Full reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings: 3 working methods

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, helping to fix software failures, remove viruses, prepare the phone for sale or simply “reset” the system for the purity of experiments. However, an incorrect reset can turn a smartphone into a “brick”, especially if it is a model with a locked bootloader or custom firmware.

In this article, we will look at three proven hard reset methods adapted specifically for the Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender), and we will understand when you need a soft reset through settings, and when you need a hard reset via Recovery or Fastboot. We will separately focus on the critical nuances for MIUI 12-14, which are not mentioned in the standard instructions.

When do I need a full Redmi Note 7 reset?

Resetting to factory settings is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only solution:

• 📱 The phone is stuck on the logo or cyclically rebooting (bootloop).
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code (unlocked by Mi Account).
• 📦 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another user.
• 🐢 The system brakes for no reason despite cache clearing and optimization.

Before resetting, however, check the alternatives:

• ⚡ Cache cleanup in Recovery (does not delete data, but often solves lag problems).
• 🔄 Reverse Update through Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI (If the failures started after the update).
• 🛠️ Remove problematic applications in safe mode (click the power button) → «Safe regime»).

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 7 with an unlocked bootloader and custom firmware, a reset via standard Recovery can result in a brick (inoperability.

Preparing for resetting: what to do in advance

A complete reset removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Mi Account or Google).
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
• 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents.

So you don't lose the important thing:

1. Sync your data with Mi Cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Sync) or Google.
2. Copy files to a PC or external drive (use) MTP-mode USB).
3. Export SMS via SMS Backup & Restore.
4. Save the IMEI (type *#06# in the dialer and take a picture of the screen).

Pay special attention to the Mi Account:

• If the phone is tied to Mi Account, after reset, you will need to enter a login / password to unlock (Mi Cloud Lock).
• If you forget your account details, untie your device in advance through the web version of Mi Account.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI Global may need an internet connection to check your account after a reset. If the network is unavailable, your phone will be blocked! Check your mobile internet in advance or save your Wi-Fi hotspot.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The easiest way to do this is if the phone turns on and responds to touch.

• 🧹 Cleaning the system before selling.
• 🔄 Removing programme lags.
• 🔒 Delete user data (but not screen password!).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. If necessary, enter the lock screen password or Mi Account.
4. Confirm the action with the button to erase everything.

The phone will restart and start cleaning (it will take 3-10 minutes).

• 📱 The initial setting screen (Welcome Screen) will appear).
• 🔌 You will need an internet connection to activate.
• 🔒 If Find Device is enabled, you will need to enter Mi Account information.

💡

If you reset your phone and you don't remember the old password, try 123456 or 000000, and sometimes it works because of a MIUI failure.

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

This method is needed if:

• 📵 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo.
• 🔒 Forgot the screen password and Find Device is disabled.
• 🐌 The system does not respond to touch (the sensor does not work).

To log in to Recovery on Redmi Note 7:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the power button + volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and the Recovery menu will open (in English or Chinese).

Further action:

1. Select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
2. Confirm Wipe All Data.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: If the Wipe Data item is missing in Recovery, then the custom version of Recovery is installed (for example, TWRP). In this case, select Advanced Wipe. → Tag Dalvik, Cache, Data, System. Do not format Internal Storage unless you want to lose files on internal memory!

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is the last chance if:

• 🔧 Recovery is damaged or missing.
• 📦 We need to get the official MIUI zero.
• 🔒 The phone is locked by Mi Cloud Lock and other methods do not help.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi and Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.
• 📎 Official firmware for Redmi Note 7 (lavender) in.tgz format.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press the power button + volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot to the clean system.

💡

Reset via Fastboot deletes everything, including Recovery and user data, and after the procedure, the phone will be like new, requiring an initial MIUI setup.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right actions, the reset can go wrong. Let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them:

If after resetting the phone:

• 🔄 Cyclically reboots – check firmware integrity or stitch another version MIUI.
• 📵 He doesn't see. SIM-Map – Update Baseband via Fastboot or reset your network settings (#4636##).
• 🔋 Quickly discharges – calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% → charge up to 100% without interruption).

💡

If the sound is gone or the speakers are not working, check the settings → Settings → Sound → Equalizer. Sometimes the reset resets the sound profile to Quiet.

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven’t done a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on the type of reset:

• 📱 Soft reset (via settings): data is deleted but can be restored by programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver (unless new files are written).
• 🔧 Hard discharge (Recovery/Fastboot): Recovery is almost impossible – data is overwritten with zeros.

For recovery:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode.
2. Use 7-Data Recovery or Dr.Fone to scan your internal memory.
3. Select files for recovery (photos, videos, documents).

Important:

• ❌ Do not install recovery software on the phone itself – it will overwrite deleted data.
• ⚠️ The fewer actions you take after resetting, the higher the chances of recovery.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 7 with encrypted memory (MIUI 12+) Data recovery after reset is impossible – the file system is completely overwritten.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions