How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: 3 proven ways

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or simply requires a “clean slate.” Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective way to restore the device to its former performance.

In this article, we have three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), unique nuances for MIUI 12-14 firmware, and instructions for saving photos, contacts and apps before the procedure: figuring out when you need a soft reset (via the menu), and when you need a hard reset (via Recovery), and why the latter may not work on a locked bootloader.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting to factory settings isn't just about removing apps, it erases all user information, including:

  • 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including hidden folders) DCIM/Thumbnails)
  • 📞 Contacts that are not synced to Google or Mi Account
  • 📱 Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, fingerprints and face
  • 🎮 Game saves (unless linked to a developer account)
  • 📁 Files in Download, Documents and Root Directory

The only thing that will remain intact is the files on the microSD card (if it is installed and not formatted as internal memory). MIUI can erase data from SD-Recovery cards when reset by Recovery.

Mandatory steps before discharge:

  1. Sync your contacts with your Google Account (Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync).
  2. Copy photos and videos on your PC or in the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
  3. Export SMS via SMS Backup & Restore.
  4. Take a picture or record your APN settings for mobile internet (if you use non-standard settings).

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 7 has data encryption enabled (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption, reset via Recovery can result in loss of access to the device, in which case you will need to enter a password after rebooting, otherwise the phone will lock forever.

📊 How often do you reset your phone?
Once a year.
Just before the sale.
Never.
When it starts to brake

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

The easiest and safest method, which is 90% of the time, doesn't require you to turn off your phone and works even on a locked bootloader, minus: if the system is badly damaged (for example, after a failed upgrade), this method may not work.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
  3. Select Settings Reset.
  4. Click Erase all data (you may need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code).
  5. Confirm the action by selecting Reset settings.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-15 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the initial setup screen, just like after you buy it.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell your phone)|Remember data from Mi Account (linked to the device)|Get out. SIM-map SD-map (optional)-->

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI 13+ After reset, you may be asked to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, even if you untie it.This is due to the Mi Cloud Activation Lock function. To avoid blocking, be sure to delete Xiaomi account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete your account before resetting.

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

This method comes in handy if the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the Redmi logo, or settings menu is not available. Recovery Mode is a service mode built into the firmware. On the Redmi Note 7, it can look different depending on the version of MIUI:

  • 🔄 Stock Recovery (Chinese or global firmware) – interface in English/Chinese.
  • 🛠️ Custom recovery (TWRP) — if you've installed it.

How to log in to Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
  2. Press the power button + volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu.

Instructions for stock recovery:

  1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
  2. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware).
  3. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
  4. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.
What if Recovery asks for a password?
If you have a password request after you select Wipe Data, it means that the phone has encryption enabled. PIN-The lock code or password you used before reset. If you forgot the password, the only way out is through Fastboot (see Method 3).

Features of custom recovery (TWRP):

  • 🔧 Additional options are available here: Wipe → Advanced Wipe (you can choose what to wash: Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data).
  • 📁 You can make a backup before resetting (Backup).
  • ⚠️ Do not delete the Internal Storage section if you do not want to lose files on internal memory.
Problem.Reason.Decision
Recovery won't openThe loader is blocked or damaged firmwareUse Fastboot (Method 3)
After resetting, the phone asks for a passwordEncryption enabled or Mi Account tiedEnter the last one. PIN-Delete your account through the Mi Unlock Tool
Recovery in ChineseChinese firmware installedIcons: = Wipe Data
Discharge interrupted by 50%The file system is damaged.Use your phone via the Mi Flash Tool

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is a last chance if the first two fails. It requires an unlocked bootloader and a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed. Warning: the wrong commands can turn the phone into a brick!

What you need:

  • 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
  • 📦 Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
  • 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not - the instruction below).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the power button + volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
  3. Connect the phone to the PC.
  4. Open the command line (or Terminal) in the fastboot folder.
  5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
  6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the phone needs a password again after restarting, it has FRP (Factory Reset Protection) enabled.

  1. Sign in to the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
  2. Or flash your phone full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (with the Clean All tick).

💡

If the fastboot erase userdata command doesn't work, try first unlocking the bootloader with the fastboot flashing unlock command. On some MIUI firmware, this is a must-do step.

⚠️ On the Redmi Note 7 with Snapdragon 660 processor there is a bug: after reset via Fastboot may disappear IMEI. To avoid this, do not erase the section. modemst1 and modemst2. If IMEI Reset it via the engineering menu (#4636##) or utility QCN Rebuilder.

How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 7

If you have never unlocked the bootloader, then a Fastboot reset or custom Recovery firmware will not be available. Xiaomi blocks the bootloader by default to protect against unauthorized access.

Official way of unlocking:

  1. Link Mi Account to your phone (Settings → Accounts → Mi Account).
  2. Enable Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
  3. Activate OEM Unblocking and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
  4. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
  5. Launch the utility, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions (it may take 7-30 days to unlock).

