How to format Xiaomi Redmi S2: 3 working methods + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi S2 (codename ysl) is a budget smartphone of 2018, which is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or requires complete cleaning before selling. Formatting (reset to factory settings) solves these problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset the Redmi S2 – from the standard menu to the Fastboot mode, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors (for example, hanging on the Mi logo or losing IMEI).

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, don’t miss the section on securely deleting your Mi Account – without it, the new owner won’t be able to use the device!

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump

Resetting to factory settings erases all information from internal memory: photos, messages, apps and even Wi-Fi settings. Here is a checklist to help avoid losses:

Backup through Mi Cloud or Google Account

Copy photos/video to a computer or flash drive

Record IMEI (type *#06#)

Delete your Mi Account if your phone is for sale

Recharge the battery to at least 50%-->

It is important to keep IMEI — Unique device ID on Redmi. S2 It's sometimes reset after a hard formatting through Fastboot, and it's hard to recover without a backup. IMEI, Enter *#06# in the dialer and write down both numbers (Redmi has a number). S2 two-slot SIM-map).

If you use Mi Account, check if you have backup enabled in the cloud: Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud → Backup. Here you can save contacts, notes and even a list of installed applications. For reliability, duplicate data on Google Drive or local drive.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account in the Settings menu → Mi Account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device due to the link to your profile!

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on, doesn't hang on the logo, and you have access to the menu, and it's the simplest and least risky.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (or Reset all settings in new versions of MIUI).
4. The system will tell you what to drop: 📱 Delete all data from the phone 🔄 Reset your network settings (optional if you have problems with the network) Wi-Fi/mobile)

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will restart and suggest you set it up as new.

If the phone hangs on the Mi screensaver for a long time (more than 15 minutes), do not panic - this is normal for Redmi. S2 Wait for the full load or force the device to restart by clamping the power. + Volume up for 10 seconds.

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If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the old password from the Mi Account, and you do not remember it – use the recovery function via email or SMS on account.xiaomi.com.

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

If the Redmi S2 is stuck, unresponsive or cyclically rebooted, resetting through Recovery can also help if you've forgotten the pattern lock. Importantly, the Redmi S2 has two types of Recovery, the Mi Recovery and the TWRP. The instructions are different.

For entrance to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Android robot menu (this is Mi Recovery).

In the standard Mi Recovery, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in some versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

You will need a computer with installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable (not cheap charging!) Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi S2 (ysl code) from Xiaomi Firmware. Choose the Fastboot version (file with.tgz extension).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\MiFlash\ysl).
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down before the screensaver with a rabbit in a hat-eared.
4. Connect Redmi S2 to your computer and check for device detection by the command: fastboot devices If you see the serial number in response, the drivers are installed correctly.
5. Run the MiFlash Tool (download here), select the firmware folder and press Refresh. The device should be defined as COMX.
6. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode and press Flash. The process will take 5-10 minutes.

Once you have Fastboot, the phone will be completely cleaned, including the IMEI partition. If you haven’t saved a backup, you can only restore the original IMEI using an engineering menu or service utilities (such as the SN Writer Tool).

5. IMEI recovery after formatting

One of the most common problems after a hard reset of the Redmi S2 is the loss of IMEI, without which the phone won't catch the network, and the status bar says No service or Emergency Calls Only, and you can restore the IMEI in two ways:

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu (without PC)

1. Open the dialer and type in: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block and find the IMEI1 and IMEI2 fields.
4. Enter the original IMEIs (the ones you recorded before the reset) and click Update.
5. Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Using the SN Writer Tool (from PC)

If the engineering menu doesn’t help, use the SN Writer Tool:

• 📥 Download the program and drivers Qualcomm (Chipset Redmi) S2 — Snapdragon 625).
• 🔌 Connect the phone in mode EDL (for this you need to close the test points on the board or use a cable with a transition).
• 📝 Enter. IMEI In the appropriate fields and press Start.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect input IMEI Use only the original numbers that were on the phone originally. IMEI prohibited by law in most countries.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when formatting the Redmi S2, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: If the phone turns off during reset, it could damage the firmware.Always charge the device to at least 50%.
• 🔌 Unoriginal cable: Cheap USB-cables often don't provide a stable connection in Fastboot mode.Use Xiaomi's proprietary cable.
• 📱 Undeleted Mi Account: If you sell a phone but don't log out, the new owner won't be able to activate it).
• 🔄 Interrupted firmware process: Never disconnect your phone from your PC until MiFlash shows Success.Even a brief shutdown can 'brick' a device.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset or if it gives a No Command error in Recovery, try:

1. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot boot.img
2. Reset the cache settings to Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition).
3. Install firmware through TWRP, if installed.

Through the settings menu

Through Recovery Mode

Through Fastboot (MiFlash)

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7. Alternatives to full formatting

You don't always have to drop your phone to factory settings, so if you want to speed up your work or get rid of viruses, try less radical methods.

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. This will delete temporary files without losing data.
• 🚫 Remove Unnecessary Applications: Use Settings → Applications to remove programs that slow down the system.
• 🔄 Retracement to the previous version MIUI: If the lags started after the update, you can roll back through Recovery (you need firmware of the old version).
• 🛡️ Virus Check: Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light and scan your device.

If the problem is overheating or fast battery discharge, formatting won’t help – you need to replace the thermal paste or battery. For diagnosis, use the AIDA64 application (Temperature and Battery section).

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Before formatting, always check if there are any hardware problems.Reset will not fix the physical damage to the screen, battery or motherboard!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi S2 formatting