How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings: the full guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 remains one of the brand’s most popular smartphones years after its release. However, over time, the device can start to slow down, issue errors or require resale – and then it becomes necessary to return it to a factory state. Resetting (or hard reset) solves most software problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset — through your phone settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot, and learn how to prepare for the procedure and what to do if something goes wrong. We will analyze the nuances for different versions of firmware (MIUI and custom builds), warn against typical errors, and give recommendations for data recovery after the reset.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Setting resets are an irreversible process that removes all user data from the phone’s internal memory, and before you start, make sure you keep everything you need.

First, back up. In Redmi Note 7, you can do this through Settings → About Phone → Backup. Alternatively, use Mi Cloud (if you have a Xiaomi account) or third-party apps like Titanium Backup (requires root).

• 📱 Contacts – export them to a.vcf file or sync them with your Google Account.
• 📷 Photos and videos – copy to your computer or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive).
• 📝 SMS and call logs – use apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Game and App Data – Check if it supports cloud storage (e.g., through Google Play Games).

Second, charge your phone to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to a dead battery can damage system files and need to flash through Fastboot. Also make sure you have access to Wi-Fi - after the reset you will need to reconfigure the network.

⚠️ Note: If you have used the application protection function in MIUI (password for individual programs, after reset, access to them will be lost.

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

This is the easiest and safest method, and is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, it requires no additional tools and takes no more than 5-10 minutes.

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 Resetting Factory Settings).
4. The system will suggest you to choose what to reset, and we recommend that you mark all items (including Network Settings and Applications).
5. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed).
6. Click Reset and wait for the process to complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it. If the phone requests Xiaomi account details, enter them -- that's part of the Mi Account protection.

Backup of important data |

Phone charged at more than 50% |

Passwords from Mi Account and Google| are stored

All screen locks are disabled (if possible)-->

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone asks for a Mi Account you don't remember, don't try to enter a password at random. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method comes in handy if the phone doesn't turn on, hovers on the Redmi logo or doesn't respond to touch. Recovery uses hardware buttons to log in, so it works even if the screen is damaged (if it displays a picture in any way).

Steps for discharge:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button and Volume up at the same time (on some firmwares – Volume down).
3. Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection).
5. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions of MIUI).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (password may be required).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 🔹 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🔹 Second/Third: Wipe Data (Reset).
• 🔹 The latest - Connect with MIAssistant (for firmware via PC).

In some cases, after resetting via Recovery, the phone may become fixated on booting, which is due to damage to system files, the solution is to flash the device through Fastboot (more on this in the next section).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most radical method, and it requires you to connect your phone to your computer, and you need it if you:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔧 Firmware is damaged (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔧 We need to re-install completely. MIUI zero.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 📦 Archive with firmware for Redmi Note 7 (you can download on the official Xiaomi website or resources like this) XDA Developers).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or Fastboot command (for resetting).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your computer. Install ADB drivers if the system requests them.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and check the connection command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), you can continue.
4. For a complete reset, type in the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot This will delete all user data and cache, but leave system files intact.
5. If you want a full flash, use the Mi Flash Tool: Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the phone must be determined). Press Flash and wait for completion (the process will take 5-15 minutes).

1. Reinstall ADB drivers via Mi PC Suite.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. Run the program on behalf of the administrator.-->

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware using informal builds (custom) ROM) may result in loss IMEI If you're not sure what you're doing, you should go to the service center.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the phone will return to the "out of the box" state.

1. Go through the initial setup (choose language, connect to Wi-Fi, sign in to Mi Account and Google).
2. Restore data from a backup (if it was created).
3. Update the firmware to the current version (via Settings → System Update).
4. Install the necessary applications (you can use the Restore applications in MIUI).

Attempts to bypass the lock via Fastboot or EDL-This can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the phone.