Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Why Resetting Settings May Be Needed

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to the β€œout of the box” state.

First, if the device starts to slow down or reboot spontaneously. Over time, the Android channel accumulates temporary files, app cache and fragmented data that even SEOs can not always clean up. Second, a reset is required before selling or transferring the phone to another person to prevent leakage of personal information. And finally, this is the only way to eliminate a critical system error when the smartphone does not respond to commands or hovers on the MIUI logo.

It’s important to understand that Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) is based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, and its firmware has features. For example, after a reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account if you previously activated a factory anti-theft mechanism. Also, some versions of MIUI (especially global ones) automatically install a regional blocker after a hard reset – this is normal and does not indicate a breakdown.

Before you start, answer two questions: is there a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages) and do you remember the username / password from Mi Account, if it was tied, without which you risk losing access to the device after a reset.

πŸ“Š Why you want to reset your Redmi Note 7 settings?
Remove the lags and brakes
Prepare for sale
Correcting a system error
Forgot the pattern lock
Another option

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

An ill-considered reset can result in data loss or locking the device. To avoid problems, follow these steps:

  • πŸ“± Backup. Use the built-in Settings feature. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset β†’ Local backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud.Please note: backup MIUI does not save some system settings and data of some applications (for example, WhatsApp or banking programs).
  • πŸ”‹ Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to a "brick" (inoperable state) of the device. On the Redmi Note 7 with a battery of 4000 mAh, this is unlikely, but it is not worth the risk.
  • πŸ”‘ Make sure you remember the Mi Account. If the Find Device feature is activated on the phone, you'll need to enter your login and password after the reset. Three failed login attempts will lock the device for 24 hours.
  • πŸ“‘ Check the network connection. Resetting through the settings menu will require a stable connection to Wi-Fi or mobile internet (if cloud backup is used).

Pay special attention to data SIM-The reset does not affect files on microSD, but if it is used as internal memory (Adoptable Storage function), all content will be erased. To check this, go to Settings. β†’ Memory and see if the card is displayed as "Inner Memory".

⚠️ Note: If you are using the Redmi Note 7 with an unlocked bootloader, re-unlocking via Recovery or Fastboot may be required.This is due to Xiaomi's security policy, which resets bootloader status for some types of reset.

Make a backup copy|Charge the battery. >50%|Remember the Mi Account data|Extract SIM microSD (if necessary) and data)|Disable Google Account (optional)-->

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

This is the easiest and safest method that is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and responds to commands, it does not require additional tools and is suitable even for beginners. MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14):

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
  2. Scroll down and select the About Phone section.
  3. Click on Backup and Reset (in some versions of MIUI it may be called Additional β†’ Reset).
  4. Select Reset, then Reset all settings.
  5. If required, enter a screen lock password or PIN-code.
  6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything (or Reset the phone).

It takes 5 to 15 minutes, and when it's done, the phone automatically reboots and suggests that you configure it as a new device, and if you reset it with a message saying "This device is locked" and you want to enter your Mi Account, you've activated Find Device before, and you've got your email and password attached, and you'll be unlocked.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g., Chinese versions) MIUI) After reset, you may have a "No command" error with the Android robot lying down. This is not critical: just press the power button for 10 seconds to restart the device.

The advantage of this method is to keep the bootloader unlocked (if it has been unlocked before) and to minimize the risk of errors.

  • πŸ”„ The phone is stuck on the logo. MI or Redmi.
  • πŸ” Forgot the screen lock password.
  • πŸ“΅ The device does not respond to touch (broken display).

πŸ’‘

Soft reset via the settings menu is the safest way, but it only works on the working device.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If the smartphone is not turned on or locked, resetting through recovery mode (Recovery Mode). Redmi Note 7 uses stock MIUI Recovery, which supports Russian. Importantly, this method does not require unlocking the bootloader, but resets all data, including internal memory.

To enter Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
  2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
  3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then let them go.
  4. After 5-10 seconds, the Recovery menu with a touch control panel will appear.

In the Recovery menu, use up/down swipes to navigate and touch the item to select.

  1. Choose a language (for example, Russian or English).
  2. Press Wipe Data (or Delete Data).
  3. Select Wipe All Data (Erase all data).
  4. Confirm the action by entering the yes code (or click Confirm).
  5. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wiped successfully).
  6. Press Reboot (Reboot) β†’ Reboot to System.

If after the reboot the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data and you do not remember them, you will have to use the official Mi Unlock Tool (but this will require unlocking the bootloader).

Problem.Reason.Decision
I can't get into Recovery.Faulty buttons or broken firmwareTry using ADB or Fastboot.
After reset, the phone asks for a Mi AccountThe Find Device function is activatedEnter the linked email/password or unlock the bootloader
Recovery does not have Wipe Data.Installed custom recovery (TWRP)Select Advanced Wipe β†’ Tag Dalvik, Data, Cache
The discharge process is 0% frozen.The file system is damaged.Reset via Fastboot (mode 3)

πŸ’‘

If the sensor is not working in Recovery, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader, but it's the most reliable method if other methods have not worked.

  • πŸ”§ The device does not load even in Recovery.
  • πŸ“² I need to run a clean version. MIUI (For example, after a failed update).
  • πŸ”“ You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader).

The work will require:

  • πŸ’» Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB/Fastboot).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
  • πŸ“¦ Archives with MIUI Fastboot ROM Redmi Note 7 (you can download it on the official website).
  • πŸ›  The Mi Flash Tool (download here).

Step-by-step:

  1. Unpack the archive from Fastboot ROM into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\lavender).
  2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers (unless Windows finds them automatically).
  3. Turn off the Redmi Note 7 and turn it into Fastboot mode: press the Power Button + Volume Down button for 10 seconds.
  4. Connect your phone to your computer. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
  5. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware.
  6. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
  7. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will automatically restart.

⚠️ Note: Using Clean all and lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool will block the bootloader, even if it was unlocked earlier.

If the phone does not turn on after firmware or hung on the logo, try:

  • Repeat the process with another version of MIUI (for example, instead of installing a global version of the Chinese version).
  • Switch only the boot section through the command: fastboot flash boot boot.img
  • Resetting through Recovery (mode 2).
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't load device" error
Check the cable connection (try another USB port). Install the drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Update driver" β†’ "Search on this computer" β†’ specify the folder with the drivers from the Mi Flash Tool archive). Run Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Disable the antivirus (it can block access to the firmware).

How to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset

If you need Mi Account data after a Redmi Note 7 reset, and you don't remember it, there are several ways to solve the problem. Importantly, bypassing the lock is only possible when the bootloader is unlocked. If the bootloader is locked, you can officially unlock the device only through the Xiaomi service center (you need a purchase check).

Method 1: Mi Unlock Tool (official)

  1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
  2. Sign in to the program under the same account that was linked to the phone.
  3. Connect the Redmi Note 7 in Fastboot mode (as in method 3).
  4. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).

Method 2: TWRP (unofficial)

This method only works if the device has custom Recovery installed (e.g. TWRP).

  1. Download the file. disable_miui_anti_rollback.zip (available on forums like XDA Developers).
  2. Download the phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume Up).
  3. Press Install and select the downloaded file.
  4. Switch over the Data, Cache and Dalvik sections.
  5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial methods of bypassing the lock can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the device. IMEI phone when detecting interference with firmware.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
This device is locked after resettingFind Device is activated and Mi Account is linkedEnter your account details or unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
phone is stuck on startup MI logo after resetFirmware or incompatible version of MIUI damagedFastboot the device via Fastboot (method 3)
No command in RecoverySystem failure or incorrect updateRestart your phone by holding the power button for 10 seconds
Mi Flash Tool is an error 0x80070002Lack of rights or blocked antivirusLaunch the program on behalf of the administrator, disable the antivirus
After reset, there is no network (no signal) SIM-map)The modem firmware or the wrong version of MIUI has been shot downSwitch your phone to your region (e.g. Global or EEA)

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be the hardware (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), in which case you should contact a service center.

fastboot devices


fastboot oem emmc_info

If you see lines with errors (for example, bad blocks) in the answer, this confirms the drive is malfunctioning.

πŸ’‘

Most post-reset errors involve incompatible firmware or a locked bootloader.Always use Xiaomi's official tools to unlock.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reset the Redmi Note 7 without losing data?
No, any factory reset deletes all user data. However, you can back up through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup and Reset or manually copy important files to your computer/cloud.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
If an attached email or phone number is not available, contact Xiaomi with a confirmation of purchase (check, box).
How do I know if my Redmi Note 7 bootloader is unlocked?
Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (press Power + Volume Down). Connect to your computer and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked.
After the reset, the phone got slower. Why?
This may be due to: Installed non-optimized firmware (e.g., the Chinese version of MIUI on a global device); memory fragmentation after data recovery from a backup; automatic upgrade to a new version of MIUI that is less stable; Solution: run the device with the official global firmware through Fastboot or reset again, but without restoring the backup.
Can I reset the settings if the screen is not working?
Yes, in this case, reset via Recovery (method 2) or Fastboot (method 3) will do. To navigate in Recovery, use the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select). If the screen is completely black, but the phone is responding to the connection to the computer, use Fastboot.