How to return Xiaomi Redmi 7A to factory settings: 3 working ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 7A to factory settings is a radical but effective way to solve performance problems, viruses, or device preparation problems. However, an incorrect reset can lead to a Mi Account lock, data loss, or even a “brick” phone. This manual will take a detailed look at all official methods, including hidden nuances that are not mentioned in standard manuals.

Many users mistakenly believe that resetting through Settings and Recovery is identical. In fact, they differ in the depth of cleaning: the first method saves some system files, and the second formats the /data partition completely. In addition, Redmi 7A with MIUI 12+ firmware has an additional protection - binding to a Xiaomi account, which can lock the phone after a reset if you do not follow the preliminary steps.

In this article you will find:

• 🔄 3 proven reset methods (including the method for locked phone)
• ⚠️ Critical mistakes that interrupt the process and how to avoid them
• 📱 Step-by-step screenshots for each stage (relevant to the MIUI 14)
• 🔧 Recovery tools if the reset failed

1.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand

Before you reset Redmi 7A, follow the mandatory steps - this will save you from losing important data and locking the device. The main mistake of users is to ignore the detachment of the Xiaomi account. If the phone is tied to the Mi Account, after the reset, the system will require you to enter a username and password, without them, it will be impossible to unlock the device without contacting the service center (even if you know the account details, but there is no Internet).

Preparation checklist:

Backup through Settings → Additional → Backup |

Untie Xiaomi account in Settings → Xiaomi account → Log out |

Record your phone's IMEI (dial *#06##|)

Charge the battery to at least 50% |

Delete your Google account (if used) in Settings → Accounts.-->

Pay special attention to backup. MIUI has a built-in archiving feature, but it doesn't save:

• 📁 Files in folders DCIM, Downloads, Music (you have to copy them manually)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (they will have to be re-entered)
• 🎮 Save games (if not synced to the cloud)

⚠️ Warning: If you are resetting your phone because of viruses, don’t connect it to your computer to copy files – it could infect your PC. Use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or a memory card (pre-formatted).

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, you remember the pattern lock/PIN-code and there are no critical failures MIUI. Minimum risk of errors, as the process is controlled by the system.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Resetting settings.
3. Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Reset – these are different options!).
4. Enter the password/pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Click Remove everything and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

When you reboot, the phone will suggest you set it up as new, and if you see a window that says Mi Account, you didn't untie your account in advance.

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If the reset through the settings is not complete (hangs on the Redmi logo), hold the power button for 15 seconds to force the reboot. Then repeat the procedure or use the method through Recovery.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code
• 🐢 The phone is slow and does not respond to touch.
• 📵 The screen does not turn on, but the phone vibrates when you press the buttons.

To enter Recovery on Redmi 7A:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Release the buttons when the Mi logo and menu appear in English.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

1. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
2. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 7A Recovery may not have Wipe All Data. In this case, select Wipe & Reset. → Format Data. Don't confuse with Wipe Cache - it won't reset your settings!

If after reset via Recovery, the phone is stuck on the Redmi screensaver for more than 15 minutes:

• 🔋 Check the battery power (the phone may have turned off).
• 🔄 Try re-entering Recovery and selecting Reboot.
• 🛠️ If it doesn’t work, you need to flash it through Fastboot (instructions in Section 5).

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Recovery removes all data without recovery, including files on internal memory.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, you can use the Remote Reset feature through your Xiaomi account, which only works if you:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.
• 🔒 You remember the Mi Account data tied to the device.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi 7A.
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work if the phone is off or without the internet.
• ❌ After the reset, the device will be locked before entering the Mi Account data.
• ❌ Not all of the scalings support this function (only MIUI 10 and below may not work).

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If you sell a phone, a remote reset doesn’t eliminate the need to untie your Xiaomi account manually.

5. Solving problems after discharge

Even if the reset is successful, there may be problems, and let's look at the most common and the ways to fix them.

No network (IMEI reset or "No Services")

After reset, some users experience a lack of mobile network.

• 📡 Resetting settings IMEI (This often happens with unofficial firmware).
• 📵 Damage to Modem files in the section /system.

To restore the IMEI:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app from Google Play.
2. Open it and go to MTK Settings → Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. In the field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"Yours_IMEI_1" AT +EGMR=1,10,"Yours_IMEI_2" (IMEI You can find out on the phone box or dial *#06# before discharge).
4. Reboot the phone.

5.2. The telephone shall not be switched on after discharge

If Redmi 7A does not respond to the power button after reset:

• 🔋 Check charging (plug in to charger for 30 minutes).
• 🔄 Try to log in to Fastboot Mode (hold power) + Loudness down).
• 🛠️ If the screen displays Fastboot, you need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on and doesn't respond to button combinations, don't disassemble it yourself - this can lead to loss of warranty.

Error "This device is locked" (MIUI Anti-Rollback)

On the Redmi 7A with MIUI 11+ firmware, Anti-Rollback protection can work if you are trying to flash an older version of MIUI.

• 🔄 Update your phone to the latest official firmware via Fastboot.
• 📥 Download the firmware from en.miui.com (select the Stable version for Redmi) 7A).
• 🛠️ Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.

Alternative discharge methods

If standard methods don’t help, consider these options:

6.1.Dumping via ADB (for power users)

The method requires a computer with ADB drivers installed and USB debugging enabled on the phone, which is suitable if the screen is working, but the sensor is not responding.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the ADB folder.
2. Enter the commands in order: Adb devices adb shell recovery --wipe_data
3. Wait for completion and reboot.

6.2. TestPoint reset (extreme)

If the phone is locked and Recovery is not available, you can use hardware reset via TestPoint, which requires disassembling the phone and closing the contacts on the board. The risk of damage to the device is extremely high - only use if other methods are exhausted.

For the Redmi 7A, TestPoint is next to the headphone jack.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Remove the back cover and battery.
3. Close the TestPoint contacts with tweezers and connect USB-plug-in.
4. In the Device Manager will appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 – after that you can sew the phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

7. Frequent questions and answers

8 Conclusion: Which Reset Method to Choose

The choice of reset method depends on the condition of the phone:

• 📱 The phone is working fine. → Use reset via Settings (Section 2).
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock. → Recovery reset (Section 3).
• 🌍 Phone lost/stolen → Remote reset via Mi Account (Section 4).
• 🛠️ Phone's off. → Firmware via Fastboot or TestPoint (Section 6).

Remember, resetting is not a cure-all, because if the phone is slowing down because of a worn-out battery or a damaged motherboard, software resetting won't help, and in such cases, it requires a diagnosis at a service center.

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After reset, be sure to update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update.This will fix any bugs and improve performance.