How to format Xiaomi Redmi: 4 proven ways + data recovery

Formatting a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a device for sale to eliminating critical system failures. However, an incorrect reset often leads to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will discuss all the current formatting methods (including hidden MIUI functions), nuances for different Redmi models (from Redmi Note 4 to Redmi 13 Pro), and also explain how to return deleted files after cleaning.

We will focus on the risks: why a Fastboot reset can block a bootloader, how to bypass the binding to a Xiaomi account after a hard reset, and what to do if the phone does not turn on after formatting. If you are looking for a way to simply free up memory, you may want to partially clean up without a full reset (this is discussed in the section on alternatives).

⚠️ Critical Warning: Formatting via Mi Flash on models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi) K50 And later, without authorization in Mi Unlock, you will lock the device completely. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press "Core" 10 times").

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump

Even if you're sure that the data on your phone isn't important, neglecting preparation can lead to problems, such as a hard reset on Redmi with Find Device enabled, the phone will require you to enter a password from your old Mi Account, and without it, unlocking the device will be extremely difficult.

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

Disable Find Device in Settings → Mi Account → Find Device

Remove the binding of cards and wallets (Google Pay, Mi Pay)

Copy the IMEI (type *#06#)

Make a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup

Charge your phone to at least 50%-->

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, make sure to log out of your Mi Account: go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and click “Exit.” Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device without your data.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MIUI 14+ After leaving the account, the system can request confirmation through SMS If you do not have access to the linked number, use an alternative method (section). FAQ).

Preparation for sale

Removing lags and failures

Virus removal

Firmware update

Another option-->

2. Method 1: Soft reset via MIUI settings

The safest method that works for most situations is to reset through the settings menu. It saves the MIUI version and doesn't affect the bootloader, but deletes all user data, apps and settings.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It takes 5-10 minutes to reboot, and when it reboots, it will suggest that you configure it as new, and this method works on all Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 12, Redmi 11 Prime and older devices.

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If after reset, the phone asks for a password from a Mi Account you don’t remember, try to restore access through the official Xiaomi website. In extreme cases, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions in section 4).

⚠️ Important: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable for Redmi 9A) When reset, you may see a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is linked to your Mi Account through the Anti-Theft function, so you can either sign in to the same account or contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership.

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn't turn on, freezes on the Redmi logo, or doesn't respond to touch, hardware reset via recovery mode will help, which works even with damaged firmware, but requires care.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For Redmi Note 8/9/10/11: Power + Volume up. For Redmi 7/8A/9A: Power + Volume up + Volume down. For Redmi K20/K30/K40/K50: Power + Volume up (hold 15 seconds).

Mi Recovery

OK

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Reboot → Reboot to System

If the phone does not boot after reset or if there is an error "No OS installed", then the firmware is damaged, in which case you will need to reflash the device via Fastboot or Mi Flash (section 4).

Method 3: Full formatting via Fastboot (for experienced)

This method is used when a standard reset does not help or you need to reflash the phone. It is only suitable for an unlocked bootloader (on the new Redmi models, the bootloader is blocked by default).

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool: Download the utility from Xiaomi. Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down). Follow the program instructions (wait time is up to 72 hours for new accounts).

Mi Flash

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash userdata userdata.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C, Redmi 9T) Fastboot requires a special utility SP Using the standard Mi Flash will cause the error "Preloader not found".

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Fastboot erases all information, including data in the userdata section. If you want to save photos or contacts, retrieve them before the procedure using TWRP or ADB backup.

5. Method 4: Formatting via TWRP (for custom firmware)

If your Redmi has a custom TWRP recavator installed, you can perform selective formatting (e.g., only /data or /cache partitions).This is useful for installing alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or cleaning garbage without losing firmware.

How to do this:

1. Download to TWRP (the same button combination as Recovery Mode).
2. Go to the Wipe section → Advanced Wipe.
3. Check the sections to clean: Dalvik / ART Cache - application cache. Data - user data (photos, applications). Cache - system cache. Internal Storage - internal memory (Warning: delete everything!).

Swipe to Wipe

After formatting, you can install a new firmware or restore a backup through Restore to TWRP.

⚠️ Warning: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with a MIUI 13+) installation TWRP This can trigger the Anti-Rollback, a security mechanism that blocks your phone when you try to roll back on your old firmware. XDA Developers.

6.Alternatives to full formatting: when reset is not needed

If the goal is simply to make room or eliminate small lags, a complete reset may be redundant.

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This will delete temporary files without losing data.
• 🗑️ Remove junk files: Use the built-in Security app → Cleanup).
• 🔄 Resetting application settings: In Settings → Annexes → App Management Select Problem App and Click Clear Data.
• 📱 Restore factory settings without deleting files: B MIUI There is an option to Reset (without deleting media files). → The phone. → Resetting settings → Resetting settings (without deleting data).

If the phone is slowing down due to the background of applications, try turning off autoboot: Settings → Battery → Autostart applications.

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Redmi with MIUI 14 has a hidden optimization feature: type in the Phone app code ##4636##, select Battery Information and click Clear Statistics. This will reset battery consumption data and can eliminate lags.

7. Data recovery after formatting

If you forgot to back up, the chances of returning the data are there – but they depend on the formatting method:

For recovery:

1. Do not write new data to your phone (this reduces the chances).
2. Connect the device to your PC and use programs like DiskDigger (scan /userdata).
3. For TWRP: If you have backups made before reset, restore them through Restore.

⚠️ Attention: On encrypted phones FBE (File-Based Encryption is used in MIUI 12+) It's impossible to recover data without a password. → Additionally. → Encryption and accounts.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.

• 🔴 Error "This device is locked" after reset: So the phone is tied to the Mi Account. The solution is to log in or unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🔴 Phone doesn't turn on after Fastboot: Maybe firmware isn't right for your model.Verify version via fastboot getvar product.
• 🔴 Hanging on the Redmi logo: Try booting into Safe Mode (close Volume down when turned on). If it doesn't work, run your phone over again.
• 🔴 Anti-Rollback error: So you're trying to install firmware older than the current one. Update to the latest version via MIUI Updater.

If the IMEI (no network) is missing after formatting, restore it through the engineering menu:

1. Enter the code ##3646633##.
2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Enter the commands (replace IMEI1 and IMEI2 with yours): AT + EGMR=1.7,"IMEI1" AT + EGMR=1.10,"IMEI2

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If the phone doesn't work after all the manipulations, check for hardware problems, such as the charging connector, battery or motherboard. On Redmi Note 8/9 models, a common problem is the memory chip dump (eMMC), which leads to a cyclical reboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions