How to format a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi: 3 ways to reset + tips for recovery

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a procedure that solves 90% of software problems, from slowdowns to viruses. But improper formatting can turn a phone into a brick or erase important data irrevocably. In this article, we will discuss all the ways of cleaning, from soft reset through the menu to hard formatting through Fastboot, and also tell you how to prepare for the procedure and what to do if the phone does not turn on after reset.

It’s important to understand that the term “format” in the context of smartphones is often used synonymously with “factory reset.” In fact, full formatting (like on a PC) for Redmi is not available without special tools – only reset options are available to the user, which we will consider. If you need low-level formatting (for example, to delete all memory partitions), this requires unlocking the bootloader and working with the user. EDL-Theme: A topic for a separate article.

When do you need a Xiaomi Redmi reset?

Factory resets are not a panacea, but in some cases, they're the only way to bring the phone back to life.

• 🐢 Phone slows down, apps constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 🔄 Before selling or transferring the phone to another person (required!).
• 📱 After a failed update MIUI, when the system is malfunctioning.
• 🔒 Forgot your pattern lock or password, and unlocking through Mi Account is impossible.

But there are also cases where resetting will not help or even harm:

• ⚡ Battery problems (fast discharge, bloating) - you need repairs, not software cleaning.
• 📡 Lack of network or problems with the communication module (for example, does not catch) SIM-map).
• 💥 Hardware breakdowns: broken screen, broken buttons, overheating of the processor.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is locked through Mi Account (Xiaomi account), a regular reset will not help - after the reboot, you will need to enter a login / password.

Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Formatting

Before you format Redmi, follow the mandatory steps to avoid data loss and problems:

1. Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud: 📞 Contacts (export to) VCF-file). 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud). 📝 SMS and call recordings (applications like SMS Backup & Restore). 🎮 Save games (if cloud synchronization is supported).

Make sure the phone is charged.

50%

Find out the MIUI version.

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI

Untie the accounts.

Google Account

Mi Account

If the phone doesn’t respond to touch or doesn’t turn on, skip preparation and go to reset methods via Recovery or Fastboot.

Method 1: Soft reset via settings (most secure)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, it saves files in the device’s memory (photos, music), but deletes apps, settings and accounts.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Resetting settings.
4. Enter a password (if requested) and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will turn on with the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. Your files (photos, videos) will remain in memory, but all applications and settings will be deleted.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) have the Clean Everything option in the reset menu, which deletes all data, including files in internal memory!

💡

If the phone asks for a password from an old Google account after reset (FRP-locking, try entering the last account you linked, if you don't remember, you'll need to bypass. FRP computer.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Reset (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If Redmi doesn't boot, freezes on the logo or doesn't respond to touch, use Recovery Mode.This method cleans the phone completely, including internal memory.

1. Turn off your phone. If it's frozen, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power + Volume up. For Redmi Note 8/9/10: Power + Volume up (hold 10 seconds). For Redmi K40/K50: Power + Volume up (after vibration let go power, but keep on keeping volume).

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

It takes 5-15 minutes, and if you're rebooting your phone, you're going to have to reboot your phone, you might have a firmware that's damaged, you're going to need to flash it through Fastboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
• 📱 Phone is blocked by Mi Account and you need to bypass the binding.
• 🔄 Refuse the device after a failed update.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.This method erases all data without recovery, including internal memory, and can lead to locking the phone if you do not follow the instructions.

1. Download Mi Phone Manager from Xiaomi’s official website or ADB Driver Installer package.
2. Download the firmware. Find the official firmware for your model on MIUI Downloads (choose the Fastboot version).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool. Unpack the archive with the firmware and specify the path to the folder in the program.
4. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. 3. Connect the phone to your PC via USB.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh – the program must detect the device.

⚠️ Note: If after the firmware through Fastboot, the phone requires authorization to the Mi Account, and you do not remember the data, the device will be blocked. In this case, only official unlocking through Xiaomi support will help (you will need a purchase check).

💡

Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring a phone with a damaged firmware back to life, but it requires an unlocked bootloader.If the bootloader is locked, first unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool app (the process takes up to 720 hours to wait!).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

Once formatted successfully, Redmi will turn on with the welcome screen.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi. This is necessary to download updates and restore backup.
2. Sign in to your Google account. If you forgot your password, restore it to your computer via accounts.google.com.
3. Restore data. Use a backup from Mi Cloud or Google Drive (if you did it before resetting).
4. Update MIUI. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version.
5. Set up your fingerprint/face, and that will keep you from getting blocked again.

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly - give the phone a 2-3 full charge/discharge cycle for calibration.
• 📶 No network – check if it is inserted SIM-map, and update operator settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔊 No sound works – reset the sound settings in Settings → Sound and vibration → Resetting settings.

💡

If the phone is slower after reset than before cleaning, try turning off animation in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → Developer Settings → Animation Scale and select No Animation).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.

If none of these methods worked and the phone still doesn’t work, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a damaged memory or power controller) in which case, contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions