How to reset the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why a factory reset may be necessary

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution. You may encounter this procedure if the phone started to brake after the MIUI update, contracted a virus through third-party software, or you just want to sell the device by deleting all personal data. Unlike a normal reboot, hard reset completely clears internal memory, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state.

It is important to understand that the procedure removes everything: photos in the gallery, messages in messengers, saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings and even tied accounts Google and Mi Account. However, system updates (for example, switching from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) will remain - the reset does not roll back the firmware version. If you plan to sell, after a reset, remember to leave Mi Cloud, otherwise the new owner may face a block of activation.

On the Redmi Note 10/11/12 and the new Redmi 13C, the reset process takes 5-15 minutes, but on older devices (such as the Redmi 4X or Redmi 5A) it can take up to 30 minutes due to slow flash memory. If the phone is discharged below 30%, connect it to charging - interrupting the process is fraught with a constant load in Recovery mode (so-called "brick").

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you click Reset, take a few critical steps: First, back up. Even if you're planning a virus reset, copy important files to your PC or the cloud. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings → About Phone → Backup) or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root rights).

Second, check if the bootloader is unlocked. Most Redmis have it locked by default, and that doesn't prevent you from resetting through the settings menu. However, if you plan to use Fastboot (for example, for custom Recovery firmware), unlock it beforehand through the Mi Unlock Tool. Note that it will require a tied Mi Account and a wait of 7-15 days (on new devices).

• 📱 Save it. IMEI: Write it down (type *#06#) or take a picture of the sticker under the battery. IMEI It should be restored automatically, but in rare cases it can be lost.
• 🔋 Charging at least 50%: On models with a battery ≤4000 mAh (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The process may be interrupted due to the discharge.
• 🔑 Delete accounts: log out of Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account (if used), otherwise after resetting the phone will require entering the username / password of the previous owner.
• 📡 Turn it off. SIM-map SD: The memory card is not cleaned when reset, but it is better to remove it - mounting errors occur on some firmware.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset Redmi with the bootloader unlocked and installed TWRP, After the procedure, the device can boot into custom Recovery. In this case, select Reboot. → System.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable for working devices where you can log in. It does not require a computer and is minimally risky - it is suitable even for beginners. The instruction is relevant for all Redmi on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS (new models 2026).

Open the Settings. → The phone. → Resetting. On some firmware, the path may be different: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. Next, select Erase all data (reset to factory) and the system will prompt you to enter a pattern lock or PIN-Once confirmed, a process will start that will take 5-10 minutes. The device will reboot several times, which is normal.

Make sure your phone is charged ≥50%

Create a backup copy of important data

Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account and Google

Disable Find My Device (Settings → Google → