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

Why you might need to reset your settings on Xiaomi Redmi

Resetting to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution for Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners, which returns the device to its original state by removing all user data, apps and personal settings, most commonly used in three cases:

First, if the phone starts to slow down or freeze for no apparent reason, over time, cache accumulation, memory fragmentation, and conflicts between applications can lead to a significant drop in performance. Secondly, the reset helps to eliminate system errors that cannot be corrected by standard methods – for example, when the smartphone does not connect to Wi-Fi, does not recognize the system. SIM-Third, the procedure is mandatory before selling or transferring the phone to another user, in order to ensure that personal information is deleted.

It's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea, and if problems are caused by hardware malfunctions (such as damage to the motherboard or battery), then going back to the factory settings won't help, and it won't save you from viruses if they get into the MIUI system files at the firmware level, which may require flashing the device.

Before you start, make sure you really need a full reset, sometimes just clear the app cache, uninstall unnecessary programs, or update the firmware to the latest version, and if you do, follow the instructions below to avoid losing important data.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Resetting your settings on Xiaomi Redmi is an irreversible process, and once it is complete, all data from the phone’s internal memory will be deleted, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (unless saved in the cloud or on a memory card)
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call logs (unless synced with Google Account or Mi Account)
• 🎵 Music, uploaded files and documents
• 🎮 Save in games and settings of applications
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts and other services

To minimize losses, follow the following steps:

1. Sync your data with cloud services. Go to Settings → Accounts and sync and make sure you have Mi Account sync enabled (for contacts, notes, photos) and Google Account (for email, calendar, contacts).
2. Backup. MIUI has a built-in backup feature: Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Alternatively, use Google Drive or third-party apps like Titanium Backup (require root rights).
3. Transfer the files to a memory card or PC. Connect the phone to the computer via USB-You can use the cable and copy important files manually. Don't just rely on the cloud, because with a lot of data, synchronization can take hours.
4. Take a picture or write down your settings, and that includes Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, two-factor authentication, and other things that are hard to recover.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Synchronize contacts with Mi/Google Account|Create a local backup copy|Transfer photos to PC/memory card|Record passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts-->

Pay special attention to the binding of the Mi Account. After the reset, the phone may require you to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was associated with the device. If you forget the login details, restore them in advance on account.xiaomi.com. Otherwise, you risk getting a "locked" phone after the reset.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, resetting can lead to activation of the protection Mi Cloud Lock. In this case, unlocking the device will be extremely difficult - you will need to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the password to unlock the screen. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click Backup and Reset.
4. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
5. The system will tell you what to drop: 📱 Delete all data from the phone 💾 Cleanse the internal memory

Confirm the action by entering a password or pattern lock from the lock screen.

Drop it.

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it, and if the phone requests data from Mi Account, enter it -- that's a normal verification procedure.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box - the system will show a direct link to the desired section.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi Redmi with an unlocked bootloader, a warning about uncertified software may appear after the reset. This is not a mistake – just confirm that you are aware of the risks, and continue setting up.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to touch, or you’ve forgotten your unlock password, resetting through Recovery will help, even on “bricks,” phones that don’t boot the system.

To log into Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi, use a button combination:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).


2. Press and hold the buttons:




Volume up + Power (for most models)




- Volume up + Volume down + Power (for Redmi Note 8/9/10)




3. Release the buttons when the Mi logo appears.

In the Recovery menu, the volume (move) and power (select) buttons are controlled.

1. Choose a language (usually English or English).
2. Go to Wipe Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
3. Select Wipe All Data (full reset).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
5. Wait until the end (the screen will display the inscription Data wiped successfully).
6. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone freezes on the logo again after reset, the firmware may be damaged, in which case you will need to reflash the device via Fastboot or EDL-regime.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 7/8/9) When reset via Recovery, you may see an error "This device is locked" which means that the bootloader is locked. 7–30 days).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lost your phone or it's elsewhere, but you have access to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely, and it's also useful if the device is stolen, so you can erase your personal data.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the Devices section, find your Xiaomi Redmi (it should be online).
3. Click on three dots next to the device and select Find the device.
4. In the window that opens, select Delete Data.
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

Remote reset has limitations:

• 🔄 The phone must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 The battery level should be above 20%.
• 📡 Find the device must be activated in the phone settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device).

Once reset remotely, the phone will automatically unplug your Mi Account, making it vulnerable to intruders, and if the device is stolen, it will be impossible to track it once it is reset.

Yes, via the settings menu | Yes, via Recovery Mode | Yes, remotely via Mi Account | No, never | I don't know how to do it-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and consider the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

One of the most insidious mistakes is the firmware bootloop, which occurs when:

• 🔧 The phone has custom firmware installed (unofficial version) MIUI or LineageOS).
• 🔄 Firmware damaged due to interrupted update.
• 🔐 The bootloader is unlocked, but not installed correctly TWRP Recovery.

In such cases, only a full flashing through the Fastboot will help, USB-cable and official firmware for your model (you can download it at en.miui.com).

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If after reset, the phone requires a password from Mi Account and you do not remember it - do not try to guess! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours. Restore account information through the Xiaomi website or contact support with proof of purchase.

What to do after resetting settings

After a successful reset, the phone will return to the "out of the box" state.

1. Go through the initial setup. Select language, region, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to Mi Account or Google Account.
2. Restore data from a backup. If you created a backup through MIUI, the system will suggest restoring it during the setup phase, and the alternative is to manually copy files from a memory card or PC.
3. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install the latest security patches.
4. Set up a password/fingerprint, activate Find the device and enable data encryption (optional).
5. Reinstall the apps. Go to Google Play → Library to restore previously installed programs.

Don't rush to install all the apps at once. Start with the basics (messengers, banking apps, social networks), and then gradually add the rest, which will help avoid the system clogging again.

If after resetting the phone began to work faster, but after a while began to brake again, check:

• 🛡️ Background activity of applications in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
• 🗑️ Cache and garbage (use the built-in Cleanup utility in the MIUI).
• 🔄 Firmware updates – sometimes bugs are only fixed in newer versions.

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To speed up the phone after reset, turn off the interface animation. To do this, activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings), then in Settings → Additional → For developers, set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Animation Duration on No Animation.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions