How to reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: all ways + security tips

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to eliminating critical errors in the system. However, many users are afraid to perform the reset because of the risk of losing important data or permanently โ€œkillingโ€ the device. In fact, with the right approach, the procedure is completely safe, and all possible pitfalls can be avoided if you study the nuances in advance.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset for Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (including models with MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS), explain how resetting through settings differs from resetting through recavers, and give a checklist for preparing the device. We will pay special attention to the typical mistakes that users make and how to avoid them. If you have never done a reset before, do not worry: the instructions are adapted even for beginners.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Resetting to factory settings removes all data from the phone's internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. Unless you back up in advance, it will be impossible to recover the information.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but it is indeed necessary in some cases, and here are the most common scenarios in which the procedure is justified:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ The phone brakes or overheats for no apparent reason (for example, after an update). MIUI).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ The device is locked due to a forgotten password, pattern lock or fingerprint.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Critical system errors: constant crashes of applications, "black screen", inability to download MIUI.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Preparing to sell or transfer a phone to another person โ€“ resetting will delete all personal information.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Failed firmware update, after which the smartphone is unstable.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen, a broken battery or a damaged motherboard), in which cases repairs are required at a service center.

Also, donโ€™t resort to resetting for minor bugs that can be fixed in other ways: clearing the cache, restarting or rolling back updates. For example, if you just donโ€™t have Bluetooth, try resetting the network settings to Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Resetting the network settings first.

๐Ÿ“Š Why you want to lose your Xiaomi Redmi?
Remove the lags and brakes
Prepare for sale
Remove the virus or malware
Forgot your password/pattern lock
Another reason.

Preparing your phone for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you drop the Xiaomi Redmi, be sure to follow a few steps to avoid data loss and problems in the process:

  1. Back up. Use the built-in tool. MIUI (Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud: ๐Ÿ“ธ Photos and videos (they take up the most space). ๐Ÿ“ž Contacts (synchronize with Google Account). ๐Ÿ’ฌ Messages (can be exported through applications such as SMS Backup & Restore). ๐ŸŽฎ Game Save (if the game supports cloud storage, link it to your account).

Make sure the phone is charged.

50%

serious loading errors

Untie the accounts.

  • ๐Ÿ”— Google account (otherwise, after resetting the phone may require entering a login / password to unlock).
  • ๐Ÿ”— Mi Account (if you sell a phone, the new owner will not be able to activate it without your data).
  • Remember or record your Wi-Fi login data if it is not stored in the cloud.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

๐Ÿ”น Features of the method:

  • โœ… Does not require computer or special knowledge.
  • โœ… It works even on blocked loaders.
  • โŒ It wonโ€™t help if the phone doesnโ€™t turn on or hangs on the logo. MI.
  • Hold the buttons until the MI logo appears, then let go.
  • From the Recaveri menu, select the language (usually English and Chinese are available).
  • Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to confirm your choice.
  • Choose Wipe Data โ†’ Wipe All Data (or Clear All Data).
  • Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
  • Once you have finished, select Reboot โ†’ Reboot to System.

โš ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi Recovery does not have a cancellation function. If you have confirmed the reset, it will not be possible to return the data. Also, do not try to select other menu items (for example, Wipe Cache) - this will not help in case of serious crashes.

On models with a locked bootloader (e.g., Redmi Note 12 for the European market), a reset over the receivers may require data input from the Mi Account even after the procedure.

What to do if the Recavator does not open?
If the phone vibrates after pressing the button combination but does not load the recovery menu, try: 1. Repeat with another combination (e.g. Power + Volume down). 2. Connect the phone to charge for 10-15 minutes - sometimes a discharged battery blocks the entrance to the recavers. 3. If the screen remains black, but the phone responds to charging, perhaps the display or plume is damaged.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method requires a computer and command line knowledge, and it's useful if:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Standard Recaveri doesn't work.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ The phone is locked, but USB-debugging was included earlier.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

To reset via Fastboot you will need:

  • ๐Ÿ’ป Computer with Windows or Linux.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ The Mi Flash Tool or ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
  2. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode.
  3. Connect the phone to the computer.
  4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
  5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, you will see its serial number.
  6. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

โš ๏ธ Attention: Incorrect use of Fastboot can lead to a complete loss of the phone.If you are not sure of your actions, you should consult a specialist.

Resetting methodWhen to usePC requiredRisk of error
Through MIUI settingsThe phone is stable.โŒ No.โš ๏ธ Low.
Through the riversThe phone does not turn on, but responds to buttons.โŒ No.โš ๏ธโš ๏ธ Medium.
Through Fastboot.Critical failures, the need for reflashingโœ… Yes.โš ๏ธโš ๏ธโš ๏ธ High-pitched
Through the Mi Flash ToolComplete flashing (for example, after "bricking")โœ… Yes.โš ๏ธโš ๏ธโš ๏ธโš ๏ธ Very tall.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful Xiaomi Redmi reset, you will have to go through the initial setup.

  1. Choose a language and region. The best option for Russia is to specify Russia or Europe (if you have a global firmware version).
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi. This is to download updates and recover data from the cloud.

Mi-account

Xiaomi

Mi Cloud

Mi Home

Update the firmware

Settings โ†’ Updating the system

๐Ÿ”น Optimization Tips After Resetting:

  • ๐Ÿš€ Disable unnecessary applications in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Calibrate the battery: fully discharge and charge the phone 2-3 times in a row.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) if you have dropped your phone due to viruses.

โš ๏ธ If after resetting the phone began to work slower than before the procedure, check whether the energy-saving modes are included in the Settings. โ†’ Battery. Also make sure that no updates are installed for MIUI, which may brake the device (e.g. beta versions).

๐Ÿ’ก

After reset, donโ€™t rush to install all the apps at once. Let the phone work 1-2 days in a โ€œcleanโ€ state to assess its performance without excessive load.

Typical Mistakes When Resetting Xiaomi Redmi and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple procedure, many users make mistakes that lead to additional problems, and the most common ones are:

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Forget to untie your Mi Account. Once reset, your phone may require data from your Xiaomi account that you don't remember. Solution: untie your account before resetting to Settings โ†’ Accounts. โ†’ Mi-account.

๐Ÿ”น How to avoid mistakes:

  • โœ… Always read the instructions for your Redmi model (e.g., the procedure for Redmi). 9A It is different from the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+).
  • โœ… Use the original cable to connect to your PC (cheap cables can interrupt data transfer to Fastboot).
  • โœ… If the phone doesnโ€™t turn on after reset, donโ€™t panic: wait 10-15 minutes, then try to press the power button for 20-30 seconds.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Redmi Reset

Can you reset Xiaomi Redmi without losing data?
No, factory resets always delete all data from internal memory, but you can pre-backup via MIUI or manually copy important files to your computer/cloud.
The phone after the reset asks for a password from a Mi Account I don't remember.
This is Mi Cloud Lock, you need to restore access to your account through Xiaomi's official website. If you don't remember the email or phone number associated with your account, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase. โš ๏ธ Warning: Using third-party services to bypass locking can cause phone breakdown or data theft.
The resetting over the settings doesn't work -- the phone says "Error." What do you do?
Possible causes and solutions: ๐Ÿ”ง Not enough disk space: delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card. ๐Ÿ”‹ Weak battery power: charge your phone to at least 50%. ๐Ÿ“ฑ System failure: try to reset through the Recovery. ๐Ÿ”’ Manufacturer restrictions: on some models (e.g. Redmi for the Chinese market), resetting through settings can be blocked.
How to reset Xiaomi Redmi if the screen is broken and does not respond to touch?
There are two options: Connect your mouse via USB-OTG (if the phone is switched on). MIUI supports cursor control. Reset via Fastboot from your computer (see the instructions above). If the screen is completely black but the phone is responsive to buttons, try resetting through recavers (a combination of power and volume buttons).
After the reset, the phone doesn't turn on.
Possible causes and solutions: ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery is dead: connect your phone to charge for 30 to 60 minutes, then try turning it on. ๐Ÿ“ฑ Firmware failure: try entering the Recovery and repeat reset. ๐Ÿ”ง Loader is damaged: you need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool (better contact the service center), if the phone vibrates but does not turn on, maybe the display or the plume is damaged, in which case you need repair.