Reset to factory settings on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 working ways (including locked phones)

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Hard reset on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a radical solution that returns the device to its original state, as if you had just unpacked it out of the box.The procedure removes all user data, apps, settings and even system updates (in some cases).

Main reasons: selling or transferring the phone to another owner (to delete personal information), fixing software glitches (such as hanging on the logo) MI, mistake MIUI or "black screen", recovery after a failed update, and unlocking the device if the pattern lock is forgotten or PIN-It is important to understand that resetting does not always solve hardware problems – if the phone does not turn on due to a damaged battery or motherboard, repair will be required.

On Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and older models, the process may differ due to MIUI versions and firmware type (global, Chinese, custom). For example, on devices with a blocked bootloader, after a reset, you may need to re-authorize in your Mi Account if you previously enabled Find Device.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for a working phone)

This is the easiest and safest method to use if the phone is turned on and responsive to touch, and is suitable for most Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9A and the new series, with the main advantage of being able to choose whether to back up data before resetting.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset (on some firmware, the path may look like Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will suggest you to choose which data to delete: all files (including photos, videos, music) or only settings and applications.
5. Confirm the action by entering a password (if installed) and wait for the reboot.

Backup important data (contacts, photos, messages)

Remember the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell your phone)-->

The process will take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of data. Once the phone is rebooted, it will suggest configuring it as new. On models with MIUI 14 and later after the reset, you may need to connect to the Internet to verify your Xiaomi account - this is a measure of protection against theft.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked or broken phones)

If the phone is unresponsive, the pattern lock is forgotten, or the device is getting stuck on the Redmi logo, a Recovery reset will help.This method works on all models, including the Redmi 8A, Redmi Note 9 Pro and newer ones, but requires care - improper actions can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For older devices (e.g. Redmi 4X): Power button + Volume up + Volume down.

Mi

Wipe Data

Wipe & Reset

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Reboot to System

Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi K50) may request Mi Account data after resetting via Recovery, even if the phone has not been previously tied, due to the Anti-Theft feature, which is activated automatically when you first sign in to a Xiaomi account.

⚠️ Note: If you purchased the phone with your hands and don't know the details of your previous Mi Account, a Recovery reset won't unlock the device.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This method is suitable for cases where the phone does not turn on at all (for example, after a failed firmware) or requires a complete reinstallation of the system. Mi Flash Tool is the official utility from Xiaomi, which allows you to flash the phone in Fastboot mode.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 and installed Mi Phone Manager drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (you can download on the official website of Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (the latest version can be found on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power button + Volume down until the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
2. Connect the phone to the computer.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware (file with the.tgz extension).
4. At the bottom of the program, select firmware mode: Clean All - complete reset with the removal of all data (recommended). Clean All and Lock - the same, but with the bootloader lock (you need only for official service centers); Save User Data - firmware without deleting user data (does not always work correctly).

Refresh

COM-port

Flash

Once firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to perform the initial setup. If the process is stalled in the Waiting for device step, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then the bootloader is blocked. You can unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool application, but you will need to link your Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days (on new models).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the phone will look like new, but before you start using it, you need to take a few important steps:

1. Checking Mi Account: If the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account, you may need to enter your login and password after the reset. Without this data, the device will remain locked (Find Device function).
2. Backup recovery: If you’ve backed up via Mi Cloud or locally, you can now restore contacts, messages, and some settings. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Restore.
3. System Update: After reset, it is recommended to update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update.This will fix possible bugs and improve performance.
4. Google Services Setup: When you first turn on, the phone will prompt you to sign in to a Google account. If you sell the device, you can skip this step.

If you dropped your phone before selling, remember:

• 📱 Disable Find Device in Xiaomi account settings (via account.xiaomi.com).
• 🔄 Log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks).
• 📡 Reset your network settings (if the new owner uses another one) SIM-map).

Yeah, through the settings menu.

Yes, through Recovery Mode.

Yes, with the Mi Flash Tool.

No, I never did.

I don't know what that is.-->

Common Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔋 Phone runs out during reset: If the battery runs below 5%, the process may be interrupted, leading to a boot cycle.Always charge the phone to a minimum of 50% before resetting.
• 🔒 Mi Account Password Forgotten: If the phone requires account information after a reset and you don’t remember it, restore the password through Xiaomi.
• 📱 Phone does not leave the Fastboot mode: If after firmware through the Mi Flash Tool the device hung on the screen with a bunny, try: Disconnect and reconnect the cable USB. Press the power button for 20-30 seconds to force reboot. Repeat the firmware with another version MIUI.
• 🚫 Mistake "This" MIUI version cannot be installed on this device": So you're trying to flash firmware not for your model. → The phone. → Model.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, Redmi 10A) squashing SP Flash Tool can burn out EMMC-Use only official firmware and proven tools!

If the phone is slower than before after reset, it may be a problem with memory fragmentation or firmware incompatibility.

• Install the latest version of MIUI.
• Cache clearing via Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition)
• Disabling animations in the developer settings.

Reset to Redmi with custom firmware (TWRP, LineageOS)

If your Redmi has unofficial firmware installed (such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS), standard reset methods may not work. TWRP Recovery - custom recovery, which allows you to make backups, install ZIP-Firmware files and reset with advanced options.

Instructions for TWRP:

1. Upload the phone to TWRP mode: Press the Power button + Volume up (on some models the combination may differ).
2. In the main TWRP menu, select Wipe.
3. Swipe your finger across the screen for confirmation (if required).
4. Select Advanced Wipe and tick: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (if you want to delete all files)

Swipe to Wipe

Reboot → System

If the phone doesn't boot after being reset via TWRP, the firmware may be damaged.

1. Download the appropriate firmware (for example, from the 4PDA forum).
2. Move it. ZIP-firmware file on the phone through MTP (into TWRP There's a Mount option. → Enable MTP).
3. V TWRP Choose Install, indicate the path to ZIP-file and confirm installation.

💡

Using TWRP cancels Xiaomi’s warranty and can result in a device lock if the bootloader is not officially unlocked. On newer models (Redmi Note 12 and later), unlocking the bootloader requires a wait of up to 30 days after the account is tied.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting settings on Xiaomi Redmi