How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 7 to factory settings: all ways + data storage

Why Redmi 7 Reset is Necessary and When to Use It

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 7 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to restore the smartphone to work, a process that removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state, most often resorted to in three cases:

First, if the performance of the phone has plummeted — the Redmi 7 starts to “brake,” overheat, or spontaneously reboot — it can be caused by memory overflows, application conflicts, or firmware errors; second, a reset is required before selling or transferring the device to another user to prevent personal data leakage; and finally, it helps to eliminate critical system failures when the smartphone does not respond to commands or hovers on the MI logo.

It is important to understand that Redmi 7 (codenamed onc) has features depending on the firmware version: MIUI 10-12 uses a classic recovery menu, and MIUI 13-14 algorithm may differ slightly. In addition, additional reset options are available on devices with an unlocked bootloader via Fastboot.

Before you start, make sure that the problem is not solved by more gentle methods: cleaning the cache, removing unnecessary applications or updating the software. If a reset is inevitable, choose the appropriate method from three available: through system settings, Recovery mode or Fastboot command line.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (without loss of data on the memory card)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Settings section, which is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, reacts to touch, and you have access to the unlock password. SD-The card will remain intact, but the internal memory will be completely cleared.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
4. The system will tell you what to reset, tick Clear internal memory and delete your Mi Account.
5. Enter the password from the Mi Account (if linked) and confirm the action.
6. Wait for the reboot - the process will take 3-5 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from your Mi Account, resetting through the settings will not be possible! In this case, use methods 2 or 3, but be prepared for the fact that after flashing you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.

Make a backup of contacts and photos|Remember the username/password from the Mi-account|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)|Delete SD-card if you need to save files on it-->

Once reset, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to configure it as new, at which point you can restore data from the backup (if it was created through Mi Cloud) or skip this step. Note that the binding to the Mi Account is saved - it must be manually deleted in the Accounts section after the first setting.

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

If Redmi 7 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, hardware reset via Recovery Mode will help.This method does not require a working system, but completely erases all data, including files on the internal drive.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the menu in English or Chinese (depending on the firmware version).

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (in some versions – Yes).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 7 firmware may require re-activation of the device via Mi Account after resetting via Recovery. If you don't remember your account details, the phone will turn into a brick! In this case, only flashing through Fastboot (method 3) will help).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most powerful, but also the most risky, and it's suitable if:

• 🔹 The phone doesn’t turn on (even in Recovery).
• 🔹 Mi Account password is forgotten and other methods are blocked.
• 🔹 You need to refashion the device to another version. MIUI.

You will need a computer with installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot, cable USB Type-C and official firmware for Redmi 7 (Importantly, this method erases all data without the possibility of recovery, including: IMEI and serial number if the firmware is incorrectly selected!

Step-by-step:

1. Download and unpack the archive with the firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
2. Connect the Redmi 7 off to the PC, holding Volume Down + Power (Fastboot mode).
3. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the firmware folder and type: fastboot devices Make sure the device is identified (the serial number will appear).
4. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash boot boot.img
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

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If the phone is not detected after the command of fastboot devices, install the Mi Flash Tool drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).

⚠️ Warning: Continuous power during firmware is critical! If the process is interrupted, Redmi 7 may lose IMEI Use the original cable and connect the phone to an uninterruptible power source (or laptop with a charged battery).

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, Redmi 7 will offer to go through the initial setup, as after the purchase.

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (mobile internet may not work until activated).
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (if you don’t forget your password) or create a new one.
3. Recover data from a backup (if it was created through Mi Cloud or Google Account).
4. Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → System Update.

If you are selling a phone, do not restore the backup – just make sure that:

• 🔹 There are no Mi or Google profiles linked to Accounts.
• 🔹 B Settings → The internal storage memory is displayed as empty.
• 🔹 IMEI The phone is correct (checked by the team *#06#).

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Once reset via Fastboot, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account even if the phone hasn't been locked before.This is normal behavior for Xiaomi devices with Find Device feature.

If after the reset there are problems with connecting to the network, check the settings. APN from your operator or reset network settings in the Settings section → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often face typical problems, and the most common ones are:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery.

Reason: Faulty buttons or wrong combination Solution: Try holding the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds) or use ADB-Command for Forced Reboot in Recovery:

adb reboot recovery

2. Upon reset, the old password is required.

This means that Mi's account was not untied Solution: enter the correct data or use Fastboot for full flashing (method 3).

3.The reset is interrupted and the phone is not turning on.

There may have been a system partitioning error, so you can repeat the process through Fastboot with the official firmware or contact the service center.

4. IMEI went missing after dumping.

This is possible if you have incorrect firmware through Fastboot. Solution: restore IMEI using an engineering menu (#4636##) or specialized utilities like the SN Write Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 7