How to roll back Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to do it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi to factory status is a radical but sometimes necessary step, which deletes all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to a “clean” state, as after purchase.

First, if the device starts to slow down or overheat for no apparent reason. Over time, the system gets clogged with cache, residual files of deleted applications and fragmented data. Even regular cleaning through Settings → Memory does not always help - factory reset solves the problem dramatically. Second, a reset is necessary before selling or transferring the phone to another person. Without it, your accounts, photos and passwords can remain available to the new owner. Third, this is the only way to eliminate critical software failures when the smartphone does not turn on, freezes on the Mi logo or constantly reboots.

However, don’t rush to reset the settings when the first problem occurs. For example, if Redmi is slow due to the application background, first try turning off autoboot in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Autostart. Or use the built-in Optimization feature in the battery menu. Reset is a last resort that should be resorted to only when other methods have not worked.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure begins

The main mistake users make is to start a reset without a backup, and even if you plan to sell your phone, keep important data: contacts, photos, messages and documents.

• 📱 Sync accounts. Enable sync for Google (contacts, calendar, email) and Mi Account (notes, cloud files) in Settings → Accounts.
• 📁 Copy files on your PC. Connect Redmi to your PC. USB Transfer files and transfer folders DCIM (Photos, Download (downloads) and Documents.
• 🔑 Remember passwords. Reset will remove saved logins from Wi-Fi, apps, and banking services. Use a password manager or write them down manually.
• 📱 Check it out. IMEI. Type *#06# and take a picture of the screen – this will help to restore the phone if the network disappears after reset.

If your Redmi is used as a remote for Mi Home or as a key for Mi Band, the connection will be broken after the reset. Reconfigure these gadgets to another phone or save them. MAC-address.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget your Mi Account password, a Recovery or Fastboot reset can lock your phone! Xiaomi requires login/password input after a hard reset on devices with a linked account. Make sure you remember the login details.

I made a backup of photos and videos.

Synchronized contacts with Google/Mi Account

Write down passwords from Wi-Fi and apps

Checked the IMEI via *#06#

I have untied my phone from the Mi Home/Mi Band (if necessary).

Charging the phone at least 50%

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Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on and responsive to touch. It is the simplest and requires no additional tools. Instructions are relevant for all Redmi models (including Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C, etc.) on MIUI 12/13/14.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (usually at the bottom of the menu).
3. Slip on Reset settings (on some firmware this item is called Recovery and Reset).
4. Select Erase all data (reset to factory settings).
5. If required, enter PIN-code.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Erase All (or Delete All).

It takes 5-15 minutes. The phone will reboot and you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you bought it. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 chip (like the Redmi K50/K60), the reset can last up to 20 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI If you don't remember the password, you may have an error "This device was reset. Enter the previous Mi Account." If you don't remember the password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

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If the phone doesn't turn on for more than 30 minutes after reset, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds, sometimes the system "falls asleep" after a long operation.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If Redmi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to the screen, use Recovery, which works even without access to the system, but requires physical access to the phone’s buttons.

Instructions for all Redmi models (including POCO and Black Shark):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 Power button + 🔺 Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 Power button + 🔻 Loudness down (for Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi) 9A).

Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear (usually 10-20 seconds).

Select a language from the menu (if you have a choice), then tap on Wipe Data (or Clear Data).

Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data (entry may be required) PIN-code).

Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

• 📱 The first item is reboot (Reboot).
• 🧹 Second and third point: Reset (Wipe Data).
• 🔧 The last point - additional settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI When you reset through Recovery, you may see a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is tied to Mi Account, and you need to enter a username/password to unlock it!

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is needed if:

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or respond to Recovery.
• 🔒 Forgot the password from Mi Account, and after resetting through the menu, a lock appears.
• 📱 A “clean” flash reset is required (for example, after a failed update).

You will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB Type-C cable (original, undamaged).

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or MiFlash for Xiaomi).
2. Turn off the phone. Press the power button + volume down for 10-15 seconds until the screen with the hare in the fastboot mode appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the platform-tools folder and type: fastboot devices If the device is identified (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the drivers or try another cable.
4. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the phone is restarted, it will be in factory condition. If you need a complete flashing (for example, after a "brick"), use the command:

fastboot flash all [name firmware].zip

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data irrevocably. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center. Also make sure that the battery is charged at least 30% - interruption of the process can lead to a failure of the bootloader.

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, which deletes all data, including system files, and can result in the loss of IMEI or serial number on some models (e.g., the Redmi Note 8 Pro with the Helio G90T chip).

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, you have to go through the initial setup.

1. Language and region choice: Please specify Russia or Ukraine (depending on firmware) to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. Use the same network the phone connected to before the reset – this will speed up the recovery of backups.
3. Log in. First log in to Google, then to Mi Account (if you have been linked), which will unlock access to cloud copies.
4. Data recovery. The system will offer to restore data from Google Drive or Mi Cloud. Select the latest backup.
5. Fingerprint/face settings. Add biometrics again to Settings → Password and security.

If you're selling a phone, don't restore the data -- just skip all the setup steps and hand it over in a clean form, and the customer will customize it for themselves.

After recovery, check:

• 📶 Network and Calls: Dial *#06# and compare IMEI pre-disposal.
• 🔋 Battery charge: sometimes after resetting, calibration gets lost.Discharge the phone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🎵 Sound and speakers: test the volume in Settings → Sound.

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If you lose photos after reset, check the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory. Sometimes the system saves backups automatically.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If you encounter an error not described in the table, try:

1. Find a solution on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums (search by phone model).
2. Contact the official Xiaomi service (the warranty is saved if the reset was made through the menu).
3. Use official firmware to flash through Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions