How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: all ways

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution when selling a device, critical system failures or after unsuccessful firmware experiments. However, a full reset removes not only user data, but can also block access to a smartphone, if you do not take into account the nuances of the MIUI, the Xiaomi brand shell. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of reset (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), and also explain how to avoid typical errors, such as the request to enter an old Mi Account after a reboot.

It’s important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the MIUI version (global, Chinese, custom firmware) and the Redmi model. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, the path to reset via the menu is different from the Redmi 9A on MIUI 12.5. We took these features into account and collected universal instructions that will be suitable for most Redmi devices released after 2018. If your smartphone is older, check the compatibility of methods at the end of the article.

Before you start, answer the key question: why do you need to reset?

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Unprepared resets can result in a permanent locking of the device due to the binding to the Mi Account (the so-called Mi Account Lock), which is true for smartphones with the enabled Find Device function.

• 🔄 Unbind Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → If you forget your password, restore it at account.xiaomi.com.
• 📱 Untie Google Account: In Settings → Google accounts → Delete your account. This will prevent login requests after resetting.
• 🔐 Turn off the screen lock: Remove PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint in Settings → Lock screen → Password.
• 📡 Turn off the "Find Device" function: Settings → Additionally. → Security → Find the device.

If you are selling a smartphone, additionally:

• 💳 Extract. SIM-microSD card and memory card (the data on them will not be deleted when reset).
• 📊 Check that sync with Mi Cloud is disabled: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.

Removed the link of the account Mi

Google account deleted

Screen lock disabled

Find Device is disabled

SIM and microSD extracted

Backup of important data is made

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⚠️ Note: If you forget the data from the Mi Account and can not untie it before reset, after the procedure, the smartphone will require entering a login / password from the old account. In this case, the only way out is to appeal to Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box). Self-resetting FRP (Factory Reset Protection on the new Redmi models is almost impossible without special equipment.

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and you remember the unlock password. The main advantage is the minimum risk of errors and the ability to untie accounts. Mi/Google before discharge.

Instructions for MIUI 12-14 (relevant for Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and later):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions – About Device).
3. Slip on Resetting (or Recovery and Reset) item.
4. Select Reset all settings (not to be confused with Network Reset!).
5. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code-key.
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-10 minutes).

On older versions of MIUI (up to 11), the path may be different:

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

💡

If the smartphone hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time after reset (more than 15 minutes), do not panic. turn it off with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds), then turn it on again.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 8/9) After a menu reset, you may still be linked to your Mi Account, even if you left it in advance:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
2. Turn off the Authorization option when resetting (if any).

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

If Redmi does not load beyond the logo, is stuck in the reboot cycle or locked with a pattern lock, resetting through Recovery, a special recovery mode, will help. This method works on all models, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most Redmi: Volume up + Power (hold 5-10 seconds). For Redmi Note 8/9/10: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

• Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• Or Factory Reset (on some firmware).
• Confirm the action by choosing Confirm or Yes.
• Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

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

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (Redmi purchased in China) after reset via Recovery, an error may appear "This device is locked". In this case, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (instruction in section 5).

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 The smartphone does not load and does not respond to button combinations for Recovery.
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).
• 📱 Refuse the device after a failed update.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB Type-C cable (original!).

1. Install drivers: Download Google's Platform Tools. Unpack the archive in folder C:\platform-tools. Install drivers for Xiaomi via Mi PC Suite.

Launch your smartphone in Fastboot mode

• Turn off the phone.
• Press Volume Down + Power for 5-10 seconds.
• Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
• Open the command prompt in the platform-tools folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
• Run commands in order: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
• Reset the device.

On newer models (Redmi Note 11/12, Redmi 10 2022), this method may not work due to the enhanced anti-Rollback protection, in which case only official unlocking remains.

6.Typical errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even following the instructions, users often face problems, and we've collected some of the most common errors and ways to solve them:

If your problem is not described in the table, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge: at a level below 30%, the reset may be interrupted.
• 🔌 Cable USB: Use the original cable to connect to your PC.
• 📋 Version MIUI: on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Additional restrictions may be required.

7.What to do after reset: initial setup

After a successful reset, Xiaomi Redmi will launch as new.To avoid future problems, follow these steps:

1. Don’t connect your old Mi Account right away: if you’re selling a smartphone, skip the sign-in step, and if you keep it, create a new account or restore access to your old one.
2. Update your firmware: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Install the latest security patches.
3. Set up screen lock: Use PIN-code instead of a pattern lock (more secure). Add a fingerprint to Settings → Lock screen.

Disable unnecessary functions

• Settings → Privacy → Advertising → Personalized Advertising (turn off).
• Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization (select only the necessary data).

If the smartphone began to work slower after reset, check:

• 🧹 Memory optimization: Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Background activity of applications: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
• 📉 Energy saving: Settings → Battery → Performance mode.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ After a remote reset via Mi Cloud, you may need to enter a password from your account at the first download.