Hard Resets on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 Ways to Reset to Factory Settings

When you need a hard reset and how it differs from a soft reset

Hard reset on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a radical solution when the device is unstable, slows down or does not respond at all to commands. Unlike reset software, the hard reset completely erases all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings. This is the equivalent of a clean installation system, as if you had just unpacked a new phone.

The main reasons why users resort to a complete reset:

• 🐢 Strong slowdown after update MIUI installing applications
• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock, PIN-lock-screen code
• 🦠 Viral infection or suspicious activity in the system
• 📱 Preparing the phone for sale or transfer to another user
• 🔄 Cyclical restart (bootloop) or persistent errors in the OS

It's important to understand that hard reset doesn't fix hardware malfunctions -- if the phone doesn't turn on because of a damaged battery or motherboard, reset won't help. SD-Cards (if installed) but completely cleans internal memory.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps: Without a backup, you will lose all your data forever – you can’t recover it after a hard reset.

What must be kept:

• 📸 Photos and Videos – Move to PC, cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or external drive
• 📞 Contacts – sync with your Google account or export to a.vcf file
• 📝 Messages – Use apps like this SMS Backup & Restore
• 🎮 Game saves – many games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile accounts are linked, but local saves will disappear
• 🔑 Passwords – export from the password manager or take screenshots

Also check:

Charge your phone at least 50%|Make sure you know the username/password from your Mi Account (if linked)|Turn off the factory defenses (FRP) customized|Remember. IMEI (printed on a box or under a battery)|Get out. SIM-map SD-card (if any)-->

If you reset your phone because of a forgotten password, but remember the data from your Mi Account, after the reset, you will need to enter them to unlock (FRP Lock).

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9T and newer after reset may require confirmation through the original SIM-card if Find My Device has been activated. SIM-card.

Method 1: Hard Resets via the settings menu (if the phone is running)

The easiest and safest method is to reset via MIUI, which is suitable if the phone is turned on, responsive to touch and you have access to the settings menu.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on new MIUI versions).
3. Slip on Reset (may be called Reset and Reset).
4. Select Reset all settings or Delete all data.
5. Enter. PIN-lock screen code or password (if requested).
6. Confirm the action by pressing Erase all or Next.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5 to 15 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box - the system will show a direct link to the desired section.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Global) ROM For Redmi Note 8 Pro, the "This device is locked" error may appear after the reset, which means that the phone is tied to the Mi Account - enter the unlock data.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If your smartphone doesn’t respond to the power button, freezes on the Redmi logo, or reboots cyclically, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the screen is locked, but requires physical access to the phone’s buttons.

Instructions for most Redmi models:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press button combination: For Redmi Note 9/10/11, Redmi 9/10: Power + Volume up For Redmi K40/K50, Redmi Note 8/8 Pro: Power + Volume up + Volume down (for 2-3 seconds, then release only power) For older models (Redmi 5/6/7): Power + Volume up (hold until vibration)

Mi

Recovery Mode

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

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Yes

Reboot

If you request a password in Recovery but don’t remember it, go to Method 3 (Fastboot).

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

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires connecting your phone to your computer.

• 🔐 Phone locked and Recovery Mode asks for password
• 🤖 The device does not load even in Recovery.
• 📦 You need to reflash the phone from scratch (for example, after a failed update)

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or macOS
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi)
• 📄 Firmware for your model (choose Fastboot) ROM)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume down for 5-10 seconds to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-hushanka will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) mode.
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).
7. After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

fastboot oem edl # Translation to EDL mode (for some models)


fastboot flash all #Command for full flashing

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 10S, Redmi K30 Pro and some others, after being firmwareed through Fastboot, can trigger an anti-rollback if the firmware version is lower than the current one, and it will lead to a brick, the phone will stop turning on. Always check the version. MIUI before-fixing!

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The Fastboot method erases everything, including the bootloader and system partitions, and only use it if other methods have not helped or you are confident in your actions.

What to do after a hard reset: initial setup

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

1. Language and region choice: Specify Russian and Russia (or your country).
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Without the internet, you can’t sign in to your Mi or Google account.
3. Log in: If your phone was linked to Mi Account, enter your username and password. If you forget your data, use account recovery.
4. Data recovery: If you made a backup through Mi Cloud, select it from the recovery menu. For a Google account, sync your contacts, calendar, and email.

Security setting

• Install a new one. PIN-code.
• Activate Find My Device (in case of loss).

After setting up, check:

• 📶 Mobile network operation (insert) SIM-map).
• 🔋 Battery level (after reset may show incorrectly - let the phone work for 10-15 minutes).
• 🎵 Sound and vibration (sometimes the volume settings are reset).

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If after resetting the phone began to work slower than before, perform “optimization” manually: go to Settings → About Phone → Optimization and start the process.

Common Mistakes After Hard Reset and How to Fix Them

Even after a successful reset, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If the phone overheats or turns off spontaneously after reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (such as a bloated battery).

FAQ: Frequent questions about hard reset on Xiaomi Redmi