How to reset the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings: the full guide

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

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to restore the device to health, which completely removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to a “out of the box” state, most often resorted to in three cases:

First, if the device started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. This is a typical problem for Redmi Note 10/11 models when switching to new versions of firmware, where the optimization for iron is not yet perfect. Secondly, reset helps to eliminate critical system errors, for example, when the lock screen does not respond to password input or the smartphone is cyclically rebooted on the Mi logo. Third, the procedure is mandatory before selling or transferring the phone to another user is the only way to ensure that personal data is deleted.

It's important to understand that resetting is not a cure-all for hardware problems. If Redmi doesn't turn on because of a damaged battery or doesn't respond to charging because of oxidized contacts, software manipulation is powerless. In such cases, a diagnostic service center is required. Also, don't confuse reset with firmware rollback - these are different procedures: the first erases data, the second returns the old version of MIUI.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Xiaomi Redmi, follow a few critical steps: Ignoring the preparation can lead to loss of access to the Mi Account and lock the device after reset (relevant for models with a tied Xiaomi account).

Untie your Mi Account in settings (if you plan to sell your phone)

Backup through Mi Cloud or locally

Record IMEI (type *#06#)

Charge your phone to at least 50%

Make sure you know the username/password of your Google account-->

Pay special attention to backup. MIUI There is a built-in backup tool: go to Settings → The phone. → Backup: The system will offer to save data to the cloud or to a memory card. If you use third-party services (such as Google Photos or Titanium Backup), make sure that the sync is complete. For Redmi Note 9 Pro and later, it is recommended to export the list of installed applications through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Exports.

⚠️ Note: If the device search function is enabled on the phone (in the Mi Account settings), after reset, you will need to enter the password from this account to activate. Without this data, Redmi will become a brick. → Mi Account → Searching device.

Once a year for prevention

Just before the sale.

When the phone starts to brake

Never dropped it.-->

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and responsive to touch. It is the simplest and requires no additional tools. The instructions are relevant for all Redmi models on MIUI 12-14, including the Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C and POCO X5.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (older versions of MIUI may call it About Device).
3. Slip on Reset (or Restore and Reset in MIUI 13).
4. Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Network Settings Reset!).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
6. Click Remove everything and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

When you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like when you first turn on. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) If the phone requires a password from your Mi Account after reset, but you don't remember it, use the unlock manual.

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If your smartphone is slowing down when you try to open the settings, try running them in safe mode. To do this, hold the power button, then select "Reboot in safe mode" with a long tap.

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

If Redmi doesn’t load beyond the Mi logo, freezes on the lock screen or reboots cyclically, use Recovery Mode. This method works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care. For models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after firmware custom ROM), the Recovery interface may be different.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the menu with the android robot (on some models – text menu in English).

In Recovery, use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for selection.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (such as the Note 8 Pro) may require re-assigning your Mi Account after resetting via Recovery, even if you have previously untied it.

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used when the first two methods fail or require complete flashing of the device, and involves connecting Redmi to your computer and using the fastboot utility. Warning: wrong actions can permanently disable the phone, so follow the instructions carefully.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📱 Charging the phone at least 30%
• 🛠️ Quickboot (part of Android) SDK Platform-Tools)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and put it into Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. The screen will appear a hare in a hat-outer (Fastboot logo).
2. Connect Redmi to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder from fastboot: cd C:\platform-tools
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be in a factory state. If you need a complete firmware refresh (for example, after a failed update), instead of resetting, use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip

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Resetting via Fastboot deletes all partitions, including internal memory. If the phone had important files, their recovery will be impossible without specialized hardware.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

The issue with Google account (FRP) deserves special attention. Redmi models with Android 10 and higher may require data input from the last associated Google account after reset. If you do not remember it, use the FRP circumvention instructions. For MIUI 14 phones with HyperOS, the bypass procedure is complicated - you may need special software like Mi Account Unlock Tool.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Xiaomi Redmi will need to go through the initial setup procedure.

• 📱 Language and region choice: Install Russia or Ukraine (depending on firmware). Don't choose China, it will lead to a lack of Google services.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Connection: Use a reliable network. If the network is hidden, click Other Networks and type the name manually.
• 🔄 Data recovery: If you were backing up through Mi Cloud, select Restore from the Cloud. For local backup, connect a memory card.
• 🛡️ Security setting: Install PIN-code or pattern lock (don't miss this step!) Disable device search if you don't plan to use it.

For Redmi Note 12 and later on MIUI 14, the Quick Setup option is available, which automatically applies the recommended settings.

• Personalized recommendations (in the Google section)
• Send diagnostic data (in Additional settings)
• Auto-Update MIUI (to avoid unexpected updates)

After setting up, check the basic functions: camera, mobile network, sensors. If you find a problem (for example, it does not work) NFC or IR-blaster, perform another reset via Recovery – sometimes this helps to restore module drivers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions