How to format Xiaomi Redmi phone correctly: 3 working methods

Why Xiaomi Redmi formatting may be necessary

Formatting a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, and users often resort to this procedure when the device begins to brake, spontaneously reboot or “hang” on the MIUI logo. 80% of cases are to blame for accumulated cache files, conflicting applications or errors after a failed update.

Another common reason is that the phone is ready to sell, and even if you delete all files manually, personal data (logins, passwords, message history) can remain hidden in the memory, and a full reset is guaranteed to clear all user information, including Google and Mi Account accounts, and it's important to understand that once formatted, the phone will return to a "out of the box" state with all the consequences that follow.

Less obvious reasons for formatting:

• 🔄 Removing viruses or malware that does not remove antiviruses
• 📱 Correcting errors after unofficial firmware (e.g. Custom) ROM)
• 🔋 Recovery after battery bloating (if phone refuses to charge)
• 🛠️ Preparation for repairs (some service centers require a clean system)

Before you start, check if the more gentle method of cleaning the cache manually or removing problematic applications will help. Formatting is the last chance to bring the phone back to life when other methods are exhausted.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do in Advance

Unprepared resets can result in the loss of important data or locking the phone, and here is a checklist of mandatory actions before starting the procedure:

Make a backup copy of the data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Delete SD-map SIM|Unlock the device from Google Akkaunt (if any) FRP)

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Pay special attention to backup. Even if you plan to recover data later, some files (such as WhatsApp messages or game saves) may be lost forever.

• 📱 Mi Cloud – for contacts, notes and photos (up to 5 GB free)
• 🖥️ Xiaomi PC Suite – full copy to your computer
• ☁️ Google Drive – for Android app and settings reserve

If you forget your Mi Account password, restore it to formatting. Once reset, the phone may require you to enter your credentials to unlock (Find Device), and you may need to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

⚠️ Note: Factory Reset Protection is enabled on your phone (FRP) And you don't remember the data from the last Google account, and when you reset, it becomes a brick. → Google → Security.

Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the safest way)

This is a good way to turn on and react to touch, preserve the integrity of system files and minimize risks. The instructions are relevant for all Redmi models (including Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10, Redmi 9T, etc.):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action with the Reset button (usually red).

It takes 5 to 15 minutes. The phone will reboot several times, which is normal. Once you're done, you'll see the initial setup screen, just like after you've bought it.

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If the menu doesn't have "Reset" option, try the path: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. Some MIUI firmware has a different name for the section.

⚠️ Note: On phones with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via the menu can result in data loss in the section /data, but it won't. /system. If you need to reinstall the firmware completely, use the Fastboot method (described below).

Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Xiaomi Redmi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to the screen, Recovery will help. This method works even with a damaged operating system, but requires accuracy - errors can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the device.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume combination up and hold for 10-20 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese).

The following steps depend on the type of recovery:

• 🔧 Stock Recovery (original): Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → confirm.
• 🛠️ TWRP (Custom: press the Wipe → Select Dalvik, Cache, Data, System → Swipe your finger to confirm.

Once cleaned, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → System. The first run can take up to 30 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Method 3: Full formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable for deep cleaning of the phone, when you need to reflash system partitions or eliminate errors after unsuccessful manipulations with software. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power Button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
5. Run a full cleanup: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot erase system
6. If necessary, reflash the phone with the command: fastboot flash system.img (system.img file must be downloaded in advance from the official Xiaomi website).

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands permanently delete data from specified partitions. If you do not plan to flash the phone again, do not erase the system partition - this will make the device inoperable!

Once completed, enter:

fastboot reboot

If you were washing the system, you would need to flash the new version of MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool.

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The Fastboot method is the only way to bring a phone with a damaged bootloader or bricked-up after a failed firmware to life, but it requires technical skills and official firmware for your model.

Frequent Formatting 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 after formatting or if it gives an error called No OS installed, the system partition has been erased, in which case you will need to completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option option option.

Another common problem is the loss of data. SD-Although formatting only affects internal memory, some Redmi models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro) can automatically mount the card as part of internal storage!

Formatting vs. resetting settings: what’s the difference

Many users confuse these concepts, but they are fundamentally different:

• 🔄 Factory Reset: Returns the phone to factory status, but does not affect system files.
• 🗃️ Formatting: Completely clearing a partition (such as a userdata or system) with a re-created file system, used to remove viruses, fix file system errors, or prepare for firmware.

In practice:

• 📱 If the phone is slowing down due to garbage - just reset settings.
• 🦠 If there is a suspicion of viruses or damage to system files, formatting through the system is necessary. Recovery/Fastboot.
• 🔧 If you're planning on stitching Custom ROM — All partitions (data, cache, system) must be fully formatted).

In the MIUI menu, the option to erase all data usually performs a setting reset rather than a full formatting. Use TWRP or fastboot commands for deep cleaning.

How to Recover Data After Formatting

If you haven’t backed up, the chances of returning the data depend on the type of formatting:

• 📁 Once you reset it, you can try programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, which scan the internal memory for deleted files, and success depends on whether the data has been overwritten.
• 🔍 After formatting with Recovery: Recovery is unlikely, as the userdata partition is completely recreated.
• 💻 After Fastboot commands: Data is lost irretrievably as low-level cleanup is performed.

For maximum odds:

1. Disconnect your phone from the internet immediately (to avoid overwriting data by cloud services).
2. Do not install new applications.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and use a recovery program (such as DiskDigger for Android).

⚠️ Warning: Don't trust programs that promise to restore data after full formatting via Fastboot.This is a scam - files are already physically erased at the flash level.

If your phone has Mi Cloud enabled, check the web version of the service at i.mi.com. Some of the data (photos, contacts) may have been saved automatically to the cloud.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions