How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 3 to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi Redmi 3 is a legendary budget smartphone that is still used by many users. However, over time, the device can start to slow down, emit errors or simply require a clean start. Hard reset is a radical but effective solution to most software problems. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of reset, including nuances for different versions of the firmware (MIUI 7/8/9) and potential risks.

It's important to understand that the reset deletes all user data: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and settings, and system files return to their original state, as when you first unpack a smartphone, and if you sell or transfer a device, the reset is mandatory - this will protect your personal information.

We will look at three main methods: through phone settings (the easiest one), Recovery mode (if the phone doesn’t turn on), and Fastboot (for power users), and how to prepare for a reset and what to do if problems arise after the procedure.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Redmi 3 to factory settings, follow a few critical steps that will save you from data loss and unforeseen errors.

First, back up. Even if you're planning a reset because of a phone sale, save important files to your computer or to the cloud. Use the built-in MIUI Backup app or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Note: backup via Mi Account may not save some application data.

Second, check the battery power. Make sure the battery level is at least 50 percent. If the discharge is interrupted due to discharge, it can damage system files and build up the device. Redmi 3 is particularly sensitive to this because of the weak battery after several years of use.

Third, check the firmware version. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. It depends on what options are available in the reset menu. For example, in MIUI 7, the path to reset is different from MIUI 9.

• 📱 Backup: Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Google Photos for Media Files.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 50%, better 70%. Connect charging if the level is lower.
• 🔍 Version. MIUI: Take a picture or record a screen with information about the firmware.
• 🔑 Accounts: Make sure you remember your Mi Account and Google passwords – they will be required after you reset.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 3 includes Device Protection (in some versions) MIUI), After reset, you need to enter the password from the previously tied Mi Account, without it, the phone will turn into a brick".

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

If Redmi 3 is turned on and reacts to touch, it's the best option, it doesn't require any additional tools and it's minimally risky.

Instructions for MIUI 8/9:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Additional (in some versions - Advanced settings).
3. Choose Recovery and Reset.
4. Slip on Settings Reset.
5. Read the warning and click Reset Settings.
6. When a request appears, enter the screen lock password (if installed).
7. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

For MIUI 7, the path is a bit different:

Settings → About phone → System update → Menu (three dots) → Reset settings

It takes 3-5 minutes. The phone will reboot, and you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like you did after you bought it. If Redmi 3 hangs on the Mi logo for a long time after you dumped, don't panic, it can take up to 10 minutes for the first turn on.

Backup created|Battery charge ≥50%|Password from Mi Account is on hand|All accounts are disabled (Google, Mi)-->

⚠️ Warning: If you forget your Mi Account password but remember the attached email, restore access before resetting. After the procedure, this will not be possible without unlocking through the service center.

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

If Redmi 3 is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to touches, or is locked with a password, Recovery Mode will help, a built-in recovery menu that is available even when system files are corrupted.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button and the Volume Up button (+) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, you can only control the volume buttons (+/- for navigation) and the power button (select).

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in some versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait for the process to be completed (Success will appear on the screen).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot to reboot.

If you select Wipe Data and you have an E:unknown command error, it means that Recovery is corrupted, and you will need to flash it through Fastboot (see next section).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and minimal knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot.

• 🔄 The phone is not included in or included in Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 Recovery is password blocked or corrupted.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (official tool from Xiaomi).
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi 3 (download from en.miui.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Xiaomi and ADB drivers on your computer (you can use Mi PC Suite).
2. Turn off Redmi 3 and press the Power button + Volume to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait until it's finished (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off the cable or interrupt the process! This can cause permanent damage to the bootloader. 0x80070002, try another USB-port or disable the antivirus.

Once flashed through Fastboot, the phone will be in a factory-like state, but with the latest official firmware, and all data, including internal memory, will be erased.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset via Fastboot, try pinching Power + Volume + for 20 seconds, sometimes helping to "wake up" the device after a failed firmware.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 3 will launch with a welcome screen, and you will have to go through the initial setup, which includes:

• 🌍 Language and region choice.
• 📶 Connection to Wi-Fi network.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account (if the phone is tied).
• 🤖 Setting up Google services.
• 📱 Creating or restoring a backup copy.

At the stage of signing in to Mi Account, there may be a problem: if you forgot your password and your phone was linked to your account, the system will require you to enter the data to unlock.

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Restor access via email or phone.
3. If recovery is not possible, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).

After setting up, it is recommended:

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡 Install antivirus and check the device for malware.
• 📲 Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

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If the phone is slower than before the procedure, the reason may be outdated firmware. Update MIUI to the latest available version for Redmi 3 (usually MIUI 9 or MIUI 10 for the global version).

Common Post-Dump Problems and Their Solutions

Even if you do the reset properly, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them.

After the reset, Redmi 3 stopped seeing SIM-map, check it out:

• 📶 Correctness of installation of the card in the tray (sometimes contacts are oxidized).
• 🔄 Network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Select the network (select Automatically).
• 📱 Update of the firmware (in older versions) MIUI There were bugs with support from some operators).

If none of the methods worked and the phone still doesn’t work properly, the cause may be a hardware malfunction (such as memory or motherboard damage).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 3