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

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of failed firmware experiments. The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, many users face difficulties from losing important files to freezing the device in Fastboot mode.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods – through the settings menu, Recovery Mode and Fastboot – and how to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset if you forget your account details. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 Other popular lines where the process may differ due to versions MIUI and firmware type (global/Chinese).

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not always the first recommendation for smartphone problems, but here are situations where it is really justified:

• 🔄 System lags and brakes: If Redmi started to "hang" after the update MIUI or installing apps, and cleaning the cache didn't help.
• 📱 Preparation for sale/transfer: Deletion of personal data (photos, messages, accounts) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔓 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN: If you don’t remember the unlock password and Find My Device doesn’t help.
• 🛠️ Errors after firmware: For example, endless bootloop or no network after installing custom firmware.
• 🦠 Viruses or Malware: When Antivirus Utilities Fail to Deal with Threats.

It is important to understand that resetting will not help in cases of:

• 🚫 Hardware breakdowns (for example, a faulty battery or a broken screen).
• 🚫 Operator locks (if the phone is linked to a particular provider’s network).
• 🚫 Damage. EMMC-chip (in this case, repairs at iron level are required).

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MIUI 13/14 And later, after the reset, you may need to enter the data of the Mi Account, which was previously associated with the device. If you do not remember the username / password, use the unlock instructions at the end of the article.

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Resetting to factory settings completely removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and camera footage).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
• 📁 Uploaded files (documents, music, APK).

To avoid losses, follow the following steps:

1. Sync with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for contacts, notes, SMS and photos. Make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free 5GB is provided).
2. Local Copy on PC: Connect Redmi to your computer via USB (in File Transfer mode) and copy DCIM, Downloads, Pictures and other important data folders.
3. Contact Export: In the Contacts app, click ⋮ → Contact management → Exports/imports → Export to a file (save the.vcf file to a memory card or cloud).
4. Backup via ADB (for advanced users): Use the command: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup.ab For recovery after reset: adb restore C:\backup.ab

If you are using Redmi with an unlocked bootloader, save:

• 🔑 File. persist.img (responsible IMEI and serial numbers of modules).
• 📄 folder TWRP (if a custom Recovery is installed).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may be erased after being reset via Fastboot IMEI. To avoid this, back up the nvram partition before the procedure. MTK Engineering Mode or QCN Restore Tool.

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

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the screen unlock password.
• 🔄 Avoid the risks associated with Recovery or Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in MIUI 14, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Slip on Reset (or Reset and Reset → Reset settings).
4. Select Erase all data (on some firmware, the option is called Delete all data and settings).
5. Enter the password/pattern lock of the device (if requested).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone or Delete everything.

The process will take 5-15 minutes, and when it is finished, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to set it up as new.

💡

Resetting via the settings menu is the only method that doesn’t require unlocking the bootloader and keeps it tied to the Mi Account (if you remember the login details).

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

If Redmi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touches, use Recovery Mode.This method works even when the screen is locked, but requires physical access to the device’s buttons.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For Redmi Note 8/9: Power button + Volume up + Volume down (hold 10 seconds). For Redmi K-series: Power button + Volume up (let go after the Mi logo appears).

Recovery

volume

feed-in

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the following characters:

• 🧹 —"Clear the data" (analogue of Wipe Data).
• 🔄 —"Reboot".

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models with MIUI 13+ After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you have not used it before (FRP). If you do not remember the data, use the unlock instructions.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after resetting via Recovery, try re-entering Recovery and selecting Wipe Cache Partition.This will clear the cache without deleting data and can solve the problem.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical and requires you to connect your phone to your PC.

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 📦 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔓 You need to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (select a stable global version) MIUI Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare image with the inscription Fastboot will appear).
3. Connect Redmi to your PC via USB.
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool (on behalf of the administrator).
5. Press Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
6. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All (full clean) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock bootloader).
7. Press Refresh – your Redmi should appear in the list of devices.
8. Click Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).
9. After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool is running a Couldn't load device or a Critical error:

• Check the driver installation (use the Mi USB Driver).
• Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• Disable the antivirus (it can block the utility).
• Run the program in compatibility mode with Windows 7.

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, Redmi will offer to go through the initial setup.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi: This is necessary to download updates and recover data from the cloud.
2. Restore data from backup: 📱 From Mi Cloud: Enter Xiaomi Account Data and Select Files to Recover. 💻 From PC: Connect your phone and copy previously saved folders (DCIM, Downloads and others.).

Update MIUI

Settings → About the phone → System update

Set up security.

• Install a new one. PIN-code.
• Activate Find My Device (Settings → Google → Security).
• Enable Device Protection (Settings → Passwords and Security).
• Check it out. IMEI: Dial *#06# – if zeros are displayed instead of the number, restore IMEI assisted MTK Engineering Mode or QCN-file.

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions).
• 📶 No network: Check the settings APN (Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)) or reinstall the firmware.
• 🔊 Speakers/microphone not working: Reset the sound settings in Settings → Sound and vibration → Resetting settings.

How to Unlock Mi Account After Resetting

If Redmi requires you to enter Mi Account data after resetting, which you do not remember, use one of the methods:

Official method (if you remember email/phone)

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Click Forgot Password? and enter the linked email or phone number.
3. Follow the instructions to restore access (confirmation code will be sent to the mail or SMS).
4. After restoring the password, enter the data on the phone.

Unofficial methods (if you do not remember the data)

These methods do not work on all models and may violate Xiaomi's terms of use.

• 🔧 Through EDL-Mode: Requires special cable and Mi Flash Pro (suitable for Qualcomm models).
• 📡 Bypass FRP via TestPoint: You need to disassemble the phone and close contacts on the board (seek instructions for a specific model).
• 💼 Contacting the service center: Provide a check or box from the phone to confirm ownership.

⚠️ Note: Using informal unlocking methods may result in a lock IMEI or loss of warranty, on Redmi models with MIUI 14 and newer Mi Account bypass complicated due to hardware-based account-to-device binding.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi reset