How to make a reset to factory settings on the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi: 3 working methods

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from slowdowns and errors to the inability to unlock the screen. However, an incorrect reset often leads to the loss of important data, locking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, detailed instructions for all Redmi models (including Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5), current for 2026, taking into account the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and the features of working with Fastboot/Recovery.

We'll break down three main ways to reset — through your phone settings, Recovery Mode, and Fastboot for dead devices, and focus on saving data, bypassing Mi Account locks after a reset, and solving common errors like "This device is locked" or "Can't verify the update." If your Redmi doesn't turn on, hangs on the logo, or requires a password after you buy it from hand, you'll find workable solutions here.

⚠️ Warning: A factory reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, and apps, if it is not synced to the cloud. Even if you restore the backup later, some settings (such as game or banking app data) may be lost permanently.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to bring a smartphone back to life.

• 🐢 Phone slows down, apps constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code and unlocking through Mi Account is not available.
• 📱 The device is bought from hand and "cluttered" with unnecessary programs or viruses.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Critical errors (e.g., camera or mobile network not working).
• 🚨 The smartphone hangs on the Redmi logo or cyclically reboots (bootloop).

However, there are cases where resetting won't help or even make the problem worse:

• 🔋 Battery swollen or phone does not turn on due to hardware breakdown.
• 📡 Network problems if they are related to damage to an antenna or module IMEI.
• 🔌 The device is not charged due to a faulty port USB-C.

If you are in doubt about whether a procedure is necessary, try alternative methods first:

1. Clean the cache in Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. Remove unused apps and turn off autoboot in Settings → Apps → Autostart.

Preparation for resetting: how to save data?

Make sure to back up before reset. Even if the phone is locked, there are ways to pull some of the data out.

2.1 Backup on a working phone

If the device is turned on and you know the password:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save (contacts, messages, photos, applications).
3. Click Create Backup and wait until it is completed (may take 10–30 minutes).

The backup file will be saved in the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup internal memory or SD-map.

2.2. Data storage on a locked phone

If you forgot your password, but your phone connects to your PC:

• 🖥️ Use the Mi program. PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) for extracting photos and videos.
• 📁 Connect your phone to your computer through USB and try to access files through Windows Explorer (sometimes folder) DCIM Photos are available even without unlocking).
• 🔧 For advanced users: use them. ADB (Android Debug Bridge for data copying commands: adb pull /sdcard/ path

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption, file extraction without a password will be impossible, in which case the reset will lead to complete data loss.

Backup of important data |

Remember the username/password from Mi Account|

Charge your phone at least 50% |

Make sure that SIM-Card removed (if the phone is blocked)|

Prepare the cable. USB (for resetting via Fastboot)-->

3. Method 1: Reset via phone settings (most secure)

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and you know the password.
• 🔄 You want to reset your settings without using a PC.
• 🔒 There is no Mi Account lock on the device (or you remember login details).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. If required, enter PIN-code.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (the phone will restart 1-2 times).

⏳ Runtime: 5-15 minutes depending on the model.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require re-assignment of your Mi Account after reset, even if you didn’t have one before!

💡

If you want to reset your phone and you don’t remember it, try connecting to Wi-Fi and logging into your Mi Account via a browser on another device, sometimes allowing you to unlock Redmi without losing data.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If you forget your password or your phone doesn't respond to touch, you can reset it through Recovery Mode, which works on all Redmi models, including the Redmi 9A, Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For Redmi 6/6A, Redmi 7/7A: Power button + Volume up + Volume down.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

English

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

📌 Important: Some firmware may call the Wipe Data item Factory Reset or Clear Data.

If after reset, the phone asks you to enter your Mi Account information and you don’t remember it:

• Try to restore your password through account.xiaomi.com.
• If your account is not yours (the phone is hand-built), contact the previous owner or use the official unlock method through Xiaomi support (a check or box is required).

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is needed if:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or hangs on the logo.
• 🔒 Recovery Mode is blocked by password.
• 📦 Refuse the device after a failed update.

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery and can result in bootloader locking if you don't follow the instructions!

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers are needed).
• 🔌 The original cable. USB (Faulty cable may interrupt the process!).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 📂 Firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Global Fastboot) ROM).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume down until the Fastboot screen appears (Android robot labeled Fastboot Mode).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).
7. After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

🔹 Important nuances:

• Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi Firmware site. Castom firmware can block the device!
• If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "This device is locked", then the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the official Mi Unlock tool (it requires a binding Mi Account and waiting 72-168 hours).

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset via Fastboot or shows a “No command” error, try flashing the device again by selecting Clean All and Lock mode. If this doesn’t help, there is a hardware problem (e.g. damaged eMMC memory).

Typical post-reset errors and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, there may be problems.

Phone requires password after reset

If you reset Redmi via Recovery or Fastboot and the device asks you to enter your old password:

• 🔑 Try to enter the last used PIN-code.
• 📧 Sign in to the Mi Account linked to the phone (if you remember the data).
• 📞 If the phone is bought from hand, ask the seller to untie the account through the Xiaomi website.

6.2. "This device is locked" error when running the firmware

This error appears if the bootloader is locked.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (should be tied to your phone!).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.
4. Wait 72 to 168 hours (depending on the model) and then unlock will be available.

The telephone shall not be switched on after discharge

If the screen is black or the Redmi logo is on:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (plug in to charge for 30 minutes).
• 🔄 Try re-entering Recovery and reset again.
• 📥 If the phone is unresponsive, run it through Fastboot (instructions in Section 5).
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, contact the service center (memory or processor may break).

Loss of IMEI after discharge

If the mobile signal is missing after the reset, check the IMEI:

1. Type on the keyboard *#06#.
2. If zeros or Invalid are displayed instead of IMEI, restore it using Engineer Mode: Dial ##4636## → Select Phone Information → Check IMEI
3. If the IMEI is reset, use programs like the SN Write Tool (requires an Auth file from Xiaomi).

⚠️ Attention: Recovery IMEI On modern Redmi models (for example, Redmi Note 12) without official permission can lead to a network lock.

7.How to avoid problems when dumping?

To make the reset go smoothly, follow these tips:

• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% – interruption of the process due to battery discharge can “brick” the device.
• 📡 Turn it off. SIM-map SD-Card before reset (sometimes they cause conflicts).
• 🔒 Make sure to remember the details from the Mi Account – after the reset, you may need to re-authorize.
• 📥 Download the correct firmware for your model (for example, for the Redmi Note 11 Pro).+ 5G You need to use veux firmware, not peux).
• 🛠️ Do not use custom firmware (such as LineageOS) if you are not sure about your skills – this can lead to loss of warranty.

If you drop your phone before selling:

1. Delete all accounts (Settings → Accounts).
2. Untie the device from Mi Account in Settings → About Phone → Untie the account.
3. Do a reset via Settings (not Recovery) to avoid being blocked for the new owner.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi reset