How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 7 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 7 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. The device can slow down due to overcrowded memory, application conflicts or the consequences of a failed update. In 80% of cases, a hard reset returns the smartphone to its original performance, but it is important to understand that all user data (photos, contacts, messages) will be irretrievably deleted from internal memory.

This guide covers all current reset methods for Redmi 7 (codenamed onc), including options via the system menu, Recovery mode and the Fastboot tool. We will also discuss the nuances of unlocking the bootloader (if required), warnings about possible errors, and recommendations for saving important data before the procedure, with special attention to typical problems after a reset - for example, why the phone can hang on the logo. MI or not to connect to Wi-Fi.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow the critical steps: Data recovery after a hard reset is impossible without prior backup. Even if you plan to reset your phone due to viruses or system errors, first save:

• 📱 Contacts and Messages – Export through Settings → Google → Backup or applications like Mi Mover.
• 📷 Photos and videos – copy to PC via USB-Cable or upload to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🔑 Passwords and accounts – check if they are linked to your Mi Account or Google account.
• 🎮 Game data – if the game supports sync (e.g., through Google Play Games), log in before resetting.

Pay special attention to the Mi Account. After reset Redmi 7 may require entering the login and password from the last associated profile Xiaomi (Mi Cloud Activation Lock function). If you forget the data, restore it in advance, otherwise you risk getting a “brick”.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie their Mi Account.Otherwise, after the reset, the device will lock!

Also check the battery charge - it should be at least 50%. interruption of the reset process due to discharge can cause damage to system files and the need to firmware through EDL.

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

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, use the built-in reset function. This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for most users.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 3-7 minutes to reboot and return to the out-of-the-box state, and once you turn on, you'll be asked to configure Redmi 7 as new or restore data from a backup.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Resetting can be in the settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. If you don't find an option, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

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

If Redmi 7 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to the screen, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires physical access to the phone’s buttons.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

Use the volume buttons (Up/Down) to navigate, and the Power button to select.

1. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
3. Once you’re done, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe All Data, you have custom firmware installed (e.g. TWRP), in which case select Advanced Wipe and tick the Dalvik, Cache, Data, System sections, then swipe to confirm.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The method through Fastboot is useful if:

• 🔓 You need to reset the phone with the bootloader locked (but no unlocking is required).
• 🖥️ Recovery is damaged or missing.
• 🔄 Requires a “clean” reset with stock flashing ROM.

For this method, you will need a computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot original USB-Attention: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can lead to a brick (completely inoperable) device.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 7 and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
2. Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the phone doesn’t turn on after these commands or gives an error, you may need to completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool. To do this, download the official firmware for Redmi 7 (onc code) from the Xiaomi website and follow the firmware instructions.

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If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your device, install Google USB Driver drivers or use the Mi Phone Manager utility to install automatically.

Unlocking the bootloader before resetting: when it is necessary

On Redmi 7 with MIUI firmware older than 2020, the bootloader is locked by default.

• ✅ Reset via Settings or Recovery works without unlocking.
• ❌ For firmware via Fastboot or custom Recovery installation (e.g, TWRP) need to be unlocked.

If you only plan to reset, you don't need to unlock it, but if you want to install an alternative firmware after the reset (like Pixel Experience), follow the official procedure:

1. Link Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Mi Account.
2. Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Log in to Fastboot Mode (as in Method 3) and connect your phone to your PC.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! Also after this procedure, the Xiaomi warranty is canceled, and some features (such as Mi Pay or Find Device) may stop working.

Typical post-reset errors and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, Redmi 7 may not behave properly, and consider the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1.The phone hangs on MI logo after reset

Reasons:

• 🔄 Damaged firmware (especially if the reset was done via Fastboot with errors).
• 🔋 Insufficient battery charge (less than 30%) during the procedure.
• 🔓 Conflict with a blocked bootloader (if you tried to flash custom Recovery without unlocking).

Decision:

• Try re-entering Recovery and repeat resetting.
• If it doesn’t work, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instruction below).
• Check the cable and USB port – sometimes the problem is a poor connection.

2.The touchscreen does not work after resetting

This is a typical problem for Redmi 7 after being reset via Fastboot with unofficial firmware, and the reason is that the firmware and vendor versions are incompatible.

1. Download the full firmware package for your model (onc_global or onc from Xiaomi.
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. flash_all_except_storage.bat (Windows).
3. Connect your phone to Fastboot Mode and run this file.

3. Requires a password from the previous Mi Account

If the phone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, after reset, a request will appear for login / password.

• Contact the seller and ask to untie the device via Mi Cloud.
• Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase (if the phone is guaranteed).

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If the phone requires a password from Mi Account after reset, and you cannot contact the previous owner, the device can only be used as a “parts donor”, and any attempts to bypass the lock through third-party services can be fraught with fraud or final breakage of the phone.

Redmi 7 firmware via Mi Flash Tool (if reset didn't help)

If the reset doesn’t solve the problem (for example, the phone still brakes or doesn’t turn on), the last option is a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool, which will return the device to the “factory” state with official firmware.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 7 (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Redmi7\).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot drivers.
3. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot Mode (Power + Volume Down).
4. Connect Redmi 7 to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will automatically restart.

Once the firmware is in place, the device will look like new, but all the data will be deleted, and if that doesn't work, the problem may be in the hardware (e.g., damaged eMMC memory) and the phone needs repair.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 7 reset