Hard Resets on Xiaomi Redmi 7: 3 working ways to reset to factory settings

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2019. Despite its age, the device is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require complete cleaning before selling, in such cases, comes to the rescue of hard reset - the procedure of returning to factory settings.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to make a hard reset on Redmi 7: through the settings menu, using Recovery Mode, and even if the smartphone does not turn on. We will take a detailed look at each method, warn against typical errors and answer frequent questions. Importantly, the procedure deletes all data from the device, so remember to make a backup!

If your Redmi 7 is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to clicks or needs to be unlocked after a failed update, this guide will help bring it back to life. And for those who are afraid of breaking something, we have prepared a unique table comparing reset methods for safety and complexity.

What is Hard Reset and When You Need It

Hard reset (or hard reset) is the complete deletion of all user data and return of the smartphone to the state of "out of the box". Unlike a normal reboot, the procedure involves:

• 📱 Installed applications (including system updates)
• 📁 Personal files (photos, videos, documents in internal memory)
• ⚙️ System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts)
• 🔒 Passwords and fingerprints

However, the files are not deleted. SD-map (if installed) and data in cloud services (for example, in Mi Cloud, if synchronization was enabled:

• 🐢 The smartphone is slowing down or constantly overheating.
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI error
• 📦 Before selling or transferring the device to another person
• 🔓 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-unlock
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware

⚠️ Attention! If you reset because of a forgotten password, but the device was tied to the account Mi Account, after the reset will need to enter the username and password from it!

On Redmi 7, hard reset can be performed in three ways:

1. Through the settings menu (if the smartphone works)
2. Recovery Mode (if the system does not boot)
3. With Fastboot (for experienced users)

Next, we will discuss each method in detail with step-by-step instructions and screenshots.

Method 1: Hard Resets through Settings (the easiest one)

If your Redmi 7 is powered on and responsive to pressing, it's the safest and fastest method, you don't need any additional tools or a computer.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select the About Phone section.
3. Slip on the item Backup and reset.
4. Select Settings Reset.
5. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.

The smartphone will restart and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like when you first turn on.

Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Connect the charger (the battery must be charged) >30%)|Delete SD-map (unless you need to format it)-->

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require computer or special knowledge
• ✅ Minimum risk of error
• ✅ Saves the data on SD-map (unless formatted)

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It will not help if the smartphone does not turn on
• ❌ It will not work with a locked screen.

⚠️ Attention! If Redmi 7 has custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through settings can result in a logo getting stuck.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the smartphone doesn’t boot)

If Redmi 7 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically, or doesn't respond to clicks, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, a special recovery mode that works even when the screen is locked, but requires you to follow the instructions exactly.

Step 1. Turn off your smartphone.

If the device is frozen, press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out. If there is no reaction, wait for the battery to completely discharge (it can take several hours).

Step 2. Enter Recovery Mode

On the Redmi 7 switched off, hold and hold:

• Power button.
• Button Volume up

Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears, then let go. In a few seconds, you'll see the Recovery menu with a touch panel or volume button control.

Step 3. Select the language

At the top of the screen, tap the flag (or use volume buttons to navigate) and select English or Russian.

Step 4. Perform reset.

From the Recovery menu, select:

1. Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (delete all data)
2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The smartphone will reboot and start the cleaning process, and the first turn on after the reset can take up to 15 minutes — that's okay.

⚠️ Attention! Some versions of Redmi 7 with custom firmware may look different, but if you see a text menu with a blue background instead of a graphical interface, it's a text menu. TWRP (You have to choose the Wipe. → Format Data, then enter Yes to confirm.

Method 3: Hard Resets via Fastboot (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (e.g., the smartphone doesn't respond to buttons or the Recovery menu is damaged), the last option is a Fastboot reset, USB-Cable and Minimal Knowledge of Command Line.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set)
• 📥 The Mi Flash Tool or ADB/Fastboot
• 🔋 Redmi 7 battery charge over 50%

Step 1: Install drivers and tools

Download and install:

• Mi Flash Tool (Official Tool from Xiaomi)
• ADB drivers for your OS (can be found on the Android Developers website)

Step 2: Launch Redmi 7 in Fastboot mode

Turn off your smartphone, then press:

• Power button.
• Button Loudness down

Hold it until the Fastboot sign shows up on the screen with the image of a hare in a hat.

Step 3: Connect your smartphone to your PC and reset

Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows) and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), enter the command for a complete reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

The smartphone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which is guaranteed to work even on bricks (devices with damaged firmware), but requires caution.

1. Reconnect. USB-cable.

2. Install drivers manually through Device Manager.

3. Use the original Xiaomi cable (cheap cables often don't support data transfer).-->

What to do after a hard reset

After a successful reset, Redmi 7 will launch with the initial setup screen.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi – this will be necessary to restore the backup (if any) and update the system.
2. Sign in to the Mi Account – if it was tied before the reset, without this step, you will not be able to use the smartphone.
3. Recover data – if you have backed up through Mi Cloud or Google Account, select the appropriate item in the settings menu.
4. Update MIUI – go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest firmware version.

What NOT to do after the reset:

• ❌ Install applications from unknown sources (virus risk)
• ❌ Skip Mi Account setting (can block the device)
• ❌ Disable automatic system updates (this can cause vulnerabilities)

If after resetting the smartphone began to work slower than before the procedure, check:

• 🔋 Battery condition (wearing more than 50% strongly affects performance)
• 📱 Availability of updates MIUI (Older versions may contain errors)
• 🧹 Residual files in memory (sometimes a reset doesn’t clear the cache completely – manual cleaning through Settings will help) → Warehouse)

💡

After the Redmi 7 hard reset, it may be necessary to reactivate SIM-If the mobile network is not working, restart the device or manually select the operator in the settings.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

The most common mistake is trying to reset through Recovery on a discharged smartphone. If the battery goes down below 10% during the procedure, the device can turn off and turn into a brick. Always check the charge before you start!

The second most common problem is the forgotten password from Mi Account. If you don't remember the login details, restore them in advance on the Xiaomi website. Without this, the reset could lock the smartphone forever.

⚠️ If you buy a Redmi 7 with your hands and the seller says he made a reset, but asks you not to sign in to Mi Account, that's fraud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hard reset on Redmi 7