Reset Xiaomi Redmi 3 to factory settings: a complete guide to problem solving

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 3 to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing software failures. This model, released in 2016, is still popular due to its reliability and low price in the secondary market. However, over the years, it can accumulate errors: slow operation, spontaneous reboots, memory problems or the inability to update MIUI.

But before you start, it's important to understand that resetting removes all the data from the device -- photos, contacts, messages, installed apps. If you haven't backed up, it's going to be extremely difficult (and in some cases impossible) to recover information after the procedure. In addition, Redmi 3 has nuances with unlocking Mi Account that can turn a reset into a real headache. In this article, we'll break down three official reset methods, and also explain how the workaround problems users face.

If your Redmi 3 doesn't turn on, hangs on the logo, or requires a password after a reset, don't panic. At the end of this article, you'll find solutions for these cases, including how to unlock through Fastboot and bypass Mi Cloud. Now let's figure out which reset method is right for you.

1. Reset via the settings menu (the safest way)

This is a good method if your Xiaomi Redmi 3 is powered on, touch-sensitive, and you have access to the menu, and the advantage of this is that it's simple and has minimal error risk.

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen) and go to Additional Settings → Recovery and Reset. Here you will see two options:

• 🔄 Resetting – deletes all user data but saves system updates.
• 🧹 Resetting all settings – Returns the phone to “out of the box” status, including removing updates MIUI (if they are hand-mounted).

For most users, the first option is enough, and after selecting the option, the system will ask you to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed). Then a data deletion warning will appear - confirm the action by clicking Reset settings.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-7 minutes. Upon completion, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If at this stage the device requires the username and password from Mi Account - do not worry, this is normal (the solution to this problem we will discuss below).

Make a backup copy of important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account (if tied)|Disable Google Account in Settings (if you plan to sell your phone)-->

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

If Redmi 3 doesn’t respond to the power button, hangs on the Mi logo, or reboots cyclically, you’ll need to use Recovery, which will also help if you forget your pattern lock and can’t get into the menu.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume Up button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (black screen with English inscriptions).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (full clean) or Wipe Cache (clean cache if you need a “soft” reboot).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.

Once the process is complete, the phone will automatically restart. If you choose Wipe All Data, be prepared to reconfigure the device, including the Mi Account binding.

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If the phone still doesn’t turn on after resetting via Recovery, try connecting it to charging for 30 minutes – sometimes a discharged battery blocks the system from starting.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 3 firmware may not have Russian in Recovery. Be careful when selecting items - an error may result in the deletion of system files!

3. Reset via Mi Account (remote)

Few people know, but Xiaomi provides the ability to reset your phone remotely through the Mi Cloud web interface.

• 📱 Phone lost or stolen (but you have access to your Mi Account).
• 🔒 You forgot your pattern lock and Recovery Mode is not available.
• 🌍 The device is in another country and cannot be physically reached.

For this:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.
2. In the Devices section, find your Redmi 3 (it should be linked to your account!).
3. Click on three dots next to the device and select Find the device.
4. In the window that opens, select Erase Data and confirm the action.

Please note that this method requires:

• 📶 The phone must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Battery level - at least 20%.
• 🔑 The device must be linked to your Mi Account before access is lost.

Once the command is sent, the reset can take up to 30 minutes (depending on the speed of the Internet on the phone), and when completed, the device will restart and return to factory settings.

Typical post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, Redmi 3 users often face challenges, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Phone requires password from Mi Account after reset

This is Xiaomi's standard theft protection, and if you forget your account details,

• 🔑 Try to restore your password through account.xiaomi.com (you will need access to an email or phone associated with your account).
• 📧 If recovery doesn’t work, check the Spam folder in your mailbox – sometimes emails from Xiaomi get there.
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, you can try to bypass the lock via Fastboot (instruction below), but this will require a PC and special tools.

Problem 2: phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after reset

This may be due to:

• 🔋 Battery discharge (plug in charge and wait) 15-20 minute).
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware (try to flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Faulty cable or charger (try another cable).

If the logo burns for more than 10 minutes, try re-entering the Recovery Mode and resetting.

Problem 3: Sensor fails after reset

Sometimes, after a hard reset, the touchscreen will not respond to the touch.

• 🔄 Restart the phone manually (press the power button for 10 seconds).
• 🛠️ Reset the settings again via Recovery.
• 🔧 If the problem remains, the touchscreen plume may be defective (requires repair).

Phone requires password from Mi Account|Hanging on the Mi logo.|The sensor is not working.|All data is lost.|Another problem.|There was no problem.-->

5. How to bypass Mi Account after reset (if you forgot your password)

If you reset Redmi 3 but don’t remember the Mi Account data, there are a few ways to get around the lock. ⚠️ Warning: These methods are only for device owners! using them to hack into other people's phones is illegal.

Method 1: Through the official restoration of the account

The most legal way:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Press Forgot Your Password?
3. Enter the email or phone attached to your account.
4. Follow the recovery instructions (confirmation code will be sent to email or SMS).

Method 2: Fastboot (PC required)

If you can't restore your account, you can try to delete the link via Fastboot.

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Unlock Tool (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and turn it into Fastboot mode (press the Power button + Volume Down button).
2. Connect Redmi 3 to the PC.
3. Run the Mi Flash Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account (yes, that’s a paradox – but it sometimes helps).
4. If the tool doesn’t recognize the device, try using alternative utilities like the Xiaomi Tool V2.

⚠️ Note: Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy, and bypassing Mi Account through Fastboot has become almost impossible without an official unlocker. If the phone requires authorization even in Fastboot, you will most likely have to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

6.How to avoid problems during resetting: expert advice

To reset Xiaomi Redmi 3 went smoothly, follow these recommendations:

Another important nuance: if you reset Redmi 3 before selling, be sure to untie it from the Mi Account.

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account.
2. Click on your profile and select Leave.
3. Delete your account from your device (if you have this option).

If you don’t, the new owner won’t be able to use the phone without your login details.

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Resetting via the settings menu is the safest method, but if the phone isn't turning on, use Recovery. Remote reset via Mi Cloud only works when the device is online.

7. Alternative Resetting Methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try more radical methods, which require technical skills and carry risks, but sometimes save dead devices.

Method 1: Firmware with the Mi Flash Tool

This is a last resort, and it's going to bring the phone back to life even if it doesn't turn on.

• 🖥️ Windows computer.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 3 (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool Programming.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
2. Install Xiaomi drivers on your PC.
3. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select a firmware folder and press Refresh (your device should appear).
6. Press Flash and wait until the process is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can permanently bring the phone down! Use only official files for your model (Redmi 3 has modifications: ido for the global version and hm3 Chinese).

Method 2: Reset by ADB (for developers)

If you have USB debugging enabled, you can reset your phone via the ADB command.

1. Connect Redmi 3 to your PC and open the command line.
2. Enter adb shell recovery --wipe_data
3. Confirm the reset on the phone (if you receive a request).

This method is rarely used on Redmi 3, as it requires pre-configuration. ADB, It can be useful in specific cases (e.g., if the sensor is not working, but if the sensor is not working). USB-debugging is on).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 3