Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. Perhaps your smartphone started to brake after the MIUI update, got infected with a virus, or you just want to sell the device by deleting all personal data. In this article, we will discuss all possible methods of rebooting, from a soft reset via the menu to a hard recovery via Fastboot or Recovery Mode.
It is important to understand the difference between types of reset: soft reset (via settings) saves files in memory, but removes applications and settings; hard reset (via Recovery or Fastboot) erases everything, including internal memory. We will also look at how to avoid data loss in a random reset and what to do if Redmi does not respond to buttons.
This article is suitable for all models of the Redmi series (including Redmi Note 12/11/10 Pro, Redmi 9/10/11, Redmi K50/K60, etc.), but note: on devices with a locked bootloader (bootloader), some methods may not work without prior unlocking.
1.When do you need a full Xiaomi Redmi reboot?
Factory reset is not a panacea, but it helps in 80% of software failures. Here are the typical situations where this is relevant:
- ๐ข The smartphone is very slow, applications are constantly flying out, and MIUI It makes errors like "Systems." UI stopped".
- ๐ You forgot your pattern lock or password, and Find My Device doesnโt help unlock your device.
- ๐ฑ Before selling or transferring a phone to another user โ to delete all accounts (Mi Account, Google) and data.
- ๐ After a failed firmware update (for example, through OTA or custom Recovery when the system is not loaded.
- ๐ฆ Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:
- ๐ Physical failure (such as a broken screen or a faulty battery).
- ๐ก Hardware failures of modules (camera, speaker, microphone).
- ๐ Connector damage. USB-C charger.
โ ๏ธ Note: If your Redmi is blocked through your Mi Account (Xiaomi account), a reset without detachment will result in activation of the protection. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: In this case, the phone will require the username/password from the previous owner.
Preparation for resetting: how to save data?
A full reboot erases all user data, including:
- ๐ธ Photos and videos in the gallery (unless saved in Google Photos or the cloud).
- ๐ฑ Contacts (if not synced with Google Account).
- ๐ต Music, documents and downloads from internal memory.
- ๐ฎ Game saving (unless linked to a Google Play or Mi Account).
- ๐ Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, fingerprints.
To avoid losses, follow the following steps:
Make a backup through Settings โ About Phone โ Backup
Copy photos/videos on PC or in the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)
Export contacts to.vcf file
Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account and Google
Make sure your phone has a โฅ50% charge
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For backup through MIUI:
- Go to Settings โ About Phone โ Backup.
- Select "System Backup" and select the data you need (applications, settings, SMS).
- Click "Create a backup" and wait until it is completed (the file will be saved in internal memory in the MIUI/backup folder).
If the phone doesnโt turn on, try extracting data via Fastboot (youโll need a PC and an ADB utility), but itโs a complicated process โ itโs better to contact the service center.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Backup copies MIUI Not compatible with other firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience). If you plan to install custom firmware, save the data manually.
3. Method 1: Soft reset via settings (without file loss)
This is the simplest method that does not affect files in memory (photos, videos, music), but deletes:
- ๐ฑ Installed applications and their data.
- ๐ง System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound).
- ๐ pattern lock/password (if you forget).
Instructions:
- Open Settings โ About the phone โ Reset settings.
- Select "Reset" (not to be confused with "Reset all data").
- Confirm the action by entering a password (if required).
- Wait for the reboot (it will take 2-5 minutes).
After the reset, you will need:
- ๐ Sign in to Mi Account (if you were tied in).
- ๐ฑ Set up your phone as new or restore data from a backup.
๐ก
If Redmi asks for an old password after reset and you donโt remember it, try entering the last one used. PIN-Sometimes the system accepts it instead of the password from the account.
Method 4: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (Erase All)
This method is used when:
- ๐ต The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo MI.
- ๐ Password is forgotten and soft reset is not available.
- ๐ You need to clean the device completely before selling it.
Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Click the combination: For most Redmi: Power button + Volume up. For older models (e.g. Redmi 4/5): Power button + Volume up + Volume down.
Mi
Recovery
In the Recovery menu (management is carried out by volume and power buttons):
- Select "Wipe Data" โ "Wipe All Data" (Erase all, including internal memory).
- Confirm the action by choosing "Confirm".
- After completion, select "Reboot" โ"Reboot to System".
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume down for 10 seconds. The screen will appear a hare in a hat-out (Fastboot logo).
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the folder with Platform Tools.
- Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (e.g., 1234abcd fastboot), continue.
- Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
Once you reboot, the phone will look like new. If you want to flash stock firmware, download it from Xiaomi Firmware and use the command:
fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]โ ๏ธ Note: On devices with locked bootloader, the command fastboot flash all can lead to brick. Before firmware, unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool.
Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can reset it remotely via Xiaomi's Find My Device service.
- Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
- Select the lost device in the list.
- Click "Erase Data" โ Confirm the action.
Mind you:
- ๐ถ The phone must be connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
- ๐ The battery should be charged. โฅ15%.
- ๐ After reset, the device will require data input from Mi Account at the first setup.
This method does not work if:
- ๐ต Phone's off or discharged.
- ๐ Data and Wi-Fi transmissions disabled.
- ๐ง In the settings disabled function "Find the device".
7.Table: Comparison of Xiaomi Redmi reset methods
| Method | Deletes files? | You need a PC? | Does it work with a locked screen? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft reset (through settings) | โ No (only apps and settings) | โ No. | โ No. | โญ |
| Recovery Mode | โ Yes (all, including internal memory) | โ No. | โ Yes. | โญโญ |
| Fastboot | โ Yes (optional) | โ Yes. | โ Yes. | โญโญโญ |
| Mi Account (remote) | โ Yes. | โ No. | โ Yes (if the internet is on) | โญ |
| Service centre | โ Yes/No (on request) | โ No. | โ Yes. | โญโญโญโญ |
๐ก
If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center. Incorrect reset via Fastboot or interrupted firmware can lead to a complete loss of the deviceโs performance.
8. Frequent errors and their solutions
When resetting Xiaomi Redmi users often face problems. Consider the most common:
- ๐ The phone is stuck on the logo. MI After reset: Cause: damaged firmware or failure when cleaning the cache partition. Solution: repeat the reset via Recovery or run the stock firmware through Fastboot.
- ๐ After reset, requires a password from Mi Account: This is protection FRP. If you forget your account details, restore them on the Mi Account website or contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device.
- ๐ป Fastboot doesnโt see the device: Install Xiaomi drivers (download from official website), try another cable or port USB.
โ ๏ธ Note: If Redmi issues a โThis device is lockedโ error when trying to flash custom Recovery, the bootloader is not unlocked. Unlocking takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting after the account is linked.