How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 to factory settings: a full guide with photos

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is a legendary smartphone that is still used by many users due to its reliability and ability to upgrade. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or simply require a clean start. Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance. But how do you do it right, so as not to turn the phone into a brick?

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), explain when to use, and warn against common errors. We will focus on data retention, because after a reset, all information on the phone will be erased without recovery, and you will learn how to bypass Mi-account lock if you forgot your password, and what to do if the smartphone does not turn on.

Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Cleaning Your Phone

Resetting to factory settings is not just the press of a button. An unprepared device can lose important data permanently and in some cases even lock itself.

• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset or third-party applications like Titanium Backup (requires root) cloud services Mi Cloud or Google Drive will save contacts, photos and some settings.
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lead to software failures, especially when reset via Recovery.
• 🔐 Make sure to remember the Mi-account data. Once reset, Redmi Note 3 will require you to enter the username and password from the Xiaomi account that was linked to the device. Without them, unlocking it will take up to 72 hours!
• 📶 Turn off protection with a pattern lock/PIN-In some versions of the firmware MIUI This can prevent resetting through Recovery.

If you plan to sell or transfer a phone, be sure to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi-account, Samsung, etc.) through Settings → Accounts. Otherwise, the new owner may face a device lock.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 3 with firmware MIUI 10 and newer after resetting via Recovery, anti-Rollback protection may work, which means that it will not be possible to return the old firmware version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

This is the safest and most recommended way to turn on and react to touch, and is suitable for most users, as it does not require additional knowledge or tools.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI - Reset and Reset).
4. Slip on Reset your phone settings.
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes, and the phone will reboot and launch with a clean firmware, just like when you buy it, and the MIUI welcome window will appear on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi-account, but you forgot it, do not try to guess! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery (if the phone is not turned on or got stuck)

If the Redmi Note 3 doesn’t respond to buttons, hovers on the MI logo, or reboots cyclically, Recovery Mode will help.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears and vibrations (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. Release the buttons and you will see a menu in English or Chinese.

Then proceed with the steps:

• 🔧 Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select.
• 📛 Select Wipe & Reset (or Chinese firmware).
• 🧹 Wipe All Data (complete cleaning).
• ✅ Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.

After the process is completed (5-10 minutes), the phone will automatically restart. If this does not happen, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and is suitable if:

• 🔄 Phone is not included in Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 📱 You need to bypass the Mi-account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

We warn you that the wrong actions in Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick.If you are not sure about your skills, contact the service center.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
2. Turn off the Redmi Note 3 and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), execute the command to completely reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Important: Some versions of the Redmi Note 3 (such as the Helio X10 processor) will require you to flash the device through fastboot flash after these commands, otherwise it won’t boot.

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is locked, fastboot erase commands will not work. In this case, first unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and wait 72 hours).

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If the phone doesn't turn on after commands in Fastboot, try flashing stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Download the official ROM for Redmi Note 3 from en.miui.com and follow the firmware instructions.

What to do after resetting: setting up your phone from scratch

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 3 will launch with the original setup wizard. Follow the on-screen hints, but pay attention to the key points:

• 🌐 Language choice: In the first stages, you may not be Russian – look for English or use (simplified Chinese) if there are no other options.
• 📶 Wi-Fi connection: Without the Internet, you can’t log into Mi-account and Google. If the network is not determined, check your router settings (sometimes changing your Wi-Fi channel to 2.4 GHz helps).
• 🔑 Account Log in: First you need to log in to Mi-account, then Google. If you forget your data, restore it before resetting!
• ☁️ Restore from backup: If you created a backup through Mi Cloud, the system will offer to restore data at the setup stage.

After completing the setup wizard:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Install the necessary applications (we recommend starting with the Google Play Store, Xiaomi Community and antivirus).
3. Set up your fingerprint (if the sensor is correct) in Settings → Screen lock.

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If the phone is slower than before cleaning, the cause may be outdated firmware. Update MIUI to the latest stable version via Settings → System Update.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting the Redmi Note 3. Here are the most common problems and solutions:

If you encounter a Mi-account lock after a reset and your phone requires you to wait 72 hours, don't try to get around it through third-party software! This can result in a complete lock on the device.

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Log in to your account.
3. In the Devices section, find your Redmi Note 3 and click Unlock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi Note 3