Xiaomi Redmi reset to factory settings: a complete guide with photos and videos

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step.It helps fix software failures, remove viruses, prepare the device for sale or simply refresh the system after long use.However, an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, locking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, three proven reset methods (including hidden MIUI features) that work on all Redmi models from 2018-2026, as well as tips for data recovery and avoiding typical errors.

It is important to understand the difference between soft reset and hard reset: the former simply reboots the system without affecting user files, and the latter completely erases all data, including photos, messages and installed applications. If you sell a phone or transfer it to another person, be sure to perform a hard reset — otherwise the new owner will have access to your accounts.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge – at least 50% (when reset via Recovery, the phone should not turn off).
• 📱 Phone model - instructions for Redmi Note 12 and Redmi 9A They may differ due to versions MIUI.
• 🔐 Mi Account status – if the phone is linked to the account, after reset, you will need to enter a login / password.

1. Reset via phone settings (the safest way)

This is a good method if the phone turns on, reacts to touch, and you have access to the MIUI menu, and the main advantage is that there is minimal error risk, because the process is controlled by the system, but it won't help if the device is locked with a pattern lock or password.

How to perform the reset:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Resetting (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
3. Enter. PIN-lock screen code or password (if requested).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 5-15 minutes to complete, and when it's done, it will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new. Importantly, if you forget the Mi Account data associated with the device, you can get a Mi Cloud Lock after the reset, which will require official unlocking through the Xiaomi website.

Backup photos and contacts|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Make sure that SIM-Card retrieved (if the phone is sold)|Disable two-factor authentication in Mi Account (if enabled)-->

2. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not switched on or locked)

If Redmi doesn’t respond to touch, hangs on the logo or is locked with a password, a Recovery Mode reset will help. This method works even on dead phones, but requires care – improper actions in Recovery can lead to loss of IMEI or damage to the partition with the firmware.

Instructions for all Redmi models (including Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 📱 For Redmi with Snapdragon processor (e.g. Redmi) K50): Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

Success

If you don't have Wipe Data on the Recovery menu, you have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), in which case use the Wipe → Format Data combination, but be prepared to reflash your phone.

3. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires you to connect your phone to your computer, and you need it if you:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is damaged or missing.
• 📦 You need to reflash your phone after a failed update.
• 🔒 Phone is blocked by Mi Account and you know the username/password.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (a faulty cable may interrupt the process!).
• 📂 Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot with Android SDK.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
2. Connect your phone to your PC. In the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux), run: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install drivers.
3. Run the command to completely reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Fastboot erase commands will permanently delete all data, including files in internal memory. If you plan to flash your phone, use the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

4. How to save data before resetting

The factory reset erases all information from the phone’s internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
• 📞 Contacts, SMS Call history (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
• 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents.

Methods of backup:

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If the phone is not turning on but is responding to a PC connection, try extracting data using Dr.Fone or 7-Data Android Recovery, which scans internal memory even on locked devices (but requires debugging over a USB enabled in advance).

5. Typical errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems after a reset, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, but you forgot it, do not try to guess - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Other frequent problems:

• 🔄 The phone is fixated on the logo MI: Cause: damage to system files. Solution: Swipe your phone through Fastboot with official firmware.
• 📵 No network after reset: Reason: Settings are lost IMEI. Solution: Restore IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the program SN Writer Tool (requires Xiaomi authorization).
• 🔋 Battery discharges quickly: Reason: After reset, the system indexes files and optimizes applications. Solution: let the phone run for 1-2 days or calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions).

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset or if it gives a No Command error in Recovery, the boot or system partition is likely damaged, in which case only flashing through EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable) will help.

6. Reset vs. Flashing: Which to choose?

Many people confuse factory reset and firmware reflash.

• 🔄 Reset – Returns the current version MIUI The original condition, but does not change the firmware itself.
• 📦 Flashing – completely replaces system files with a new version (for example, with a new version). MIUI 13 on MIUI 14).

When you need a flashing:

• 🆙 To upgrade to the new version MIUI/Android (if OTA-update).
• 🐛 To correct critical firmware errors (such as camera or module bugs) 5G).
• 🔓 To bypass the lock Mi Account (only on older models until 2020).

If your goal is to simply clean your phone, a reset will do just fine, but if you have bugs after the upgrade (for example, the NFC is not working or the battery is quickly running out), flashing can help.

• The official Xiaomi portal (firmware Recovery and Fastboot).
• Xiaomi Firmware Updater (Firmware Archive for all models)

7.Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi reset