Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 to factory settings: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is a legendary smartphone that is still used by thousands of users. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or simply requires a clean start. Reset to factory settings (hard reset) solves most software problems, from freezes to errors after the MIUI update. But how to do it correctly, so as not to turn the phone into a brick?

This article contains 3 proven reset methods (through settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), detailed photo instructions, risk warnings and answers to frequent questions, and unique data on the specifics of the reset specifically for the Redmi Note 3 (codenamed kenzo/hennessy), which are not in the general guides.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Reset erases all the data on your phone: contacts, photos, messages, installed apps, even if you plan to sell the device, it is better to keep a backup — in case you need to restore something important.

Here’s what to do before resetting:

• 📱 Sync your Mi Account. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Sync and enable backup of contacts, notes and call history.It's free and takes 2-3 minute.
• 🖥️ Copy files on your PC. Connect Redmi Note. 3 down USB (in File Transfer mode) and transfer folders DCIM (Photos, Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp/Media (messenger).
• 🔐 Remember passwords. Once reset, you'll have to re-enter your Wi-Fi, banking, and social media logins, use a password manager like Bitwarden, or write them down in a notebook.
• 🔋 Charge the battery. Make sure it's at least 50 percent. If the reset is interrupted by a discharge, the phone may not turn on.

Feature Redmi Note 3: this model does not have a slot for SD-The 32GB version of the card (only a 16GB hybrid slot) will have to be backed up either on PC or in the cloud (e.g. Google Drive or Mi Cloud).

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from your Mi Account, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot may lock your phone! after the reset, the system will require you to enter the login and password from the last associated account. Without them, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the Redmi Note 3 (the official Xiaomi service center will be required).

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

This method works if the phone turns on and you remember the pattern lock./PIN-Suitable for eliminating small glitches, preparing for sale or transfer of the device.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (or Advanced Settings in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Go to Recovery and Reset (or Backup and Reset).
4. Slip Settings Reset.
5. Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Network Settings Reset!).
6. Enter the screen unlock password (if installed).
7. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 3-5 minutes, and the phone will reboot and show the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

Make sure your phone is charged (>50%)

Keep backup copies of important data

Remember the password from the Mi Account (if linked)

Disable your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone)

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⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 3 with firmware MIUI 8 and below the path to reset may be different: Settings → The phone. → Reset. If you don't find a paragraph, upgrade to the latest version available for your model.

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

If the Redmi Note 3 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn't respond to touch, then hardware resetting via Recovery will help. This method does not require a working system, but you need to be able to use physical buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
7. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the menu is in Chinese, be guided by the location of the items:

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🧹 The second item is Wipe Data (reset).
• 📥 Third item – Connect with MIAssistant (for firmware).

Problem? On some Redmi Note 3s (especially with custom firmware), Recovery may require a password. If you don't know it, go to Method 3 (Fastboot).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is needed if:

• 🔄 Phone is not loading and Recovery is not available.
• 🔒 Forgot your password from Recovery or Mi Account.
• 🛠️ Refuse the device after a failed update.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and MiFlash or ADB utility. Attention: wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick”!

Instructions:

1. Download and install the MiFlash Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
2. Turn off the Redmi Note 3.
3. Press the Power button + Volume Down button for 5-7 seconds until the screen with the rabbit in the hat appears.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (a serial number appears), enter the command to reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

After executing the commands, the phone will restart and start setting up from scratch.

1. Download Mi Phone Manager.

2. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode.

3.In Windows Device Manager, update the driver for the exclamation mark device by pointing the path to the folder with Mi Phone Manager.-->

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the Redmi Note 3 (especially with a Helio processor) X10) The fastboot erase userdata command may not work due to a blocked bootloader, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours!).

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 3 will launch with a welcome screen.

1. Choose a language. The default language is Chinese, scroll down and find English or Russian.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't log in to your Mi Account or download updates.
3. Sign in to Xiaomi account (if it was tied before the reset).
4. Skip the recovery from the backup if you sell the device, otherwise the new owners will get your data.
5. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI for your model.

The Redmi Note 3 feature is that after a reset, the NFC module may not be in the settings, even if it was earlier. This is normal - the feature will appear after the first firmware update.

1. log out of Xiaomi account (Settings → Account → Sign out).

2. Delete all Google accounts (Settings → Accounts → Google → Delete account).

3. disable "Find device" (Settings → Additional → Security → Find device).

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Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right reset, there can be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the Redmi Note 3 starts to warm up or discharge quickly after reset, it is likely a battery problem.Reset does not solve hardware malfunctions - you will need to replace the battery.

Redmi Note 3 flashing after a failed reset

If the reset failed (the phone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or gives out errors), you will have to refashion the device.

• 📦 Through MiFlash (official method) Suitable for stock firmware recovery.
• 🛠️ Through TWRP (Custom Recovery allows you to install unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS).

Instructions for MiFlash:

1. Download the firmware for Redmi Note 3 (select the version for kenzo – Snapdragon or hennessy – Helio X10).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\rom\).
3. Install drivers and MiFlash.
4. Run Redmi Note 3 in Fastboot mode (see Method 3).
5. In MiFlash, click Select, specify the firmware folder, then Refresh (the device should appear).
6. Select Clean all at the bottom and click Flash.

Important! The firmware on MiFlash erases all data, including internal memory. If you want to save files, try retrieving them through ADB in Recovery mode first.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi Note 3