.android.phone bug, read on -- there's no template tips here, just validated data.

1.What exactly is removed when you reset Xiaomi Redmi?

Factory reset on Xiaomi Redmi erases all user data from internal memory, but does not affect files on the device. SD-Here is the complete list of what will disappear:

• 📱 Installed apps (including settings and cache) Even system apps like Mi Browser or Mi Video will return to the factory version.
• 📸 Photos, videos and music in folders DCIM, Downloads, Pictures and other internal memory sections.
• 📞 Contacts, SMS/MMS Call logs – if they are not synced to Google or Mi Cloud.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, settings VPN, data of Bluetooth devices (headphones, fitness bracelets).
• ⚙️ Individual settings MIUI: topics, gestures, Do Not Disturb mode, camera settings (Pro Mode, AI-filter).
• 🎮 Game saving (unless linked to a Google Play or Mi Account).

Here is what will be left (but with nuances):

• ☁️ Files in Mi Cloud (if sync was enabled before reset).
• 💾 Data on SD-card (unless it was encrypted as part of internal memory).
• 🔄 Google account settings (contacts, calendar, mail) – subject to re-entry after reset.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with a blocked bootloader, resetting through Settings will not delete data from the section /data/media/0, If the phone was rooted, then you'd need a Fastboot reset to clean it completely.

2.How does the reset affect Mi Account and phone lock?

One of the most common myths is that after a reset, Xiaomi Redmi will be unlocked for a new owner.

• 🔒 The Mi Account binding remains active. If you reset your phone without untidying your account, the new owner will not be able to use it - you will need to enter your username / password (Mi Cloud Activation Lock function).
• 📱 Lockdown FRP (Factory Reset Protection will work if the phone has been enabled Google account with a confirmation in 2 steps.
• 🔓 If you previously unlocked the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, it will remain unlocked after the reset.

On the Redmi Note 12 and later, there is additional protection: if the reset was performed through Recovery without detachment of the account, the phone can be locked for 72 hours (Mi Anti-Theft requirement).

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Before reset, check the status of the Mi Account in the Settings menu → Mi Account → If there's a "Unlock Device" item, it needs to be done before the reset, otherwise the phone will become a brick for the new owner.

3. Step-by-step instruction: how to properly drop Redmi?

There are 3 official ways to reset Xiaomi Redmi, and each has its own consequences.

Method 1: Through the settings menu (soft reset)

Suitable for troubleshooting software failures or preparing your phone for sale (if you untied your account).

Unlock Mi Account in Settings → Mi Account → Security of the device

Delete Google Account in Settings → Google Accounts →

Sync contacts/photos with Mi Cloud or Google Drive

Get out. SIM-map SD-card (if any)

Charge your phone at least 50%

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1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Reset – these are different options!).
3. Enter. PIN-code.
4. Confirm the action with the button to erase everything.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

Use if the phone is not switched on or hovers on the logo MI. This method does not delete data from SD-maps, but resets all settings MIUI.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button. + Volume up for 10 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm Wipe Data.
4. Confirm the reset by choosing Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (complete cleaning)

The most radical method that removes all sections, including /data and /cache. Requires PC and unlocked bootloader.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note 10 Pro models and later, a reset via Fastboot without a previous backup persist-partition can lead to loss of the IMEI. It can be restored only through the service center.

4.What to do after the reset: the first start and restore data

After resetting Xiaomi Redmi phone will start as new, but with nuances:

• 🔄 Recovery from backup: MIUI Offers to restore data from Mi Cloud or Google Drive, but only if the backup was created before the reset.Files from the backup are downloaded selectively - for example, you can only restore contacts or only photos.
• 📱 First setup: Link your phone to your Mi Account (if you sell, skip this step!) Without the tether, Find My Device, Mi Cloud and theme sync will not work.
• 🔒 Account lock: If you forget your Mi Account, after 5 failed login attempts, your phone will be locked for 24 hours.

To speed up the setup:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (mobile internet may not work until the setup is complete).
2. Skip the offer to restore data if you are not sure about the source of the backup (risk of repairing viruses or crashes).
3. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update.

5. Frequent errors after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful Xiaomi Redmi reset, there may be problems, and here are the most common solutions:

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset (black screen, no button response), check:

• 🔋 Battery level (plug in to RAM for 30 minutes).
• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable).
• 🛠️ Physical damage (if the phone fell before resetting).

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On Redmi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A or Redmi 12C) After a reset via Fastboot can fly DA-The file (authorization driver) In this case, the phone will not be identified by the PC before the firmware is installed through the SP Flash Tool with the correct auth-file.

6.How to avoid data loss: checklist before reset

Before resetting Xiaomi Redmi, follow these steps to avoid losing an important one:

Create a backup copy in Settings → System and device → Backup

Synchronize contacts with Google or Mi Cloud

Download photos on PC through MTP Xiaomi File Manager

Write it down. IMEI (dial *#06# and serial number (in Settings) → The phone)

Unplug your Mi Account (if the phone is sold)

Remove Linked Bank Cards in Google Pay/Mi Pay

Get out. SIM-map SD-card if not required)

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For backup photos and videos:

• Use Google Photos (automatic download) or Mi Cloud (up to 5GB free).
• Transfer files to PC via cable USB-C (file transfer).
• For backups SMS use the app SMS Backup & Restore.

If you are selling a phone, you must:

1. Untie your Mi Account in Settings → Mi Account → Security of the device → Delete the account.
2. Remove all fingerprints and faces in Settings → Passwords and security.
3. Reset via Settings, not Recovery (so there is less risk of blocking).

7. Reset vs. Flashing: Which is Best for Your Redmi?

Factory reset and firmware solve different problems. Here's when to choose:

Reflashing is only needed in extreme cases:

• 🔧 The phone will not turn on even after resetting via Recovery.
• 📱 Bootloop (Cyclical Reboot).
• 🔄 We need to go back to the old version. MIUI.
• 🚨 System firmware is damaged (for example, after a failed root).

Reflashing will require:

• Unlocked bootloader (on new models, it takes up to 720 hours of waiting!)
• Official firmware from the Xiaomi website.
• Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with Snapdragon processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Fastboot flashing without authorization in Mi Unlock Tool will lock the device (Locked status).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions