Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a necessary measure when the smartphone starts to brake, emits errors or needs to be transferred to a new owner. But not all users know that the procedure has nuances, from data loss to locking the device through the Mi Account. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for models Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO and others, including bypassing typical problems.
It's important to understand that a full reset deletes all data β photos, contacts, messages and apps. If you haven't made a backup, it won't be possible to restore information. Also, some firmware (MIUI 14+) may require a login from the Mi Account associated with the device after the reset, and we'll tell you how to avoid this or unlock the phone if you forgot your password.
This article will be suitable for all modern Redmi (2018-2026), including budget and flagship models. If your device is released before 2018, some methods (for example, through Fastboot) may not work due to an outdated version of the bootloader.
1. Reset via phone settings (the safest way)
This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, not locked and you have access to the menu. It requires no additional tools and is minimally risky.
Instructions:
- π± Open the Settings. β The phone. β Resetting (onset) MIUI 14 Ways may be different: Settings β Additional settings β Recovery and discharge).
- π Select βReset all settingsβ (not to be confused with βReset network settingsΒ»!).
- π Enter a pattern lock or PIN-code, if requested.
- β οΈ Confirm the action β the phone will restart and start the cleaning process (it will take 3-10 minutes).
Once you reboot, you will be asked to configure the device as new. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, the system can request a login and password to confirm ownership.
Backup to Mi Cloud or PC|Remember the username/password from the Mi Account|Connect the charger (the battery should be) >30%)|Delete your Google account if you plan to sell your phone-->
β οΈ Attention: On the Redmi Note 10/11 s MIUI 13+ After the reset, you may see an error: "This device is reset. Enter the previous account." If you forgot your password, use the official recovery form or methods from the section. 5.
2. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked, recovery mode will help. This method works even without access to the system, but requires care - incorrect actions can lead to the loss of IMEI or "brick" of the device.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Hold the combination: π For the Redmi Note 8/9/10/11, POCO X3/X4: Nutrition + Loudness up. π For Redmi. 7/8A, POCO M2/M3: Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down.
Mi
Wipe Data β Wipe All Data β Confirm
Reboot β Reboot to System
If you don't have Wipe All Data in Recovery, you have custom Recovery (TWRP) installed, and then you can select Wipe β Format Data, type yes and confirm.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
| Model Redmi | Combination for Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5 | Food + Volume up | Menu in Chinese - look for the character "" (data cleanup). |
| Redmi 10/11, POCO M4 | Food + Volume up | Confirmation may be required through Mi Account. |
| Redmi 8/9, POCO X3 | Food + Volume up | There is a Mount item in Recovery β donβt choose it! |
| Redmi 7/8A | Power + both volume buttons | Old Recovery without touch controls β use volume buttons for navigation. |
3. Reset via Mi Account (remote)
If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, use the Mi Cloud Remote Reset feature, which only works if you:
- π The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
- π The device is synchronized with Mi Account.
- π± The device is not switched off or discharged.
Instructions:
- Go to the Mi Cloud website and log in.
- Select the Find Device tab (Find the device).
- The map will show the location of the phone (if GPS is enabled).
- Click Erase Device and confirm the action.
The process can take up to 30 minutes. Once reset, the phone will restart, but access to it without the username / password from the Mi Account will not be possible.
β οΈ Note: Remote reset does not work if the phone is disabled or is in airplane mode. IMEI The device is βlostβ and will make it unsuitable for calls.
4. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)
The method through Fastboot is useful if:
- π§ Recovery is damaged or missing.
- π΅ The phone does not respond to other resetting methods.
- π You need to unlock the bootloader before the firmware.
This will require:
- π» Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool.
- π Cable USB (preferably original).
- π Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, see Section 5).
Step-by-step:
1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Loudness down until the screen with the rabbit in the hat appears (Fastboot Mode).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
5. Unpack the archive and launch MiFlash.exe.
6. In the program, click Select, specify the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (must appear COM- port).
7. Select Clean all and lock (full clean + bootloader lock) and press Flash.
8. Wait for completion (5-15 minutes). The phone will restart automatically.This method will delete all data, including internal memory, and reflash the phone to a clean MIUI, so if the bootloader is locked, it will have to be unlocked again after the procedure.
π‘
Before you run through Fastboot, check the MIUI version on Xiaomi's website. Installing an older firmware can cause an anti-rollback error and a "brick" of the device.
5. How to unlock Redmi after reset (bypass Mi Account)
After the reset, many users encounter the error: "This device is reset. Enter the previous account." This is Xiaomi's protection against theft, but it also annoys legitimate owners. Here's how to get around it:
Method 1: Restoring access to the Mi Account
- π Go to the recovery page.
- π§ Enter the email or phone number associated with your account.
- π© Confirm the recovery through SMS backup.
- π If you forgot your password, answer the control questions or download a document confirming possession of the device (checks, box with a computer). IMEI).
Method 2. EDL bypass (for tech-savvy)
If you don't remember your account details, you can use EDL (Emergency Download Mode) and flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool to disable account verification.
- Download the modified firmware without checking Mi Account (seek for your model).
- Turn the phone into EDL mode: Turn the device off. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect the USB cable to the PC. The Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device should appear in Device Manager.
Mi Flash Tool
β οΈ Note: Using unofficial firmware voids warranty and can lead to unstable phone operation. IMEI Devices when detecting interference with system files.
Yeah, I had to restore access.|Yeah, but I got around the lockdown through EDL|I always untie my account before I reset.|I don't know what that is.-->
6. Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them
Even following the instructions, users often make mistakes that lead to data loss or phone lockdown.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Can't mount /data in Recovery | Data section or encryption damaged | Select Wipe β Format Data, enter Yes |
| The phone will not turn on after resetting | Interrupted cleaning process or battery drain | Charge your phone for 30+ minutes, reset via Fastboot |
| Mi Account Locked After Firmware | Not untied account before reset | Restore your account or go through EDL |
| IMEI loss after reset | The modem partition is damaged when firmware | Restore the IMEI with Engineer Mode (code ##4636##) |
How to avoid problems:
- π Always check the battery before resetting (minimum 50%).
- π Make a backup copy through Settings β System system β Backup.
- π Unlink your Mi Account and Google Account before selling your phone.
- π Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi website.
π‘
If after resetting the phone requires a password from the Mi Account and you do not remember it, DO NOT try to enter random combinations. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.
7. Alternative methods: reset without loss of data
If the purpose of the reset is to fix the lags or errors, but you donβt want to lose data, try a partial cleanup:
Method 1. Clearing the cache
- π§Ή Go to Settings. β Annexes β Application management.
- π± Select a problem app (such as Gallery or Settings).
- π Click Clear Cache and Clear Data (only for system applications!).
Method 2: Resetting network settings
If the problem is related to the Internet or Bluetooth:
- Open the Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting network settings.
- Confirm the action β reset the settings of Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth.
Method 3: Recovery with Mi PC Suite
Mi PC Suite allows you to restore the system without complete cleaning:
- π» Download Mi. PC Suite and connect the phone.
- π Select System Restore and follow the instructions.
- β οΈ This method does not delete user data, but can return firmware to the factory version.