How to format Xiaomi Redmi S2: 3 proven ways to reset

Why Redmi S2 formatting could be a salvation (or a problem)

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi S2 to factory settings is a procedure that owners do less than cache cleaning, but it can solve 80% of software problems. From endless reboots after a failed update to sudden lags in games, full formatting is often the last chance to return a smartphone to work. However, an improper reset can turn a phone into a brick, especially if it comes to manipulating through the Fastboot without an unlocked bootloader.

The Redmi S2 (codename ysl) was released in 2018 based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 and MIUI 9, but even today it is actively used thanks to reliable hardware. However, outdated firmware and accumulated digital debris often lead to the need for a clean reinstallation of the system. In this article, three official formatting methods (including hidden nuances for the Redmi S2), a method comparison table and answers to questions that users are shy to ask in service centers.

If you've never heard of Recovery or EDL modes, you'd better start with the safest option, which is resetting through settings, and if the phone doesn't turn on, you'll have to deal with hardware buttons and potential risks.

Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu (for a working phone)

This is the only method that does not require the user to know technically, which is suitable if the Redmi S2 turns on but slows down, emits application errors or “glues” after an update, the main advantage is that it retains the possibility of rollback: the system will offer to back up the data before cleaning.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Resetting (not to be confused with Network Reset!).
3. The system will ask you to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed).
4. Confirm the action, wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If you haven't untied your Mi Account before resetting, after rebooting, the phone will require you to enter your username and password. S2 s MIUI Down below version 12.5, linking your account to your device can block access after a reset, even if you remember the data. → Xiaomi account → Delete your account before formatting.

Delete your Google account (unless you plan to use your phone again)

Untie your bank cards in Google Pay/Mi Pay

Copy photos on PC (cloud services may not have time to sync data)

Write it down. IMEI (in case of network problems after resetting)-->

After reset, the phone will return to the “out of the box” state, but with the latest version installed. MIUI. All applications, contacts and SMS They will be deleted, but the files will be deleted. SD-If you need to save only part of the data, use the Selective Copy function in the backup menu.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

When the Redmi S2 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, the only option is to enter Recovery mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires strict follow-up.

How to get to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the volume button (+) and the power button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo and menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select) are controlled.

• 📱 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete cleaning).
• ⚙️ Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
• 🔄 After completion, select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI for Redmi S2 The Recovery menu may not have Wipe All Data. In this case, select Wipe & Reset. → Wipe Cache + Wipe User Data separately. If the phone doesn't turn on after the reset, you'll have to refashion it via Fastboot (see next section).

Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is used when the first two didn’t help, or if you want to completely reinstall the firmware (for example, after a failed update, USB-The main risk - if you do the wrong thing, the phone can turn into a "brick" with a locked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi S2 (ysl code) from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery!).
2. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\ysl).
3. Install Qualcomm and Mi Flash Tool drivers (links to official sources are available on the 4PDA forum).
4. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared).
5. Connect the Redmi S2 to your PC and launch the Mi Flash Tool. In the program, press Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then Refresh (the COMX device should appear).
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes. When it's done, it automatically reboots. If you have an anti-rollback error, you're trying to install an older version of MIUI than you did before, in which case, download the same or newer version of the firmware.

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Before you run through the Fastboot, check the battery status — if the charge is below 30%, connect the phone to charge for 10-15 minutes. Interrupting the process due to discharge is almost guaranteed to lead to “bricking”.

Through settings

Through Recovery.

Through Fastboot.

Never dropped it.

Another method-->

What to do after formatting: the first steps

After the Redmi S2 is successfully reset, it will be set up in the first place.

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Update the system. This closes vulnerabilities and improves compatibility with applications.
• 🔒 Set up fingerprint unlock (if the sensor is working correctly) – this will speed up access to the phone.
• ☁️ Restore data from a backup (if you did it before reset) or sync your contacts through your Google Account.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Avast or Bitdefender) – the fresh system is vulnerable to malware.

If after the reset there are problems with connecting to the mobile network, check the settings. APN (Path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)). Often, operators automatically send configurations, but on Redmi. S2 Sometimes you need to enter manually (you can find them on your operator’s website).

Also note the autonomy: after reset, the battery can run out faster due to background indexing of files. Give the phone a 1-2 full charge/discharge cycle to allow the system to calibrate the readings.

Typical Redmi S2 formatting errors and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional problems.

1. Mi Account Reset: As mentioned, this can lock the phone.If you forget the password, restore it here before formatting.
2. Use of unofficial firmware: Firmware from dubious sources often contains viruses or is incompatible with Redmi S2.
3. Interrupt: If the battery runs out during a Recovery or Fastboot reset or you disconnect the cable, there is a high risk of damage to system files, in which case only firmware through EDL (requires an authorized Mi Account).
4. Wrong firmware choice: For the Redmi S2, only firmware with ysl code is suitable. Installing firmware for another model (for example, Redmi Note 5) will lead to a invalid image error.

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone gives an error This device is locked when trying to unlock the bootloader, this means that you previously started the unlock procedure, but did not complete it.

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On the Redmi S2 with MIUI 10 and below, some features (such as face unlock) may be lost after reset. This is not a bug, but a feature of older firmware versions - upgrade to MIUI 12.5+.

Alternatives to full formatting: when reset is not needed

Before you resort to radical measures, check if one of these procedures will help:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. It will free up space and eliminate the lags without losing data.
• 🔄 Resetting network settings: In Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Reset network settings. Helps with problems with Wi-Fi or mobile Internet.
• 🛠️ Safe Mode: Press the power button, hold your finger on the Turn off until you have a suggestion to go to Safe Mode.
• 📱 Recovery through Mi PC Suite: Connect your phone to your PC, install the official utility, and select System Restore. USB-connection.

If the problem is caused by a virus, try scanning your phone through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web before resetting, which avoids a complete cleanup in 30% of cases.

FAQ: Answers to Thorny Questions about Redmi S2 Formatting