How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi Note to factory settings: a detailed guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing critical system failures. However, an improperly performed reset can lead to data loss, locking the device through Mi Account or even “bricking” the smartphone. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), the nuances of saving important information and typical errors that users make.

The Redmi Note line features both global (Global ROM) and Chinese (China ROM) firmware, which affects the available reset options. For example, the Chinese versions may not have Factory Reset on the Recovery menu, and global firmware sometimes requires confirmation through Xiaomi’s account even after a reset. We will take into account all these subtleties to make the instruction suitable for models from Redmi Note 4 to the current Redmi Note 13 Pro+.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea for all problems, but in some cases it is really necessary:

• 📱 Preparation for sale or transfer – deletion of personal data (photos, messages, passwords) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔄 System failures: constant reboots, hanging on the logo MI, Errors of applications such as "com.android.phone stopped".
• 🔒 Removing viruses or malware if the antivirus fails (for example, after installing applications from unverified sources).
• 📦 Cleaning before updating MIUI — Sometimes resetting helps to avoid errors when switching to a new firmware version.
• 🔑 Unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-If you forget the combination (but there are nuances with Mi Account).

However, resetting will not help if:

• ❌ The problem is related to hardware malfunctions (for example, the touchscreen or speaker is not working).
• ❌ Phone blocked via Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after reset without leaving your account.
• ❌ The device is "bricked" after a failed firmware (reflashing through will be required EDL).

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone because of a forgotten password, but do not remember the data from the Mi Account tied to the device, after resetting the phone may be locked.

Resetting: How to save important data?

The factory reset completely removes all data from the phone’s internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and camera footage).
• 💬 Messages in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS).
• 📁 Downloads, documents and files in folders such as Download or Documents.
• 🎮 Save games (if not synced to the cloud).
• 📇 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).

To avoid losing important information, follow the following steps:

Synchronize contacts with Google or Mi Cloud

Copy photos/videos to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive)

Export messages from instant messengers (in WhatsApp: Settings → Chat → Backup)

Save passwords from your browser (Chrome → Settings → Passwords → Export)

Record data from Mi Account (logins, passwords, tied phone numbers)-->

Methods of backup:

If you have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard backup methods may not work, in which case use tools like TWRP to create a full system backup.

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Before reset, check if your Mi Account is linked to your phone. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and write down your login/password – you will need them after the reset to unlock the device.

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you remember the password to unlock the screen, and it's the simplest and least risky method, because it doesn't require rebooting to special modes.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (newer versions of MIUI may call it About Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Erase all data (in some firmware – Delete all data).
5. Enter. PIN-lock screen code or password (if requested).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone or Delete everything.

The phone will automatically reboot and start the reset process, which will take 5 to 15 minutes, and once completed, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require a data entry from Mi Account after resetting via the menu, even if the phone has not been locked before!

What to do if the item "Reset settings" is not available?

In China ROM, the reset option may be hidden.

1. Go to Settings → Further → Privacy.
2. Select Data Reset (“Perhaps you will need to enter a password”).
3. Confirm the action.

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Resetting via the settings menu is the only method that does not require unlocking the bootloader. All other methods (Recovery, Fastboot) may require additional actions if the bootloader is locked.

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

If the Redmi Note is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, you can reset via Recovery Mode.This mode is available on all Xiaomi smartphones, but its interface may vary depending on the firmware version.

How to get in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For Redmi Note 8/9/10: Power button + Volume up + Loudness down (hold 5-7 seconds).

MI

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the volume button (move) and the power button (select) can be controlled. On the new models (Redmi Note 11/12/13), touch control can be provided.

Resetting instructions:

1. Choose a language (usually English or English).
2. Go to Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware).
3. Select Wipe All Data (or )
4. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (or entering the code if requested).
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (or Terminal) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. For a full reset, run fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

If you need to clean the slate:

1. Unpack the downloaded archive with firmware (should be a file) flash_all.bat for Windows or script for other OS).
2. Launch it. flash_all.bat (The phone should be in Fastboot).
3. Wait until the process is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If you have a locked Bootloader, fastboot erase commands will not work - you will need an official unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool. Trying to flash the device with the locked bootloader will lead to an anti-rollback error and possible "bricking".

fastboot getvar anti

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in initial settings.

1. Choose a language and region.
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (required if you need to check your Mi Account).
3. Enter data from Mi Account if the phone was tied (the screen will show a message "This device is locked").
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

Typical post-reset problems and their solutions:

If the phone is slower than before after reset, it is normal for the system to take time to optimize (usually 1-2 days).

• 📵 Don’t install many applications at once.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone after initial setup.
• 🚫 Turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the version, then turn off animation in the Developer Settings).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: If the phone turns off during reset, it may damage system files. Charge the device to at least 50% before starting the procedure.
• 🔒 Forgotten Mi Account: Many users don't remember the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account and face lockdown after a reset. → Xiaomi account.
• 📱 Use of unofficial firmware: firmware custom ROM (For example, Pixel Experience, without unlocking Bootloader leads to "bricking." Always check the firmware compatibility with your model.
• 🔄 Interrupting process: If you take out the battery or turn off the cable during a Fastboot reset, the phone may stop turning on.

How do you avoid mistakes?

• ✅ Always back up your data, even if you plan to “soft” reset through your settings.
• ✅ Check battery power and stability of PC connection (when using Fastboot).
• ✅ Download firmware only from official sources (Xiaomi site or trusted forums like WEB) 4PDA).
• ✅ If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center. A Fastboot reset or Bootloader-unlocked firmware can void the warranty.

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If after reset, the phone requires Mi Account, but you do not remember the data, DO NOT try to bypass the lock through third-party programs (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool). This can lead to a complete lock of the device. The official way to unlock is to contact the Xiaomi service center with a confirmation of purchase.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions