Reset Xiaomi Mi 7 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting your smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from freezes and errors to viruses and junk files. The Xiaomi Mi 7, released in 2018, is still a popular device, but its MIUI firmware can become contaminated with unnecessary data over time, but an incorrect reset can turn a phone into a brick — especially if it comes to models with a locked bootloader or custom firmware.

In this article, you will find three official ways to reset the Mi 7 (including the Fastboot method for power users), as well as critical nuances that are not covered in the standard instructions, such as why the IMEI may disappear after a reset, or how to restore access to the Mi Account if you forgot your password, and we will also discuss what data is guaranteed to be deleted and what can be saved even without a backup.

If your Xiaomi Mi 7 starts to slow down, spontaneously reboot, or make errors like “com.android.phone process stopped,” factory resets are often the only working solution. But before you start, make sure that the problem is not in the hardware — for example, in a bloated battery or a damaged motherboard. Reset will not help if the phone does not turn on at all (in this case, you need to flash through EDL).

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Even if you’re sure that your phone doesn’t have important data, neglecting preparation can result in loss of photos, contacts, or even locking the device. Xiaomi Mi 7 uses hybrid data encryption, and without the right backup, recovering information after a reset will be extremely difficult.

Here is the minimum checklist before resetting:

Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup|Save contacts in a Google account or on SIM-map|Write it down. IMEI phone number (dial *#06#)|Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Untie the device from the Mi Account (if you plan to sell)

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Pay special attention to the item with Mi Account. If the phone is tied to the Xiaomi account and you forgot the password, after resetting, the device may require data input to activate the device (FRP-In this case, it will be impossible to unlock the Mi 7 without proof of ownership.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought your phone with your hands, check if it is tied to someone else's Mi Account. → Xiaomi account. If you have someone else's account, contact the seller to unbundle before the reset.

We also recommend writing down the serial number of the device (you can find it under the battery or in the settings in the About Device section) - it will be needed to restore warranty or proof of ownership when blocking.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a good method if the phone is turned on and you can log in, and it's the simplest and least risky method, because it doesn't affect the system partitions that are responsible for the bootloader and modem.

Step instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI, the item may be called Resetting All Settings).
4. The system will tell you what to drop: 📱 Delete all data (including apps and settings) 🔒 Clean your internal memory (optional if you want to delete music and photos)

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will start in the initial settings, as after the purchase. If the Mi Account data entry request appears on the screen, then the device was associated with the account (see the section on the page about the phone). FRP-lockdown).

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If the phone hangs on the Xiaomi logo for a long time after reset (more than 15 minutes), try pressing the power button for 20 seconds to force a reboot.

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Xiaomi Mi 7 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, you will have to use Recovery mode. This is a built-in recovery menu that works even when the firmware is damaged.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the menu in English or Chinese (depending on the version of Recovery).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

This method deletes all data without recovery, including modem settings. If the phone does not restart after the command, try flashing the standard firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Even after a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi 7 may not behave properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the IMEI is gone after the reset, don't panic, it can be recovered.

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (for Qualcomm processors, use QPST).
2. Enter the original IMEI (you should have written it down before the reset!).
3. Reboot the phone.

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If after reset, the phone requires a Mi Account password and you don’t remember it, don’t try to bypass the lock through third-party programs.This can lead to a complete loss of access to the device.

6.How to recover data after reset (if you did not make a backup)

If you forgot to save important files, the chances of recovering them depend on which reset method you used:

• 📱 Reset via Settings: Data is deleted software and can be tried to recover using DiskDigger, Recuva or EaseUS MobiSaver. success depends on how many new files were written after the reset.
• 🔧 Dumping through Recovery/Fastboot: Data is deleted at a low level, and recovery is unlikely, in which case only backup in the cloud or on the computer will help.

To recover photos and videos:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode (if it is turned on).
2. Use PhotoRec (free, works with RAW-partitions).
3. Select /userdata and start the scan.

If the phone is not defined by a computer, you can try to extract the memory chip and connect it to the programmer (this is expensive and requires special equipment).

⚠️ Warning: Do not install data recovery software directly on your phone after a reset — they can overwrite deleted files, making them impossible to recover.

7. Frequent Mistakes When Resetting Xiaomi Mi 7 and How to Avoid Them

Many users are experiencing problems because they don’t know the nuances of Xiaomi’s firmware, and here are some of the most common mistakes:

• 🔋 Low battery discharge → The phone can turn off during the process and turn into a brick. At least 50% charge is required!
• 🔒 Ignoring FRP-lock-in → If the phone was tied to Mi Account, after reset it can be unlocked only with a password from the account.
• 📡 Use of non-original cable → When reset via Fastboot, cheap cables can interrupt the connection, leading to disruptions.
• 📱 Reset via Recovery on custom firmware → This can erase the system files and the phone won't turn on.

Another common mistake is to interrupt the reset process, and if you start resetting via Fastboot or Recovery, never disconnect your phone from your PC or take the battery out, which can damage the bootloader and require EDL repairs (from 2,000 rubles).

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If you sell Xiaomi Mi 7, untie all accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks) and delete before resetting. SIM-The new owner will not be able to use the phone if it remains tied to your account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions