How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 12 Settings: A Complete Guide with 3 Working Ways

Why would you want to reset the Xiaomi Redmi 12?

Resetting to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution for Xiaomi Redmi 12 owners, which brings the smartphone back out of the box by removing all user data, apps and settings, most commonly used in three cases:

First, if the device starts to slow down or overheat for no apparent reason, and over time, temporary files, app cache and fragmented data accumulate, which slow down the system; second, resetting helps eliminate critical software errors when the smartphone spontaneously restarts, fails to turn on or reports crashes; and finally, it is a mandatory step before selling or transferring the phone to another person to protect personal information.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 12 based on MIUI (or HyperOS in newer versions) offers several ways to reset, from simple via the settings menu to forced via Recovery mode. The choice of method depends on the state of the device: whether it responds to touch, whether you remember the pattern lock or password, and whether you have access to your Mi Account.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, take a few critical steps, and ignoring this step can lead to the loss of valuable data — photos, contacts, or messages that cannot be recovered.

The first is to back up. In Redmi 12, you can do this through Settings → About Phone → Backup. The system will offer to save data to Mi Cloud (if you have a Xiaomi account attached) or to an external drive. The alternative is to manually copy files to your computer via a USB Type-C cable or use third-party services like Google Drive.

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: Export through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Contacts application.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy folders DCIM and Pictures on PC or Cloud.
• 🔑 Passwords and logins: Check if they are synced with Google Smart Lock or Mi Account.
• 🎮 Game progress: link your gaming accounts to social media or cloud services.

Second, make sure the phone is at least 50% charged, interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can cause the device to blink (completely inoperable). If the Redmi 12 is discharged, plug it into the charger for 20-30 minutes before the procedure begins.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a pattern lock or PIN-code, but don't remember it, resetting through Recovery will require input from Mi Account tied to the phone!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if Redmi 12 is activated and reacts to touch, and you remember the unlock password.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action by entering PIN-code-key.
5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

Once you reboot, you'll see a screen of initial setup, like after you buy it, where you can either restore data from the backup or set the phone up as new.

The battery level is checked (minimum 50%)

Created a backup copy of important data

Extracted. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Password from Mi Account (in case of errors)

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⚠️ Note: If your phone has a microSD, the system may suggest that you erase it, and only mark this item if you want to completely clear the drive!

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 12 is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to buttons, or is locked with a pattern lock you forgot, resetting through Recovery mode will help.This method is more complex but effective 90% of the time.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button + increase the volume for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the power button + volume increase combination until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
4. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in newer versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

In some cases, the system may request data from the Mi Account linked to the phone, a measure of protection against theft. If you do not remember the username / password, restore access through the official Xiaomi website.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lost your phone or it's elsewhere, but you have access to your Xiaomi account, you can reset remotely, and this is also useful if the device is stolen, so you can lock it and erase the data.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi 12.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

Remote reset works only if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Battery level not lower than 15%.
• 🔒 The device has enabled the function "Find the device" (checked in Settings). → Mi Account → Find the device).

Once reset remotely, the phone will be locked by the Mi Account even after flashing it, which is anti-theft protection, so you can't sell it without unlocking it.

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If you are planning to sell Redmi 12, untie it from Mi Account via Settings → Mi Account → Delete your account before resetting.

What if the reset didn't help?

In rare cases, even after a reset, Redmi 12 may not work properly, indicating deep software failures or hardware problems.

If the phone is still slowing down, the problem is probably the firmware, so the solution is to reinstall it via Fastboot or Recovery using the Mi Flash Tool. The official firmware for Redmi 12 can be downloaded from Xiaomi.

If the device does not turn on at all after reset (black screen, no reaction to buttons), it is possible:

• 🔋 Battery discharge below critical level – connect to charging for 1-2 hours.
• 🛠️ Damage to the motherboard – diagnostics are required in the service center.
• 🔌 Charging port malfunction – try another charger or cable.

If the reset didn’t fix network problems (no Wi-Fi catches, no mobile signal), check:

• 📡 Settings APN for mobile Internet (in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 🔄 Firmware updates (possibly a patch for the communication module is required).
• 🛠️ Physical condition of antennas (after falling or getting moisture).

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If the reset doesn’t solve the problem, don’t try to repeat it many times – it can make things worse. Contact a Xiaomi authorized service center with a check to buy (if the warranty is valid).

How to recover data after resetting

If you backed up before reset, you can restore data to Redmi 12 right at the first setup stage.

• ☁️ Mi Cloud – if the copy is saved in the cloud Xiaomi.

For recovery from Mi Cloud:

1. Sign in to the Mi Account.

If you don't have a backup, try data recovery software like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, which scans the phone's internal memory and can find deleted files, but the odds of success depend on how much data was written to the device after the reset, because new files overwrite old ones.

⚠️ Warning: Don't install data recovery software on Redmi 12 itself, which will reduce your chances of success. Connect your phone to your PC and use desktop versions of the utilities.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 12