Reset Xiaomi Redmi 7 to factory settings: a detailed guide with photos

The Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone thanks to its robust hardware and MIUI support. But even the most stable device eventually starts to slow down, produce errors or require a complete system reinstallation. Hard reset is a universal solution for most software problems, from freezes to viruses. However, an improperly executed procedure can turn the phone into a brick or erase important data without the possibility of recovery.

This article features three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), detailed screenshots of each step, and unique nuances for Redmi 7 that are not in standard instructions. For example, why some firmware may not have Reset on the menu, or how to bypass Mi Account lock after hard reset. If you’ve never done a reset on Xiaomi, read carefully so you don’t lose photos, contacts, or access to the device.

When to reset Redmi 7 - and when to do without it

Factory reset is a "heavy artillery" that should only be used in extreme cases, and many problems are easier to solve.

• 🔄 Smartphone brakes: try to clean the cache manually (Settings) → Warehouse → Clear cache) or disable animation in Developer Settings.
• 📱 Apps crash: update them through Google Play or reinstall them. Often it's not the system that's to blame, it's the software that's to blame.
• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: check background activity in Settings → Battery → Battery use: One "gluttonous" app may be to blame.
• 🚫 No virus removed: Use an antivirus (like Dr.Web Light) or remove suspicious apps manually.

There are situations where resetting is inevitable:

• 🔐 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code - without reset, you will not be able to unlock the phone (if you do not have a Mi Account tied).
• 🤖 The system only boots to the Redmi logo (bootloop) - a sign of firmware damage.
• 📲 Planning to sell or transfer your phone – a reset will delete all personal data (but remember to log out of your Mi Account!).

⚠️ Note: If you are dropping Redmi 7 due to viruses, note that some malware (such as xHelper) can survive even after a hard reset.

Before you start, answer the question:

Preparing for reset: how to save data and avoid blocking

The main mistake users make is to start resetting without backing up, and even if the phone doesn't turn on, some of the data can be saved.

1. Copy files on your PC: Connect Redmi 7 to your computer via USB (in File Transfer Mode). Copy DCIM (photo/video), Downloads, WhatsApp (if you have a chat backup). Use Windows Explorer or Mi PC Suite for convenience.
2. Keep your contacts and SMS: Use the built-in export in MIUI: Contacts → ⋮ → Imports/Exports → Export it to a file. SMS fitting SMS Backup & Restore.
3. Unlink Mi Account: If you forgot your Mi Account password, after resetting, the phone will require you to enter it for activation! To avoid locking, unplug the device in advance: Settings → Mi Account → Sign out.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 7 is loading PIN-code (in Settings) → Security → Locking the bootloader, after resetting via Recovery or Fastboot, the phone will require you to enter it. Without this code, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device!

If the phone doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo, try extracting data via Fastboot:

fastboot devices


fastboot pull /sdcard/DCIM C:\Redmi7_Backup\Photos

This command will copy the photos to the C: drive (pre-installe ADB/Fastboot tools and Xiaomi drivers).

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

This is a good method if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password.

• ✅ Doesn't require a computer.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.
• ✅ Save data in Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled).

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter your password/pattern lock if you request it.
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will start as new.

1. Choose a language.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
3. Pass the setting (you can skip by clicking Skip at the bottom of the screen).

If the item Backup and reset in the menu is not (this happens on custom firmware), use an alternative way:

Settings → Additional → Privacy → Resetting settings

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After resetting through the menu, you may still be linked to your Mi Account, even if you've logged out. To avoid blocking, go to Settings before resetting. → Mi Account → Delete the account.

💡

Resetting via menus is the only way to keep access to the Mi Cloud after rebooting. When using Recovery or Fastboot, sync with the cloud is reset.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 7 is frozen, unresponsive to touch, or cyclically rebooted, resetting via Recovery will help.This method works even without a password, but has nuances:

• ⚠️ Delete all data, including files on internal memory.
• ⚠️ If the boot was on PIN, will require input.
• ✅ Doesn't require a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the power button + volume button at the same time.
3. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action (Confirm).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

• 🧹 — This is Wipe Data.
• 🔄 — It's Reboot.

Some Redmi 7 firmware may not have Wipe All Data.

1. Select Advanced.
2. The Wipe Dalvik Cache, followed by the Wipe Cache Partition.
3. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it:

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is necessary in extreme cases:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔒 Forgot the booting PIN.
• 📱 Refuse the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original......>
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB/Fastboot tools and drivers Xiaomi.
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 7 (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB/Fastboot (e.g., via Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
2. Download the firmware for Redmi 7 (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery!).
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder C:\Redmi7_Fastboot.
4. Turn off your phone and press the power + volume button to log into the Fastboot.
5. Connect Redmi 7 to your PC and check for device detection:

fastboot devices

If the device is displayed (e.g. 1234567890abcdef fastboot), continue. If not, manually install the drivers through Device Manager.

1. Run the firmware with the command:

fastboot flash all

Or, if you just need to reset the data without flashing it:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot in the factory state.

⚠️ Note: If you see an error FAILED (remote:'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State', which means the bootloader is locked, and it can only be unlocked through official Xiaomi permission (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).

💡

If you lose your IMEI after resetting via Fastboot, restore it using the engineering menu: dial ##4636##, select Phone Information, and enter the IMEI manually (if you recorded it in advance).

Frequent Redmi 7 Reset Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you follow the instructions, you're going to have problems.

If after the reset of the Redmi 7 began to work even worse (brakes, overheats), perhaps the problem is in the hardware:

• 🔋 Bloated battery – check if the body is deformed.
• 🔥 Overheating of the processor - clean the dust (in the service center).
• 💾 Damaged Memory – Run the test with the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi 7 Reset