Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but even it eventually starts to “brake,” glitch, or require a complete system reinstallation. Factory reset solves 90% of software problems, from accidental crashes to viruses. However, an improper reset can turn a phone into a “brick” or erase important data without the possibility of recovery.

In this article, we’ll look at three proven ways to reset the Redmi Note 7 (including the Redmi Note 7 Pro models), detailed screenshots of each step, and unique recommendations for saving the IMEI and unlocking the bootloader after a reset, and look at when you need a soft reset, and when you need a hard reset via Recovery or Fastboot, and warn against common errors that cause users to lose access to the device.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only solution:

• 🐢 The smartphone is very slow, applications spontaneously close and MIUI Errors such as “System Interface Stopped».
• 🔒 You have forgotten your pattern lock or password and unlocking through Mi Account doesn’t work (for example, if the phone is bought with your hands and tied to someone else’s account).
• 📱 The device is infected with viruses or adware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 🔄 Before selling or transferring a phone to another person – to delete all personal data.
• 🛠️ After a failed firmware update when the system is not booting or crashing.

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even harm:

• ⚡ Battery problems (blown, quick discharge) - you need repairs, not software reset.
• 📡 Lack of network or communication module problems (e.g., not working) 4G Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi – often a hardware fault.
• 💧 Damage after falling or getting moisture – resetting can make the problem worse if memory is damaged.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device, it will be blocked by Mi Cloud.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure begins

A nasty surprise: After a reset, you may lose photos, contacts, messages, and even access to some apps.

1. Save important data

• 📸 Photos and videos: copy to PC via cable or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud.
• 📞 Contacts: sync with Google Account (Contacts) → Settings → Imports/Exports).
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Game saves: link games to your Google Play account or social media.

2.Make sure the phone is charged

If the reset is interrupted due to battery discharge, the device can permanently fail ("burst"). the charge should be at least 50%, or better connect the charger for the duration of the procedure.

3. Find the data to unlock

After resetting, the phone may require:

• 🔑 Login and password from Mi Account (if the account was linked).

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The easiest and safest method is if the phone turns on and responds to touch, suitable for eliminating software lags or preparing for sale.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About the Phone. → Resetting settings.
3. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
4. If requested PIN-code or password - enter it.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process (it will take 5-10 minutes) and after turning on, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after buying.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, do not enter data at random - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will be locked for 24 hours.

💡

If you have lost your mobile internet after reset, check the IMEI in *#06#. If zeros are displayed instead of the number, use the IMEI recovery manual for the Redmi Note 7 (see section below).

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

This method is needed if:

• 📵 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo MI.
• 🔐 Password is forgotten and you cannot enter the settings.
• 🤖 System damaged after failed update.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (Up/Down – moving, Nutrition – selection).

Resetting instructions:

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in newer versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the end (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone is stuck on the logo again after the reboot, repeat the procedure or try resetting via Fastboot (method 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most radical method used if:

• 🔧 Recovery damaged or missing.
• 📥 I need to run a clean version. MIUI elevation.
• 🔓 Requires to unlock the bootloader before resetting (for example, after a failed firmware).

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi Note 7 (you can download it on the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and put it into Fastboot mode: press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. A hare in a hat will appear on the screen.
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
5. Wait until it's finished (the process will take 5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Warning: If you have never unlocked the bootloader on this phone, you must officially unlock the phone via the Mi Unlock Tool before you run through Fastboot. Otherwise, the phone will turn into a brick.

💡

Resetting via Fastboot erases everything, including the data in the Internal Storage section. If you need to save files (such as photos on internal memory), first extract them via TWRP or connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode using the adb pull /sdcard command.

How to Restore IMEI After Resetting

After a hard reset (especially through Fastboot) on the Redmi Note 7, the IMEI, the unique identifier of the communication module, may disappear, without which the phone will not catch the network.

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu

1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
2. Go to the phone information.
3. Scroll down to the IMEI block and click on it.
4. Enter the correct IMEI (recorded before reset) and save.

Method 2: Through QCN-file (for advanced ones)

If the engineering menu does not help, you will need:

• 📄 Backup copy QCN-file (if any).
• 💻 Programme QPST maui META.
• 🔌 Cable for PC connection in Diag mode (activated by command ##717717##).

For more information on how to restore IMEI via QCN, see 4PDA.

💡

If you didn’t save the IMEI before reset, try finding it on the phone box (under the barcode) or on the sticker under the battery (if you took off the back cover).

How to unlock the bootloader before resetting via Fastboot

If you have never unlocked the bootloader on the Redmi Note 7, the firmware through the Fastboot will result in an anti-rollback error or a complete lock on the device.

Step 1: Link your Mi Account to your phone

1. Register your Xiaomi account on the official website.
2. On your phone, log in to this account (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
3. Activate data synchronization.

Step 2: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi.
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (clip Power + Volume down).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Log in to your Mi Account and follow the program instructions.
5. Wait for the Unlocked Success message (usually 72-360 hours of waiting time).

Once unlocked, you can safely stitch your phone through Fastboot.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right reset, there can be problems.

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone gives an error This device is locked and does not boot, this means that the bootloader was blocked, and you tried to flash informal software. In this case, only the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All and Lock mode will help (but this will block the bootloader again).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions