Resetting settings on Xiaomi Redmi without data loss: 5 proven ways

Introduction: Why a reset should not erase your data

Resetting on Xiaomi Redmi is often associated with total loss of information — photos, messages, installed applications. However, in 80% of cases, users resort to this procedure not to delete data, but to solve system problems: lags, update errors or conflicts after firmware. Fortunately, MIUI offers several ways to return the smartphone to factory settings, saving personal files.

The main mistake for beginners is to use Recover and Reset → Reset All Settings without prior preparation. This method does remove everything, but there are alternatives: partial reset (system settings only), reset via Safe Mode (without affecting user data), and even manual recovery through ADB for advanced users. In this article, we will analyze each method with the features of the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other popular models.

It is important to understand the difference between types of discharge:

• 🔄 Soft reset – returns to factory settings only system parameters (sound, display, network), without affecting files in memory.
• 🗑️ Hard reset – full formatting of the internal drive, including user data.
• 🛠️ Selective reset – removing settings for specific functions (e.g., only network settings or application permissions).

Method 1: Partial reset via MIUI settings (without file loss)

The most secure method that works on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, it resets only system settings, leaving intact:

• 📷 Photos and videos in the gallery
• 📱 Installed applications (but their settings will reset)
• 📞 Contacts (if synced with Google or Mi Account)
• 📄 Uploaded files in the Download folder

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Recover and reset.
2. Select Reset (NOT “Reset all settings!”).
3. In the list, mark only the items: 🔊 Sound and vibration settings 📶 Network settings (Wi-Fi, mobile network) 🔐 Security settings (fingerprints, pattern lock)

Confirm the action with an unlock code or a pattern lock.

💡

If the sound is gone after reset, check the volume slider in Settings → Sound – sometimes it is reset to 0.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not remove viruses or malicious applications.
• ❌ Does not solve problems with bootloop (obsessive booting).
• ❌ Does not reset camera or screen settings (brightness, color profile).

Method 2: Reset to Safe Mode (Safe Boot Mode)

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that disables all third-party applications, which is useful if your smartphone is slowing down due to a conflict of programs, but you don't want to lose data, and in this mode you can perform a selective reset without the risk of deleting personal files.

How to Sign In to Safe Mode on Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Press the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
2. Press and hold the "Off" option (or "Reboot" on some models).
3. Confirm the entry to Safe Mode (the inscription will appear in the lower left corner of the screen).

Next:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a problem application (such as one that causes lags) and select Erase Data.
3. To reset system settings, use the Settings path → System → Additional → Reset application settings.

⚠️ Note: Safe Mode is not available: 🔒 Fingerprint and Face Unlock (required) PIN-code). 📶 Mobile Internet (Wi-Fi only). 🎮 All games and third-party apps. To get out of mode, just reboot your phone.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (Remote Recovery)

If your Redmi is linked to your Mi Account, you can remotely reset your settings via the web interface, which is useful if your phone is locked or does not respond to touch, but you have access to your computer. Importantly, this method does not erase user data, but requires the pre-activation of Find Device in the settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your Redmi from the list of devices.
3. Click Find Device → Delete Data (this is NOT a complete reset!).
4. Confirm the action. SMS-code sent to the linked number.

What's dropped remotely:

• 🔑 pattern lock or PIN-code (if you forget).
• 📶 Wi-Fi and mobile network settings.
• 🔊 Sound and notification profiles.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled the Mi Data Protection function (in Settings) → Mi Account, remote reset will lock the device for 72 hours!

💡

Remote reset via Mi Account works only with an active Internet connection on your phone (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Method 4: Manual recovery through ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, and you’re ready to work with the command line, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for selective reset, which is suitable for Xiaomi Redmi with an unlocked bootloader or USB debugging enabled.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press to unlock the developer mode, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Selective discharge commands:

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings # Reset system settings


adb shell pm clear com.miui.securitycenter # Reset security settings




adb shell settings reset global # Reset global parameters

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Point removal of only problem settings.
• 🛡️ There is no risk of losing files in memory.
• 🔧 It works even on locked phones (if debugging is enabled).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can lead to soft-brick (the phone will be turned on but not booted into the system!

Method 5: Recovery from a crash using the Mi Flash Tool

If the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the MI logo, but you need to save data, you can use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All and Lock mode.This method reflashes the phone, but saves /data/media/0 folders (where photos, videos and downloads are stored) if the internal memory is not encrypted.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).
2. Unpack the archive and place the folder in the root of the C:\ disk.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when the device is off).
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Clean All and Lock.

What will be retained:

• 📸 Photo and video in the folder DCIM.
• 📥 Files in Download.
• 🎵 Music and documents in the Media folder.

What will be removed:

• ❌ Annexes and their data.
• ❌ Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• ❌ Accounts and passwords.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption, this method will NOT save files! TWRP backup.

What to do if the data is lost?

Even with a careful reset, contacts, messages, or notes are sometimes lost.

Reconciliation:

• 🔄 If your contacts have been synced with Google: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and enable synchronization.
• 📱 If you used Mi Account: Open the Contacts app → Settings → Restore.

Photo recovery:

• ☁️ Check out Google Photos or Mi Cloud – it’s possible that files were automatically uploaded to the cloud.
• 💾 Use data recovery software such as DiskDigger or Recuva (root rights required).

Recovery of messages:

• 💬 If you used Mi Cloud: Sign in to your i.mi.com account and export your message archive.
• 📲 For WhatsApp/Telegram: Check backups in Settings → chat → Backup copy.

💡

If you regularly lose data when reset, turn on automatic sync in Settings → Accounts → Autosynchronization of data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting settings on Xiaomi Redmi