How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 7 to factory settings: a detailed guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 7 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. The device, released in 2019 based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 and MIUI, can eventually start to slow down, emit errors or require cleaning before selling.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset – through system settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot, as well as unique recommendations for saving the system. IMEI And the bootloader unlock, which is specific to Redmi 7 (codename onc), we'll take a look at how to avoid common mistakes, like hanging on a logo. MI After a reset, and what to do if the phone requires a password from an old Xiaomi account.

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

Complete reset is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way out:

• 🐢 The phone is very slow, applications spontaneously close and MIUI It is an error, the system is not responding".
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
• 📱 The device is infected with a virus that is not removed by the antivirus (for example, advertising software in system applications).
• 💰 Before selling or transferring a phone to another user – to delete personal data.
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI, When the phone is stuck on the logo or cyclically rebooted.

But resetting won't help if the problem is hardware, like a broken screen, a broken camera, or a charging connector, and in such cases, you need hardware repair, not software firmware.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 7 resets through settings do not delete data from SD-It erases everything from internal memory, including photos in a folder. DCIM, If your phone is synced to your Google Account, your contacts and some of your data will be automatically restored.

Preparing for resetting: what must be done?

Before you start resetting, follow these steps to avoid losing important data and issues with your Xiaomi account:

1. Backup. Use the built-in Settings tool → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root rights).
2. Make sure that the Mi Account binding is disabled. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. If the phone is locked, a reset without detachment of the account will lead to a request for a login and password on the first turn on.

If you drop your phone before selling, additionally:

• 🔄 Turn off Find My Device in Google Settings.

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. It's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. If requested PIN-code or pattern lock, enter it.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone (usually the red button).

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning 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.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI For Redmi 7, the reset may result in an error, "This device is linked to another Xiaomi account." This means that the phone was linked to Mi Account, and you will need to enter the username and password of the previous owner to unlock it.

💡

If the phone hangs on the MI logo for a long time after reset (more than 15 minutes), try pressing the power button for 20 seconds to force a reboot. If this does not help, you will need to reset via Recovery (method 2).

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

If Redmi 7 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery mode, which works even without access to the system, but requires hardware button skills.

1. Turn off the phone. If it's stuck, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Press the button combination: Volume up + Power. Hold them until the MI logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

On Redmi 7 with custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP), the process may be different. In this case, select Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation) → Reboot System.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if the first two fail or require a "deep" cleanup, for example, after a failed firmware.

Attention! Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, including files in the MIUI folder and Google Account settings, and risks losing IMEI if you don't follow the instructions.

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Redmi 7 (codename onc).
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power until the image of a rabbit in a hat appears.
3. Open the command line. In the Fastboot folder (usually C:\platform-tools), press Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here.
4. Run commands in order: fastboot devices (should display serial number) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you need a Mi Account after rebooting, but you don't remember it, use the lock-bypass instructions. On Redmi 7 with MIUI 12+, the method can work through EDL Mode, but it requires a special cable.

💡

Fastboot reset is the only way to bring the phone back to life if it doesn't respond to buttons and boots into Recovery.However, this method requires precise execution of commands and can result in a loss of IMEI if you use unofficial firmware.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi 7 may not behave properly.

If the memory is lost after the reset (for example, the phone shows 0 GB of internal memory), this may be due to damage to the userdata partition, in which case only a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of the clean all option will help.

How to save data if a reset is inevitable?

If the phone is still turning on, but you have to reset (for example, due to a virus), try to save at least some of the data:

• 📁 Photos and videos: Connect your phone to your PC via USB (in file transfer mode) and copy folders DCIM, Pictures, Downloads.
• 📱 Contacts: Export them to.vcf file via Contacts app → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore (Saves) SMS into XML Google Drive).
• 🎮 Game Save: For cloud-saving games (e.g, PUBG Mobile, Clash of Clans – Link your account to Google Play or Facebook.

If the phone doesn’t respond to touch, but the screen is working, plug the mouse through the phone. OTG-Adapter – so you can control the system and copy files.

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

This will create a full backup that can be rebuilt after a reset.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 7 reset