Unofficial methods (at your own risk):

  • 🔓 Use of the EDL Mode (emergency mode) via Testpoint.
  • 📱 Firmware via Mi Flash Tool with Clean All and Lock tick (but this will block the bootloader again).

💡

Unlocking the bootloader resets all the data on the phone. If you need to save files, backup before the procedure begins!

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in initial settings. Here's what you need to do first:

  1. Skip account binding (if you sell a phone) or log in to your Google/Mi Account to restore contacts and apps.
  2. Turn off automatic synchronization of unnecessary data (such as call history) to save traffic.
  3. Install critical applications manually (messengers, banking programs).
  4. Check the security settings: 🔐 Turn on the screen lock (PIN graphical). 🛡️ Activate Find Device in your Mi Account. 🚫 Disable the installation of applications from unknown sources (Settings) → Privacy → Special permits).

How to recover data:

  • 📲 Contacts and calendar: automatically recover from Google Account.
  • 📷 Photos and videos: copy back from PC or cloud.
  • 🎮 Save Games: Link Google Play Games or Facebook accounts.
  • 📱 Applications: Restore from Mi Cloud or Google Play (Bibliography section).

If the phone is slower than before after reset, there may be a problem with MIUI background processes.

  1. Turn off animation: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (5 times press) → Windows animation = 0.5x.
  2. Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Energy saving mode.
  3. Uninstall unnecessary system applications via ADB (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting.

Mistake.Effects of consequencesHow to fix it
Reset with discharged battery (<30%)Phone will turn off during the process, a “brick” is possible.Charge to 100% or connect to charge before reset
Use of a non-original USB cableConnection break during Fastboot, firmware damageUse a cable from the kit or certified
Reset via Recovery on an encrypted device without a passwordThe phone will be locked permanently (requires a password after rebooting)Unlock the bootloader and run the full firmware through Mi Flash
Remove the modem partition in FastbootIMEI is gone, mobile network is not workingRestore. IMEI through the engineering menu or QCN-file
Resetting without detachment Mi AccountMi Cloud Lock activates, phone requires old accountContact Xiaomi with Proof of Ownership

How to minimize the risks:

  • 🔋 Always check the battery before resetting.
  • 🔌 Use a stable connection to your PC (better) USB 2.0, not 3.0).
  • 📋 Take screenshots of important settings (for example, APN mobile-internet).
  • 🔍 Check the phone model (Settings) → The phone. → Model - instructions for the Redmi Note 7 are not suitable for the Redmi Note 7 Pro!

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after reset for more than 10 minutes, don't panic. Sometimes the first download after Wipe Data takes up to 20 minutes. MIUI download-animation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 7 reset

Can I reset my phone if it is locked with a pattern lock?
Yes, but only through Recovery or Fastboot, if the phone is encrypted, it will require you to enter the old password after reset, and if you don't remember it, you'll have to stitch the device through the Clear All Mi Flash Tool.
Why does the phone ask for an old Xiaomi account after a reset?
This is the work of Mi Cloud Activation Lock. It activates if the phone was tied to Mi Account and you didn't delete it before resetting. Solutions: Enter the data from the old account. If you don't remember the password, restore it on Xiaomi. If the phone is bought by hand, contact the previous owner for the account data. In extreme cases, you can try to bypass the lock via EDL Mode, but this requires special equipment.
How to reset the settings if the phone is not turned on (black screen, stuck on the logo)?
If the phone doesn't respond to buttons, try: Hard reboot: press the power + volume up for 20 seconds. Enter Recovery: If the screen is black, but the phone vibrates when you press the buttons, try entering Recovery blindly (hold power + volume up 10 seconds, then release power, continuing to keep volume). Fastboot: If Recovery is not available, run the phone with full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. If the screen is completely dead (no backlight, vibration), there may be a problem in the hardware part of the screen (for example, repair).
Can I reset only settings without deleting files?
Yeah, but not through a standard reset: 🔧 Partial discharge: in MIUI There is an option to reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset network settings. This will only clear the settings of Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. 📱 Manual cleaning: through Settings → Applications can be reset to individual program settings (e.g. Settings) → Annexes → All applications → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the data). 🛠️ ADB: You can reset your system settings using the adb shell pm clear com.android.settings command without affecting user data. However, a complete reset without losing files is impossible - system settings and user data are stored in one partition. /data.
After the dump, the IMEI's gone. How do you recover it?
This is a common problem when incorrectly reset via Fastboot.Recovery Methods: Engineering Menu: Dial ##4636##. Select Phone Information. Scroll down to Set preferred network type and check IMEI. Recovery through QCN: Download the utility. QPST And the firmware for your model. In the firmware folder, find the file. non-hlos.bin (or modem.bin). Through QPST load QCN-file IMEI. Contact the service: if there is no experience, it is better to trust the recovery IMEI professional. ⚠️ Attention: self-change IMEI This method can be illegal in some countries. Use this method only to restore the original. IMEI.