How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings: all ways with photos

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but even it is not immune from system failures, slowdowns or the need to transfer the device to a new owner. In such cases, a factory reset helps. However, the wrong actions can lead to locking the Mi Account, loss of data or “bricking” the phone. This guide contains 3 proven methods of resetting (including hidden MIUI functions), tips for saving important files and instructions for unlocking after the procedure.

It is important to understand that the reset on the Redmi Note 7 is different from the same procedure on new models (for example, Redmi Note 12). There is no global menu Reset options, and some firmware hides access to Fastboot. We took these nuances into account and collected current methods that work on all versions of MIUI from 10 to 14.

When you need a reset on Redmi Note 7: 5 good reasons

Factory reset is a last resort, but sometimes it is necessary.

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications spontaneously close, and free RAM less than 1 GB even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔒 You sell or transfer your phone to another person and want to delete all personal data (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI There are glitches: the camera does not work, the sound disappears, or the phone reboots at random moments.
• 📱 The device is locked due to a forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code (but you remember the data from your Mi Account).
• 🛠️ You need to "roll back" the phone to a clean firmware before firmware custom recaveri (for example, TWRP).

However, resetting will not help if:

• ❌ The problem is related to hardware malfunctions (for example, the touchscreen does not work due to physical damage).
• ❌ The phone is not turned on due to a discharged battery or damaged charging port.
• ❌ Device locked via Find My Device after theft (requires unlocking via official service).

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account in the settings. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device - it will remain tied to your profile.

Preparing for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow these steps to avoid losing important data and unlocking issues:

1. Save backup. Use built-in tool. MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Backups or third-party applications like Swift Backup (root rights required: 📁 Contacts (export to.vcf file) 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) 📝 Messages (annexes such as: SMS Backup & Restore) 🎮 Save games (if the game supports cloud backup)

Mi Account

Mi Cloud Activation Lock

Charge the battery at least 50%.

Extract. SIM-memory-card.

This will speed up the process and prevent accidental microSD formatting.

If you are planning a reset due to a forgotten password, but do not remember the data from Mi Account, first try to restore access through the official website account.xiaomi.com. Otherwise, after reset, the phone will turn into a “brick”.

Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)

This is the safest method that works if the phone is switched on and you remember the unlock password.The instructions are valid for all MIUI versions on the Redmi Note 7 (including MIUI 14).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some firmware – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
4. Click Reset settings and confirm the action by entering a password/pattern lock.
5. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-5 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If the menu does not have Resets, try an alternative path:

Settings → System and device → Additional → Recovery and reset → Delete all data

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may have this device is locked on it after the reset, which means that the phone is linked to your Mi Account. To unlock, enter the login and password from the meter that was tied to the reset.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ It does not require a PC connection.
• ✅ Stores files on a memory card (if not deleted before resetting).
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.

💡

If the phone is loading for longer than 10 minutes after reset, don't panic. The first boot after reset can take up to 15-20 minutes. Don't turn off the device and don't remove the battery!

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

This method will be useful if:

• 🔐 You forgot the screen unlock password.
• 📵 Phone not turned on (hangs on Redmi logo).
• 🖥️ You need to reset your settings without accessing the menu. MIUI.

Instructions for Redmi Note 7 (model lavender):

1. Turn off your phone. If it's frozen, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Press the button combination: Volume up + Power. Hold until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default). Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for confirmation.
4. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• The 3rd item on top is Wipe Data.
• The last item is Reboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a connection to a PC and is used in extreme cases:

• 🔧 You need to drop the phone with the damaged firmware.
• 🔒 The device is locked and Recovery is not available.
• 🛠️ Planned firmware custom software (for example, LineageOS).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (if you plan to firmware custom software).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode. A hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Run the Mi Flash Tool and press Refresh. The device must be determined.
5. Select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (bootloader lock) mode.
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, including files on internal memory.This method can also block the bootloader if you select the appropriate option.

If the Mi Flash Tool does not see the device:

• 🔹 Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers manually.
• 🔹 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔹 Disable the antivirus – it can block the utility.

💡

Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and only use it if the first two methods fail or you plan to run the phone further.

How to unlock Redmi Note 7 after reset

After the reset, the phone may require data entry from Mi Account, which is a theft protection that is activated if:

• 🔒 Before the reset, the Mi Account was tied up.
• 📱 The feature Find My Device was included in the settings.
• 🔄 Resets were made via Recovery or Fastboot.

To unlock the device:

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
2. Enter the email and password from the Mi Account account that was tied before the reset.
3. If you forget your data, restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
4. If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner to untie the device.

If you can’t remember your account details and the previous owner is not available, you can officially unlock the phone only through the Xiaomi service center with a receipt of purchase. Informal methods (for example, through EDL) require special equipment and can damage the device.

💡

To avoid unlocking issues in the future, unplug your Mi Account before selling your phone: Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Delete your account.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you reset the Redmi Note 7, you're going to have a problem, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix it.

If the sound is gone after the reset, the camera or other functions are not working, it is likely that incompatible firmware has been installed.

1. Find out the exact model of the phone (on the box or under the battery).
2. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
3. Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions