Full reset Xiaomi Redmi: 4 proven ways

When a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone starts to slow down, make errors, or require preparation for a sale, users often resort to a complete system reboot — a procedure known as hard reset. This process returns the device to factory settings, removing all user data, apps, and settings. But how to properly reset to avoid turning the phone into a brick?

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting for the Redmi Note, Redmi and Redmi lines. POCO (Including models from 2023 to 2026, we explain when a Fastboot is needed and when a standard menu is enough, and we warn against typical errors. EDL-Mode – information that is not in the official instructions of Xiaomi.

1. When you need a complete Redmi reset - and when you can do without it

Many users confuse a soft reboot (reset) with a hard reset (delete all data), the first option solves temporary freezes, the second one solves system problems, and here are the cases where hard reset is really necessary:

• 📱 The phone is constantly overheating and shutting down for no reason (after checking the battery).
• 🔄 The system is fixated on the logo MI flashing.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware are not removed by antiviruses (for example, after installing pirated software). APK).
• 📦 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another user.
• 🔧 After a failed update MIUI (For example, the error "Can't verify update").

Here are the situations where the reset will not help or even harm:

• ⚡ Charging problems (you need to check the connector or battery).
• 📶 No network (possibly damaged communication module).
• 🔊 Do not work speakers (more often to blame the plume or firmware sound chip).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is locked through Mi Account and you do not remember the password, reset will not help unlock it! This will require official deletion of the account through the Xiaomi service (cost from 300 to 1500 rubles in 2026).

2.Reset preparation: how to save data and avoid errors

Before you reset Redmi to factory settings, make sure you backup. Even if the phone doesn't turn on, some of the data can be saved.

1. Copy files to your PC via USB-Type C cable (in File Transfer Mode). Backup folders: /DCIM/ (photos and videos) /Download/ (downloads) /MIUI/ (theme and wallpaper settings) /Android/data/ (save games)
2. Export your contacts to Google: Contacts → Settings → Import/Export → Export to VCF.
3. Save SMS with apps like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
4. Unlink accounts: Settings → Accounts → Delete your Google/Mi Account (otherwise, you will need to enter a password after resetting!).

If the phone doesn't respond to touch, but turns on, try connecting it to your PC and using ADB to copy data.

adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Redmi_Backup\

Backup photo and video.|Deleted Google and Mi accounts|Copyed. SMS contact|Battery charge > 50%|Out. SIM memory card-->

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption, after reset via Recovery, the device may require a password from the previous account, in which case only the firmware through Fastboot will help.

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is turned on)

The easiest method is to use the built-in reset function in MIUI. It is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 📶 No hardware damage to the screen.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account (if required).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and after you restart, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like you did after you bought it.

💡

If, after resetting, your phone asks you to enter your old Google account password and you don't remember it, use the access recovery service, enter the last password you use, or answer the security questions.

4. Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (volume buttons + power)

If the phone doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo, use Recovery Mode, which works on all Redmi models, including the Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 13C and POCO X6.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
7. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — Data reset (Wipe Data).
• 🔄 — reboot (Reboot).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) may have a “This device is locked” error after reset via Recovery, which means that the phone is tied to a Mi Account. Unlocking will require login/password or firmware input via Fastboot.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, after a failed firmware), use Fastboot mode. This method requires a computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (original!).
• 📥 The Mi Flash Tool.
• 📦 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.
5. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't find device" error, install the drivers manually:

Install Android SDK Platform-Tools


Open the command line in the adb folder and type:




fastboot devices

If the device is not displayed, try:

• 🔌 Connect to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers through Device Manager.
• 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB (If the phone is even slightly switched on).

💡

Fastboot removes all data, including viruses and corrupted system files, and is effective in 90% of all build-ups after failed updates.

Method 4: Emergency recovery via EDL (for "bricks")

If the phone doesn't respond to buttons at all (black screen, no vibration), the last chance is EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which allows you to flash the device at a low level, even if the bootloader is damaged.

⚠️ Warning: This method requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new models) or a special cable EDL. The wrong actions can finally put the phone out of action!

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for EDL (.mbn format).
2. Install Qualcomm QDLoader and Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in mode EDL: To do this, you can: - Use testpoints (closing contacts on the board). - Buy EDL-cable (about 500 rubles on AliExpress). - Use the Deep Flash Cable utility (for older models).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select firmware and press Refresh. The device should be defined as COM-port.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (up to 20 minutes).

If the phone does not turn on after the firmware:

• 🔋 Check the battery (it may be discharged below 3%).
• 🔌 Connect to charging for 30 minutes, then try turning on.
• 🔄 Repeat the firmware with another version MIUI.

💡

If you have a Redmi Note 9 Pro or a newer one, EDL-The regime will require authorization through the Xiaomi account, without it, the firmware will end in error "SLA Auth Error. In this case, contact the service center or buy authorization from trusted sellers (cost) ~1,000 rubles).

7. Frequent errors after reset and how to fix them

Even after a successful hard reset, problems can arise. Here are the most common solutions.

If the phone does not see after the reset SIM-map, check it out:

• 📶 Is it inserted correctly? SIM (On some Redmi models, the tray has a key).
• 🔧 Network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network selection (automatically).
• 📡 Firmware version (new models may require an update of the radio module).

8.FAQ: Answers to frequent questions about Redmi dump