Hard reset on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 proven ways (including locked phones)

Hard reset on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is the last resort when the device is unstable, freezes or refuses to turn on. The procedure returns the phone to factory settings, removing all user data, applications and settings. But there is a nuance: on new Redmi models (such as the Note 12 or Redmi 13C), reset through the standard menu can be blocked by MIUI if you do not know the workarounds.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods of hard reset, from the simplest (through settings) to the most complex (via fastboot), which will save even if the screen does not respond to touch. Particular attention will be paid to models with a locked bootloader, where standard instructions often do not work. You will also learn how to save important data before resetting and what to do if after the procedure the phone requires an old Mi Account.

What is a hard reset and when it is needed

Hard reset (also known as hard reset or wipe data) is the complete removal of all user data, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state.

• 📱 Installed applications (including system updates)
• 📁 User files (photos, videos, documents in internal memory)
• ⚙️ System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts)
• 🔒 Passwords and fingerprints (unless you have used your Mi Account)

When to resort to resetting:

• 🐢 Phone slows down strongly despite cache clearing and apps removal.
• 🔄 Redmi is constantly restarted or crashed to bootloop (cyclical boot).
• 🔓 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Find My Device is not helpful.
• 📱 The screen doesn't respond to touch, but the phone turns on.
• 🚫 Suspecting a virus or malware that is not removed by an antivirus.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was enabled Mi Cloud and tied to Xiaomi account, after reset, you will need to enter the username / password from it. Without this data, the phone will turn into a “brick” (especially relevant for Redmi models). 9/10/11 newer).

Don’t confuse hard reset with firmware rollback or bootloader unlocking — these are different procedures. Reset doesn’t delete MIUI system files, only user data. If the problem is in the firmware itself (for example, after a failed update), you may need to flash through fastboot.

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Before you reset Redmi to factory settings, make sure you have backups of all the important data. Even if the phone doesn't turn on, there are ways to pull the files out.

Methods of backup

• ☁️ Mi Cloud – automatically saves contacts, notes, photos (if sync is enabled). Check if there is enough space in the cloud: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
• 💻 Computer - connect the phone to USB file transfer (MTP) If the screen is not working, try the control gestures (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro supports double-touch to wake up).
• 🔄 Local backup - in the Settings menu → The phone. → Backup can be created for internal memory or SD-map.
• 🛠️ ADB (for advanced - if USB-Debugging was enabled, you can pull files through the command: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Redmi_Backup\

If the phone is locked but turns on, try connecting it to your computer and using the Mi PC Suite (the official software from Xiaomi), which sometimes allows you to bypass the screen lock to copy files.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with encrypted memory (default in the system) MIUI 12+) If you forget your Mi Account password, it's best not to take risks - contact the service center.

Make a backup of contacts and photos|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Get out. SIM-card and memory card if not necessary)|Check if the debugging is included USB (fastboot)-->

Method 1: Hard reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

The easiest method is to reset directly from the menu. MIUI. Suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.

Step-by-step instruction

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (bottom of the list).
3. Tap on Backup and Reset (or Reset in newer versions of MIUI).
4. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
5. Enter the password from your Mi Account (if required) and confirm the action.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

On some models (Redmi 9A, Redmi 8), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset → Reset settings.

If the phone stays on the Redmi logo for longer than 15 minutes after the reset confirmation, then there has been an error, in which case you will have to use recavers (method 2).

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If the resetting through the settings doesn't work because of the "Can't Reset" error, try disabling Mi Account in your account settings first.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on or locked)

If Redmi doesn’t respond to touch, forgets the pattern lock or the phone is getting stuck on the screensaver, resetting through Recovery will help.This method works on all models, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi 7 and the new Redmi 13.

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Redmi 5/6/7: Volume up + Volume down + Power. For Redmi K20/POCO: Volume up + Power (hold 10-15 seconds).

Mi

Recovery

If the screen is black, check the battery (minimum 30%) or try a different button combination. Some models (Redmi 4X) may need to plug in a charger.

Instructions for resetting in Recovery

1. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (password may be required).
4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you don't have Wipe Data on the Recovery menu, you have customized recavers (like TWRP).

1. Select Advanced Wipe.
2. Check Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage.
3. Swipe for confirmation (TWRP uses a touch screen).

Step-by-step instruction

1. Install Platform Tools and unpack the archive in the C:\platform-tools folder.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your computer. Open the Command Prompt in the platform-tools folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
4. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the Xiaomi drivers.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the phone needs a password again after rebooting or freezes, you may need a complete firmware reflash. To do this, download the official firmware for your model and follow the command:

fastboot flash all firmware.zip

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 and later) before the firmware must unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool".

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring Redmi back to life, which is not included in Recovery and does not respond to buttons. However, it requires a computer and basic command-line skills.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on as new.

1. Choose a language and region.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
3. Sign in to Mi Account (required if it was tied before reset!).
4. Restore data from the backup (if it was made).

If you have forgotten the Mi Account, try to restore access through the official website.On Redmi models with MIUI 14 after 5 failed attempts, the phone will lock for 24 hours.

How to recover data after resetting

• ☁️ Mi Cloud – if sync is enabled, contacts, notes and photos will be restored automatically after you log in to your account.
• 💾 Local Copy – If you did backup through Settings → Backup, connect your phone to your computer and copy files from the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
• 📱 Third-party programs such as Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver can recover some deleted files (not all models).

If your phone is running slower than before, check:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Recovery (wipe cache item).
• 📵 Turn off automatic synchronization of unnecessary data (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you do the reset properly, you can have problems, and we'll look at the most common ones and the ways to fix them.

If the phone doesn't turn on at all after the reset (black screen, no button response), there may have been an error in the system files.

1. Try going to fastboot and reflash your phone with the official firmware.
2. If it doesn’t help, take it to a service center (possibly a problem with the iron).

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If Redmi is constantly overheating after reset, check if background updates are installed. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and turn off automatic boot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi reset