How to reset the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why a factory reset can save your Redmi – and when it’s dangerous

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but often the only way to get the smartphone back on track. The procedure removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the system to the “out of the box” state. This helps with freezes, viruses, errors after updates or if you forget the pattern lock. However, an improper reset can turn the phone into a “brick” – especially if you interrupt the process during the flashing stage.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reset: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot. Each method has its own nuances - for example, Fastboot will require a computer and Mi Flash Tool drivers, and resetting through the settings will not work if the lock password is forgotten, and you will learn how to save important data before resetting, even if the phone does not turn on.

Important: The procedure is different for Redmi models based on MIUI 12/13/14 and for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If your smartphone is released before 2019 (for example, Redmi Note 5), some menu items may be called differently - we will warn about this separately.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Even if your Redmi is getting stuck or unresponsive to touch, try these steps. They will save you hours of data recovery later.

• 🔋 Charge your phone to minimum. 50%. Resetting when the battery is low can cause the device to crash and "brick" - especially critical for Redmi models. 9/10 battery-free.
• 📱 Copy data to a PC or cloud. Use Mi. PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) or connect your phone as a drive through USB-If the screen is not responding, try to control through the ADB (guideline).
• 📋 Write it down. IMEI You'll need them to reconnect with the operator after the reset, find them on the box or under the battery (for models with removable batteries).
• 🔑 Make sure you know the username/password from your Mi Account. After resetting, Xiaomi will require you to enter this data to unlock (Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature).

If the phone does not turn on at all, but reacts to charging (the indicator burns), try emergency copying via TWRP.

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC (download from the XDA Developers website).
2. Connect Redmi to your computer, holding Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot.
3. Enter the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined, execute: adb pull /sdcard/ path

⚠️ Warning: If you use Redmi with an unlocked bootloader and custom firmware, a reset via standard Recovery could result in a loss of TWRP. In this case, first create a backup through Nandroid Backup.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is turned on)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember your password/pattern lock.
• ⚙️ Settings menu available (no critical system failures).

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Slip on Reset (in some versions - Reset and Reset).
3. Choose to erase all data.
4. Enter the screen lock password (if requested).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

For older models (Redmi 4/5 and earlier), the path may be different: Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset → Reset settings.

Make sure sync with Mi Cloud is enabled|Check your backup in your Google Account|Untie Bank Cards in Google Pay|Leave accounts in applications (VK, Telegram, etc.)-->

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, and you forgot them, use the official recovery form: account.xiaomi.com. Attempts to bypass the lock through third-party services can lead to a ban of the account.

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If Redmi is loading for longer than 10 minutes after reset, do not interrupt the process. For models with eMMC memory (e.g. Redmi 6/7), the first download can take up to 20 minutes.

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

If Redmi is stuck on the logo, reboots in a loop, or doesn’t respond to the screen, use Recovery, a method that works even without a lock password, but requires physical access to the phone’s buttons.

Instructions for standard recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (hold Power + Volume up 10 seconds).
2. Hold Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Clear Data in some versions).
6. Confirm the action (Confirm).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

For models with TWRP (Castom Recovery):

• 🔧 Choose Wipe. → Advanced Wipe.
• 📋 Check Dalvik, Cache, Data, System (but not Internal Storage if you want to save files).
• 🔄 Swipe to Wipe (Swipe to Wipe).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is resetting via Recovery and has an error "No" OS "installed" means the firmware has been damaged. In this case, you will need to reflash the device via Fastboot (method 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🖥️ Requires a complete flashing (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔓 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (download from the program) en.miui.com/unlock).
• 📦 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Xiaomi and Mi Flash Tool drivers on PC.
2. Turn off the phone and hold Volume down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect Redmi to your computer. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Unpack the firmware (file with.tgz extension) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. Select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

For models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 11 and later), you must unlock Bootloader before firmware through the official Mi Unlock Tool app. This will take up to 72 hours to wait for confirmation from Xiaomi.

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Reset via Fastboot deletes ALL data, including files in internal memory. If you need to save photos or documents, first remove the microSD card (if installed).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, Redmi will offer to go through the initial setup.

• 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can not log into Mi Account and restore backups.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account. If you forgot your password, use the recovery via email or phone number.
• 📲 Install critical apps: Google Play Services, Mi Community (for updates), banking apps.

If there are problems after the discharge:

For Redmi models with AMOLED-screens (Redmi) K40/50) You can have uneven backlights after the reset. That's normal, the screen will calibrate through the backlight. 1-2 charge-cycle.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Xiaomi Redmi.

• ❌ Interrupting the discharge process if you pull out the battery or turn off the power during the discharge through Recovery/Fastboot, The phone might stop turning on, and then you can just flash it through the back. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
• ❌ Using firmware from another model, such as the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, is not suitable for the Redmi Note 10, and it will cause an error of "Invalid image" or "brick".
• ❌ Reset without detachment of Google account.If Factory Reset Protection was enabled on the phone (FRP), After the reset, you will need to enter the data of the last Google account, you can only bypass this via Fastboot with deletion. FRP.

To avoid problems:

1. Always check the phone model in Settings → About Phone → Model.
2. Download firmware only from official sources: en.miui.com or xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
3. Before resetting via Fastboot, turn off driver checks in Windows (via Run → bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Redmi Reset