How to reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: the complete guide

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. Despite its apparent simplicity, an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, locking your Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), nuances for different Redmi models (from Redmi Note 4X to Redmi 13C), and also give a checklist for safe preparation.

We will focus on common user errors, such as a Fastboot reset on locked bootloaders (e.g. Redmi 12 for the European market) that will require Mi Account authorization even after a full reset, and how to avoid data loss in Google Account and MIUI Cloud, and what to do if the phone requires an old password after the reset.

Before you start the procedure, answer yourself the key question: why do you need a reset? If the goal is to fix lags or errors, it may be enough to clear the cache or flash it through MIUI bootloader. If you sell a phone, you can not do without a complete reset. In any case, follow the instructions strictly by steps and do not miss the sections on backup.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Many users skip this step because it's optional, but it's what determines whether your Redmi will remain functional after a reset. The first and most important is data backup. Even if you're planning a crash reset, at least save your contacts, photos and messages.

Use the built-in MIUI tools:

• 📱 Local backup: Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup: Select data (contacts, messages, notes) and save the file to a memory card or to the cloud.
• ☁️ MIUI Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization: Make sure that synchronization is enabled for the data you want (photos, contacts, records).
• 🔗 Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronize. Check that contacts, calendar, and mail are synchronized.

The second is to check the Mi Account binding, and if you forget the password from your Xiaomi account, after resetting, your phone may lock up with a login/password requirement, to avoid this:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Make sure that your phone is displayed in the Device section.
3. If your account is not yours (for example, the phone is purchased with hands), be sure to untie it through Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out.

The third is battery power. Make sure the charge level is at least 50 percent, and if the reset is interrupted by a discharge, it can damage the system files.

Make a backup copy of the data|Checking the binding of Mi Account|Battery charge >50%|Get out. SIM and SD-map (optional)|Remember passwords from accounts-->

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

This is a method that works if the phone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or password, which is the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools, and the instructions are valid for all Redmi models on MIUI 12-14.

Steps for discharge:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions, additionally).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Tap Reset settings (or Reset to factory settings).
5. The system will suggest you to choose whether to delete all data or only settings. To completely reset, select Delete everything.
6. Enter a password/pattern lock (if requested) and confirm the action.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 5-15 minutes depending on the model, and once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

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If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from your old Google account (FRP-block), use the official unlock tool from Xiaomi: account.xiaomi.com.

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

If Redmi is not loaded or locked with a pattern lock, you will have to use Recovery Mode, which works on all models, but requires care - incorrect actions can lead to loss of access to the phone.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

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

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection) are controlled.

1. Choose a language (usually English or English).
2. Go to Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
3. Select Wipe All Data (full reset).
4. Confirm the action (Confirm).
5. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

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Note: Some models (Redmi K40, Redmi 11 Prime) may require authorization to Mi Account after reset via Recovery, even if the phone was not previously tied.This is due to Xiaomi's security policy for locked bootloader devices.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if the first two fail or you need to bypass the Mi Account lock. It requires a computer, USB-TypeC cable and installed Xiaomi drivers. Attention: the wrong commands in Fastboot can turn the phone into a brick.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware) on your PC.
2. Turn off Redmi and put it in Fastboot mode: Power button + Volume down Hold until the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot Mode) appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices If the device isn’t displayed, install drivers manually through Device Manager.
4. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Error 3: Reset interrupted and phone not switched on

If the reset process has been interrupted (for example, due to battery discharge), try:

1. Charge the phone in a switched-off state for 30-60 minutes.
2. Repeat the reset via Recovery Mode.
3. If the phone doesn’t respond, connect it to your PC and check for detection in Fastboot by the fastboot device team.

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If the phone doesn't turn on and detect the PC after a failed reset, the firmware is likely damaged, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool using the official ROM for your model will help.

6.How to recover data after reset

If you backed up before the reset, it takes a few minutes to recover the data, and if you didn't, the chances of getting the information back up depend on whether the /data partition was overwritten when the reset was done.

Recovery from local MIUI backup

1. After reset, go through the initial setting to the Data Recovery screen.
2. Select Restore from a backup and specify the copy file (usually located in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on the memory card).
3. Select data for recovery (contacts, messages, applications) and confirm.

Recovery from Google Account

If synchronization has been enabled:

1. On the phone’s settings screen, log in to the same Google Account that was tied before the reset.
2. In the Data Copy section, select Restore from Google Drive.
3. Mark the necessary data (contacts, calendar, photos) and wait for completion.

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Note: If you did not back up and the data was deleted during the reset, you can only restore it with specialized programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver. However, the chances of success are low - MIUI often performs low-level /data partition formatting when reset.

Photo recovery

If the photos were stored on an SD card, they would not be affected by the reset, but if they were in internal memory, try:

• 🖥️ Connect the phone to the PC in mode MTP and check the folder DCIM.
• ☁️ Check out Google Photos (if you have Autoboot enabled).
• 🔍 Use recovery software like Recuva or DiskDigger (root rights required).

7. Reset specific models: features and nuances

Despite the general principles, some Redmi models have unique nuances when reset.

Redmi Note 10/11/12

• 🔒 Global versions (Global) ROM) Fastboot resets always require authorization to your Mi Account, even if your account has been untied.
• ⚡ On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Recovery reset takes up to 20 minutes – don’t interrupt the process.

Redmi 9/9A/9C

Redmi K40/K50

Redmi 8/8A

8. Alternatives to resetting: when can you do without it

Factory resetting is a radical solution, and in many cases, the problem can be solved with less drastic methods.

Problem: The phone is lagging or slowing down

Instead of resetting, try:

• 🧹 Clear the cache: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary applications: Settings → Annexes → Remove unused items.
• 🔄 Update firmware: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Turn off animation: Turn on Developer Mode (shap 7 times on Version) MIUI in About Phone), then in Developer Settings set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Duration of Animation on Off..

Problem: Forgotten pattern lock or password

Before resetting, try:

• 🔐 Introduce a spare PIN-code (if installed).
• 📧 Restore access via Mi Account (if the phone is connected to the Internet).
• 📞 Call your phone from another device – sometimes during the call you can get into the settings and disable the lock.

Problem: Mistakes in the application

Instead of a total reset:

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If the problem is caused by a virus or malware, install an antivirus (such as Mi Security) instead of a reset and perform a scan.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi reset