Reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: all ways with photos and explanations

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of failed firmware experiments. The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, many users face difficulties, from the lack of a reset point in the menu to errors in Recovery mode that turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will look at all the current reset methods for the Redmi Note, Redmi (without the Note console) and POCO (based on the Redmi platform), including the 2018-2026 models. We will focus on preparing for reset to avoid losing important data, and common errors that make the procedure ineffective or even dangerous. If your Redmi does not turn on, hangs on the logo or requires a password after reset, here you will find solutions.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to bring a smartphone back to life. Here are typical scenarios where the procedure is justified:

• 📱 System lags and brakes: the phone has become slow to work, apps are constantly flying out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code: if you don’t remember the unlock password and your Mi Account is not tied.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware: Smartphones show suspicious activity (advertising, traffic consumption, spontaneous app installations).
• 📦 Preparing for sale or transfer: to prevent the new owner from gaining access to your data.
• 🔄 Failed update MIUI: After installing a new firmware version, the phone does not turn on or malfunctions.
• 🛠️ Mistakes after manual intervention: if you have modified system files through ADB, received root rights or installed custom firmware.

However, resetting won’t help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions: a broken screen, a broken battery, a damaged motherboard or memory module, in which cases repairs are required at a service center.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi is blocked through Mi Account (after reset requires the username/password of the previous owner), a regular reset will not help.

Resetting: How to save important data?

Resetting to factory settings permanently removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎵 Music, documents and downloads from the browser.
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts and banking applications.

To avoid losing important information, follow the following steps:

Make a backup through Mi Cloud (Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup)|Copy photos/video to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex.Disk)|Export contacts to the file VCF (Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports)|Take a photo or take a photo of your Wi-Fi passwords and accounts|Make sure the phone has enough charge (minimum 50%)|Untie the cards and accounts of banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.)-->

For backups via Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Select Backup in Mi Cloud and log in.
3. Check the data for saving (contacts, SMS, settings, applications).
4. Click Start Backup and wait until it is completed.

If Mi Cloud is not working (for example, due to account locking), use alternative methods:

• 🖥️ PC Connection: Move Files Through Cable USB file transfer (MTP).
• ☁️ Cloud services: upload data to Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Dropbox.
• 📱 External drive: copy files to microSD (if the slot is supported by the model).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi 12) have a Data Protection feature when reset to Settings → Additionally. → Privacy: If it is enabled, you will need to enter the password from the last Mi Account after reset, even if the phone has not been blocked before!

Once a week | Once a month | Only before reset/update | Never do-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

This is the standard method that works on all Redmi models, if the phone is turned on and reacts to touch. Suitable for Redmi Note 11/12/13, Redmi 10/9A, POCO X3/X4 and other devices on MIUI 12-14.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click Backup and Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Reset).
4. Select Settings Reset.
5. The system will suggest you to choose which data to clear, and we recommend that you mark all data (including internal memory).
6. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
7. Confirm the action with the Reset button.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 5-15 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

If the Reset option is missing or inactive, this may mean:

• 🔐 Reset protection is enabled on the phone (you need to turn off the Settings) → Confidentiality).
• 📵 The device is tied to Mi Account with Find Device function (you need to disable in the Xiaomi account).
• 🛡️ The phone is in kiosk mode (limited functionality, often used in demo devices).

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If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from your old Mi Account and you do not remember it, try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com. If this does not help, contact Xiaomi with a check about the purchase - they can remove the lock remotely.

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

If Redmi doesn’t load beyond the MI logo, freezes on the boot screen or reboots cyclically, use Recovery Mode.This method is also suitable if you have forgotten the pattern lock and can’t get into the settings.

For entrance to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F3/4/5: Volume up + Power (hold until the MI logo appears, then let go). For older models (Redmi 4/5/6): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

MI

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and a power button (to confirm the choice). The interface can be in English or Chinese - focus on the icons.

Resetting instructions:

1. Select the Wipe Data option (or in Chinese).
2. Then, select Wipe All Data (or ).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (or ).
4. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wiped successfully).
5. Return to the main menu and select Reboot (or ) to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi) K20) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-authorize your Mi Account, even if the phone has not been blocked before, and this is due to the Anti-Theft feature"!

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
• 📵 The phone does not respond to buttons (for example, after a failed firmware).
• 🔧 You need to reflash the device from scratch (for example, after changing the region or unlocking the bootloader).

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot original USB-Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the screen with the Fastboot label and the image of a rabbit in the cap appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (or use the Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
5. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
6. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is recognized, you will see its serial number.
7. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be reset to factory settings. If you need a full firmware reflash, download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website and use the Mi Flash Tool.

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Reset via Fastboot deletes all data, but does not reflash the device.If the problem is related to damage to system files, after the reset, you may need to install a clean firmware.

Method 4: Reset via Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi)

If you don't want to use the command line, use the Mi PC Suite, which allows you to reset your settings, update your firmware and restore data from your backup. The program runs on Windows 7/10/11.

Instructions:

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Connect Redmi to your computer via USB-cable (use the original cable!).
3. Run the program and wait until it recognizes the device.
4. In the main menu, select Backup (if you need to save data) or go straight to System Restore.
5. Select Reset to factory settings and follow the on-screen prompts.
6. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (the phone will restart several times).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Simple interface without command line.
• ✅ Ability to create a backup before resetting.
• ✅ Automatic installation of drivers (if they were not installed earlier).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It does not work on all models (for example, it may not support the POCO F5 Or the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+).
• ❌ Requires a stable Internet connection to download firmware.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, the reset can fail, and let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them.

If the phone is unstable after reset (for example, it discharges quickly or overheats), follow these steps:

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Recovery (wipe cache item).
• 🔧 Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions