How to reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: Full guide

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but over time, even the most optimized system can start to work unstable. The appearance of lags, app freezes or unexplained interface behavior often signals the need for radical measures.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of returning to the original state of the system, you will learn how to properly prepare the gadget so as not to lose important contacts, and what actions to take if the device does not turn on. A prerequisite before starting the procedure is to back up all important data, since the process will irreversibly delete all user information.

There are several ways to do this: standard through settings, extended through the Recovery menu, and forced through the computer. The choice of the specific method depends on the current state of your Redmi. If the phone responds to touch and turns on, use the software method, if the screen is black or the system is hanging dead, you will need hardware reset buttons.

Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure

Before taking decisive action, a number of preparatory steps must be taken, and ignoring this step can lead to loss of access to accounts or locking the device with MIUI security mechanisms. First of all, make sure that the battery is at least 50-60% so that the phone does not turn off at the critical time of overwriting system files.

The second, and most important, step is to unbundle your Mi Account and Google, and if you don't, after you reboot, you'll need to enter a password from an account that was synced earlier, which is a theft protection mechanism (FRP), and without a password, you won't be able to use your phone.

• 🔒 Go to Settings. → Mi Account and click the "Log out" button by entering the password for confirmation.
• 📂 Copy all photos, videos and documents to your computer, cloud storage, or SD-map.
• 💾 Make a backup copy of your contact list and SMS via the built-in Security app or Google Sync.

It is also recommended to remove SIM-microSD card and memory card before the process begins. Although resets usually only affect internal memory, retrieving external media ensures that you don't accidentally format them or damage data on them in the event of a failure.

Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)

This is the easiest and safest method for most users whose phones are in working order, and it allows you to clean the system without requiring knowledge of complex key combinations. To start, open the main menu and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear.

Next, scroll down to About Phone. At the bottom of the menu you'll see Reset. Clicking on it, the system will offer two options: Reset all settings (return system settings to factory settings but save files) and Clear all data (full reset).

Choose Clear all data if you want to reflash the software completely. The system will warn you that all files will be deleted. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or screen unlock password, if installed.

Once confirmed, the phone will restart and the cleaning process will begin, which can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of information accumulated.

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Program resetting through settings is the most gentle method that correctly completes all processes before cleaning the memory partitions.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the MIUI operating system is unstable, hovers on the logo or does not respond to commands, Recovery is used, which works at the bootloader level and does not require access to the phone's desktop.

To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button while continuing to keep the volume.

You'll be taken to the main Recovery menu. In some versions, it can be in English, and the control is done with volume buttons (up/down) and a power button confirmation. In new versions of MIUI, touch control is available.

• 🔘 Select the language (if available) or go straight to Wipe Data.
• 🗑️ Click Wipe All Data for complete cleanup or Wipe Data (Keep User Data) to save files.
• ✅ Confirm your choice by clicking Confirm and wait for the message "Data wiped successfully".

Once you have completed the game, select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot → Reboot to System.

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If the Recovery menu doesn’t appear, try connecting the phone turned off to the charger or computer via a phone. USB-cable.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot and computer

For advanced users or in cases where other methods do not work, there is the possibility of resetting via Fastboot mode using a PC. ADB/Fastboot Mi Flash Tool or Simple Command Line.

Turn on Fastboot on your phone, holding the Volume Down button and the power button at the same time, and the image of a hare repairing an android will appear on the screen, indicating a successful entry into firmware mode.

Connect the device to the computer through the original USB-Open the command line (cmd) on the PC in the tool folder ADB and enter a reset command:

fastboot erase userdata

This command will force the user data partition to be cleared. Once executed, type in the fastboot reboot command to reboot. Be careful: using incorrect commands in this mode can cause the device to fail.

Typical problems and their solution

When you reset, you often encounter unexpected situations, and one of the most common is asking for a password from your Mi Account after you reset, which is not a bug, but a security feature called Find Device, and if you forget your password, you can only restore access through the official procedure on the mi.com website with the receipt of the purchase.

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone requires an activation code that you don't remember and the check is lost, it will be almost impossible to unlock the device legally!

Another problem is the bootloop after cleaning, which may indicate damage to system files or lack of space for temporary files when running, in which case only a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of the "Clean All" option helps.

It is also possible that the phone does not see the network or Wi-Fi after the reset, check if the date and time settings have reset, as an incorrect date can block the connection to the security servers.

Xiaomi setup after complete reset

Once you have successfully completed the procedure, you will see a welcome screen similar to the one you had when you first turned on your new phone: Choose a language, connect to the Wi-Fi network to activate.

The system will offer to restore data from the cloud copy of Mi Cloud or Google Drive, if you created it before, a convenient way to quickly return contacts, notes and schedules, but the applications will have to be downloaded again from the GetApps store or Google Play.

It is recommended that you check for system updates immediately after the first boot. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click on the system logo. Installing fresh security patches is critical for stable operation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)