Reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: 3 proven ways + problem solving

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get your smartphone back to its former performance. Whether you’ve encountered MIUI freezes, viruses, a forgotten password, or just want to sell the device, hard reset will solve the problem. However, an incorrect reset can turn the phone into a brick, especially on models with a locked bootloader.

This article features three official reset methods (including hidden features from the Redmi Note and Redmi series), a compatibility table for 2020-2026 models, and unique solutions for errors such as "This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device."

1.When do I need to reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings?

Don't rush to drop your phone at the first lag. Here are 5 objective reasons for a hard reset:

• 📱 Systemic failures MIUI: Cyclical reboot, error "com.android.phone stopped", black screen after update.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN (If the unlocking is not working through Mi Account).
• 🦠 Viruses or adware that are not removed by antivirus software (such as Clean Master or Clean Master) DU Speed Booster).
• 📦 Preparation for sale: complete deletion of personal data (photos, messages, accounts).
• 🔄 Reverse to the old version MIUI After a failed update (requires bootloader unlocking).

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 12/13 Pro+ s MIUI 14+ Recovery resets may require you to enter your Mi Account password even if your phone is unlocked.

Resetting will not help if the problem is in the hardware: a bloated battery, a damaged SIM slot or a faulty Wi-Fi module.

2.Reset preparation: what to do to avoid losing data?

The factory reset deletes everything: photos, contacts, messages, application settings, and even files on internal memory (but not on internal memory). SD-Here is the checklist before the procedure:

Pay special attention to backup:

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud: Free 5GB, saves apps, settings and SMS. But not all Redmi models support backup media.
• 📁 Local copy: in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. The file is saved in the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
• 🔗 Google Account: syncs contacts, calendar and some app settings (include in Settings) → Accounts. → Google).

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi with unlocked bootloader and custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience), a standard reset via the menu can result in a breeze.In this case, use only the Fastboot method (described in section 4).

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, it keeps the bootloader in its original state and does not require additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line with the version to activate the developer mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Reset (on some models – Reset to factory settings).
4. The system will prompt you to enter a lock screen password (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The process will take 5-15 minutes, and the phone will restart and start with the original setup wizard, as after purchase.

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If the phone asks you to enter the old password after resetting (even after full formatting), this means that the function is activated Xiaomi Device Protection (FRP). To turn it off, go to Settings → Mi Account → Device Protection and deactivate the option before reset.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 11 Pro/Pro+ And later, after resetting through the menu, an error may appear "This device is locked." This means that the bootloader is locked, and you will need a tied Mi Account for further work.

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

If the Xiaomi Redmi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery mode.This method works even without lock password (but may require Mi Account on new models).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — dataset.
• 🔄 — restart.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi K50, Redmi Note 12 Pro and later, after reset via Recovery, you may be asked to enter the Mi Account password, even if the phone was not tied to the account.This is due to Xiaomi's anti-theft policy).

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable method, but it requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with ADB.

• 🔓 Unlock bootloader before firmware.
• 📱 Fixing the error"This MIUI version cannot be installed".
• 🔄 Resets on models with damaged Recovery.

Instructions:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down until the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the device is identified (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install ADB drivers.
5. Run the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a complete flash reset (if the phone doesn't load even in Recovery):

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device must be determined).
4. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

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Reset via Fastboot deletes all user information, but saves the bootloader state. If it was unlocked, it will remain unlocked. If blocked, you will need to be linked to Mi Account when you first turn on.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9/10 with a MediaTek processor (e.g., Redmi) 9A/9C) Fastboot requires a special LibUSB driver. Without it, the computer will not see the device.

6. Solving errors after reset

Even after a successful reset, Xiaomi Redmi can still produce errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If the phone does not turn on after reset (black screen, no vibration), it is possible:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – connect to charging for 30 minutes, then try again.
• 🔌 Problems with the plume of power - it is necessary to disassemble and diagnose.
• 💻 Wrong firmware – Fastboot with the right file for your model.

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If you lose photos after reset, check the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory, and sometimes local backups are saved even after a “full” reset.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)