How to completely reset the settings on Xiaomi Redmi to factory: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of failed firmware experiments. Unlike a normal reboot, hard reset completely erases user data, applications and personal settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, the procedure has nuances: devices with MIUI require a Mi Account to unlock after reset, and some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Redmi 10C) may request additional authentication.

In this article, you will find three official reset methods – through system settings, Recovery and Fastboot modes – as well as instructions for avoiding typical errors (such as “This device is locked” or “Can’t verify the update”). We will discuss in detail how to save important data before reset, even if the phone does not turn on, and what to do if after the procedure Redmi requires a password from an old Xiaomi account. MIUI 14/15 and adapted to models 2020–2026 year-end.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow the critical steps. Even if your Redmi is unstable, find a way to save data – it will be impossible to recover it after a hard reset without a backup.

Pay particular attention to:

• 📱 Contact and SMS: Sync them with Google Account or export them through the Contacts app → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) on some models (Redmi Note) 11 Pro+) Media files are stored in a folder DCIM/Camera.
• 🔑 Accounts: remember the username/password from Mi Account (required after reset) and untie the device from Google (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account).
• 📡 Network settings: take a picture or write down Wi-Fi passwords (you can find them in Settings) → Wi-Fi → Safeguarded networks).

If the phone doesn’t respond to touch or is stuck on the MI logo, go straight to the Recovery reset method (Section 3). In case of physical damage to the screen, use USB debugging (you need access to the PC and the previously included option for developers).

⚠️ Note: On bootloader lock devices (most Redmi after 2019), a reset via Fastboot without unlocking will result in an error This device is locked. Check the lock status with the fastboot oem device-info command - if Device is unlocked: False, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Make a backup of contacts and SMS|Copy photo/video on PC|Remember the data from the Mi Account|Unlocking the Google account|Checking the battery charge (minimum 30%)|Ensure the stability of the Internet connection (for activation after resetting)-->

Method 1: Reset via system settings (the safest)

This method is suitable if your Xiaomi Redmi is turned on and reacts to touch. the procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require a connection to a PC. The main advantage is that the system will automatically check the integrity of the data before resetting.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Reset (on MIUI 14/15, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. The system will prompt you to enter a pattern lock/PIN (if installed). After confirmation, click Reset settings.
4. Wait for the reboot (the device can turn on in 5-15 minutes).

After the reset, Redmi will launch with a welcome screen.

• 🔄 Connect to Wi-Fi (required to activate Mi Account).
• 📱 Enter the data from the attached Mi Account (if you forgot the password, restore it via account.xiaomi.com).
• ⚙️ Skip recovery from backup (unless you plan to return old data).

⚠️ Note: If Redmi asks for a password from an old Google account after reset (this device was reset error), this means that it was turned on before the reset. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: Solution: Enter data from the last Google account linked or use the bypass method FRP (section).

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If the smartphone is slowing down when reset through settings, plug it into charging. On Redmi 9A/9C models, the process can take up to 20 minutes due to a weak processor.

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

Recovery Mode is a built-in recovery mode that works even when the firmware is damaged.

• 🔄 Hanging on the logo. MI or loaded in an infinite loop.
• 📵 It does not respond to touch (but the screen is working).
• 🔋 Discharged to 0% and does not turn on after charging.

For entrance to Recovery:

1. Turn off the device (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Hold Power + Volume up until the MI logo appears, then let go of Power while continuing to keep Volume up.
3. In the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English) then:

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm


(Use volume buttons for navigation, power buttons for confirmation)

Once confirmed, the smartphone will begin the cleanup process. Upon completion, select Reboot → Reboot to System. The first download after the reset can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt it.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical and requires a PC connection.

• 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and the smartphone is blocked.
• 📱 Recovery Mode is damaged or missing.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (download SDK Platform Tools).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi and turn to Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down until an image of a rabbit labeled Fastboot appears.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If this device is locked after the restart, the bootloader is locked.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account as on the phone.
3. Connect Redmi in Fastboot mode and follow the tool’s instructions (unblock waiting time is up to 720 hours for new accounts).

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A or Redmi 9C) fastboot commands may not work due to blocked access to partitions. SP Flash Tool with official firmware for your model.

Through system settings | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset |Another way-->

Typical post-reset errors and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, Xiaomi Redmi users face problems. Let's look at the most common and ways to fix them.

1. "This device is locked" error (locked bootloader)

Reason: Most Redmis have a default bootloader after 2019.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding to the device 7 days before unlocking).
• 📱 If the phone is purchased used, ask the previous owner to untie the device from your account through your personal account.

2. Password requirement from an old Google account (FRP)

Reason: Factory Reset Protection is enabled.

• 🔑 Enter data from the last Google account linked to the device.
• 📧 If your account is deleted, restore it via Google (you have 24 hours after resetting).
• 🛠️ To get around FRP on MIUI 12–14 Use the method with ADB (see below).

3.The telephone shall not be switched on after discharge

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery is dead: connect to charging on 30+ minutes, then try to turn on.
• 📱 Firmware damaged: Fastboot device via official ROM (firmware).
• 🔧 Incompatible version MIUI: If you have reset the firmware after downgrad, return to the current version.

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

If you don’t save data before resetting, the chances of recovery depend on whether the memory partitions were overwritten after cleaning. On the Xiaomi Redmi with eMMC/UFS flash memory (all models after 2018), recovery is possible only if two conditions are met:

1. You did not record new data after the reset (you did not install apps, you did not take photos).
2. Use specialized utilities that support Xiaomi chips.

Try the following methods:

• 📱 Photo/video: DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver (scan internal memory in Deep Analysis mode").
• 📞 Contacts/SMS: If Google Sync is enabled, the data will be automatically restored when you re-assign your account.
• 📂 Document files: utility 7-Data Recovery (works with partitions) /data on the Redmi).

Important: Don't save the recovered files to the smartphone itself - this can overwrite the remaining data. Use a PC or cloud storage.

⚠️ Note: On devices with file system encryption (on by default on the MIUI 12+) Data recovery without password is not possible. Check encryption status in Settings → Additionally. → Encryption and accounts.

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The chances of data recovery are maximum in the first 24 hours after reset, and each new entry on the device (install applications, photos) reduces it by 30-50%.

FRP bypass (Google-blocking) on Xiaomi Redmi

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a theft protection that is activated after a reset if a Google account was tied to the device. On Xiaomi Redmi, it can be bypassed in several ways, but all require access to a PC or additional devices.

Ways of circumvention:

1. Through ADB (for MIUI 12–14): adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login.LoginActivity (allows you to enter account data bypassing the standard interface).
2. With help. OTG-Cable and File Manager: Download APK-QuickShortcutMaker on the flash drive. Connect the flash drive to Redmi via OTG-Install the adapter. APK, Then, use it to launch Google Settings and add a new account.

Service codes (for older models):

##4636## → “Testing” → “Settings” → FRP reset.

(It doesn't work on all firmware).

If none of the methods worked, contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check or box).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)