How to reset to factory settings on Xiaomi Redmi phone: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks.The procedure removes all user data, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to the locking of the device or loss of important files.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods — through phone settings, Recovery mode and Mi Account — and how to prepare for the procedure to avoid typical errors. We will focus on the nuances for models with MIUI 14/15 and phones with a locked bootloader. If your Redmi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or requires unlocking after reset, here you will find solutions.

Warning: Resetting through unofficial tools (such as the SP Flash Tool) without unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty and can turn the phone into a "brick." All of the methods described below are safe if the instructions are followed.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before data deletion

Even if your Xiaomi Redmi is malfunctioning, it is critical to follow a few steps before resetting.Neglecting them can cost you photos, contacts, or even access to the device.

First, back up. MIUI has a built-in tool for this.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• ☁️ Alternative: Use Mi Cloud (requires a Xiaomi account and a stable Internet connection).
• 💾 For reliability, copy important files (photos, documents) to a PC or external drive.

Second, check your Mi Account link. After the reset, the phone may require you to enter a login/password from the last account you linked, and if you forget the data, restore it in advance.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 10/11/12 And a new reset via Recovery without detachment of the Mi Account will lead to locking the device! Use the method through settings or delete the account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account before resetting.

Also make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (when reset via Recovery, the phone should not turn off).
• 📶 You have access to Wi-Fi or mobile network (required to be re-activated after reset).
• 🔑 It's on hand. SIM-map or screen unlock code (if installed).

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on, responds to touch, and you have access to the settings menu, and it's the simplest and least risky.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14/15:

1. The system will ask you to choose what to drop: 📱 Resetting all data – complete cleanup (recommended). 🔄 Resetting – system parameters only (app data will be saved).

Confirm the action by entering a password/pattern lock if required.

Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will start with the screen of the initial setting, as after the purchase. If the device asks you to enter your Mi Account details, use the same credentials that were tied before the reset.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A/9C/10A) When reset, the "This device is locked" error may appear, which means that the phone is linked to the Mi Account and you will need to enter a login/password to unlock it.

Backup | Battery charge >50% | I remember data from Mi Account|pattern lock turned off (if not needed) | Wi-Fi connection checked-->

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

If the Xiaomi Redmi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, resetting through Recovery will help.This method works even on locked phones, but requires caution.

Steps to Enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔘 For most models: Power button + Loudness up. 🔘 For Redmi. 5/6/7: Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down.

Mi

English

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

It can take up to 20 minutes, and if you need to enter your Mi Account information after you restart, but you don't remember it, use the recovery service.

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, and instead Connect with MiAssistant, your phone is blocked by Mi. You will need official Mi Unlock Tool software to unlock (see section 5).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if you forget your password or your phone is locked)

If you forget your pattern lock or password and your phone is tied to your Xiaomi account, you can reset your settings remotely via the web interface, which only works if you meet three conditions:

• 🔗 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 📱 The device is tied to the Mi Account.
• 🔒 Find Device is activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the menu, select Find Device (or Find Device).
3. The map will show your Redmi (if it is on and connected to the network).
4. Click on the device and select Erase Device.
5. Confirm the action by entering a password from the Mi Account.
6. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 1 hour).

After the reset, the phone will restart and be ready to set up. If the device has been turned off or not connected to the network, the reset command will be executed the next time you connect.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work on phones with the disabled Find Device function.
• ❌ It will not work if the device has a custom firmware installed.
• ❌ On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro) it requires confirmation via the SMS.

💡

If Find Device is disabled but your phone is connected to your Mi Account, try logging in to another device with the same account, sometimes allowing you to unlock reset access.

5 Unlocking After Reset: What to Do If Your Phone Requires Mi Account

After a reset, many Xiaomi Redmi models request Mi Account details that were linked to the device.This is anti-theft protection, but it can become a problem if you:

• 🔄 Buying a phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the account.
• 🔐 Forgot the login/password from your account.
• 📱 Dropped the phone through Recovery without prior detachment.

The official way to unlock is to enter the correct account information, if you don't remember it:

1. Go to the recovery page.
2. Please specify the email or phone number associated with your account.
3. Follow the instructions to recover your password (access to mail or SMS is required).

If the phone is bought by hand and the previous owner cannot untie the account, contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase (check, contract).

⚠️ Note: Use of unofficial services to unlock Mi Account (e.g., via EDL Mode) voids warranty and can cause a phone to break. Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened protection: unlocking through third-party tools on new models (Redmi Note 12 and later) is impossible without authorization through official channels.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after reset, and this is true for phones with unofficial firmware, to restore the IMEI.

1. Go to the engineering menu by dialing in the phone application ##4636###.
2. Select Information → IMEI.
3. If IMEI No, no, no, no. Restore it through QCN-file (requires a backup copy) or contact the service.

💡

If the phone fails to turn on after reset or shows an error "Invalid IMEI", DO NOT try to restore it yourself without backing up. Contact the service center - wrong actions can lead to loss of the network forever.

7.Alternative methods: when standard methods do not work

If none of these methods worked (for example, the phone does not respond to buttons or is locked at the bootloader level), you will have to use advanced tools, let’s consider them with a caveat: these methods require technical skills and can void the warranty.

1. Reset via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader):

• 🔧 Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Loudness down).
• 💻 Install. ADB and Fastboot.
• 📝 Run the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

2. firmware via Mi Flash Tool (requires unlocking the bootloader):

• 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
• 🔧 Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (it will take 7-15 days to wait for confirmation).
• 💾 Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool by selecting the Clean All option.

3. EDL Mode (power users only):

Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash a phone even with a locked bootloader, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL without official access (e.g. through “bypass” services) may result in a total loss of IMEI Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened control over this mode.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions