How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 remains one of the brand’s most popular smartphones years after its release. But over time, any gadget starts to slow down, glitch, or simply requires a “clean start” before selling. Hard reset solves most software problems, but it’s important to do it right – so as not to lose important data and turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot. We will take a detailed look at each step, warn of possible errors and tell you how to restore the phone if something goes wrong, and also give you tips on how to prepare for the reset so that you do not regret lost photos or contacts.

If your Redmi Note 7 doesn’t turn on, hovers on your logo, or requires a password after a reset, we have solutions for these cases as well.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Reset is not a panacea, but it helps in 80% of software failures.

• 🐢 The phone is severely slowing down, applications are constantly “flying out”, and there is almost no free memory – even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Bugs: sensors do not work, the sound is lost or the touch screen fails.
• 📱 You sell or transfer your smartphone to another person and want to delete all personal data.
• 🔒 Forgot your pattern lock or lock screen password (but remember your Mi Account details!).
• 🆘 The phone is getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo or cyclically rebooting (bootloop).

But resetting won’t help if the problem is hardware, a broken screen, a faulty battery, or a damaged motherboard, and in such cases, repairs are needed, not software reboots.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone before selling, remember to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Mi Account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device - he will need your login and password!

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Resetting to factory settings completely removes all data from the phone’s internal memory: photos, videos, contacts, messages, apps and their settings. If you don’t backup in advance, it will be extremely difficult (and sometimes impossible) to recover information.

Here’s what to keep before resetting:

• 📸 Photos and videos: copy to PC via USB-cable or upload to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex.Disk).
• 📞 Contacts: Export to the file VCF (Contacts → Settings → Exports) or sync with your Google account.
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore to save history SMS.
• 🎮 Game data: link accounts to Google Play or social networks to avoid losing progress.
• 📝 Notes and Documents: Check Download, Documents and Notes folders.

For convenience, you can use the built-in MIUI backup function:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save (contacts, messages, system settings).
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.
4. The backup file will appear in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder – copy it to your PC.

⚠️ Warning: Don't save the backup to the memory card only! When reset via Recovery, it can be formatted. Better copy the data to a computer or to the cloud.

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

If the phone turns on and you remember the lock screen password, this is the fastest and most secure method, and it works even on a locked Redmi Note 7 (if you know the pattern lock).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Slip on backup and reset.
4. Select Settings Reset.
5. Click Delete all data (you may need to enter a password or pattern lock).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Reset the phone.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process. It will take 3-10 minutes -- don't turn the device off and don't remove the battery! After the reset, the Redmi Note 7 will turn on as new, with a welcome setting screen.

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If you reset your phone, you ask for an old password, which is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, and you want to unlock it, you need to remember the data from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.

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

If the Redmi Note 7 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to clicks, resetting via Recovery mode will help.This method is also suitable if you forget the lock password, but remember the data from the Mi Account.

How to get in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it doesn’t respond).
2. Press the volume button (+) and the power button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In Recovery, the control is carried out by volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection). The interface can be in Chinese - navigate by icons:

• 🔄 Reboot - Reboot (do not choose!).
• 🗑️ Wipe Data or Clear Data – Resetting your settings.
• 📱 Wipe All Data – Complete Cleanup (We Need a Item).

Step-by-step action:

1. Select Wipe Data (phone and trash can icon).
2. Confirm your choice (you may need to enter a password from your Mi Account).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: If you don't have Wipe All Data in Recovery, only Wipe Cache is an incomplete reset. In this case, try the Fastboot method or reflash your phone.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (e.g., Recovery is damaged or the phone doesn’t respond to buttons), it will reset via Fastboot mode, which requires a computer and installed Xiaomi drivers, but is guaranteed to clean up the device even if it crashes.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux fixed ADB/Fastboot).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Xiaomi drivers (you can download from the official website).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (for firmware, if resetting does not help).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 7.
2. Press the volume down button (-) and the power button at the same time.
3. Hold until a hare in a hat-eared hat appears on the screen (Fastboot logo).
4. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
5. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

fastboot devices

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

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

The phone will reboot and start setting up from scratch. If the command doesn't work, try a full cleanup:

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase boot




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase system and fastboot erase boot will remove the firmware! After they run, the phone will not turn on - you will need to reflash it through the Mi Flash Tool. Use only if you are confident in your actions!

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and it helps even with a damaged Recovery, but it requires command line knowledge, and if you're not sure, you better go to the service center.

What to do after a reset: the first setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 7 will turn on as new.

1. Select Russian (or other language you want).
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Be sure to connect to the network to download updates and restore the backup.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account: If your phone was linked to your account, log in (otherwise you won’t be able to use your device).
4. Data recovery: If you have backups done through Mi Cloud or Google, select the appropriate option.
5. Setup of the lock screen: install a new one PIN-code.

How to recover data:

• 📱 From local backup: copy the backup file from the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup Back to your phone and restore via Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• ☁️ From the cloud: if you sync your data with Mi Cloud or Google, it will automatically recover when you log in to your account.
• 💻 From the computer: connect the phone to USB and manually transfer photos, videos and documents.

If after reset, the phone asks you to enter the password from your old Mi Account, but you do not remember it, the only way out is to contact Xiaomi with a proof of purchase (check, box).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), in which case only repairs at the service center will help.

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If the phone is even slower after reset, check the battery status. A worn-out battery (capacity < 70%) can cause lags and sudden shutdowns. Replace it if the phone has been in use for more than 2-3 years.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions