How to format Xiaomi Redmi 3: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 3 is a legendary budget smartphone that is still used by many users. However, over time, the device can start to slow down, emit errors or simply require a clean start. Formatting (reset to factory settings) is a universal solution for most software problems. But how to do it right, so as not to turn the phone into a brick?

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the reset methods available, from a simple setup menu to advanced tools like the Fastboot. You’ll learn how to choose depending on the state of the device, how to save important data before formatting, and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to commands, and also unique nuances for Redmi 3, which are not applicable to new Xiaomi models.

The important thing is that the procedure will delete all your files, apps and settings, and if you're selling a phone, that's a plus, and if you want to just speed up, you should try alternative optimization methods first, which we'll mention.

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump

Before you click Reset, take a few critical steps, or you risk losing photos, contacts, and even access to your Mi Account.

First, back up. Redmi 3 can do this through the standard Settings menu → Additional → Backup and Reset. But you'd better use third-party solutions like Google Photos for Media and Mi Cloud for Contacts. Note: Backup via Mi Cloud may not save SMS and call logs, but they'll have to be exported separately through apps like SMS Backup & Restore.

Second, check the Mi Account binding. Once reset, the phone may require you to enter a username and password from the Xiaomi account that was on it before. If you forget the data or the phone is bought with your hands, it can take up to 72 hours to unlock (as per Xiaomi policy), make sure you remember your email and password, or untie the device in advance through account.xiaomi.com.

Third, charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the discharge process can lead to a brick (inoperable state) of the device. On Redmi 3, this is especially true because of the weak battery after several years of use.

⚠️ Note: If you have installed custom firmware or obtained root rights, a standard reset via the menu may not work, in which case you will have to use Fastboot or Recovery - read about this in the relevant sections.

• 📱 Backup: Use Google Drive or Mi Cloud for contacts, Google Photos for media, Titanium Backup (requires root) for apps.
• 🔑 Mi Account: Make sure your phone is not tied to someone else's account. → Xiaomi account.
• 🔋 Charging: Connect your phone to the grid while you reset.Even if the battery is 100 percent, the Redmi 3 may suddenly shut down.
• 🛠️ Download Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm Drivers in advance if you plan to use Fastboot.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest)

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, this is your choice, it doesn't require a computer or any special knowledge, and the main advantage is that it has minimal risk of error.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (on some firmware - Advanced settings).
3. Slip backup and reset.
4. Select Resetting (sometimes called Factory Resetting).
5. The system will suggest choosing which to reset, and we recommend that you mark all items (including internal memory) to avoid conflicts.
6. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code, if required.
7. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will start in the initial setup mode, as after the purchase, you will only have to go through the activation process and restore the data from the backup.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 3 firmware (especially custom ones) may not have the "Reset" option. In this case, use Recovery (mode 2).

Make sure your phone is over 50% charged

Create a backup copy of important data

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Disable protection with a pattern lock (if any)

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

If Redmi 3 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a password that you forgot, Recovery Mode will help.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the volume button (+) and the power button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (may be in Chinese or English).

Next:

• Use volume buttons to navigate the menu.
• Select the Wipe Data option (or in Chinese).
• Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
• Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

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

If after resetting the phone requires the entry of the Mi Account password, and you do not remember it, you will have to contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box, etc.).

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires a computer and minimal knowledge of working with ADB and Fastboot.

• The phone doesn’t even come on in Recovery.
• You've been installing custom firmware and want to return stockware.
• A standard reset doesn’t help (for example, after a failed update).

Procedure:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Minimal ADB and Fastboot only).
2. Install drivers for Xiaomi Redmi 3 (can be found on Xiaomi’s website or via the Mi Flash Tool).
3. Turn off the phone and press the volume down button (-) + power button to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type:

fastboot devices

(Your device serial number should be displayed. If not, check the driver.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands will completely clear user data and cache. If you need to reflash the device, instead of the last command, use:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip

The official versions for Redmi 3 can be downloaded from MiUI Download, and choose the Stable version for your region (e.g. Global or China).

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn a phone into a brick. - For Redmi 3 (codename ido) only firmware marked ido_global_images_... or ido_images_.... Firmware for Redmi 3S/3X (land) not compatible!

1. Change. USB-Port (better to use the back port on PC).

2. disable the signature of drivers in Windows (for this you need to restart in a special mode).

3. Use the original USB-Xiaomi cable (cheap cables often don’t transmit data).-->

5.What to do after resetting: initial setup

Once formatted successfully, the phone will start in initial configuration mode.

1. Language and region selection. Redmi 3 may not have Russian in the list — select English and add Russian later through the settings.

2 Wi-Fi connection. Without the internet, you can't log in to Mi Account or restore a backup. If Wi-Fi doesn't work, check your router's settings (sometimes Redmi 3 doesn't support modern encryption standards like WPA3).

3. Sign in to Mi Account. If your phone was linked to your account, you will be asked to enter your login and password. If you forget your data, use the restore function on Xiaomi's website. In extreme cases, you can try to reset the link via Fastboot, but this requires unlocking the bootloader.

4. Data recovery. If you backed up through Mi Cloud, the system will suggest restoring it at one of the setup stages, and Google will have to manually install apps from the Play Market and sync the data for backups.

• 🌐 Language: If there is no Russian, select English and then set the language through Settings → Additionally. → Language and input.
• 📶 Network: Redmi 3 may not run 5 GHz Wi-Fi – choose 2.4 GHz network.
• 🔒 Lock: Do not install the pattern lock immediately – first make sure the phone is stable.
• 🔄 Updates: After reset, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

💡

If the phone is slower than before, it’s probably a problem with the worn memory (NAND capacity on Redmi 3 will degrade over time), in which case it will only help to replace the memory chip or buy a new device.

Alternatives to Formatting: How to Speed Up Redmi 3 Without Resetting

If your goal is to just get your phone back to speed, try these methods before full formatting:

1. Clearing the cache:

• Go to Settings → Applications.
• Choose an app that slows down (like Facebook or Instagram).
• Tap Clear cache and Clear data (Warning: this will remove the app settings!).

2. Cancel animation:

• Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings).
• Come back to the extra. → For developers.
• Find the points Windows animation, transition animation and animation duration – set the value off. or 0.5x.

Systemic debris disposal:

• Install SD Maid (requires root) or Files by Google.
• Start cleaning temporary files and duplicates.
• Remove unused items APK-files from the Download folder.

Replacement of launcher:

The MIUI stock launcher on Redmi 3 is often slow.Try the easy alternatives:

• Nova Launcher (configurable but memory-intensive)
• Lawnchair (optimized for weak devices)
• Smart Launcher (automatically sorts applications)

If these methods do not help, then start the full formatting.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

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

If none of the methods worked, it could be the hardware problem. Redmi 3's typical hardware malfunctions:

• 🔋 Bloated battery (leads to spontaneous reboots).
• 🛠️ A worn-out touchscreen plume (part of the screen does not work).
• 🔌 Faulty charging connector (phone does not hold charge).

In these cases, only repairs in the service center will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions