How to Reset Redmi by Xiaomi to Factory Settings: Expert Guide

Owners of Redmi and Xiaomi smartphones periodically face situations where the device starts to work incorrectly, slows down or requires complete cleaning before selling.The return procedure to the original state, known as Hard Reset or Factory Reset, is the most radical, but often the only effective way to solve software errors of the MIUI system. This process completely removes all user data, returning the gadget to the state of “out of the box”.

The need to reset via Recovery Mode most often occurs when the phone has stopped responding to touch or locked due to a forgotten pattern lock. It is important to understand that there are two main methods for performing this operation: through the standard Android settings menu if access to the system is saved, and through the Recovery engineering menu if the device does not boot. The choice of the right method depends on the current state of your Redmi.

Before taking action, you need to realize the irreversibility of the process: all photos, contacts, messages and installed applications will be destroyed without the possibility of recovery by standard means. Backing up data to the Mi Cloud cloud service or to the computer is a critical preparatory step, ignoring which can lead to permanent loss of personal information.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

The first and most important step is to ensure a stable power supply.The process of erasing data and reinstalling system files can take 10 to 30 minutes, and suddenly turning off the screen at this point can damage the memory partitions. Charge the Xiaomi battery to at least 60-70% to have a reserve of power in case of possible delays in the processor during cleaning.

The second stage of preparation is for security accounts, and if you have Mi Account or Google Account protection activated on your device, after the reset, the system will require you to enter the username and password that you used before. This is an anti-theft mechanism, and without knowing this data, you will not be able to activate the phone. Make sure you remember the credentials or untie the device from the account in advance through the settings menu.

You should also pay attention to external drives, and if your Redmi has a microSD card installed, it's best to remove it before you start the procedure. MIUI Often offer a choice: erase data only from internal memory or also from the internal memory. SD-Cards, physical extraction ensures that your media files on the flash drive remain intact and safe.

Method One: Reset via MIUI system settings

This is a way to work for devices that are stable, turn on and log in. It is the most secure and easy for the average user, because the interface is completely Russified and intuitive. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell (12, 13, 14 or the new HyperOS), but the overall logic remains the same.

To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom. You're interested in About Phone. Inside this section, you'll need to find the Reset option, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen. In some versions of the firmware, the path may look like Settings → Advanced Settings → Recover and Reset.

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Before pressing the reset button, take a picture of the screen with the important Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings on another phone – this will speed up the network resetting.

After selecting the Delete all data, the system will display a warning that all the contents of the internal memory will be deleted. You will need to confirm the action, possibly several times, and enter the unlock password of the screen or PIN-The code to verify the identity of the owner, and then the cleaning process will begin, and the phone will restart.

Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If Xiaomi's smartphone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or doesn't respond to the sensor, Recovery mode is used. Entering this mode is a combination of physical buttons when the device is off. Press both Volume Up (Vol +) and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.

In the Recovery menu, the touch screen is not working. Navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by a short press of the power button. You need to select a language (usually available in English or ), then go to Wipe Data. Next, you select the Wipe All Data option for full cleaning.

⚠️ Note: In Recovery mode, the device can request confirmation through a code that will appear on the screen. mi.com/activate From another device, by logging into your Mi Account.

Once confirmed, the system will start formatting partitions. The progress bar will show execution status. When the process is complete, the screen will read "Data wiped successfully." After that, select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The first download after the reset can last up to 5-7 minutes.

Resetting a Forgotten Password and Protecting Google FRP

One common reason to request a reset is a forgotten pattern lock or password. However, after running Hard Reset on modern versions of Android (7.0 and higher), the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) mechanism comes into effect, which means that the first setup of the phone will require you to enter a Google account that was synchronized with the device before the reset.

If you don't remember your Google account password, it's going to be very difficult to get back to your phone, and you can't get around this protection legally without your owner's data, because it's done to protect your data in the event of a device being stolen, so always try to remember or restore access to your account through your computer before resetting.

In the case of the MIUI shell, the situation is similar, but with reference to the Mi Account. If the phone was tied to the "Mi Account" and the function "Find the device" is turned on, then after reset, you will need to enter a password from it, without which the phone will turn into a "brick" with limited functionality.

Common Errors and How to Resolve Them

Users may encounter various problems during the reset process, one of the most common being the “Can’t verify update” or endless reboot error, which often happens if the system file record has been interrupted or the bootloader has been damaged, and in such cases, it may be necessary to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Another problem is that you can't log into the Recovery menu, and some Redmi models may have different button combinations, such as some devices that need to press and release the power button first, and then immediately press the volume. Also try connecting the phone turned off to the charger or computer via USB-cable.

Below is a table deciphering possible statuses that may appear in the process:

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If the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 15 minutes after reset, try forcibly restarting it by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.

Redmi's initial setup after reset

Once the procedure is completed, the phone will turn on as a new one, and you will be welcomed by the language selection screen. Select Russian and press Next. The next step will be to connect to the Wi-Fi network, which is a mandatory step to activate the device and check for security updates.

This is followed by a data recovery phase, where if you've backed up your Mi Cloud or Google Drive, it will suggest you restore contacts, apps, and settings from the cloud, which will significantly speed up the experience of your smartphone. If you don't have a copy, select "Configure as a new device."

An important step is to set the date and time, as well as set up services Google and Xiaomi, it is recommended to agree to the terms of use for the correct operation of push notifications and geolocation. After completing all the steps, you will be taken to a clean desktop, ready to use.

⚠️ Warning: Don't install all applications immediately after reset. 10-15 Minutes to work in the background to index files and optimize the battery, otherwise the phone may start to warm and brake again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)