How to completely clean the Xiaomi Redmi phone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to fix software failures, prepare the device for sale or delete personal data.The procedure erases all user files, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, the wrong approach can lead to the loss of important data or even locking the device — especially if it is a model with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware.

In this article, we’ll break down three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Mi Flash Tool), explain how to prepare for the procedure, and warn of common errors. The instructions are relevant for all modern Redmi models, from the budget Redmi A2 and Redmi 12C to the flagship Redmi K60 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro+. If your phone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or requires reset before selling, you will find working solutions here.

When you need a factory reset: 5 good reasons

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way out.

• 🔄 System lags and brakes: The phone is slow, applications are spontaneously closed, and cleaning the cache is not helpful. Often conflicting updates or infected software are to blame.
• 📱 Preparing for sale or transfer: To prevent the new owner from accessing your accounts, photos or messages.
• 🔒 Removing viruses or spyware: If the antivirus detects threats that are not removed by standard methods.
• 🔧 Failures after update MIUI: For example, after the transition to MIUI 14 or HyperOS lost sound, camera or Wi-Fi not working.
• 📵 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-If you can’t unlock the screen and Find My Device doesn’t help.

But resetting doesn't always solve the problem, like if the phone doesn't turn on because of a hardware malfunction (damaged motherboard, charging connector), or if the battery is swelling, it needs repairs, not software reboots. SIM-card (for example, if the network is not catching due to a damaged communication module).

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in data loss in the section /data, If you've previously installed custom firmware, then after resetting, the phone can boot up to Fastboot with error number. OS installed.

Preparing for reset: how to save data and avoid errors

Before resetting, make sure to back up important files. Even if you plan to reset your phone due to viruses, it is better to be safe - some data (such as saving games or notes) may not be restored after re-authorizing in your Mi Account.

• 📁 Photos and videos: Copy them on a computer or in the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). MIUI 12+ You can use the built-in Backup function in Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset.
• 📱 Contacts and Messages: Sync with Google Account or export to.vcf.
• 🎮 Application data: For games, use the Google Play Games or Mi Account binding. For instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), make a manual backup.
• 🔑 Passwords and logins: Export them from the password manager (e.g. Google Password Manager or Bitwarden).

Pay special attention to the binding of the Mi Account. After the reset, the phone may require you to enter the username and password from the last associated account (Mi Cloud Activation Lock function). If you forget the data, restore it in advance. On models with HyperOS (for example, Redmi Note 13), this check can take up to 72 hours!

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi root-rights or custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), Standard reset via settings may not clear the partition /data In this case, use the command fastboot erase userdata or format via TWRP.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools, and it's relevant for all versions of MIUI and HyperOS.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in HyperOS – About Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset (or Reset Settings in Newer Versions).
4. Slip on Reset settings, then select Erase all data.
5. If required, enter PIN-code.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and the phone will reboot and start setting up as new, and at this point, you can skip the account binding if you plan to sell the device.

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or Redmi 10), after a reset, a message may appear: "This device has been reset. To continue, log in to an account that was previously used on this device." This is Mi Cloud Activation Lock - enter data from the last associated Mi Account.

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If after reset, the phone asks for an old password, but you do not remember it - try to restore access through [Xiaomi service] (https://account.xiaomi.com/). In extreme cases, you will need to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

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

If Redmi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is blocked, use Recovery Mode. This method works even without access to the system, but requires care - incorrect actions can lead to loss of data on internal memory.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Redmi Note 9/10/11: Volume up + Volume down + Power. For Redmi K50/K60: Volume up + Power (hold 10 seconds).

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🗑️ Second or Third: Wipe Data (cleanup).
• 🔧 The latest - Connect with MIAssistant (for firmware via PC).

⚠️ Note: On models with a bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in an error called "This device is locked." In this case, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (the official tool of Xiaomi).

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔧 All partitions need to be cleaned completely (for example, before the custom OS firmware is installed).
• 📦 Residual data must be deleted after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or Platform Tools (for fastboot commands).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC.

CMD

Platform Tools

fastboot devices

If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot format:ext4 userdata




fastboot format:ext4 cache

fastboot reboot

On HyperOS models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro+) the following metadata partition may need to be cleaned further after the fastboot erase userdata command:

fastboot erase metadata

Without it, the phone can get stuck on loading.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot format commands completely erase data without recovery. If you plan to sell your phone, after this cleaning, the binding to the Mi Account may remain - check this in Settings → Post-discharge accounts.

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, only if the first two methods didn't work, or if you're confident in what you're doing, and errors in commands can lead to a build-up of the device.

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all after reset (black screen, no vibration), there are two possible reasons:

1. 🔋 Full battery discharge – connect to charging for 30-60 minutes.
2. 🔧 Firmware damage – you will need to reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of Clean All and Lock mode.
3. Disable unnecessary functions: 📡 Settings → Connections → Mobile network → Autoloading data (saving traffic). 🔋 Settings → Battery → Performance mode (select Balanced mode). 📱 Settings → Annexes → Auto-run (disable for unnecessary programs).

HyperOS models (such as the Redmi Note 13) may require resetting gestures and app resolutions after reset, and check the sensors (gyroscope, compass)—sometimes they are reset to factory calibrations after reset.

If you have reset your phone due to viruses, after data recovery:

• Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
• Check the permissions of applications in Settings → Applications → Permissions.
• Don't install it. APK-files from unverified sources.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions