How to reset your settings on Android Xiaomi Redmi: all ways in 2026

Why you might need to reset your settings on Xiaomi Redmi

Resetting to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to restore the original performance of the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone, which is most often resorted to in three cases: when the device starts to brake for no apparent reason, if you plan to sell or transfer the phone to another person, or when you forgot the pattern lock / password. However, a complete reset removes all user data — photos, messages, installed apps and even social media accounts.

It is important to understand the difference between soft and hard resets: the former (through the settings menu) saves system files and updates, but erases personal data; the latter (via Recovery Mode) returns firmware to the “out of the box” state, which can be useful in case of serious software failures. On the Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or POCO X5, the procedure is almost identical, but there are nuances for devices with a locked bootloader or a Mi Account.

Before you start, check if a less radical solution will help: cleaning the cache of applications, deleting unnecessary files or updating the firmware. If the problem is related to a particular application (for example, com.miui.gallery constantly flies), just reset the settings for it in the Settings → Apps menu.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Even if you’re sure that data isn’t important, neglecting backup can lead to loss of valuable information. Xiaomi Redmi has built-in backup tools, but they don’t store everything. For example, Wi-Fi passwords, call history, or some apps’ settings (such as Mi Fit) can be lost forever.

Minimum checklist before resetting:

• 📱 Copy photos and videos to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). DCIM Pictures: The main sources of media files.
• 📝 Export contacts to the file VCF via Contact → Settings → Imports/exports.
• 🔑 Write down logins and passwords from key services (banks, social networks). Use password managers like Bitwarden.
• 📡 Make sure you know your Mi Account (email and password) if your phone is linked to your Xiaomi account.

Pay special attention to Mi Account. If the device has Find Device enabled, you may need to enter your account information to unlock after the reset, which is a measure of protection against theft, but it can also become a problem if you forget your password. Check the anchor status in Settings → Mi Account → Find Device.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later after reset via Recovery may require confirmation through previously used SIM-card (if you have been linked) Make sure you have access to the original SIMke.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in option in the settings, which is suitable if the phone is turned on and you remember the unlock password. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on some models).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Reset settings (may be called Delete all data).
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset (or Remove All).

Once rebooted, the phone will return to its original settings. On the welcome screen, you will be asked to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to Mi Account (if it was tied). On Redmi models with a Snapdragon processor (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the reset can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn't turn on, is stuck on the MI logo, or you forgot your password, Recovery Mode resets everything, including system updates, and returns the firmware to the factory version. On new Redmi models (like the Redmi 13C), Recovery can be in Chinese — use the screenshots below for navigation.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

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 when you see the menu with the Android robot (maybe in Chinese).

Further action:

• 🔧 Use volume buttons to move through the menu and power button to select.
• 📛 Select the Wipe Data option (or in Chinese).
• 🔄 Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar item).
• ✅ After completion, select Reboot to restart.

If you want to enter Mi Account data after reset and you don’t remember it, you’ll have to use the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires waiting 72-168 hours to unlock) on devices with MIUI 13 and later, Fastboot can work bypass, but this is risky for beginners.

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If the phone doesn't turn on for more than 20 minutes after resetting via Recovery, try charging it to at least 30%.

Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen, but you have access to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely via a web interface. This is also useful if you forget your password, but remember your Xiaomi account details. Please note that after a remote reset, the device will be locked and will require you to enter your Mi Account data the next time you turn on.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Find Device (or Find Device) section, select your Redmi.
3. Press Erase Device (Erase Data).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.

The process can take anywhere from minutes to an hour depending on the speed of the Internet on the device, and once reset, the phone will be unconnected from the account, but blocked by an activation lock (it will require entering the username / password of Mi Account when you first turn on), a measure of protection that cannot be legally disabled.

⚠️ Warning: Remote reset via Mi Account does not work if the phone is disabled mobile Internet/Wi-Fi It's also not available if the device has been reset before and has not been re-activated.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

Another common problem is loss. IMEI after resetting on MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi) 10A). It's because of damage. NVRAM-Restore the section. IMEI You can use the engineering menu (#3646633##), but you need root rights. SP Flash Tool.

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If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-Map, do not attempt to manually edit IMEI — It's illegal in most countries.

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi Redmi phone will launch in initial setup mode.

1. Choose a language and a region. The best way for Russia is to specify Russia, which will turn off unnecessary Xiaomi services for China.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't log into Mi Account or recover data from the cloud.
3. Skip the Mi Account if you don't remember the data. Click Skip (may be required several times).
4. Restore data from the backup (if you made a backup through Settings → Backup).
5. Turn off unnecessary services: 🚫 Mi Cloud Sync (if you don't use it) 🚫 Auto-update MIUI (Avoid sudden updates) 🚫 Advertising in MIUI (Settings → Passwords and security → Authorization and withdrawal → Advertising services)

If you sell a phone, don't restore your accounts. Just check the basic functions: calls, camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. To check the IMEI, dial *#06# - it must match the data on the box.

Newer models (Redmi 12, Redmi Note 13) may offer to activate HyperOS after reset, and if you’re not sure, you better refuse — you can always turn it on later in the settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions