How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 10S to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi 10S to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for a firmware update. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to loss of important data, blocking the Mi Account account or even β€œbricking” the smartphone.

The reset process on the Redmi 10S (model m2007j20cg) has its own nuances due to the features of the MIUI firmware and the MediaTek Helio G95 hardware platform. We will look at all the current ways: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot, and also analyze the typical problems after the reset, special attention will be paid to saving data and bypassing possible locks.

If your Redmi 10S starts to slow down, spontaneously reboot, or emit application errors, factory resets are often the most effective solution, but before you get started, it’s important to understand that this process deletes all user data, including photos, contacts, messages, and installed applications, even files on internal memory (except for the microSD card) will be erased without the ability to recover by standard means.

In this tutorial, you will find not only step-by-step steps, but also a list of mandatory preparations, backup tips, and solutions for cases when the smartphone does not respond to commands.

πŸ“Š Why do you want to lose Redmi? 10S?
Eliminate lags and mistakes
Prepare for sale
Remove viruses
Recovery after a failed update
Other

1.Resetting preparation: what to do necessarily

The first and most important step is data retention, which many users skip because they rely on automatic recovery through a Google account, but in practice, it doesn't always work, especially if it's photos in the DCIM folder, call records, or game saves.

Use Xiaomi’s official backup tools:

  • πŸ“± Mi Cloud is a cloud storage with 5GB of free space, SMS And some settings. To enable: Go to Settings. β†’ Xiaomi account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Synchronization.
  • πŸ’Ύ Local backup through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup. Creates a.mbk file that can be transferred to a PC or memory card.
  • πŸ–₯️ Xiaomi PC Suite is a Windows program that allows you to create a full backup, including applications.

Please note that local backup does not store data from some applications (such as WhatsApp or banking programs) and requires separate backups through the settings of the apps themselves.

Also check:

  • πŸ”‹ The battery must be at least 50 percent charged, and if it's low, it can be interrupted, causing serious disruption.
  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi connection – if you plan to recover data from the cloud after a reset.
  • πŸ” Password from Mi Account – without it, you will not be able to activate your phone after resetting if you previously tied the device.

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If you are selling a phone, be sure to log out of your Xiaomi account before reset: Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Sign out. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device without your login details.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and it's the simplest and least risky method, because it's controlled by the operating system.

Step instructions:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to the About Phone section (the lowest menu item).
  3. Select Backup and Reset β†’ Resetting.
  4. Click Erase all data (you may need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code).
  5. Confirm the action by selecting Reset settings.

It takes 3-7 minutes to reboot and set up as new, and if you have a Mi Account activation window after the reset, enter your Xiaomi account details.

Battery charge > 50%|Backup created|Payment card binding disabled|Exit from Mi Account (if you sell)|Wi-Fi connection checked (for recovery)-->

⚠️ Note: If you have forgotten your Mi Account password, do not reset through the settings menu – your phone will be locked! in this case, use the method via Fastboot (described below) or restore access to your account on account.xiaomi.com.

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

If the Redmi 10S is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to the screen, resetting through Recovery will help, which works even with damaged firmware, but requires accuracy.

How to log in to Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
  3. Hold on until the Mi logo and menu appear in English.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection) are controlled.

  1. Choose Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
  3. Once you have finished, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

If you need to enter a password in the Recovery menu, and you do not remember it, this method will not work – you will have to use Fastboot.

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
If after holding Power + Volume up the phone vibrates but does not load the menu, try: 1. Connect the charger and try again. 2. Hold the buttons longer (up to 20–30 seconds). 3. Use the Power + Volume down combination (on some firmware). If nothing helps, go to the method via Fastboot

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical and requires a computer connection, and it's useful if you:

  • πŸ”’ Phone blocked by Mi Account after reset.
  • πŸ”„ Recovery Mode is not available or requires a password.
  • πŸ› οΈ You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
  • πŸ“¦ Mi Flash Tool (download) and drivers ADB/Fastboot.
  • πŸ“„ Firmware for Redmi 10S (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

  1. Install drivers and Mi Flash Tool on PC.
  2. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the Power + Volume down buttons for 10 seconds
  3. Connect Redmi 10S to your computer. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
  4. Unpack the downloaded firmware (file with extension.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
  5. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
  6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes. When it's done, it automatically restarts. If you have an anti-rollback error, you're trying to install an older version of the firmware, download the current one.

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Fastboot resets all information without recovery, including data in /data.This method should only be used if other methods have not helped.

5.Typical post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, Redmi 10S users may face difficulties.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Phone requires Mi Account after resetThe device was tied to the account before the resetEnter your account details. If you forget your password, restore it to Xiaomi.
The sensor does not work after resettingFailure of drivers or firmware failureRun the reset again through Fastboot with clean firmware
Continuous resetsDamaged system filesInstall firmware via Mi Flash Tool in Clean All and Lock mode
Not connected to Wi-Fi.Resetting network settingsForget the network in the settings and connect again

⚠️ Note: If the phone doesn't turn on after being reset via Fastboot (black screen, no vibration), there may have been a firmware error, in which case try repeating the process with another version of the software or contact the service center. SP Flash Tool on MediaTek devices can lead to total loss IMEI!

6.How to recover data after reset

If you made a backup before the reset, you can restore the data in several ways:

From the Mi Cloud:

  • πŸ“± When you first turn on after reset, select Restore from Mi Cloud.
  • πŸ”‘ Enter your Xiaomi account details.
  • βœ… Check the required categories (contacts, SMS, notes) and press Restore.

From the local backup:

  • πŸ’Ύ Copy the backup file (.mbk) to your phone.
  • πŸ“‚ Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup β†’ Restore.
  • πŸ” Select a file and confirm the recovery.

To recover photos and videos that don’t make it to the standard backup, use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (only if you didn’t overwrite the data after the reset!).

7. Alternative methods of discharge (for specific cases)

Sometimes the standard methods don't work. Let's look at the rare but effective options.

Reset via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled):

  1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings β†’ For Developers.
  2. Open the command line and enter Adb shell recovery. --wipe_data

Reset via Xiaomi Tool V2 (to unlock bootloader):

    ⚠️ Note: Using unofficial tools like Xiaomi Tool can lead to loss of warranty. Use them only if other methods have failed and you understand the risks.

    FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 10S

    Can I reset Redmi 10S without losing data?
    No, factory reset always deletes user data. However, you can selectively save the desired files (photos, videos) through the Explorer by connecting the phone to the PC before reset (MTP).
    The phone after the reset asks for an old Xiaomi account.
    This is Mi Account Lock protection. Solutions: Enter the account to which the phone was attached. If you forget your password, restore it on the official website. If the phone is bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account – contact him for details or Xiaomi support with proof of purchase. ⚠️ Bypassing this lock without official data is impossible - it is a measure of protection against theft.
    How long does it take to dump?
    The time depends on the chosen method: πŸ“± Through the settings menu: 3-7 minutes. πŸ”§ Through Recovery: 5-10 minutes. πŸ’» Fastboot: 10-20 minutes (including firmware). If the process is delayed longer than 30 minutes, there may have been a failure. Try to reboot the phone forcibly (holding the power button 15-20 seconds).
    Can the reset be cancelled after the process has begun?
    No, once the reset is confirmed, the process cannot be interrupted without risking system damage: πŸ”„ Cyclical reboots are possible. 🚫 The phone may stop turning on ("brick"). πŸ› οΈ You will need firmware via Fastboot or contact the service.
    How to reset Redmi 10S if you forget the pattern lock?
    If you do not remember the pattern lock or PIN-Code: Try to enter it at least 5 If the button does not appear, reset via Recovery Mode (requires a Google or Xiaomi account). 2). If you also need a password in Recovery, use Fastboot (the method). 3). ⚠️ After discharge through Recovery/Fastboot Mi Account data may be required if the phone has been tied!