How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi Note to factory settings: detailed guide 2026

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution: Did you buy a used smartphone with someone else's data? Is the device slowing down after the MIUI update? Or just want to sell the gadget without leaving personal information? In each of these cases, hard reset will be the way out. However, the procedure has nuances, from losing data to possibly blocking the Mi Account.

In this article, we have three proven reset methods (through settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), tips for saving important files and parsing common errors. We have taken into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and Redmi Note 10/11/12 models, where the process may be different from the old instructions. Resetting via Fastboot on new devices requires unlocking the bootloader - without this, the phone will turn into a brick.

1.Reset preparation: what to save and why it is critical

Before you click Reset, remember: hard reset deletes everything. Gallery photos, WhatsApp messages, saved Wi-Fi passwords, app settings, everything will disappear forever. Even if you plan to restore data from the backup, some items (such as game progress or call history) may not be recoverable.

Minimum checklist before resetting:

📁 Photos and videos: transfer to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). DCIM/.thumbnails — There may be thumbnails of deleted photos.
📱 Contacts: export to.vcf file via Contacts app or sync with Google Account.
🔑 Passwords and tokens: copy SMS coded 2FA, Export logins from the password manager (if you use them).
🎮 Gaming data: link your gaming accounts to Google Play or social media.

Special attention is given to Mi Account. If the phone is linked to Mi Account, you may need to enter your login/password after reset. On models with MIUI 12+ and enabled Device Protection, you can't unlock your account without your account data, the phone will become a brick. Make sure you remember your email and password!

If the phone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock/PIN-code, this method is the best choice. It works on all Redmi Note models. 4X note 12 Pro+) It does not require additional tools.

Step-by-step:

Open the Settings. → The phone.
Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (not necessary for resetting, but useful for debugging).
Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
Click Reset Settings, then Delete all data.
Enter. PIN-lock-screen code/password.
Confirm the action by clicking Reset.

The process will take 3-10 minutes, the phone will restart and suggest that you configure it as new, at which point you can restore data from the backup (if it was created through Mi Cloud or Google Drive).

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If the menu doesn't have Recovery and Reset, try the path: Settings → System → Advanced Settings → Recovery and Reset. Some firmware has a different name for the section.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ and the enabled "Data Protection" function after the reset may require confirmation via SMS or an email linked to Mi Account. Make sure you have access to the mail!

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a pattern lock that you forgot, Recovery Mode will help.This mode is sewn into the firmware and works even if the system is damaged.

How to log in to Recovery:

Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
Release the buttons and you will see a menu in English or Chinese.

The following is dependent on the Recovery version:

Recovery version	Language	The way to dump	Features
Old (until 2020)	English/Chinese	Wipe Data → Wipe All Data	Managing Volume Buttons, Confirmation – Power Button
New (MIUI 12+)	English	Wipe Data → Format Data	Requires you to enter a password from Mi Account after resetting
Castomium (TWRP)	Multilingual	Wipe → Format Data	Allows you to select a file system (ext4/f2fs)

Once you select the reset point, the phone will start the cleanup process, it will take 5-15 minutes. Upon completion, select Reboot → System to reboot. If the device asks for a password from Mi Account, enter the associated account details.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note) 9/10 s MIUI 12.5) When reset via Recovery, you may see a "This device is locked" error, which means that the bootloader is locked. 7–15 days).

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?

If Power + Volume Up doesn't work: 1. Try Power + Volume Down (on some models). 2. Connect your phone to RAM - sometimes the menu only appears when charging. 3. If the screen is black but the phone vibrates, the display may be damaged. Connect to your PC and use ADB to reset.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This is the most radical method, and it requires a PC. It's useful if you:

🔄 The phone is not included in or included in Recovery.
🔓 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (legally, if your phone is yours).
🛠️ Refuse the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

Computer with Windows 10/11 or Linux.
USB Type-C cable (original, undamaged)
Mi Flash Tool, ADB & Fastboot.
Firmware file for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

Install Xiaomi and Platform Tools drivers.
Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
Connect the device to a PC. In the command line (cmd), execute: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the phone.
For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

If you need to reflash the device, use the Mi Flash Tool:

Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz format).
In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh.
Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

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Fastboot resets all information without recovery, including data in the internal storage section.This method also resets the bootloader settings, which can lead to locking if the phone is tied to Mi Account.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems.

Error 1: "This device is locked" after reset

The reason: the phone is tied to Mi Account, and Device Protection is activated.

📧 Enter the email and password from the account that was linked to the phone.
🔓 If you forget your data, restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
⏳ If you have a used phone, ask the previous owner to untie the device in the Mi Cloud settings.

Error 2: The phone doesn't go out of Fastboot mode

Causes and solutions:

🔌 Check the cable and port USB — Use the original Xiaomi cable.
🖥️ Reinstall Fastboot drivers on PC (download from Xiaomi website).
🔄 Command: Fastboot Continue

Error 3: After resetting, there is no network (IMEI reset)

This is a critical error, meaning that the communication module data is lost.

📡 Check it out. IMEI *#06# If Null is displayed, restore is required.
🛠️ Use tools like Maui META or SN Write Tool (requires skills).
🔧 Contact the Service Center – Self-Recovery IMEI This may violate the law (in some countries it is equivalent to changing the serial number).

6.How to avoid problems after resetting

Factory reset is only half the battle, so that the phone is stable.

1. Set up accounts correctly

📱 Link your Google Account and Mi Account immediately after the first download.
🔐 Enable two-factor authentication in Mi Cloud (security settings).
📧 Make sure that the email linked to Mi Account is valid (some users lose access due to inactive email).

2. Optimize the system

🚀 Turn off animation in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times).
🗑️ Clear the cache of system applications through Settings → Annexes → Application management.
🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.

3. Restore Selective Data

Don't restore everything from backup right away, it can bring back old errors.

📞 Reestablish contacts and SMS via Google Account.
📷 Transfer the photo manually from the PC.
🎮 Install the games again to avoid cache conflicts.

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After reset, check the battery settings: go to Settings → Battery → Performance Mode and select Balanced. This will prevent quick discharge on the new MIUI 14+ firmware.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can you reset Redmi Note without losing data?

No. Any factory reset removes user data from /data. However, you can back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset (but you can only restore it on the same device).

❓ Why does the phone ask for an old password after resetting?

This is a MIUI protection feature that links the reset to your Mi Account. If you forget your password, restore it via account.xiaomi.com. On devices with MIUI 13+, you may need to confirm via SMS.

❓ How to Reset Redmi Notes If You Forgot Your pattern lock?

Use Recovery Mode (method 2) or Fastboot (method 3). If Mi Account binding is enabled, you will need to enter your account details after the reset. Alternatively, unlock through Find Device (if the feature has been activated).

❓ Can I reset my phone through a computer without a Fastboot?

Yes, using Mi PC Suite (the official Xiaomi utility), plug your phone into your PC, run the program, and select System Restore, but this method only works if the phone is turned on and unlocked.

❓ Why does the camera or speaker not work after reset?

Probably damaged firmware or module drivers. Solutions: Update phone via Settings → System Update. Reset again via Fastboot with full firmware. If the problem persists, hardware malfunction (diagnosis required).