Hard Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: 3 ways to reset to factory settings

Hard reset on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a radical but effective solution to freezes, viruses, or device preparation. However, a mishandled procedure can lead to data loss, Mi Account lockdown, or even smartphone buildup. This article outlines 2026-relevant reset methods, including menu, button, and Fastboot methods, with MIUI 12/14 firmware features in mind.

The Redmi Note 7 (codenamed lavender) was released in 2019, but is still popular due to its balanced characteristics: a Snapdragon 660 processor, 4 GB of RAM and a battery of 4000 mAh. However, over time, even such a reliable device begins to “brake” due to filled memory, application conflicts or errors after updates. Hard reset helps return the device to its original performance, but requires preparation – especially if the phone is on the binding to the Xiaomi account.

When you need a hard reset on the Redmi Note 7

Resetting to factory settings is not a universal medicine, but it is justified in several cases:

• 📱 System failures: the phone is constantly restarting, gives an error "com.android.phone stopped" or hovers on the logo MI.
• 🐢 Critical slowdown: Even after cleaning the cache and removing apps, the smartphone “lags” when opening the camera or multitasking.
• 🔒 Preparation for sale: All personal data, including Wi-Fi accounts, photos and passwords, must be deleted.
• 🛡️ Viruses or malware: if an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Malwarebytes) fails to deal with the threat.
• 🔄 Failed Update: After installing a new version MIUI Bugs (for example, sensors are not working or communication is lost).

However, there are situations where hard reset will not help:

• ⚡ Hardware malfunctions: if the phone is not turned on due to a broken screen or damaged motherboard.
• 🔋 Battery problems: quickly discharged or swelled - repairs are needed, not resetting.
• 📶 Lack of network: if not caught SIM-card due to damaged communication module.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget your Mi Account password, Recovery reset will lock your phone! After the procedure, you will need to enter your login and password, otherwise the device will become a "brick." Before hard reset, untie your account in the settings or remember the login data.

Preparing for resetting: what to do in advance

Hard reset erases all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Preservation of games (e.g. in the PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, apps and banking services.

To minimize losses, follow the following steps:

Backup through MIUI:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Backup.
2. Choose Local Backup or Mi Cloud.
3. Tick the necessary data (contacts, messages, applications) and click Create a copy.

If the phone is not turning on or is frozen, use Fastboot mode to copy data via your PC (you will need an unlocked bootloader).

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

The easiest method is to use the standard MIUI menu. Suitable if the smartphone turns on and responds to touch.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Erase all data).
4. Read the warning and click Reset Settings.
5. Enter the request PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action with the OK button.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

⚠️ Note: If the device protection option is enabled in the settings (in the Security section), after reset, you will need to enter a password from the previously associated Mi Account!

💡

If the phone asks for an old password after reset and you don’t remember it, try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com. In extreme cases, contact the service center with proof of purchase.

Method 2: Hard reset with Recovery Mode

If the Redmi Note 7 doesn’t turn on, freezes on the logo, or doesn’t respond to the sensor, use Recovery, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires physical access to the buttons.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold on for 5-10 seconds until the MI logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection). Interface in English or Chinese - look for items:

• Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• Reboot → Reboot to System (Reboot after reset).

Important nuances:

• 🔄 If you select Wipe Data, the phone will give you an error "Can't mount". /data", So you're going to have a file system damaged.
• 🔋 Don't interrupt the process! power outage during reset can cause loss IMEI or inability to load.
• 📱 If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for characters (clear data) and (reboot).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔒 You need to delete Mi Account without password (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• 📦 You need to run a clean version. MIUI.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool Programming.
• 📦 Firmware for Redmi Note 7 (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware (file with the.tgz extension).
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data without recovery, including IMEI and MAC-If you are not sure of your actions, contact the service center.

💡

Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring your phone back to life if the boot or system is damaged, but it requires an unlocked bootloader, otherwise the Mi Flash Tool will give you an error.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset, try charging it for 30 minutes – sometimes the battery runs out in the process.
• 📱 If the screen does not respond to touch, but the phone is working, connect the mouse through the phone. USB-OTG steer.
• 🔧 If no method has worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions