How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note to Factory Settings: The Complete 2026 Guide

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi Note to factory settings is a procedure that may be needed in a variety of situations: from preparing the phone for sale to fixing software failures. However, not all users know that a complete reset removes not only apps and settings, but also encrypted data in the section. /data, And that makes it impossible to restore them without backing them up. MIUI 12+ and activated Find Device after reset may require you to enter data from your previous Mi Account – a measure of protection against theft, which many learn too late.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven reset methods (including hidden methods for locked devices), explain how to bypass the Mi Account request after the reset (legal!), and warn against typical errors that will turn your Redmi Note into a “brick”. 10/11/12 series, where the procedure has nuances due to the updated system of unlocking the bootloader.

If you’re looking for a way to get your phone back to a clean state without losing warranty, you’re in the right place. If the goal is to bypass protection after you buy a used device, then you’ll want to jump right to the Mi Account unlock section (but remember, it only works if you have proof of purchase!).

When to Reset: 7 Good Reasons and 3 Cases When to Reset

Factory reset is not a panacea, but it solves software problems in 80 percent of cases.

• 📱 Sale or transfer of phone – deletion of personal data (photos, messages, passwords) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🐢 Strong braking of the system - when MIUI starts to “lay” even after cleaning the cache and removing applications.
• 🔄 Cyclical Bootloop – The phone turns on, shows the Redmi logo and reboots again.
• 📵 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code – if none of the previously used passwords are suitable.
• 🆔 Account errors Google/Mi — For example, constant requests for authorization in the Mi Cloud.
• 📲 Failures after update MIUI — When new software “breaks” the camera, network or sensors.
• 🔒 Suspicion of viruses – if the antivirus finds threats but cannot remove them.

However, there are cases where resetting won't help or even make the problem worse:

1. Hardware malfunctions – if the screen, speaker, or camera is not working due to a physical breakdown, resetting is useless.
2. Damaged boot or recovery partition – the phone will not turn on even after reset, you will need firmware through Fastboot.
3. Lockdown IMEI — If the device is blacklisted by the operator, the reset will not unlock the network.

Step 0: Backup – What to Save to Avoid Losing an Important

Before you start resetting, make sure to back up. Even if the phone doesn't turn on, some of the data can be saved.

For devices with unlocked bootloader, you can make a full backup through TWRP (If the bootloader is locked, use standard means MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data categories (we recommend that you mark everything except System Settings).
3. Click on “Create backup” and wait until it is completed (it may take 10-30 minutes).
4. The backup file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder.

⚠️ Attention: Backup copies MIUI They're encrypted and attached to the device, and you can't restore them on another phone or after they're reset, unless you make a copy of the AllBackup folder on your PC and return it after you reset it.

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If the phone is not turned on, but is defined by the computer as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, try extracting data using the program UFED It works even on bricks with damaged firmware.

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
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 ask you to enter a password or PIN-code (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The process will take 5-15 The phone will restart and start setting up as it did after purchase. If you see a request for Mi Account data on the screen, go to the section about unlocking the account.

Features for different models:

• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12: After the reset, you may need to connect to Wi-Fi to verify your account.
• 📱 Redmi Note 8/9: The reset menu has the option to Clear internal memory – it deletes everything, including files on the memory card.
• 📱 Redmi Note 7 and older: Resets without requesting a password if Find Device has not been activated before.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Make a backup copy|Remember the Mi Account data|Disable Google Account (if necessary)|Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card-->

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

If the Redmi Note doesn’t load beyond the logo or reboots cyclically, it can help to reset through Recovery Mode, which works even on locked devices, but has limitations:

• ✅ Deletes all data, including viruses and corrupted files.
• ❌ Does not reset the Mi Account settings – after the reboot, you may need to enter data of the previous owner.
• ⚠️ On some models (Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ Recovery is blocked – you will need to unlock the bootloader.

Instructions for entering and resetting Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For Redmi Note 8/9/10/11: Nutrition + Volume up. For the Redmi Note 7 and older: Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down (hold) 10-15 seconds).

