How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi Redmi’s mobile devices are famous for their performance, but over time, even the most powerful smartphone can start to run slower or give out system errors. In such situations, and before selling the gadget, the only sure solution is to return to factory settings, which completely cleans internal memory, removing all user data, applications and accumulated debris.

Hard Reset is a radical but effective method of solving software problems, and it's important to understand that once you've done the operation, the device will look like you just pulled it out of a box in a store, and all your personal files will be permanently lost unless you take care of them in advance.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the possible ways to reset Xiaomi Redmi, from standard system settings to advanced methods through the Recovery engineering menu. We will also focus on the security of your Mi Account, so that after a reboot you do not encounter an unexpected locking device.

Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure

Before you start taking action, you need to follow a number of preparatory steps that will protect your data and ensure the successful completion of the process. Ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of important contacts, photos or even lock your smartphone with the Find Device protection system.

First, back up all your important files, whether it's through Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or just copying it to your computer, and pay special attention to DCIM, MIUI, and contact lists, because they often contain the most valuable information.

The second critical step is untidying accounts, and if you don't log out of your Mi Account and Google account before resetting, the security system may view the reset login as an attempt at unauthorized access and request passwords that you may have forgotten.

• 📸 Backup photos and videos to external media or to the cloud.
• 📱 Keep important contacts in SIM-Map or export them to.vcf file.
• 🔑 Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account and Google account.
• 🔋 Charge the battery of the smartphone to a minimum 50-60% steady-work.

⚠️ Note: If the device has "Find Device" enabled, a Recovery reset may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account immediately after you turn it on. → Mi Account before the start.

It is also worth checking for system updates, as in some cases the problem is solved by installing a fresh version of MIUI without losing data. However, if you are firmly committed to a clean installation of the system, make sure that the charger cable is working and the outlet provides a stable voltage.

Method 1: Reset via system settings (Soft Reset)

The safest and easiest method available to every user is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system, which is suitable for those cases when the smartphone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you can freely navigate the menu.

To start, open the main menu and find the Settings icon. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), the interface may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section that deals with the general settings of the device.

Go to Settings → About the phone. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see "Reset" or "Erase all data." When you click on it, the system will suggest you choose the type of reset: only settings or completely delete all content.

Select the option “Erase all data” and the system will warn you that all files will be deleted, and remind you to log out of your accounts. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or digital pin unlock the screen.

⚠️ Warning: Once confirmed, the smartphone may reboot several times. Do not try to interrupt this process, even if the screen goes out - it is formatting memory partitions.

Importantly, this method doesn’t affect the system firmware files, it only cleans the user partition. If the cause of the unstable work is the damage to the Android system files, this method may not help.

The process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of information you have accumulated, and when you complete it, you will see a screen of initial settings where you will need to select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.

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If the phone continues to warm or hang after resetting through the settings, try the deeper cleaning method through Recovery Mode described below.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the smartphone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or the touch screen stops responding, the standard path through the settings becomes unavailable, in which case comes to the rescue Recovery Mode — a special boot mode built into the device's memory.

To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button while continuing to keep the volume.

You'll see a menu with a few items in English or Chinese, and you'll have volume buttons (up/down) and power buttons to choose from, and you'll find Wipe Data and click confirmation.

• 🔽 Select Wipe All Data to delete it completely.
• ✅ Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
• ⏳ Wait until the process is completed until the words "Data wiped successfully" appear".
• 🔄 Choose Back to Main Menu, then Reboot → Reboot to System.

This method is more profound because it forcibly formats data sections, ignoring possible interface software errors, and often helps to revive a device caught in a cycle of endless reboot.

It should be borne in mind that on new Redmi models with anti-Rollback protection and binding to the account, after such a reset, you may need to connect to the Internet and enter a password from the Mi Account, which was synchronized with the device previously.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for advanced)

For users who have experienced a major firmware failure or want to completely reflash the device, there is a tool Mi Flash Tool, USB-cable and pre-downloaded official firmware in.zip format (Fastboot) ROM).

This method allows not only to clean the data, but also to reinstall the operating system itself, which is a "heavy artillery" that solves 99% of software problems, including removing viruses that have embedded in the system partition.

First, you need to turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off your phone and press the Volume Down and power buttons at the same time. The image of a hare repairing an android will appear on the screen, labeled FASTBOOT.

Connect the device to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool, and choose the path to the unpacked firmware. At the bottom of the window, it is important to select Clean all mode to ensure that all old data and settings are deleted.

Pressing the Flash button will start a recording process that takes 300 to 600 seconds, and interruption is strictly forbidden, as it can turn a smartphone into a brick.

Using this method requires an unlocked bootloader in some cases, but for official global firmware, simply ADB drivers are often enough. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit yourself to the first two ways.

The problem of blocking Mi Account and Google FRP

One of the most common issues after a reset is activating theft protection.The Android security system and MIUI shell are closely linked to user accounts to protect personal data in the event of a device being lost.

If you don't log out of your Google account before resetting, when you turn on your phone, you'll need to enter a password from a mail that you've synced before, called FRP Lock, which is not a password that you can use without.

The same thing happens with Xiaomi’s Mi Account, where if the Find Device function is active, the server will check the status of the device when it first connects to the network. IMEI With a blocked account, access will be restricted.

⚠️ Attention: Bypassing the lock FRP Mi Account by third-party methods is a violation of the terms of use and can lead to complete inoperability of the device!

To avoid these complications, always manually log in before resetting. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync, select each account and click "Delete Account." Only then can you safely reset.

If you buy a used device, be sure to require the seller to demonstrate the process of resetting or completely logging out of all accounts with you. Buying a phone with someone else's account is a risk of getting a useless piece of plastic.

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The most common reason for blocking after a reset is a forgotten password from a Google or Mi Account that was active on the device at the time of the reset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)