Resetting a smartphone to factory settings is an extreme measure to be used in critical crashes, before selling a device or to fix software bugs. Xiaomi Redmi 3, released in 2016, is still used by many users, but its MIUI firmware (even in current versions) can work unstable due to accumulated data, application conflicts or unsuccessful updates. Unlike modern models, Redmi 3 has features in the reset procedure associated with the Recovery version and the lack of support for new features like Fastboot commands through the Mi Flash Tool.
In this article, you will find three working reset methods, from the simplest (through the settings menu) to forced (through Recovery), as well as instructions for cases when the phone is locked, does not turn on or gives errors like “No command”. We will discuss how to save important data before resetting, which settings should be checked in advance, and what to do if the device does not boot after the procedure.
If your Redmi 3 is slowing down, spontaneously restarting, or making errors when installing applications, factory resets often help it work again. However, not all methods are equally safe: for example, resetting via Recovery on older versions of MIUI can lead to loss of access to your Mi Account if you do not remember the password. In this article, we will warn about these risks and show how to avoid them.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before you start a reset, make sure to back up. Even if you plan to reset your phone before selling, save data in case the procedure goes wrong. Redmi 3 has two key features that make it difficult to recover data after a reset:
1. no memory card slot in some versions (e.g. Redmi 3 Pro) This means that the backup cannot be saved to the SD card - only to the cloud or to the computer.
2.The outdated version of MIUI (if not updated) may not support modern backup methods, for example, through Google Drive.
To avoid losing something important, follow this checklist:
Contacts (export to) VCF-file through Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports)
Photos and videos (copy on PC or in Google Photos)
SMS and call log (use applications such as SMS Backup & Restore)
Application data (logins, game progress – check if they support synchronization)
Wi-Fi settings (photo the list of networks in Settings → Wi-Fi)
-->
If you forget the password from your Mi Account, resetting through Recovery can lock your phone forever – this is a known problem with older Xiaomi devices. Before the procedure, make sure you remember the username and password, or untie your account in advance in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)
This is the easiest way to do this if the phone is turned on and you can log in, and it's the least risky, because it doesn't affect the system partitions associated with the Mi Account.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset (in new versions of MIUI, the path may differ: Settings → About Phone → Reset settings).
- Select Settings Reset (sometimes called All Data Reset).
- The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock, if installed.
- Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone settings.
- Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-5 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the information of the Mi Account, which was previously tied, and you do not remember them, it will be impossible to unlock the device. In this case, only the official Xiaomi service will help (but for Redmi 3 support has already been stopped).
💡
If the phone hangs on the MI logo for a long time after reset, don’t panic — wait 10-15 minutes. If nothing has changed during this time, try pressing the power button for 20 seconds to force the reset.
Method 2: Recovery reset (if the phone is not turned on)
If Redmi 3 doesn’t load beyond the logo, freezes on the lock screen, or gives out launch errors, you’ll have to use Recovery Mode, a riskier method because it can lead to loss of access to the device if it was tied to the Mi Account.
How to Sign In to Recovery on Redmi 3:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue text in English).
Further action:
- 📱 Use volume buttons to navigate the menu and power button to select the item.
- 🔧 Select Wipe Data (sometimes called Wipe & Reset).
- 🔄 Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar option).
- 🔃 Wait for the process to be completed (may take up to 10 minutes).
- 🔙 Go back to the main menu and select Reboot. → Reboot to System.
⚠️ Note: If after reset via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data and you do not remember it, it will be impossible to unlock the device.This is due to the Mi Cloud Lock feature, which is activated on older Xiaomi devices when reset via Recovery.
What to do if your phone asks for a Mi Account after a reset?
Method 3: Forced Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This is a good way to do it if the first two methods didn't work, for example, because of a damaged Recovery or system bugs. It requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool. Note: this method is only suitable for an unlocked bootloader. If you've never unlocked Bootloader on Redmi 3, this method won't work.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Windows computer (Xiaomi drivers must be installed).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
- 📦 Firmware for Redmi 3 (you can download on the official Xiaomi website in the Fastboot section) ROM).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (the latest version that supports older models).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power button + Volume down for 5-7 seconds until the image of a hare in a hat-eared hat appears.
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode (it’s the equivalent of a full reset).
- Press Flash and wait until the process is complete (it can take 5-15 minutes).
- After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.
⚠️ Note: If an “Anti Rollback” error appears during firmware, it means you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, In this case, find a newer firmware or use the Mi Flash Pro tool with the rollback check disabled.
Yeah, through the settings menu.
Yes, through Recovery.
Yes, via Fastboot/Pc.
No, I never did.
I don't know what that is.-->
Table: Comparison of reset methods for Xiaomi Redmi 3
| Method | Difficulty | PC required | Risk of blocking Mi Account | Suitable for a locked phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the settings menu | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ❌ Low. | ❌ No. |
| Through Recovery. | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ⚠️ High (if forgotten) account) | ✅ Yes. |
| Through Fastboot. | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ High (requires an unlocked bootloader) | ✅ Yes. |
| Through the service center | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ❌ Low. | ✅ Yes. |
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, the reset can go wrong, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
1.The phone does not turn on after reset
- 🔋 Check your battery power – if it’s below 20%, plug in the charger and wait 10-15 minutes.
- 🔄 Try Forced Reboot: Press the Power Button + Volume up for 15 seconds.
- 📱 If the logo is on the screen MI, But it doesn't go any further -- it might be the firmware that's damaged. Try flashing your phone through Fastboot).
2. "No command" error in Recovery
This error occurs if Recovery is damaged or incompatible with the MIUI version.
- 🔧 Try logging into Recovery in another way: Press the Power Button + Loudness up + Loudness down at the same time.
- 📥 Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), if the loader is unlocked.
- 🖥️ Fastboot phone via Fastboot (method 3).
3.After reset, asks for a password from Mi Account
If you don't remember your account details, you can't officially unlock Redmi 3. EDL-The mode requires special equipment and often does not work on older models, in which case the only way out is to contact the service center, but there is no guarantee of success.
💡
If you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better take your phone to a service center. A wrong reset via Fastboot or Recovery can turn Redmi 3 into a brick, a non-workable device.