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

If the Recovery menu doesn’t appear or the phone vibrates and turns off, it means that:

• 🔋 Battery: Charge your phone to at least 30%.
• 🔒 bootloader is blocked – you need to unlock through Mi Unlock Tool.
• 📱 Recovery section is damaged – you need to flash your phone through Fastboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot reset is the most radical method used when:

• 📵 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔒 Recovery Mode is blocked or damaged.
• 📦 You need to completely reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).

This method will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and the Mi Flash Tool ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked – read the instructions below).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Mi Flash Tool and Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot).
2. Download the firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
3. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip the power + Volume down for 10 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC, and you'll see a rabbit in a fastboot mode).

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Clean All

Clean All and Lock

Flash

After the Fastboot firmware:

• 📱 The phone will be like new – all data is deleted.
• 🔒 If the bootloader has been unlocked, it will lock again (if you have chosen Clean All and Lock).
• 🆔 You may need to be linked to a new Mi Account (if your phone was previously linked to another account).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot Firmware on Redmi Note 12 and later may result in Hardware blocking ID, If you use unofficial firmware, then the phone will turn into a brick and require repairs at the service center.

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring back a phone with a damaged boot or system partition, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and official firmware. IMEI!

How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note (if required)

On all Xiaomi Redmi Notes since 2016, the bootloader has been blocked by default, a measure of protection against unauthorized access, but it also makes it difficult to reset and firmware. Unlock is officially allowed, but has limitations:

• ✅ You can unlock on any device, but only once every 30 days for a single Mi Account.
• ❌ On some models (Redmi Note) 10S, Note 11 Pro+ 5G) Unlocking can lead to blocking Hardware ID when using unofficial firmware.
• 📅 The process takes 72-168 hours (3-7 days) waiting after linking the account to the device.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download and install Mi Unlock Tool (Windows only).
2. Sign up or log in to your Mi Account on your phone (Settings) → Xiaomi account).
3. Move your phone to Fastboot mode (as in the previous section).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
5. Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
6. The program will show a waiting timer (for example, "72 hours"). After it expires, press Unlock.
7. Confirm unlocking and the phone will restart.

If the unlock fails:

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (It is better to use the original cable).
• 🖥️ Try another computer (sometimes drivers are installed incorrectly).
• 📱 Make sure that the phone is on debugging. USB (Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• ⏳ If the timer is reset, wait another 72 hours (this is normal).

How to bypass Mi Account request after reset (legal!)

One of the most common problems after a Redmi Note is resetting the Mi Account from the previous owner, which is anti-theft protection, and you can't get around it head-on, but there are 3 legal ways to unlock it:

1. If you are a former owner: Enter your Mi Account, which was linked to the phone. If you forget your password, restore it through the official website.
2. If the phone is purchased used: Ask the seller for his Mi Account (login and password) to unlock. If the seller does not respond, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy (they will remove the binding within a period of time). 3-5 days).

If the phone is found or purchased without documents:

• The only option is to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, contract).
• Unlocking is not possible without documents – the phone will remain locked.

Which won't help:

• ❌ Fastboot – Mi Account protection is stored in the persist section that does not erase.
• ❌ Dumping through EDL Mode (9008) – requires an authorized Xiaomi account.
• ❌ Deletion of the file mi_account.db — It is restored at the first load.

Forums often advise using bypass methods such as the Mi Account Bypass Tool, but:

• 🚨 This violates Xiaomi’s user agreement.
• 🔒 Could lead to a blockage. IMEI or ID.
• 📵 The phone may stop turning on after "bypassing".

⚠️ Warning: If you bought a Redmi Note with your hands and the seller didn't untie his Mi Account, the only safe way to get your phone back and claim the money back!

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi Note

Through Mi. PC Suite:

• Download Mi PC Suite.
• Connect your phone and select Backup and Restore → Reset to factory settings.

Use it. ADB:

adb shell input keyevent 82 Unlock screen


adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings$DevelopmentSettingsActivity # Opening Settings




adb shell input text "reset" # Search "reset"




adb shell input keyevent 66 Press Enter

Then manually confirm the reset using the mouse or volume keys.

Reset via Recovery:

• Turn off the phone.
• Press the button combination to log in to Recovery (see Method 2).
• Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

If the screen is completely black (not illuminated), the phone must be stitched through the Fastboot or EDL.