How to Reset Redmi to Factory Settings: 3 Proven Ways

Resetting on Redmi smartphones is a standard procedure that helps solve most software problems, from slowdowns and errors to preparing the device for sale. However, the wrong approach can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C models and other lines, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14).

It is important to understand that resetting is not a panacea. If the phone does not turn on due to hardware malfunctions (for example, a damaged motherboard or battery), software manipulation will not help. In such cases, a diagnosis is required at the service center. Also note that after reset, the device will require the username and password from the associated Mi Account (if it was activated) - a measure of protection against theft that cannot be legally circumvented.

We will look at three main methods: 1) Through phone settings (the most secure but requires a working system), 2) Through Recovery Mode (suitable for "hang" devices), 3 Remote reset via Mi Cloud (if the phone is lost or stolen).

For each method, we give step-by-step instructions taking into account the features of MIUI firmware and possible errors.

This is a good method if the phone turns on and responds to touch, it preserves the integrity of system files and minimizes risks. Runtime: 5-10 minutes.

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen) and do the following:

Go to About Phone (in MIUI 14, the path may differ: Settings → More → About Phone).
Slip on the item Backup and Reset (in older versions - Restore and Reset).
Select Resetting (or Resetting All Data).
The system will ask you to enter a pattern lock/PIN-code, if it is installed.
Confirm the action by clicking Reset settings (MIUI 12/13 may require additional confirmation via Mi Account).

After the reboot, the phone will return to the "out of the box" state. Attention: if you forget the password from the Mi Account, the device will become unusable - unlocking through official channels takes up to 30 days and requires document confirmation.

Create a backup of contacts (via Settings → Google → Backup)

Save photos to the cloud (Google Photos or Mi Cloud)

Record the username/password from Mi Account (if linked)

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

-->

2. Recovery Mode reset: if the phone is not turned on

If Redmi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, a hardware reset via Recovery will help.This method erases all data, including viruses and corrupted system files, but requires caution: wrong actions can lead to a loss of IMEI or a Fastboot error.

Instructions for most Redmi models (except the Redmi K50 and newer – they have a different login algorithm for Recovery):

Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
Press the combination: For Redmi Note 8/9/10: Power button + Volume up For Redmi 12/13: Power button + Volume up + Loudness down (hold 10 seconds)

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm

It takes 3-7 minutes. Once it's done, the phone automatically reboots. If instead of the Recovery menu, you see a Fastboot Mode with a rabbit, you've pressed the button combination wrong, try again.

What to do if you recover in Chinese?

The default language on the Recovery menu is often Chinese. To make no mistake, 1. The third item on the top is Wipe Data. 2. The second item on this menu is Wipe All Data. 3. The last item on the bottom is Reboot. The confirmation of action usually requires the choice of the far right (analogue of OK).

Through phone settings

Through Recovery Mode

Remotely via Mi Cloud

Never dropped it.

Another way.-->

Remote reset via Mi Cloud: for lost phones

If your Redmi is lost or stolen and Find your device has been activated, you can reset remotely. This method only works if you meet three conditions: (1) the phone is connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi), (2) Mi Account is tied to the device, (3) Find the device is enabled in the settings.

To reset the phone remotely:

Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
In the Devices section, select your Redmi.
Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.

After that, the phone will be reset the next time you connect to the Internet.

- Does not work if the phone is turned off or in airplane mode.

- Does not reset the protection of Mi Account - after the reboot, you will need to enter a login / password.

Does not guarantee the deletion of data from the memory card (if installed).

💡

If you are selling a phone, be sure to untie it from the Mi Account before the reset. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out and remove the device from the list on account.xiaomi.com.

4. Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them

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

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
Can't mount /data in Recovery	Data section damaged or memory malfunctioned	Try Wipe Cache if it doesn’t help – Fastboot Firmware
Phone asks for password after reset	Mi Account Protection Activated	Enter the login/password from the linked account. If you forgot, restore it via account.xiaomi.com
Reset is 50% or 99% hanging.	Conflict with custom firmware (e.g. TWRP)	Run a reset via Fastboot with official firmware
After reset, there is no net (IMEI reset)	NV Data is damaged (often after unofficial firmware)	Restore. IMEI through QCN-file-in-center

If the phone doesn’t turn on after the reset or if it gives a No Command error, this may indicate damage to the bootloader, in which case only flashing through Fastboot using official software from Xiaomi will help.

💡

Never interrupt the reset process (e.g., pulling out the battery or turning off power) this can damage the /data partition and make the phone unusable without flashing.

5.What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful Redmi reset, you'll need an initial setup.

📱 Link your Mi Account (if you don’t do it right away, some features, such as Find your device, won’t be available).

If you're selling a phone, don't restore your data -- just make the initial setup to the welcome screen and hand over the device to the new owner.

📌 Settings menu → No accounts of your emails or social networks.
💳 All bank cards from Google Pay and Mi Pay removed.
📡 All devices from the list of trusted in Mi Account are disabled.

To speed up work after reset, turn off the animation of the system windows.

Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in About Phone).
Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
Install Windows animation = Off, Transition animation = Off..

Alternative methods: when the standard discharge does not work

If the phone doesn't respond to standard reset methods (e.g., because of a damaged firmware or a blocked bootloader), alternatives can be used, which require more time and technical skills, but are sometimes the only solution.

Method 1: Reset via Fastboot from PC

You will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and the official firmware for your model.

Download the firmware from en.miui.com (select the Fastboot version).
Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when turned on).
In the command line, run: fastboot flash all name file firmware.zip

Method 2: Using TWRP (only for unlocked bootloader)

TWRP Castom Recovery allows you to reset with additional options (for example, by storing data on a memory card).

🔓 Unlocked bootloader (via official Mi Unlock tool).
🖥️ Established ADB and Fastboot on PC.
📱 Compatible version TWRP for your model (download only from verified sources, for example, twrp.me).

Risks of using TWRP

Unofficial TWRP builds may contain malicious code, improper installation will result in loss of warranty, and some features (such as data encryption) may stop working.

Method 3: Contacting a Service Center

If all reset attempts fail (for example, the phone gives an Invalid error). IMEI or not included at all, contact an authorized Xiaomi service center. 500–1000 Recovery after a failed reset from 1500 Addresses of the centers can be found on the website mi.com/service.

⚠️ Warning: Don't trust handicraft shops that offer to unlock Mi Account in 10 minutes, most often this is a scam involving vulnerabilities that Xiaomi closes in new updates.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reset Redmi without losing data?

No, Full Reset always deletes user data (photos, messages, apps). However, you can: Back up through Settings → Additional → Backup. Copy important files to your PC or cloud manually. If the phone doesn't turn on, remove the memory card (if any) - the data on it will be stored.

Why does Redmi ask for an old password after a reset?

This is Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which works if a Google or Mi Account account was tied to the phone. To unlock: Enter the login and password from the last account you linked. If you don't remember the data, restore access via Google or Mi Account. Mi Account may require confirmation via SMS or email. It is legally impossible to circumvent this protection, which is a measure against theft.

How to reset Redmi Note 10 Pro if you forget the pattern lock?

If you remember the username/password from Mi Account tied to your phone: 5 times enter the wrong pattern lock – will you see the Forgot Password button?. Enter the data from Mi Account. Reset the key through Settings → Lock screen. If the account is not tied or you forgot the data from it, only a reset via Recovery (see Section 2), but this will delete all data.

Will the warranty be reset after resetting the settings?

No, resetting settings through standard methods (Settings or Recovery) does not affect the warranty. However, the warranty will be lost if: You unlock the bootloader. You install custom firmware (TWRP, LineageOS, etc.); You damage the seals on the phone (for example, when you replace the battery yourself); the service center may refuse repairs if they find signs of unofficial interference.

Can I reset Redmi through a computer without Recovery?

Yes, but it will require: Installed drivers ADB PC, on-line debugging. USB on the phone (if it's turned on) command to reset through ADB: adb shell recovery --wipe_data If the phone doesn’t turn on, this method won’t work – you’ll need a Fastboot (see section below). 6).