How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings: detailed guide 2026

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution when selling a device, critical system failures or after unsuccessful firmware experiments. The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are three official ways to perform the reset – and each is suitable for different situations.

In this article, we will discuss all the methods (through Settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), how to prepare the device to avoid losing important files, and warn against typical errors. We will pay special attention to the nuances of the Mi Account binding - without it being decoupled after a reset, you can get a locked phone, and you will find a table of methods compatibility with popular Redmi models (from Redmi Note 4X to Redmi 13C) and answers to frequent questions.

1. When you need a reset to factory settings - and when you can do without it

Resetting is not a panacea. Before you start the procedure, assess whether it is really necessary. Here are the valid reasons for a complete reset:

• 📦 Selling or transferring your phone – the new owner should not have access to your data.
• 🐌 Critical system slowdown, when even basic operations (calls, opening applications) take a few seconds.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot or persistent errors like com.android.phone have stopped.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock/password (unless unlocked via Mi Account is triggered).
• 🛠️ Failed firmware update, after which the phone does not turn on or does not work correctly.

Here are the cases where the reset will not help or even harm:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge – the problem is more often related to battery wear rather than the software part.
• 📶 Bad network signal – the communication module or operator is to blame, not the phone settings.
• 🎵 Low volume speaker is a hardware fault (contamination or membrane damage).
• 📱 Broken pixels on the screen – reset here is useless, you need to replace the display.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is locked through Find My Device (remote lock Xiaomi), the reset will not remove the lock.

2.Preparation of the phone for reset: how not to lose important data

Reset erases all user information, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
• 📱 Contacts that are not synced to Google Account or Mi Cloud.
• 🎮 Game saves (unless linked to a developer account).
• 📝 Notes, calendar entries, application data (e.g., delivery order history).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords saved in the browser logins.

To minimize losses, follow 4 mandatory steps:

1. Synchronize data with the cloud: 📱 Contact: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization. 📸 Photo: Enable autoload in Google Photos or Mi Cloud. 📝 Notes: Export through Notes → Settings → Exports.
2. Copy files to your PC or flash drive: Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer Mode). Copy DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads), WhatsApp/Media (media from instant messengers).
3. Save the list of installed apps: Open Settings → Apps → App management. Take screenshots of the list or export through Google Play (My Apps section).

Untie the accounts.

• 📧 Google: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.
• 🔑 Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Exit (important to avoid lockdown after reset!).
• Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
• Select the language (usually English by default) from the menu.
• Move to the points using volume buttons, confirm the choice of the power button.
• Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Wash All Data).
• Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
• Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and if the phone freezes again after the restart, repeat the procedure or try Method 3 (Fastboot).

⚠️ Note: In some Xiaomi firmware, the Wipe Data item may be called Factory Reset or Clear Data.Do not confuse it with Wipe Cache - this is cache cleaning that does not delete user data.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most reliable method, but it requires a computer and drivers installed, and it will help if:

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or respond to Recovery Mode.
• 🔒 Password is forgotten and Mi Account is not untied.
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux fixed ADB).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (original, undamaged).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 🔧 Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers (depending on your model’s processor).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the Fastboot version).
6. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi_Firmware).
7. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
8. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
9. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
10. Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

fastboot oem edl # to switch to EDL mode (if Mi Flash can't see the device)


fastboot flash all # alternative firmware command (requires unlocked bootloader)

⚠️ Note: Use of unofficial firmware or tools such as SP Flash Tool can lead to "bricking" of the phone (completely inoperable). Always download firmware only from official sources.

💡

Fastboot reset is the only way to bring a phone with a damaged firmware back to life, but it requires strict adherence to instructions, and a mistake at any stage can render the device inoperable.

6.Typical errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are 5 common mistakes and solutions:

If none of these things worked, it might be a hardware problem (damaged memory, power controller), in which case, contact the service center. For warranty devices, a Fastboot reset might void the warranty — consider this before you act.

7.What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial setup mode. Follow these guidelines to avoid problems:

1. Don’t connect to Wi-Fi right away – skip this step first so the phone doesn’t automatically start updating or syncing data.
2. Skip Account Log-in – If you’re selling a phone, don’t link your Google or Mi Account.
3. Configure only basic settings: Select language and region; set date and time (automatically or manually); skip Mi Cloud and Google Services configure suggestions.
4. Update your firmware (if you still have your phone): Go to Settings → System Update. Install the latest version of MIUI.

Recover the data.

• Copy the files back from the computer.
• Sign in to Google Account to sync your contacts and emails.
• Install applications from the saved list.

If the phone is for sale, then go back to Settings → Reset and reset again after setting up, which will delete temporary files created during the initial setup.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Use informal methods (risky!)

:

• Use exploits to bypass locks (relevant to older models on MIUI 10-12).

Warning: Unofficial methods can disrupt your phone or lead to IMEI blocking.We recommend that you try to restore access to your account first.