Forced reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: 5 working ways

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is sometimes the only solution for critical system failures, virus attacks, or if you forget the pattern lock. Unlike a standard menu reset, forced reset works even when the phone is not turned on, hangs on the logo or is locked by the Mi Account. This instruction covers all possible scenarios, from a software reset via Recovery Mode to low-level commands via Fastboot.

It is important to understand that forced reset deletes all data, including photos, contacts and applications, if they are not synchronized with the Mi Cloud. On the new models of Redmi Note 12/13 and Redmi 10C/11 Xiaomi has tightened protection – after the reset, you may need to enter a login from the previous Mi Account.

1. When forced discharge is required (and when not)

Not all problems are solved by a complete reset, but here are the cases where it is really needed:

• 🔒 The phone is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-Find My Device is disabled.
• 🐢 The smartphone slows down, overheats or constantly reboots after the update MIUI
• 🦠 Suspicion of virus software that is not removed by antiviruses (for example, banner ads in the status bar)
• 📱 The device does not turn on beyond the Redmi logo (bootloop) after a failed firmware
• 🔄 You must delete your associated Mi Account before selling (if you forget your password)

When the slack does not help or even hurt:

• ⚡ Iron problems: a discharged battery, a faulty display, or a burned motherboard
• 📶 No network after falling (possible damage to antenna module)
• 🔋 Bloated battery – in this case, you first need to replace the battery

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi models 9/10/Note 11 s MIUI 14+ After the reset, a request may appear to enter data from the previous Mi Account. If you do not remember the login / password, you will have to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Even if your phone is locked, follow these steps to avoid problems:

Make sure the battery is charged >30%|Download Mi Unlock Tool (if you plan to unlock the bootloader)|Prepare. OTG-cable for models with unlocked Bootloader|Save. IMEI phone (on a box or under a battery)|Check if the debugging is included USB (If the phone still works)-->

For Redmi Note models 8 Pro/9 Pro/10 Pro with Mediatek processors may need a special TestPoint cable to unlock the bootloader. K40/50) standardize USB-cable.

If the phone is still on, check the status of the bootloader:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → MIUI version
2. Tap 7 times on the line "Kernel Version" - will open the menu for developers
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers
4. Find the OEM Unlock Status. If it says "Blocked," you'll have to use the Mi Unlock Tool after the reset.

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If you’re resetting your phone before selling, be sure to delete your Mi Account through Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Delete your account. A simple reset is not enough – the new owner will be able to recover your data!

3. Method 1: Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

It's the most versatile method, running on 90 percent of Redmi models, including the Redmi 9A/9C/Note 10. It doesn't require a PC, but deletes all data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Clip the combination: For most models: Power + Volume Up For Redmi Note 7/8/9: Power + Volume Up + Volume Down

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 Global) after resetting via Recovery, an error may appear "This device is locked". This means that the bootloader is locked. In this case, proceed to method 4 (Fastboot).

Method 2: Reset via settings (if the phone is working)

If the phone turns on and you remember the pattern lock, use the built-in reset function.This method saves the unlocked bootloader (if it was unlocked earlier).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Check to clear internal memory (delete all files).
4. Enter the password from your Mi Account (if requested).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
6. Wait for the reboot (can take up to 10 minutes).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB/Fastboot drivers.
2. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot: Clip Power + Volume down for 5-7 seconds
3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and execute: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone)
5. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

If the bootloader is locked, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires to link the Xiaomi account to the device 72 hours before unlocking).

Method 4: Reset via EDL Mode (for "brick" phones)

Extreme Download Mode (EDL) is a last chance to bring back a phone that doesn't respond to any combination of buttons, used to recover from failed firmware.

You'll need:

• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (official Xiaomi utility)
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz format for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C with data transfer support
• 🔨 Screwdriver (for models where you need to close TestPoint contacts)

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, wait until the battery is completely discharged).
2. For models on Snapdragon (e.g. Redmi) K30 Pro: Press the Volume up + Loud down and plug in. USB-cable to PC. Qualcomm should appear in the Device Manager HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Mediatek

Redmi Note 11/10 Pro

• Disassemble the phone and close the TestPoint contacts (usually located near the battery).
• Connect. USB-cable - MediaTek Preloader will appear in the dispatcher USB VCOM Port.
• Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
• Wait until it's finished (10-15 minutes) and the phone will automatically restart.

⚠️ Note: TestPoint contacts may be damaged by incorrect closure. On Redmi Note 12 and later, the contacts are often hidden under a protective film – carefully remove it with a plastic mediator.

7. Method 5: Delete Mi Account Without Password (alternative method)

If after a reset, the phone requires data entry from an old Mi Account, and you do not know them, there are 2 legal options:

Option 1: Through the official Xiaomi service

• 📄 Prepare a check/guarantee card confirming the purchase.
• 📞 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center with a passport.
• 🔓 Employees will remove the binding of the account for 1-3 Free of charge (if the phone is guaranteed).

Option 2: Through Fastboot/EDL modes (only for unlocked bootloader)

1. Transfer your phone to Fastboot (see Method 3).
2. The command is: fastboot erase frp
3. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

On models with MIUI 14 and later, this method may not work – Xiaomi has tightened the protection of FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the instructions, you can run into problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset or hangs on the Redmi logo, try:

• 🔄 Repeat reset via Recovery.
• 📥 Swipe your phone through Fastboot with official firmware.
• 🔋 Replace the battery (sometimes the problem is deep discharge).

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On Redmi models with Mediatek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9T/10A) After a failed reset, it may be necessary to reflash through SP Flash Tool with File Selection DA_PL.bin for your version of the chip.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions