How to completely reset all data on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution. Perhaps your smartphone started to brake after the MIUI update, got infected with a virus, or you just want to sell the device by removing all personal information. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of resetting, from the standard menu to the Recovery and Fastboot modes, and also tell you how to avoid the typical errors that can turn the phone into a brick.

It's important to understand that a full reset deletes all data -- photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, even files on internal memory. If you don't back up in advance, it's going to be extremely difficult (and sometimes impossible) to recover information. So the first step is to save important files. Next, we'll go through each method in detail, its pros and cons, and give you recommendations for choosing the best option for your situation.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before deleting data

Before you start resetting, make sure you have completed all the critical steps.Neglecting preparation can lead to data loss or even the inability to restore the phone to work after resetting.

First, back up. In Xiaomi Redmi, you can do this through the Settings menu → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Alternatively, use Mi Cloud (if you have a Xiaomi account) or third-party services like Google Drive. Note: backup via Mi Cloud does not save some system settings and application data — only contacts, notes and media.

Second, remember or record your Mi Account information (if it's tied to your phone). Once reset, the device may require you to enter a login and password to unlock it, which is part of Factory Reset Protection (FRP) protection. If you forget the data, it's going to be difficult to restore access, especially on models with MIUI 12 and later.

• 📱 Save it. IMEI: dial *#06# and write down both numbers (in handy for restoring communication with the operator after resetting).
• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50% – interrupting the process due to battery discharge can damage the firmware.
• 📡 Disable all accounts (Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account, if any) in the Settings menu → Accounts.
• 🔐 Delete. SIM-card and memory card (if any) – this will save them from random formatting.

Make a backup copy of important data|Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account|Check the battery level.|Disable all accounts|Delete SIM microSD-->

If you are resetting your phone before selling, we recommend you to log out of your Mi Account in the Settings menu → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. This will save the new owner from having to enter your data when you first turn on.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

This is the safest and most recommended way to turn on and react to touch, and is suitable for most Redmi models, from the Redmi Note 4X to the Redmi 13C. The main advantage is that it does not require additional tools and minimizes the risk of errors.

Step instructions:

1. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and the phone will reboot several times, which is normal, and once reset via the settings menu, the device will automatically reboot to the initial settings mode, where you will need to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to your Mi Account if necessary.

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If after reset, the phone asks you to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, and you do not remember it - use the official recovery service at account.xiaomi.com. Do not try to bypass the protection through third-party programs - this can lock the device forever.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models with MIUI 14 and later after the reset may require confirmation through SMS or an email linked to your account, make sure you have access to it before you start the procedure.

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

If your smartphone doesn’t respond to touch, is stuck on the Xiaomi logo, or doesn’t load beyond the lock screen, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which is also useful if you forget your pattern lock or password, but it requires caution: wrong actions in Recovery can lead to loss of access to your phone.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most Redmi: Volume up + Power. For older models (e.g. Redmi 3S/4A): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and a power button (for confirmation). The interface can be in Chinese or English - orientate yourself by icons:

• 🔄 Reboot – Reboot (don’t choose if you want to reset!).
• 📱 Wipe Data or Wipe All Data – Complete reset.
• 🔧 Wipe Cache – Cache Clearance (does not delete personal data!).
• 📦 Install Update – Update installation (not necessary for resetting).

Select Wipe Data (or similar), confirm the action and wait until it is completed. Once reset, the phone will automatically restart. If it does not, manually select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially custom) may call the Wipe Data item Factory Reset or Format Data. If you see Format Data and Factory Reset separately, choose both in turn to ensure that all data is deleted.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

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

• 🔄 The phone does not respond to buttons and is not included in Recovery.
• 📱 You have installed custom firmware and want to return stock.
• 🔧 You need to unlock the loader before reset (relevant for models with a MIUI 13+).

This method will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged!).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (you can find it on the official portal).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
5. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes. When it's finished, it'll reboot in factory condition. Importantly, this method removes everything, including the firmware, so only use it if other methods have failed.

Yeah, through the settings menu.|Yes, through Recovery Mode.|Yes, via Fastboot.|No, you didn't.|I tried, but I had problems.-->

5. Typical errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and ways to solve them.

1.The phone asks for a password from Mi Account after resetting

This is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection.

• If you remember your account details, enter them.
• If you forget, restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
• If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone is purchased), contact the previous owner or Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.

2.Discharge interrupted due to battery discharge

If the phone turns off during the reset, it may not turn on or hang on the logo.

• Connect the charger and wait 15-20 minutes.
• Try to log back into Recovery Mode and repeat the reset.
• If it doesn’t work, use the Fastboot method (see section 4).

3. After reset, there is no communication (no network catches)

This can happen because of a reset of IMEI settings or network settings.

• Check if it's inserted. SIM-map.
• Go to Settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and enable automatic network search.
• If the IMEI resets (checked via *#06#), restore it using the MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or contact the service center.

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If the phone doesn't turn on or reboots after the reset, it's likely the firmware is damaged, and in this case, only flashing through Fastboot or contacting the service center will help.

6.How to recover data after reset (if you did not make a backup)

If you have not created a backup, the chances of recovering data depend on which reset method was used:

• 📱 Reset via the settings menu: data is deleted software and can be tried with specialized utilities like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver or DiskDigger — MIUI overwrite part of the memory sectors.
• 🔧 Dumping through Recovery/Fastboot: Data is deleted at a low level and recovery is almost impossible without professional equipment.

If you still want to try it,

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode (if it is turned on).
2. Install one of the recovery programs (e.g. Recuva for Windows).
3. Select internal memory scanning (not microSD cards!).
4. Wait for the analysis to be completed and save the files found to the computer.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files back to your phone - this can overwrite the remaining data and make it impossible to further recover.

For photos and videos, there is a chance to restore them through Google Photos if the Autoupload feature was enabled. Check the archive at photos.google.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

8 Conclusion: Which method of discharge to choose?

The choice of method depends on the state of your Xiaomi Redmi:

• 📱 The phone is working fine. → Use reset via the settings menu (Section 2).
• 🔄 The phone does not turn on, but responds to buttons. → Try Recovery Mode (Section 3).
• 💻 The phone is not responding at all or you need to flash it. → Use Fastboot (Section 4).

Remember, resetting is a last resort. If the phone's problem is brakes, try first:

• Clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
• Remove unnecessary applications and files.
• Update MIUI to the latest version.

If you drop your phone before selling, remember to log out of your Mi Account and untie all your accounts, which will save the new owner unnecessary activation problems.

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Once reset, the phone will be like new — without your data, but without optimizations. To get back to its previous performance, turn off unnecessary background processes in Settings → Battery → Performance Mode and set up app autoload.