How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi to Factory Settings: A Complete Guide with 3 Ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step: it helps to eliminate system failures, remove viruses, prepare the device for sale or simply return “clean” firmware without unnecessary data. However, not all users know that an improper reset can lead to the loss of important files or even “bricking” the phone.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reset: through the MIUI settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot. Each method is suitable for different situations - from simple deletion of personal data to restoring the "hang" device, you will learn how to bypass the locking of a Mi Account after reset, if you forgot the password, and which Redmi models require a special approach.

Before you start, make sure that the phone has enough charge (at least 50%). Otherwise, you risk getting a device that will not turn on after the reset. If the phone does not respond to charging, first solve this problem (possibly a faulty cable or port).

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Factory resets will remove all the data from the phone's internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, even some system settings, which is why backup is a must.

Use built-in MIUI tools or third-party services:

• 📱 Local Copy: Go to Settings → The phone. → Backup. Select data to save (contacts, SMS, Notes) and click "Create backup." The file will be saved to internal memory or to Mi Cloud.
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: In the same menu, activate sync with Mi Account. make sure you have enough space (free 5GB).
• 💾 Google Drive: Download the app and manually copy important files (photos, documents) to the cloud.
• 🖥️ Computer: Connect Redmi to the USB file transfer mode (MTP) And copy the data to the PC.

Pay special attention to associated accounts. After reset, the phone may require you to enter your username and password from Mi Account if you previously activated Find Device. If you do not remember your account details, the reset will lock the phone! In this case, first untie the device on account.xiaomi.com.

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If the phone doesn’t turn on but you need to save data, try connecting it to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power) and use the Mi Flash Tool utility to extract files.

2. Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (soft reset)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the operating system, which is suitable if the phone turns on but slows down or requires cleaning before selling.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will offer two options: Reset all settings - deletes only user settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sounds), but saves files and applications. Delete all data - a complete reset to factory state (recommended).

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password.

Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

This method is not suitable if:

• 🔄 The phone is stuck on the logo. MI and.
• 🔒 Forgot the screen lock password.
• 🛠️ Refuse the device due to serious failures.

3. Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

If your phone is not switched on or locked, use Recovery, which works even when your firmware is damaged, but requires care.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Volume Up + Power combination and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Note: In some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi K40), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese.

• 🧹 — dataset.
• 🔄 — restart.

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Note: If after reset via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter the Mi Account login, and you do not remember it, you can only restore access through the official Xiaomi website.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical one, and it's used if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 📱 Reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

This method will require a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power before the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and select the firmware folder for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
5. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the process to be completed (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

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Warning: Incorrect firmware via Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick. Make sure the firmware version matches your Redmi model (check on the sticker under the lid or in the documentation). For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro is not suitable for the Redmi Note 9S!

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔋 The phone turns off during reset, which may be a dead battery or a damaged battery, plug the charger and try again. If the phone doesn't charge, contact the service.
• 🔒 After the reset, you need Mi Account: it's protection against theft. If you forget your account details, restore them on the official website.
• 📱 The phone is stuck on the logo. MI after reset: possibly damaged firmware. Try resetting via Recovery or flashing through Fastboot.
• 🛠️ Computer doesn’t see phone in Fastboot: install Xiaomi drivers or use another USB-cable (preferably original).

If none of these methods worked, and the phone still doesn’t turn on or gives out errors, the cause may be a hardware malfunction (for example, damaged memory or motherboard), in which case we recommend contacting an authorized service center Xiaomi.

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If the phone is slower than before after reset, the cause may be memory fragmentation. perform optimization in the Settings → Memory menu or install a cache cleaner app (e.g., CCleaner).

6.How to recover data after reset

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning deleted data depend on how the reset was performed:

• 🔄 Soft reset (through settings): files on internal memory can be saved, but system data (applications, settings) will be deleted. Use recovery software, such as DiskDigger or Recuva (root rights required).
• 🧹 Severe discharge (through Recovery/Fastboot): Data is deleted irrevocably and can only be restored from a previously created backup.

For recovery from Mi Cloud:

1. After the reset, log in to your Mi Account on your phone.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
3. Select the last backup and click "Restore".

If you have a backup on your computer, connect your phone over USB and copy the files back, and you can use apps like Super Backup & Restore (available on Google Play) to restore SMS and contacts.

7. Features of reset on different models of Redmi

Not all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are dropped the same way, and here are the key differences for popular models:

• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Series: Repair with Mi Assistant is added to the Recovery menu – it allows you to restore the system without completely cleaning up data (only for non-critical crashes).
• 📱 Redmi K60/K70: Supports unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool, which allows you to install custom firmware after resetting.
• 📱 Redmi 10C/10A: In these models, the default Recovery menu is in Chinese. To reset, select the second item at the top (🧹).
• 📱 Redmi POCO X3/X4: After the reset, you may need to re-activate the Find Device function in the Mi Account settings.

Older models (such as Redmi 4X or Redmi 5A) may need to use the 2018 Mi Flash Tool utility, as the newer versions do not support outdated firmware.

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If you plan to sell your phone, after a reset, be sure to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, Samsung if you have) and format internal memory in the settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions