How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: 3 working methods

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to restore the smartphone to work, which removes all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning the device to a “out of the box” state.

First, if the smartphone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. This may be due to conflicts in system files that even firmware doesn't always fix. Second, the reset helps in preparing the phone for sale so that the new owner does not get access to your personal data. The third case is a forgotten pattern lock or password when other unlock methods did not work. Finally, the procedure may be required after unsuccessful experiments with root rights or custom firmware when the device stops booting.

It is important to understand that reset is not a panacea; it will not fix hardware breakdowns (such as a faulty battery or a broken screen), delete viruses if they penetrate system partitions, and return data if they were deleted before the procedure, and after reset, some features, such as Google Pay or Mi Account, may need to be re-activated if they were tied to the device.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Redmi to factory settings, follow a few critical steps: First, back up all your data. Even if you're planning a reset because of a phone sale, save copies of photos, contacts and messages to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or external drive.

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including hidden folders)
• 📱 Contact and SMS (Export through Settings → Google → Backup)
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and apps (use Google Password Manager or KeePass)
• 🎮 Game saves (many games are linked to a Google Play or Mi Account)

Second, remember or record the login details for Mi Account and Google. Once reset, the phone will require you to enter this data to unlock (FRP - Factory Reset Protection). If you forget the password from Mi Account, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com. Otherwise, you risk getting a "brick" - a phone that will not be able to activate.

Third, check the battery power. Make sure it's at least 50 percent charge. If the reset is interrupted by a dead battery, it can damage the system files and require firmware through the Fastboot. SIM-cards and memory cards, if installed, will speed up the process and reduce the risk of errors.

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

This is a good way to do this if you turn on and you're touch-sensitive, and you remember the unlock password, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools. MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device in New Versions).
3. Slip on the item Backup and reset (in some firmware it may be called Additional → Resetting).
4. Select Reset, then Delete all data.
5. Enter a password or pattern lock if the system requests it.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model. The phone will reboot several times, then the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase, will appear. If after the reset the device hangs on the MI logo, do not panic — wait 20 to 30 minutes. If the problem does not disappear, move to the next method.

Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged

Create a backup copy of important data

Remember the username/password from Mi Account and Google

Shut down. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Check the stability of the Internet connection (for recovery after resetting)-->

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi with an unlocked bootloader, you may need to re-unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool after the reset.This is due to Xiaomi's security policy, which resets the bootloader status when fully cleaned.

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

If your smartphone doesn't load, freezes on the logo or doesn't respond to touch, use Recovery Mode, which works on all Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and older devices. Importantly, in some firmwares, MIUI Recovery may be in Chinese — focus on the location of the buttons.

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 models: Power button + Volume up For Redmi Note 8/9/10: Power button + Volume up + Loudness down (hold 10 seconds)

MI

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for confirmation. Select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware), then Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. Once complete, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, do not try to find it repeatedly. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot reset is the most radical method that you can use if the first two fail. It requires a computer, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. This is also useful if you want to reflash your device completely after resetting".

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: For most models: Power + Volume down (hold 10 seconds). For Redmi Note 10 Pro and newer: Power + Volume up + Volume down.

Command line.

Terminal

platform-tools

fastboot devices

If the device is displayed, continue. If not, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Once you reboot, the phone will be reset to factory settings. If you want to reflash the device completely, instead of the last command, use:

fastboot flash all [name firmware].zip


fastboot reboot

Where [the firmware name].zip is the official firmware for your model, downloaded from en.miui.com.

1. Use the original USB-Xiaomi cable (not all cables support data transfer).

2. Connect your phone to a USB 2.0 port (Blue USB 3.0 ports are sometimes incompatible with Fastboot).

3. Disable driver signatures in Windows (to do this, type in the command line on behalf of the administrator: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on).-->

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi will launch with a welcome screen, just like after you buy it. The first thing you need is a Wi-Fi connection. Without the Internet, you can't get through Mi Account and Google activation.

1. Choose a language and region (we recommend Russia or Global for stable operation of Google services).
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (if the network is hidden, click Other Networks).
3. Sign in to Mi Account (required, otherwise the phone will be locked).
4. Sign in to your Google account (you can skip it, but this will limit the functionality).
5. Set up a pattern lock or PIN-code (required for security purposes).
6. Restore the data from the backup (if it was created).

If you notice that the phone is discharged faster after the reset, that's normal - the first 2-3 cycles of charging / discharging the system calibrates the battery, and some functions (for example, Google Pay) may be lost if they were tied to the previous state of the device, in which case re-connect them.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if the reset is done correctly, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone gives an error This device is locked when trying to unlock the bootloader, this means that you previously unlocked it, but did not tie it to the Mi Account. In this case, you will have to wait 7-30 days (depending on Xiaomi’s policy) to re-unblock it.

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If the reset didn't solve the problem (the phone is still slowing down or not turning on), the reason is likely a hardware malfunction, in which case contact the service center - independent firmware or disassembly can aggravate the situation.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions