Xiaomi Redmi reset to factory settings: a complete guide with nuances

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations. Maybe your device started to brake after the next MIUI update, or you are preparing to sell the device and want to delete all personal data. Or maybe the phone fell into the hands of a child, and now the desktop is littered with dozens of games, and the system emits errors when you start the applications. In any case, a full reset will return Redmi to its original state, as it was when it was first turned on.

But before you start, it's important to understand that resetting removes all the data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Even if you've synced some of the information to Mi Cloud, some settings and files can be lost irrevocably, so the first step is backup, and that's where we'll start our guide.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset: through your phone settings, with Recovery mode, and with Mi Flash Tool (for advanced users), and we will also analyze common errors, such as when the phone requires you to enter an old Mi Account after a reset, and explain how to avoid them. If you have never performed such manipulations before, don’t worry: the instructions are adapted even for beginners.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you hit the Reset button, make sure you don't lose important data. Backup is a must-have that many people skip and then regret. Here's what's worth saving:

• 📷 Photos and videos: transfer them to your computer, to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud), or to a memory card. Remember, reset only deletes files from internal memory — data on the computer. SD-The map will remain intact.
• 📞 Contacts: If they are synced with a Google Account or Mi Account, they can be easily restored. Otherwise, export contacts to a.vcf file through the Contacts app".
• 📝 Messages and Notes: Use apps like SMS Backup & Restore to save SMS/MMS Or manually copy important notes from Mi Notes.
• 🎮 Application data: Many games and programs (such as WhatsApp) allow you to back up in the cloud.

In addition to the data, check out two more points:

1. Battery charge: Make sure the phone has at least 50% charge, and if the reset is interrupted by a discharged battery, it may make it impossible to continue loading the system.
2. Access to Mi Account: If the phone is enabled by binding to the Xiaomi account, after the reset, you will need to enter the username and password. Write them down in advance or untie the device in the account settings.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought Redmi handheld and don’t know the previous owner’s details, a reset may block the phone.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, you remember the pattern lock or PIN-code, and you have access to the settings menu, and it takes no more than 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (some versions of MIUI call it About Device).
3. Slip on Resetting (or Recovery and Reset) item.
4. Select Reset Settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if required.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset (or Remove All).

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process, and when it's done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you've purchased it, and if at this point the phone requires you to enter your Mi Account, use the previously linked account.

Battery power tested (minimum 50%)

Created a backup copy of important data

Mi Cloud sync is disabled (if not needed)

Remembered. PIN-code

Username/password from Mi Account (if linked)

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⚠️ Note: if you use Redmi with an unlocked bootloader, you may need to re-unblock through the Mi Unlock Tool after the reset.

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If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time after reset, don’t panic — wait 10-15 minutes. If the download doesn’t take longer, try going to Recovery and repeat the reset.

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

If Redmi doesn’t boot, hangs on the logo, or is locked with a pattern lock you forgot, Recovery Mode will help.This method works even without access to the system, but requires care – improper actions can lead to the loss of the ability to boot the phone.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time and hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese).

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation) and the power button (Select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
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.

If the phone needs a pattern lock again after rebooting, repeat the procedure – sometimes a double reset is required for complete cleaning.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This method will come in handy if the first two methods didn’t work, or you want to flash your phone with a clean version. MIUI. You will need a Windows computer to work, USB-cable and special software - Mi Flash Tool. The method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from the official Xiaomi website ("Unlock").
2. Download the firmware for your Redmi model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) in.tgz or.zip from MIUI Downloads.
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\redmi_note10_pro).
4. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-eared.
5. Connect Redmi to your PC via USB.
6. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
7. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device (it will appear). COM-port).
8. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete reset with the removal of all data. Clean All and Lock - reset + lock bootloader (not recommended). Save User Data - firmware without deleting files (not suitable for resetting).

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. It can take up to 15 minutes to launch the first one, which is normal. If the process is stuck in the Waiting for device phase, check:

• 🔌 Is Xiaomi drivers installed correctly on your PC (download them from Xiaomi or via Mi) PC Suite).
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 📱 Make sure the phone is actually in Fastboot mode (screen with a hare).

⚠️ Note: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool with incorrectly selected version MIUI This can cause a device to fail. Always check the firmware compatibility with the Redmi model!

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Use the Mi Flash Tool only if the first two methods didn't work, which requires technical skills and can void warranty.

What to do if your phone requires a Mi Account

One of the most common problems after a Xiaomi Redmi reset is a Mi Account data request that was tied to the device, which is a theft protection, and you can legally circumvent it only by knowing your login and password. If you forgot your data or bought your phone from your hands, here are the possible solutions:

• 🔑 Restoring access to your account: go to the Mi Account website and use the password recovery function by email or phone.
• 📧 Contact the previous owner: If the phone is purchased used, ask the seller to temporarily link the device to your account or untie it through Settings → Mi Account → Devices.
• 🛠️ Official unlock: If previous methods didn’t help, contact Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase.

We do not recommend using "gray" methods of circumvention of protection (for example, through the use of a "gray" method). EDL-The mode or the paid services:

• Violate warranty obligations.
• Lead to IMEI lockdown.
• Make your phone vulnerable to hacking.

If you are selling your Redmi, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account before the reset:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Security.
2. Choose Delete Device (or Leave Account).
3. Confirm the action with a password.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the exact instructions, the Xiaomi Redmi reset may not go according to plan.

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be the hardware (e.g., damaged memory or motherboard), in which case, contact the service center, and you can use a hardware component test to diagnose:

1. Enter the dialer code: ##4636##.
2. Select Testing and check the operation of all modules.

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If Redmi is slower than before after reset, try turning off animations in the developer settings. Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times to activate the developer mode. Then in Additional → For developers, turn off all animation options.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions