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

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. Regardless of the model — whether it is Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C or POCO X5 — the procedure is almost identical, but has nuances depending on the version of MIUI and the state of the device. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from a standard reset through settings to forced recovery via Fastboot when the smartphone is not turned on.

It is important to understand that a full reset removes all data from internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications and even account settings. If you have not made a backup, it will not be possible to recover information after the procedure, so before you start, check whether important files are saved in the Xiaomi cloud or on an external medium.

This article is relevant for all current Redmi models (2018-2026), including the Note, K and POCO lines running MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS. If your device is released before 2018, some methods (such as Fastboot reset) may require outdated versions of tools, we will warn you about this separately.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but it helps in 80% of software failures, and these are typical situations where the procedure is justified:

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Critical bugs (e.g., camera or mobile network not working).
• 🔒 The device is locked due to a forgotten pattern lock or password (but note: after the reset, you will need to enter your Xiaomi account data!).
• 📱 Before selling or transferring a phone to another user – to delete personal data.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by an antivirus.

However, there are cases where resetting will not help:

• ⚡ Problems with the battery (fast discharge, bloating).
• 📡 Hardware malfunctions (defunct speaker, sensor, camera due to physical damage).
• 🔌 The device does not turn on due to a damaged charging controller.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone because of a screen lock, make sure to remember your Xiaomi account details (email and password (FRP-Without this data, the phone will become a brick".

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and you can log in. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – More → About Phone).
3. Slip on Reset (may be called Reset and Reset).
4. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
5. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The device will automatically restart and start the cleaning process, and when it's finished, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you bought it.

Backup photos and contacts |

Remember Xiaomi account details (email/password)|

Connect the phone to charge (the battery must be charged at least 50 times%)|

Remove the memory card (if you don’t want to format it)-->

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A Redmi 10) may cause an activation error after reset MIUI. If the phone asks you to enter the data of the previous account, and you do not remember them, use the official form of access recovery.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

If the smartphone is stuck on the Redmi logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, resetting through Recovery Mode will help.This method does not require a computer, but all data will be deleted.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the key combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Redmi Note 8/9/10 and some others: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• The 3rd item on top is Wipe Data.
• The last item is Reboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (for example, because of a damaged firmware), then forced reset via Fastboot is left, USB-Xiaomi cable and installed drivers. It is suitable for unlocking the bootloader or restoring the "brick".

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 or macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot from Android SDK.
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 30%.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the screen with the rabbit in the header (Fastboot Mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After this command, all data, including accounts, will be deleted without recovery, and if a Xiaomi account was linked to the phone, after the reboot, authorization will be required.

1. Use another. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

2. disable driver signatures in Windows (to do this, type bcdedit/set nointegritychecks on and restart your PC).

3.Try another cable – cheap cables often don’t support data transmission.-->

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in initial setup mode.

1. Choose the language and region (we recommend Russia for the correct operation of Xiaomi services).
2. Connect to the Wi-Fi network (required, otherwise you will not be able to log in to your account).
3. Enter your Xiaomi account details (if your phone was tied) If you forgot your password, use recovery.
4. Set up the screen lock (recommended P)IN-code).
5. Restore data from a backup (if it was created through Mi Cloud or Google Account).

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 📵 No mobile network: check your settings SIM-maps in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks. You may need to manually enter parameters. APN.
• 🔊 No sound: Make sure not to disturb (Settings) → Sound).
• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: after reset, the system needs 2-3 days to optimize the background of applications.

💡

If the phone requires the old Xiaomi account password after reset and you don’t remember it, the only official way to unlock it is to contact the Xiaomi service center with confirmation of purchase.

How to avoid data loss before resetting

If the phone is still on, you have a chance to store important information.

• 📁 Photos and videos: copy to your computer via USB-cable (in File Transfer mode) or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud.
• 📞 Contacts: export to.vcf via Contacts app or sync with Google Account.
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
• 🎮 Game Savings: Check if they are linked to a Google Play Games or Mi Account.

For backup of system settings and applications:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Choose Local Backup or Cloud Backup (in Mi Cloud).
3. Specify data for copying (contacts, messages, Wi-Fi settings, etc.).
4. Click Create a backup copy.

The backup file will be saved to the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory, and then backed to your computer or cloud.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

If your problem is not described above, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable or port).
• 🔋 Battery level (if less than 10%, the reset may be interrupted).
• 📋 Version MIUI (In some beta versions, the reset is not working properly).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions