How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: all ways to reset to factory settings

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but even it can eventually start to slow down, give out errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Zero phone (reset to factory settings) solves most software problems, from freezes to viruses. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, you will find all the current ways to reset for the Redmi Note 7 (including the Redmi Note 7 Pro and Redmi Note 7S models), as well as tips for preparation and recovery.

• 🔹 Soft reset via settings (without data loss in some cases)
• 🔹 Hard reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)
• 🔹 Reset via Fastboot (for experienced users)
• 🔹 What to do if the reset doesn’t help or the phone is stuck on the logo

Important: The procedure differs depending on the version of MIUI (Global, Chinese, Custom firmware) and the status of the device. If your Redmi Note 7 is locked through the Mi Account, the reset will not unlock it - additional actions will be required.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you reset your phone, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and issues with your Xiaomi account:

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud:
• 🔋 Charge the phone at least 50%. interruption of reset due to battery discharge can cause damage to system files and the need to firmware through EDL.
• 🔐 Make sure to remember the Mi Account. After resetting, the phone may require login/password input if the Xiaomi account binding was previously activated.
• 📶 Disable all accounts (Settings) → Accounts, especially Google and Mi Accounts, if you plan to sell your device.

If you reset your phone because of a forgotten pattern lock, but remember the data from Mi Account, after the reset you can unlock the device via https://account.xiaomi.com. If the account is not tied, you will need firmware via Fastboot or contact the service.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader, resetting via Fastboot without unlocking will lead to an error. Check the lock status by the fastboot oem device-info command - if Device unlocked: false, unlock the bootloader officially via the Mi Unlock Tool.

Backup important data | Charge phone ≥50% | Remember username/password from Mi Account | Disable all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks) | Check bootloader lock status (if you plan to Fastboot)

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2. Method 1: Soft reset via phone settings

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly to the MIUI menu.

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch;
• 🔓 You know the pattern lock or PIN-code;
• 🔄 You want to save data to Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled).

Instructions for Redmi Note 7 on MIUI 12/13/14 (global or European version):

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click to erase all data (entry may be required) PIN-code).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Reset settings.

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

⚠️ Note: On the Chinese versions of Redmi Note 7 (with firmware for the Chinese market), the path may be different: → Additionally. → Recovery and Reset. If the menu does not include "Reset Settings", update your firmware to the latest version via Settings. → Updating the system.

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If you don't remember a password from your previous Google account (FRP) after reset, use the Mi FRP Bypass Tool or contact the service center.

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If the Redmi Note 7 doesn’t turn on, freezes on the MI logo or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery mode, which erases all data without exception, including files on internal memory.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the buttons at the same time: Power (Power) Volume Up

10-15 seconds

Mi

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC, and a green robot labeled Fastboot should appear on the screen.

Win + R

cmd

fastboot devices

If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For a complete re-flashing (if the reset did not help):

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the firmware folder and click Flash (select the Clean All option for full cleanup).

To diagnose hardware problems (such as memory or processor malfunctions), use the test menu:

1. Enter the dialer code: ##4636##.
2. Select Testing → Single Test and check all components.

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If your mobile network is missing after reset, check your settings. APN: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). Add if necessary APN your operator manually (options can be found on the operator's website).

6.How to recover data after reset

If you don't back up, some of the data can be recovered using specialized tools, and note that success depends on:

• 🕒 Time after reset (the earlier you start recovery, the better);
• 📱 Internal memory states (if the phone is flashed over the Fastboot, chances are minimal);
• 🔒 Root rights (for deep scanning).

Recovery programmes:

Instructions for recovery through Dr.Fone:

1. Install the program on your PC and connect your phone in MTP mode (after reset, turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the version, then return to Additional → For Developers).
2. Select the Android Data Recovery section.
3. Follow the instructions of the program (you may need to install drivers).
4. After scanning, select files for recovery (photos, messages, contacts).

To recover WhatsApp messages:

• If you have backup enabled in Google Drive before reset, reinstall WhatsApp and restore chats when you first start.
• If there is no backup, try extracting the msgstore.db.crypt14 database from the MIUI backup (located in /MIUI/backup/AllBackup).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you reset the Redmi Note 7, users often face typical problems. Here's how to prevent them:

• 🚫 Error: "Cannot erase userdata" in Fastboot Reason: Locked bootloader or damaged memory Solution: Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool or flash the phone with official firmware.
• 🚫 Phone does not turn on after reset Reason: Interrupted process or incompatible firmware Solution: Sweat your device through Fastboot with Clean All option.
• 🚫 Constant restart (bootloop) Cause: Conflict of firmware modules or damaged boot.img. Solution: Switch your phone to your region (for example, lavender_global global version).
• 🚫 Camera fails after reset Reason: Failure in settings or damaged configuration files Solution: Reset camera settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

If you encounter a “Mi Account locked” error after resetting and your account data is lost:

1. Try to restore access through the official website (Forgot password button).
2. If your account is linked to a phone number, request a recovery code via SMS.
3. If nothing helps, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box).

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Never buy a "Mi Account unlock" from a third party is a scam. The only legal way is official Xiaomi support.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions