How to completely reset the settings of the Xiaomi Redmi phone: all ways

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to restore the smartphone to its previous performance, eliminate software failures or prepare the device for sale. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to a locking of the Mi Account, loss of important data or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will discuss three official methods of resetting (through settings, Recovery Mode and Mi Account), and also explain how to minimize risks and what to do if after reset the phone requires an old password.

Xiaomi’s Mi Account is a feature that is tied to your Mi Account, which is stored even after you reset, which means that if you forget your account data, your phone can turn into a brick after a hard reset. We’ll explain in detail how to check your account’s link before reset and what to do if your device is locked. In this article, you’ll also find the latest data on the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other popular lines — the procedure is identical, but there are nuances to the MIUI version.

When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi Redmi

Reset your phone to factory settings is not necessary for any problem, but only in critical cases. Here are 5 signals that it is time to reset:

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, apps constantly fly out, and free memory less than 10% - even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔄 The phone is cyclically rebooted or hangs on the logo MI (so-called bootloop").
• 📱 Before selling or transferring the device to another person – to delete personal data.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
• 🛠️ After a failed update MIUI Critical errors (e.g., camera or mobile network not working).

But resetting won't help if the problem is hardware, like a broken screen, a faulty battery, or a damaged motherboard, and in such cases, you'd better go to the service center, and you shouldn't reset for small glitches, often just clear the cache or reinstall the problem app.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in data loss in the section /data, Including photos on internal memory. Always back up!

Preparing for reset: how to save data and avoid blocking

Before reset, be sure to follow 4 steps to avoid losing important information and locking your phone:

1. Backup. Use built-in Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive/Mi Cloud. Please note: MIUI backup does not store data from some applications (such as WhatsApp or banking programs).
2. Make sure you know the username and password from Mi Account. After reset, the phone may require you to enter credentials to unlock. Check your linked account at Settings → Xiaomi Account.

If you are selling a phone, remember to log out of Mi Account in the settings after the reset, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the device without your data.

On Redmi Note 10/11/12 models with MIUI 13/14, you may need to confirm via SMS or email linked to your account after reset, and if you don’t have access to that data, it’s difficult to unlock your phone.

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

The safest method is to reset directly from the interface. MIUI. It is suitable if the phone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock./PIN-The instructions are valid for all Redmi models, including Redmi. 9A, Redmi Note 10 Pro and the new Redmi 13C.

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 for confirmation.
5. Click Reset the phone and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will suggest you set it up as new. If you see a request for Mi Account data, enter the previously associated email and password.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially Chinese versions, after reset, you may need to enter the old Wi-Fi password if the phone was connected to the network.

💡

If the phone asks for an old password from a Google account (FRP-block), try to enter the last account that was on the device. If you do not remember, you will need to bypass through Fastboot (see specialized forums).

Method 2: Hard reset with Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn’t turn on, hangs on the logo or you forgot the pattern lock, a Recovery Mode reset will help.This method works on all Redmis, but requires caution: wrong actions can lead to data loss or lock the bootloader.

Instructions for Redmi Note 12/11/10, Redmi 9/9A/9C and other models:

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

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on icons: the reset point is usually marked as "" (clear data). Newer models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 13R) may require you to enter a password from Mi Account even in Recovery.

⚠️ Note: If after reset via Recovery, the phone asks you to enter the password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, do not try to guess - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If the phone is lost or stolen, you can reset it remotely through the Mi Cloud service, which is also suitable if you forget the pattern lock, but remember the data from Mi Account. However, please note: after a remote reset, the phone will automatically lock and require you to enter account data the next time you turn on.

Remote discharge instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi (if it is connected to the Internet, the last location will be displayed).
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

Remote reset works only if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Battery level above 15%.
• 🔒 The device is tied to your Mi Account.

If the phone is off or offline, the reset command will be executed the next time you connect to the Internet. Please note that after a remote reset, it will not be possible to recover data from the device.

💡

Remote reset via Mi Cloud is the only official way to unlock Xiaomi Redmi without access to the device itself, but it only works with an active Internet connection and an attached account.

What to do if the phone is blocked after resetting

The most common problem after a reset is a Mi Account request (called Mi Cloud lock), which is anti-theft protection, but it also prevents legitimate users from forgetting their password. Here are 3 ways to unlock:

1. Restore access to Mi Account. Go to account.xiaomi.com and click Forgot your password?. Enter the email or phone number associated with your account. Follow the recovery instructions (SMS, email or backup email).

Xiaomi

If password recovery does not work, create a ticket in official support (mi.com/support) Proof of possession of the device (checks, box, IMEI). The process may take up to 7 days.

Use informal methods (at your own risk).

Forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers have instructions on how to bypass locks via Fastboot or EDL Mode, but this requires an unlocked bootloader and can result in a loss of warranty.

On Redmi models with MIUI 14 and later, it is almost impossible to bypass the Mi Account lock without official data - Xiaomi has tightened protection. If the phone is bought from hand, try contacting the previous owner to untie the device.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to data loss or phone lockdown, and here are 5 common mistakes and how to prevent them:

Especially careful should be the owners of Redmi with a locked bootloader (bootloader), on such devices, an unsuccessful reset or firmware can lead to complete loss of performance.

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: false, your bootloader is locked.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions