How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi to Factory Settings: A Detailed Guide

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution when selling a device, critical system failures or after a failed upgrade.The procedure removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, many users face difficulties, from a forgotten Mi Account password to errors in Recovery mode, which turn a simple reset into a multi-hour struggle with the device.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Mi Cloud), explain how to avoid blocking Xiaomi account after the procedure, and provide a checklist for safe data retention. We will focus on the nuances for the Redmi Note 10/11/12 and Redmi 9/9A/9C models, where the algorithm may differ. If you have never done the reset, do not worry: step-by-step instructions with photos and videos are supplemented with warnings about typical errors that even experienced users make.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you hit the Reset button, make sure you don’t lose important data. Even if your smartphone is unstable, the chance to save photos, contacts, and messages is still there — with the right preparation.

First and foremost, back up. Xiaomi Redmi has a built-in Backup tool in settings (Settings → About Phone → Backup).

• 📱 Contacts and call log
• 📸 Photos and videos (optional)
• 📝 Communications SMS/MMS
• 🎵 Application settings (not all)

However, embedded backup does not store data from some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram). For these, use cloud services or manual copying on your PC. Connect Redmi to your computer via USB, select file transfer mode (MTP), and copy DCIM, Downloads, and WhatsApp folders to your hard drive.

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If the smartphone is not turned on or stuck on the logo, try to remove the memory card (if any) – sometimes the data on it remains available even after the reset.

Two, remember or reset your passwords.

• 🔑 Password from Mi Account (if tied)
• 🔐 Password/pattern lock of the lock screen
• 📶 Data for Wi-Fi connection

If you forget the password from Mi Account, restore it in advance on the site account.xiaomi.com. Otherwise, after reset, the smartphone may require entering credentials, and without them, unlocking will take up to 72 hours (according to Xiaomi policy).

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Backup in Mi Cloud or on PC|Remember the password from the Mi Account|Extract. SIM-card and memory card (optional)|Check the stability of the Internet connection (for cloud reset)

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

If your smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch, use this method. It requires no additional tools and takes no more than 5 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.

The smartphone will reboot and start the cleaning process. Animation with the MI logo will appear on the screen, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process, even if it is longer than 10 minutes. The average reset time for the Redmi Note 11 is 3-7 minutes, for older models (Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A) is up to 15 minutes.

Once completed, the smartphone will reboot to the store-like state, and you will only have to go through the initial setting: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi and, if necessary, log into Mi Account.

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If after reset, the smartphone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - use the official unlock tool i.mi.com/unlock. Attempts to bypass the lock through third-party programs can lead to a complete loss of access to the device.

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

If Redmi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a pattern lock, Recovery Mode will help, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care - incorrect actions can lead to the "bricking" of the device.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press button combination: For Redmi Note 8/9/10/11: Power + Volume up For Redmi 7/8A/9A: Power + Volume up + Loud down (hold 5-7 seconds)

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In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (Up/Down, Move, Power, Select). Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm. After confirmation, the cleanup process will begin.

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Mi Cloud |Never reset |Another way-->

Attention! In some firmware (e.g., on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12.5), the Wipe Data item may be called Factory Reset. If you don't see the partition you want, try updating Recovery via the Mi Flash Tool (instruction below).

After resetting via Recovery, the smartphone will restart. If the process is delayed (more than 20 minutes), check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (should be) > 30%)
• 🔌 Connection to the charger (recommended)
• 📶 Internet connection stability (if activation is required)

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If after resetting in Recovery, the smartphone hangs on the MI logo, try flashing it through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option. This will delete all data, but restore the system to work.

Method 3: Remote reset via Mi Cloud (if phone is lost)

If you lose Redmi or it is stolen, you can delete all data remotely via the Mi Cloud service.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab (Find the device).
3. Click on your Redmi icon in the list of devices.
4. Select the Erase Device option.

Remote discharge works only under the following conditions:

• 📶 Device connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Battery charge > 15%.
• 🔒 On the smartphone enabled the function Find the device (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work on switched off or discharged devices.
• ❌ Does not delete data from the memory card (if installed).
• ❌ After the reset, the device will remain tied to your Mi Account.

If you are selling a smartphone, it is better to use a local reset (method 1 or 2), as the buyer will not be able to activate the device without your Mi Account. To avoid this, be sure to delete the account before reset:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Press three points. → Delete the account.
3. Confirm the action with a password.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, Redmi will offer to go through the initial setup.

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (mobile internet may not work until activated).
2. Sign in to Mi Account (if required) or create a new one.
3. Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

To recover data:

1. In the settings menu, select Restore from backup.
2. Specify the source: Mi Cloud or local file (if the copy is on the memory card).
3. Select the desired categories of data (contacts, messages, photos).

If after reset, the smartphone requires proof of ownership via SMS or email, and you can not get the code – contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box with IMEI). Without this, unlocking can take up to 3 days.

To speed up the settings:

• 🔄 Use the Quick Setup function (cloning data from an old device via Mi Mover).
• 📥 Install priority apps manually (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🔒 Set up unlocking by fingerprint or face (if supported).

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After reset, update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → System Update. This will fix any bugs and improve performance.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even when you follow the instructions, users have problems.

1 The smartphone is not included in Recovery Mode

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – charge the device to at least 30%.
• 🔧 Wrong button combination – check the model in the table above.
• 🛠 Recovery: Fly Recovery through the Mi Flash Tool.

2.After reset, a password from Mi Account is required, but it is not

Decisions:

• 🔑 Restore your password to account.xiaomi.com.
• 📧 Use a backup email or phone number to recover.
• 📄 If your account is not yours (for example, when buying a used phone), request unlocking from the previous owner or provide Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

3.Reset interrupted and phone not switched on

Action:

• 🔄 Try re-entering Recovery Mode and repeat resetting.
• 💻 Swipe your smartphone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
• 🛒 If nothing helps, contact the Xiaomi service center.

4. Data from backup is not restored

Reasons:

• 🗃 Copy file corrupted – try creating a new one.
• 📱 Version incompatibility MIUI — Update the firmware before restoring.
• 🔒 Copy encrypted with old password – enter it when requested.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi reset