How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings: all ways + FAQ

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 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. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can turn a smartphone into a brick or lead to the loss of important data.

The Redmi Note 7 (codenamed lavender) has its own features when reset, such as having a locked bootloader on some firmware or having to link to your Mi Account when activated after a reset. We’ll look at all the current ways, from the standard menu to Recovery mode, and how to prepare for the procedure and what to do if something goes wrong.

Important: If you're planning a reset due to system freezes or application errors, try less radical methods first - cleaning the cache or updating the firmware. Resetting to factory settings should be a last resort when other options are exhausted.

When do I need to reset Redmi Note 7 to factory settings?

A total reset is not a universal solution to all problems, but a tool for specific cases, and here are situations where it is really justified:

  • πŸ“± Preparing for sale or transfer – Deletion of all personal data, accounts and files.
  • πŸ”„ System failures: the phone is constantly restarting, applications are crashing, the interface is β€œlaying” for no apparent reason.
  • πŸ”’ Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code (if other unlocking methods fail).
  • πŸ“² Errors after firmware updates when the smartphone is not turned on or is not working correctly.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Suspicion of a virus infection if antivirus utilities do not help.

However, there are cases where resetting won't help or even make the problem worse:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery problems (fast discharge, bloating) - you need repairs, not software reset.
  • πŸ“‘ Lack of network or problems with the communication module (for example, does not catch) SIM-map).
  • πŸ’₯ Hardware breakdowns: broken screen, broken buttons, damage after falling.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone because of a locked screen, note that after the procedure, you may need to enter data from the attached Mi Account!

πŸ“Š Why you need to reset the Redmi Note 7?
Preparation for sale
Remediation of failures
Forgot my password.
Other
I haven't decided yet.

Preparation for resetting: what to do necessarily

The unpleasant surprise after a reset is the loss of photos, contacts or important documents. To avoid this, follow a few key steps:

  1. Create a backup copy: πŸ“ Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset). ☁️ Upload data to Mi Cloud (if your account is linked) or Google Drive. πŸ’» Copy files to your computer through USB-cable (enable File Transfer Mode).

Mi Account

They will be required after resetting to unlock.

Charge your phone at least 50%

firmware-break

Delete your Google account

Settings β†’ Accounts

FRP

Pay special attention to applications with two-factor authentication (for example, bank clients or instant messengers), after reset, access to them can be lost if you do not save backup codes or untie the device in advance.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Create a backup copy of important data

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Unplug your Google account (if necessary)

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)

-->

Type of dataHow to saveIt's important!
ContactsSync with Google or export to.vcfMake sure that the contacts are not saved only on SIM-map
Photo/videoCopy on PC or download to Google Photos/Mi CloudOriginals in the clouds can shrink – keep full-size copies
Messages (SMS)Apps like SMS Backup & RestoreNot all messengers (such as WhatsApp) are restored through standard backup.
AnnexesList of installed programs can be exported through Settings β†’ ApplicationsApplication settings (such as games) are not usually saved.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

If the phone turns on and you remember the password to unlock, this is the best method. It requires no additional tools and is minimally risky.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to the About Phone section (usually at the bottom of the menu).
  3. Select Reset (or Reset and Reset in older versions of MIUI).
  4. Slip on Reset settings (may be called Delete all data).
  5. Enter the password from the lock screen (if installed).
  6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone or similar button.

The process will take 5-10 minutes, and when it is completed, the phone will restart and prompt it to be set up as new, at which point it may be necessary to enter data from Mi Account if the account was linked.

πŸ’‘

If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box of settings - the system will tell you the right way.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After resetting through the menu, garbage may remain in memory (for example, folders from old applications). For complete cleaning, it is better to use the method through Recovery (described below).

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

If the Redmi Note 7 is stuck on the logo, unresponsive to clicks or locked, resetting through Restore Mode will help.This method is also useful if you want to completely clear a partition of data, including hidden files.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
  2. Press the buttons at the same time: Volume up + Power (hold until the Mi logo appears).

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

  1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
  2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (password may be required).
  3. Once you have finished, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

- 🧹 β€” data-cleaning,

- πŸ”„ β€” restart.

What if you can’t get into Recovery?
If the phone doesn’t respond to the button combination, try: 1. Connect the charger and try again (sometimes helps with a discharged battery). 2. Use the combination Volume up + Volume down + Power (on some firmware). 3. If the screen is broken, but the phone reacts to the connection to the PC, try resetting via the Mi Flash Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Not included in Recovery.Battery charge < 5%Charge your phone for 10-15 minutes, then repeat.
Menu in ChineseLocalization of firmwareFocus on icons or use an interpreter
After reset, asks for Mi AccountThe account was tied up.Enter data or contact Xiaomi support
phone is stuck on startup logo after resetFirmware damageFastboot (requires PC)

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ You know how to work with ADB and Fastboot.
  • πŸ“± The phone is not included in Recovery, but is determined by the computer.
  • πŸ”“ You have unlocked the bootloader (otherwise the method will not work).

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

  • A computer with Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot tools installed.
  • USB Type-C cable (preferably original)
  • The charge of the phone is at least 30%.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-ear (Fastboot logo).

cmd

ADB

fastboot devices

If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Once rebooted, the phone will be in a boxy state, which doesn't remove the firmware, it just cleans user data.

⚠️ Warning: If the bootloader is locked, fastboot commands will not work. Attempting to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool will result in complete erasure of data and binding to the account for 72 hours!

πŸ’‘

Fastboot reset is the most radical method, only use it if other methods have not worked and you are confident in your actions.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 7 will offer to go through the initial setup.

  1. Sign in to Mi Account: If the account was linked before the reset, the system will request the data to be unlocked.
  2. Data recovery: During the setup phase, the system will suggest recovering data from the backup. Select the source (Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local file).

If you're selling a phone, don't restore the data, just complete the setup as for a new device, and that's proof to the customer that the reset is done correctly.

After setting up:

  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Install antivirus and check the system (for example, through Dr.Web Light).
  • πŸ“± Set up a fingerprint or facial recognition (if necessary).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct reset, problems can arise. Consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Phone asks for Mi Account after resetThe account was tied to the deviceEnter your login/password. If you forgot, restore it through the official website.
The reset is interrupted, the phone is not turned on.Battery discharge or firmware errorCharge your phone for 30+ minutes, then reset via Recovery
After reset, there is no network (no SIM catches)Failure in modem settingsGo to Settings. β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks and select the operator manually
The sensor does not work after resettingFirmware damage or hardware malfunctionCheck your phone via Fastboot or contact the service
The phone was getting stuck at the setup stageData Conflict in RecoveryReset again, but do not restore data from backup

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be the hardware, and we recommend that you contact a Xiaomi authorized service center.

πŸ’‘

If after resetting the phone began to work slower than before, try to disable the interface animation in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers (enable the developer mode by clicking 7 times on the build number in "About Phone").

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reset the Redmi Note 7 without losing data?
No, a full factory reset removes all user data from internal memory (photos, apps, settings).However, you can back up in advance (see Preparing for Reset).
The phone asks for the old password after the reset.
This means that the phone has been activated the reset protection function (FRP). If you have forgotten the data from Mi Account, the only official way is to contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box, etc.). FRP This can lead to the device being blocked.
How long does it take to dump?
Time depends on the method chosen: 5-15 minutes via the settings menu; 10-20 minutes via Recovery (including reboot); 5-10 minutes via Fastboot + PC preparation time; if the process has been delayed for more than 30 minutes, it may have failed; try to reboot the phone forcefully (pressing the power button for 20 seconds).
Can I reset my phone if it doesn’t turn on and charge?
If the phone is completely discharged and does not respond to charging, try first: Use a different cable and power supply (preferably original); leave on charging for 1-2 hours (sometimes the indication does not work, but the charge goes); Connect to a PC - sometimes this helps to "wake up" the device; If the phone does not show signs of life, the problem may be in the battery or power controller.
Will the phone work after the reset if it was root-righted?
If the phone had root access (root), after resetting via the menu or Recovery, the superuser rights will remain, but many applications (for example, banking) may refuse to work. To completely remove the root, you need to: Install the root rights management application (for example, Magisk Manager); Select the Uninstall or Full Unroot option. Perform the reset again. If the root was obtained through unlocking the bootloader, after the reset may require re-unblocking.