How to reset to factory settings on Xiaomi Redmi Note: the full guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution. Did you buy a used phone with someone else's data? Does the device brake after the MIUI update? Or just want to sell the gadget without leaving traces of your activity? In each of these cases, a hard reset will return the smartphone to its original state. But it is important to understand that the procedure deletes all data - photos, messages, applications and even files on internal memory.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reset: through the MIUI settings, Recovery mode and the Fastboot tool. Each method is suitable for different situations - from regular flashing to recovery of the brick. You will also learn how to properly prepare for the reset, what to do if the phone does not respond to commands, and how to avoid typical errors. For owners of the Redmi Note 8/9/10/11/12 instructions are universal, but we will specify the nuances for specific models.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you click the Reset button, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing the important:

• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive/Mi Cloud. Particularly critical to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos/video (copy to PC or cloud) Logins and passwords (export from Google Smart Lock)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 50%. Resetting via Recovery may take 10-30 minutes, and the discharge in the process will lead to irreversible damage to the firmware.
• 🔐 Make sure you know the data from your Mi Account. Once reset, the phone will require you to enter the username/password associated with the device (Mi Cloud Lock protection).

If your smartphone doesn't turn on or is stuck on the MI logo, skip the preparation and go straight to the method via Recovery or Fastboot. But remember: in this case, the data will be lost irretrievably.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Note) 11T 5G) Reset via Fastboot may require additional unlocking of the bootloader.Specify your device's chipset in Settings → The phone. → Full specification.

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (the easiest)

This method works if the phone turns on and you can log in. Suitable for all Redmi Note models on MIUI 12/13/14.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code/pattern lock if the system requests.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (usually the red button).

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

Make sure your phone is charged >30%| Backup important data | Disable all accounts (Google, Mi, social media) | Remember the data from Mi Account to unlock after reset-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI When reset, you may see a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is linked to the previous owner's Mi Account, so you can either enter that account or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

If the Redmi Note is frozen, reboots cyclically or doesn't respond to touch, use Recovery mode, which doesn't require a PC connection, but is controlled by physical buttons.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Redmi Note 8/9/10 with Snapdragon: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Hold on until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

Select the language (usually English or Chinese) from the menu.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

Success

Reboot

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons: the bin icon is Wipe Data, and the tick is confirmation.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most powerful, but also the riskiest, and it's useful if you:

• The phone does not respond to buttons and does not load Recovery.
• You need to unlock the bootloader before the firmware.
• All partitions (including cache and data) must be cleaned completely.

You will need a computer with installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable.

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (or Xiaomi’s Mi Flash Tool).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Power The screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. In the command line (Windows: Win + R → cmd), run: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the drivers.
4. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note on Snapdragon), pre-unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool may be required, a process that takes up to 72 hours to wait (under Xiaomi rules).

fastboot format userdata

This formats the partition rather than just erasing data, which is more effective in case of serious crashes.-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

• 🔄 "The phone is stuck on the logo. MI post-discharge" → Most likely, the system partition is damaged. Solution: run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option option option option option option.
• 🔒 "Requires an old Mi Account after a reset" → The device is tied to the previous owner's account.Solution: contact the seller to unbundle or provide Xiaomi with a purchase check.
• ⚡ "The battery was discharged during the discharge" → Connect your phone to charge and repeat the process. If it doesn't work, use Fastboot.
• 📱 "The sensor does not work after resetting" → It could be a hardware problem. Check if the screen is responsive in Recovery. If so, check the phone.
• 🔌 "Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot" → Check the cable (use the original one), install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers depending on the processor.

If the phone fails to turn on after reset or if it produces a No OS installed error, it means critical firmware damage, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware download for your model will help.

💡

Resetting through MIUI settings is the safest method, but it only works if the phone is turned on. For bricks, use Recovery or Fastboot, but be prepared for additional steps (unlock the bootloader, flash).

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note will launch with a welcome screen. Follow the system's instructions, but pay attention to the key points:

1. Network Connection: Choose Wi-Fi or paste SIM-Without the Internet, you can't activate the device.
2. Sign in to Mi Account: Enter your Xiaomi account details. If you bought a used phone, ask for an uncoupling from the previous owner.
3. Data recovery: During the setup phase, the system will suggest recovering data from the backup. Select the source (Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local file).
4. Security setting: Set a new PIN/pattern lock and fingerprint (if supported).
5. Update MIUI: After setting up, check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

If you've reset your phone before you sell, don't restore your data.

• Skip the account login.
• Select "Setting up as a new device".
• Remove all your fingerprints/faces from the security system.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions