How to Reset Your Settings on Xiaomi Redmi: The Complete Guide

Sometimes Xiaomi smartphone owners are faced with situations where the device starts to work incorrectly, system errors appear or the gadget is simply sold to a new owner. In such cases, the only right solution is to return to the original state of the MIUI software shell. This process, known as Hard Reset or Factory Reset, removes all user information, returning the phone to the state “out of the box”.

This procedure can be necessary for a variety of reasons, from the banal sale of the device to deep cleaning after infection with a virus. It is important to understand that data reset is an irreversible action that erases contacts, photos, apps and account settings, which is why you should carefully prepare before starting any manipulations so that you do not lose valuable files forever.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the available methods for returning the system to factory parameters, learn how to perform the procedure through the standard settings menu, how to use Recovery mode if the phone does not turn on, and what precautions are required to follow.

Preparing the device for complete data deletion

Before you start a cleanup, you have to do a number of critical things. The first step is always to back up all your important files. You can use Google Drive, the built-in Mi Cloud, or just copy the data to your computer through a computer. USB-Make sure your contacts are synced to your Google account and your photos are saved in the cloud gallery.

The second important aspect is battery power. The data partition formatting process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of information and the smartphone model. If the device turns off in the middle of the procedure, it can damage the file system. Charge Xiaomi Redmi to a minimum of 60-70% to ensure the stability of the process.

⚠️ Note: Before resetting, be sure to remove SIM-microSD card and memory card, if installed, will protect your data on external media from accidental deletion and prevent blocking SIM-post-reboot.

Also, remember to unplug your accounts. If your phone has Find My Device or Mi, you'll need to reset your password from the previous owner, which is an anti-theft mechanism that can lock your device permanently if you don't remember the login details, and you'll better log out in advance in the settings menu.

Method 1: Reset via the standard settings menu

The easiest and safest method is available to every user whose phone is turned on and reacts to touch. MIUI allows you to start cleaning directly from the system settings menu. To do this, go to Settings, then select About phone at the bottom of the list. Here you are interested in the Reset button, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen.

Once you click, the system will offer two options: Reset (saving files) and Erase all data. We need the second option. When you select the option to erase all data, the phone will warn you that absolutely everything will be deleted: photos, music, apps and akka! The system will also indicate the approximate time that the process will take, and require confirmation of the action by entering a pattern lock or password.

Then the cleaning process begins. The screen can go out and light up, the phone can reboot several times, at which point it is strictly forbidden to interrupt the power or press buttons, wait for the screen of the initial settings, where you will be asked to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi, which means that the reset was successful.

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If after a reset, the phone asks for a password from a Google account you forgot, this is FRP protection. Make sure you remember data from the account tied to the device before the cleanup.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the smartphone is getting stuck, not loading the operating system, or the screen is not responding to touch, the standard method will not work. In this case, Recovery mode is used, which starts at a low level of the system before Android boots. To enter this mode on the device turned off, press both the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.

In the Recovery menu, you can control the volume buttons (up/down), and the power button confirms the choice. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. In the next menu, select Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation - select Confirm. After the process, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear, and you will select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot.

This method is deeper and often helps to fix errors that cannot be fixed through the settings menu. It forcibly formats the /data partition, removing all user settings and applications. However, it is worth remembering that files in the internal storage will also be irretrievably lost.

⚠️ Warning: On some global firmware versions, the Recovery menu may be simplified.If you don't see the Wipe Data item, try pressing the power button and volume up again when the Mi logo appears, or plug the phone into the charger before entering mode.

Resetting a forgotten password or pattern lock

Often users are looking for a way to reset because they have forgotten the screen unlock password. Unfortunately, modern versions of Android and MIUI have a high level of protection. Recovery (Hard Reset) will remove the password, but with it all the data inside the phone will be deleted. There is no other way to get around the lock without losing data.

If you have Internet and sync with your Google account on your phone, you can try to unlock the device remotely via Find My Device on your computer. When you access the service's website from another device, select your smartphone and the Clean Device option, which initiates a reset command similar to Hard Reset.

It's important to note the difference between the screen password and the Mi Account password. You can't reset your Mi Account password through Recovery, it's a theft protection. If your phone is locked by your Mi Account, you'll need to enter the username and password that you used on your device before, and without them, you won't be able to officially unlock the device.

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Recovery removes the screen password, but requires knowledge of the password from your Google or Mi Account to log in (FRP protection).

Table: Comparison of Resetting Methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand the differences between a software reset via the menu and hardware through Recovery depending on the state of your Xiaomi Redmi.

As you can see from the table, the method through Settings is the most preferred method for the average user, as it is the most visible and secure.Recovery mode is "heavy artillery" for cases of serious failures.Remote reset is good if the phone is lost or stolen and you want to protect your data.

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Once the phone has rebooted, you may encounter a number of nuances: the first on-off after a reset lasts longer than usual, the system re-optimizes applications and checks files. This is normal behavior that can take up to 10-15 minutes. Don't panic if the Mi logo is on the screen longer than usual.

Another common problem is that the battery is running out quickly and heating up in the first hours of use, because the background services re-index files and sync data, so let the phone run quietly for a couple of hours, and the situation stabilizes. If the heat is maintained, check if the malware has hit the backup of the applications.

• 📱 No network: After resetting, settings may be lost APN. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and click Reset or create a new point for your operator.
• 📸 Camera Error: If the camera writes “Unable to connect,” try clearing the Camera app cache through the App Management menu.
• 🔋 Quick discharge: Make sure all system apps are updated through Google Play and the GetApps Store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)