How to find and reset settings on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 working methods

Resetting on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. However, many users face difficulties in the first stage - finding the right item in the maze of the MIUI menu. Unlike other brands, where the reset option is usually located in the "System" section, Xiaomi's path to it can vary depending on the firmware version and model.

This article will help you understand exactly where the reset function on your Redmi is hiding, what alternative ways to start the procedure (including Recovery mode and hardware buttons), and what to do if the standard method is not available. We will look at the features for different generations of devices — from Redmi 4X to Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — and warn against typical errors that can turn a useful procedure into a headache.

1. Standard reset via the MIUI settings menu

The most obvious and safe way to return the smartphone to factory settings is to use the built-in menu, but even here users are waiting for pitfalls: depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), the path to the option may differ, and some items may be hidden behind additional submenu.

For most modern models (Redmi Note 11/12/13, Redmi 10/11/12) the algorithm looks like this:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Slip on Additional (or Advanced Settings in MIUI 14).
4. Find the Reset option → Erase all data.

On older models (Redmi 5/6/7), the path may be shorter:

• 📱 Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings
• 🔄 Settings → System and device → Additionally. → Resetting (for the purpose of MIUI 10-11)

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If the item "Reset settings" is not in the menu "About phone", try to enter in the search by settings (magnifying glass at the top) the request "Reset" - the system will tell the current way.

Once you select the reset option, the system will require you to enter a Mi Account password (if it is tied) or a pattern lock, which is a measure of protection against accidental reset. If you forget your account information, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com - otherwise, after the reset, the phone may lock!

2.Alternative method: Recovery Mode reset

When the smartphone is not turned on, stuck on the logo or settings menu is not available, Recovery mode comes to the rescue. This method is universal for all Redmi models, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to loss of access to the device if it is tied to the Mi Account without the ability to unlock.

To get into Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold the combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models) 🔘 Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down (for Redmi Note 8 Pro and some others)

Mi

In the Recovery menu, you can control volume (moving) and power (selecting).

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions)
2. Confirm the action by the Wipe All Data item.
3. Wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes) and select Reboot.

Disable your Google account in settings (if your phone is turned on)

Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged.

Download the firmware for your model (in case of errors)

Remember the data from the Mi Account (login and password)-->

3. Hardware button reset (for locked devices)

If the phone is completely locked (forgot the pattern lock, sensor is not working), and Find Device from Xiaomi does not help, then the last method is a hardware reset via a combination of buttons. This method works on all Redmi, but has a critical nuance: after the procedure, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account associated with the device.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone (if necessary).
2. Press Volume Up + Power for 15-20 seconds.
3. When the Fastboot menu appears, release the buttons.
4. With volume buttons, select Recovery Mode and confirm with the power button.
5. In Recovery, run Wipe Data (as described in the previous section).

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If a reset via Recovery results in a Cannot mount /data error, it indicates that the file system is damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help.

To diagnose complex cases, use the diagnostic menu of Xiaomi:

1. Enter the phone code ##4636##.
2. Select Testing → Information about the battery.
3. Check Health status – if Unknown or Dead is listed, the problem may be in the hardware.

6.Reset preparation: what to keep and what to remove

Resetting erases all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including hidden folders) DCIM/.thumbnails)
• 📱 Contacts (if not synchronized with the Google/Mi Cloud)
• 🎵 Music and downloads
• 📁 Application settings and games

To minimize losses:

1. Sync your contacts with Google Account or Mi Cloud (Settings → Accounts → Sync).
2. Copy files to the PC through MTP (Connect your phone as a flash drive or use Xiaomi File Manager to back up your phone. SD-map.
3. Export SMS via SMS Backup & Restore.

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To back up your Wi-Fi settings, use the Backup function in Settings → System → Advanced → Backup. The file is saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder.

⚠️ Note: Do not backup your phone to the Mi Cloud if you plan to sell it. Even after a reset, the data can be restored through your Xiaomi account by the new owner. For complete cleanup, use the option to Format an internal drive in Recovery (not available on all models).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Errors in resetting can cause data loss or even a "brick" of the device, and these are the most common:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: If the charge is below 30%, the reset may be interrupted.Always charge the phone before the procedure.
• 🔌 Interrupt process: Do not extract SIM-map SD-This can damage the system files.
• 📲 Use of informal firmware: On custom ROM (For example, LineageOS, a standard reset might not work, and then you need Factory Reset through a standard reset. TWRP.

Another common problem is the forgotten password from the Mi Account, and if you don't remember the data, the phone still works:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Select Forgot Password and follow the instructions (you will need to access the email or phone associated with your account).
3. If access is lost, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy – they can remove the binding remotely (for devices older than 30 days).

Frequently asked questions