How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S to factory settings: the full guide

Why do you need to reset the Redmi Note 10S?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S to factory settings is a radical but effective solution to a variety of problems, most often when the smartphone starts to brake, overheat or emit errors in the operation of applications. For example, if after updating the MIUI the phone spontaneously reboots or the battery discharges in a few hours, the reset can return the device to its previous performance.

Another common reason is to prepare for sale: Before transferring the Redmi Note 10S to the new owner, you need to delete all personal data, including accounts, photos and messages. Regular deletion of files does not guarantee complete cleanup: fragments of information can remain in memory. Only a complete reset (also known as hard reset) erases everything without the possibility of recovery.

Less commonly, but equally important, resetting helps if you forget your pattern lock or unlock password, and you don't need to lose data, you have to sacrifice files to access your device, and it's also important after you've failed to experiment with firmware or root rights when your smartphone stops loading.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you don’t lose important data.The Redmi Note 10S will be clean after the procedure – as if it had just been pulled out of the box.This means that all photos, contacts, messages, downloaded apps and settings will be permanently deleted.

Here is what you need to do before resetting:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud, which saves contacts, calendar and some settings.
• 🖼️ Copy media files (photos, videos, music) to your computer or cloud storage. To do this, connect your phone to your PC via a computer. USB-cable and transfer files manually.
• 🔐 Remember your account details. After the reset, you'll need to re-enter your username and password from Mi Account, Google, social media and banking apps.
• 📡 Check the battery. Make sure the charge level is at least 50%. If the smartphone runs out during reset, it can damage the system files and "brick" the device.

If you reset Redmi Note 10S before selling, remember to log out of all accounts (Mi Account, Google, Samsung Pay, etc.) and untie the device from services like Find the device.

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (the easiest)

If your Redmi Note 10S is turned on and you remember the unlock password, this method is the fastest and most secure. It requires no additional tools and is suitable even for beginners.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (usually at the bottom of the list).
3. Slip on the Reset item.
4. Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password or pattern lock (if it is installed).
6. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

The process will take 5-10 minutes, and when it is finished, the phone will automatically restart and prompt it to be configured as new, at which point you can recover data from the backup (if it was created).

⚠️ Attention: If on the Redmi Note 10S Device Protection (in some regions) is enabled, after reset, you may need to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone!

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

If the Redmi Note 10S is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to touches, or is locked with a password you forgot, resetting through Recovery mode will help.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears and vibrations (usually 5-7 seconds).
4. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with yellow text in English).
5. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
6. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
7. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
8. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for the location of the items: (Wipe Data) is the third item on top. Confirmation is usually the last item on the list.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if the first two did not work or you want to reflash the Redmi Note. 10S It's going to require a computer with drivers installed. ADB and Fastboot, as well as the original USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
2. Turn off the Redmi Note 10S and put it into Fastboot mode: press the power button + volume reduction for 10 seconds.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
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

This method erases all data, including internal memory, but does not affect system files. If the goal is to reinstall the firmware, after reset, you can flash the Redmi Note 10S through the command fastboot flash.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of the Fastboot can lead to a complete loss of the device's functionality. Do not follow commands unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, fastboot erase system will delete the operating system and the phone will not turn on!

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If the phone doesn’t turn on for more than 10 minutes after reset via Fastboot, try pressing the power button for 30 seconds to force a reboot.

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 10S will offer to go through the initial setup, as in the first turn on.

• 🌍 Language and region choice: Specify the right region (e.g. Russia) to avoid problems with Google services.
• 🔄 Data recovery: If you backed up through Mi Cloud or Google, the system will offer to restore contacts and applications.
• 🔒 Set up lock. It is recommended to install PIN-code or pattern lock (but remember it!).
• 📱 Update MIUI. After reset, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If you dropped your phone before selling, you can skip the account binding at the setup stage, but the new owner will still have to log in to his Mi Account to make full use of the device.

The first hours after a Redmi Note 10S reset can run slower than usual — that's OK. The system indexes files and optimizes performance. After 12 to 24 hours, the speed is stabilized.

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After reset, be sure to check the sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) and cameras through standard applications. If something is not working, you may need to flash it.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, the Redmi Note 10S may not go as planned, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the Redmi Note 10S is constantly restarted after resetting, this may indicate firmware damage, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or a service center will help.

Another typical situation is that the IMEI disappears after a reset (the phone does not catch the network), this occurs due to the deletion of nvram or nvdata files, solved by restoring the backup of nvram (if it was made) or contacting the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 10S reset