How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S to factory settings: a detailed guide with photos

Why you need a Redmi Note 10S reset and when to do it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems.The model released in 2021 based on the MediaTek Helio G95 and MIUI 12.5+ can eventually start to slow down due to accumulated cache, conflicting updates or viruses. Unlike the newer Note 11/12 series devices, the Note 10S has reset features related to the firmware version and the type of bootloader unlock.

The main reasons for discharge are:

• 🐢 Strong lags and hangs after upgrading to MIUI 14/15 (especially relevant to devices with 64 GB memory).
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code (unless you have Mi Account).
• 📱 Preparation for sale – deletion of personal data without the possibility of recovery.
• 🛠️ Fixing bugs like “Com Android Phone has stopped working” or cyclic reboot.

However, resetting does not always solve hardware problems, such as overheating the processor due to thermal paste or a discharged battery (capacity below 80%) it will not "cure." If the phone does not turn on even after resetting through the Fastboot, the problem is more likely to be in the hardware.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Unprepared resets can result in loss of photos, contacts and even locking the device through the Mi Account.

Backup via Mi Cloud or locally|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Unrespond to Google Account (if any) FRP)|Remember the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)|Get out. SIM and a memory card (if you do not need data)-->

Backup to MIUI is done through Settings → About Phone → Backup.

• 📁 The local copy is saved in the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup — It can be copied to a PC.
• ☁️ Cloud Mi Cloud gives free only 5 GB, and photos in the original quality take up a lot of space.
• 🚫 Contacts, SMS Notes are synced automatically if the option is enabled in Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has Find Device enabled, you will need to enter your Mi Account password after reset, even if you unplug Google.

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

This method works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password.It works for the Redmi Note 10S on any version of MIUI (including HyperOS if updated).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (the notification will appear "You became a developer").
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset settings.
4. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new, and the important thing is, if you had a Mi Account tied before the reset, you're going to have to enter your data after the reboot, which is fine.

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If the phone is resetting, it asks for an old one. PIN-If you've forgotten the code, try entering your last Wi-Fi password or pattern lock. MIUI caches them.

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

If the Redmi Note 10S is stuck on the MI logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, Recovery mode will help. On this model, it can be in Chinese or English, depending on the regional firmware.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – in 3-5 seconds the Recovery menu will open.

Further action:

• 🌐 If the menu is in Chinese, select (data cleanup) →.
• 🇬🇧 In English: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
• 🔄 Confirm the action with a swipe or a choice of Confirm.

⚠️ Note: If the error "Can't mount" appears in Recovery /data", This means that the data partition is damaged, and then only the firmware through Fastboot will help. 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is needed if:

• 🔐 Phone is blocked by Mi Account and does not accept password.
• 🛠️ Recovery does not start or gives out errors.
• 📥 You need to flash clean firmware (for example, with the transition to HyperOS).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (MediaTek Driver for Redmi Note 10S).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📂 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model (version should match the region!).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect the Redmi Note 10S to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the unpacked firmware (.tgz format).
4. Press Refresh → Flash. It takes 5-15 minutes.

After the firmware:

• 📱 The phone will reboot to a clean system (possibly in Chinese - change in settings).
• 🔒 If you have a Mi Account attached, you will need to enter data to unlock.
• 🔄 The first turn on can take up to 20 minutes – do not interrupt the process!

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bypass Mi Account lock if you forget your password. But for that, the bootloader must be unlocked!

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi Note 10S may be unstable.

If you lose your IMEI or your Mac Wi-Fi address after reset, it's a critical error, and you can only recover it through an engineering menu or firmware with the right NVRAM. Without IMEI, your phone won't catch the network, and without a Mac address, it won't connect to Wi-Fi.

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After reset, check the battery settings: go to Settings → Battery → Performance Mode and select Balanced. This will reduce the heat of the Helio G95 processor.

How to Avoid Mi Account Lockdown After Resetting

Xiaomi links devices to your Mi Account to protect you from theft, and if you drop your phone without untieing your account, you'll see a login/password request when you first turn on.

If you remember the account details:

• 📧 Enter the email and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone.
• 📱 If it doesn’t work, try to restore your password through the official website.

If you don't remember the data:

• 🔓 Contact Xiaomi with a check for purchase – they can remove the lock.
• 🛠️ If you bought your phone with your hands, try contacting the previous owner.
• 🚫 Do not use bypasses through firmware – this violates Xiaomi’s policy and may lead to permanent blocking. IMEI.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 10S firmware MIUI 13+ Bypassing Mi Account through downgrade does not work – the system blocks the loading of old firmware.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi Note 10S Reset