How to format Xiaomi Redmi correctly: 3 ways to reset + preparation for sale

Formatting Xiaomi Redmi is not just deleting files, but completely resetting the system to factory status. The procedure is required in three cases: before selling the device, to fix software failures or after a failed MIUI update. But many users make a critical mistake - limiting themselves to deleting files through the Explorer without affecting system partitions, as a result, personal data (photos, passwords, messages) remain available for recovery, and firmware problems do not disappear.

This article contains 3 proven formatting methods (through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot), as well as instructions for preparing the device for sale, taking into account the features of the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi K50/K60 and other models. Particular attention is paid to hidden MIUI sections that are not cleared by a standard reset - ignoring them can lead to data leakage or repeated crashes after flashing.

1. When to format Redmi: 5 good reasons

Resetting to factory settings is a last resort, but sometimes it is necessary. Here are the typical situations where the formatting of Xiaomi Redmi is justified:

• 📱 Selling or transferring a phone. Even after deleting files through a Explorer, you can recover data with programs like DiskDigger or Recuva.
• 🔄 Hanging and lag after update MIUI. If the smartphone began to slow down after installing a new version of firmware, reset often solves the problem of conflict between old and new system files.
• 🔒 Removal of viruses or malware: Some Trojans (such as Xhelper) are embedded in system folders and are not deleted by antivirus software. Formatting is the only way to get rid of them.
• 🔧 Mistakes in installing custom firmware.If you tried to flash Redmi through TWRP The first was E: Unknown command. [log], Fastboot reset can help.
• 📶 Network problems or SIM-Sometimes modem failures (for example, the lack of signal on the Redmi Note 11 after the update) are solved only by a complete reset.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi is blocked through your Mi Account (Xiaomi account), a reset without detachment of your account will result in activation of the protection. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: In this case, the phone will require login/password input after activation. To avoid blocking, be sure to delete your Mi Account before formatting (instruction in Section 4).

2. Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable for most users if the phone turns on and responds to touch. It does not require a computer or special knowledge, but has a limitation: it does not clean the partition. /internal_storage So, if you want, you can recover data with professional software.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7-10 times until you have the message “You are a developer!”
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional settings → Reset.
4. Remove all data and confirm the action.
5. If requested PIN-code or pattern lock, enter it.
6. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot and prompt you to set it up as new.

🔹 What is cleaned: apps, settings, accounts (except Mi Account, if not deleted in advance), cache, multimedia in the phone memory.

🔹 What is not cleaned: files on SD-map, sectional data /efs (IMEI) and /modem (network setting).

Method 2: Formatting via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is blocked by a password you have forgotten, resetting through Recovery mode will help, which is deeper than the previous method, since it affects system partitions, but does not delete data from internal memory at the formatting level (it can be restored).

Instructions for all Redmi models (including Redmi Note 9/10/11, Redmi K40/K50):

1. Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press and hold the buttons: For Redmi Note 8/9/10/11: Power + Volume up. For Redmi K20/K30/K40/K50: Power + Volume up + Volume down (on some models). For Redmi 9A/9C/10A: Power + Volume up, then let go Power but keep Volume up.

Mi

Recovery

Nutrition

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The Recovery menu can be in Chinese. If you see characters, look for pictogram items:

• 🧹 — Data Cleanup (Wipe Data),
• 🔄 — reboot (Reboot).

The error in the selection is not critical, but can lead to an unnecessary reboot.

Method 3: Full formatting via Fastboot (most reliable)

This method deletes all data without recovery, including system partitions, cache and internal memory. Requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

• 🔧 Fix critical firmware errors (e.g. Bootloop – endless reboot).
• 📦 Preparing the phone for sale with a guarantee of deleting all data.
• 🔄 Custom firmware installations (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install: official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery), Mi Flash Tool (check the version - new models need Mi Flash 2023+), Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers (depending on your Redmi processor).

Fastboot

Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.


Release the buttons when the image of the rabbit in the eardress hat appears (Fastboot logo).)

Redmi

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Clean All

Clean All and Lock

Flash

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• Deletes data at the low-level formatting level (it is impossible to recover it).
• Fixes firmware errors, including damaged /boot or /system partitions.
• Suitable for "brick" phones (not included even in Recovery).

⚠️ Note: If you are flashing Redmi with a locked bootloader, you must unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool before using the Fastboot, otherwise, after firmware, the phone can turn into a “brick”. Unlocking takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new models.

1. Repeat the process with another firmware version (for example, instead of global put Chinese).

2. Check the cable and USB port (use the back port on the PC, it is more stable).

3. Hold the Power button for 30-60 seconds for forced reboot.-->

5. How to delete Mi Account before formatting

If you do not delete your Xiaomi account before resetting, the phone will require login and password (FRP protection) to be entered after rebooting.This applies to all Redmi models on MIUI 12 and later. To avoid blocking, follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Slip on your account and select Delete account.
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account and confirm the deletion.
4. If Delete account is inactive, check: Internet connection (required for synchronization); no associated devices (e.g. Mi Band or Xiaomi Smart Home); Account status (on some firmwares, deletion is blocked if Find Device is enabled).

🔹 If you forget the password from your Mi Account: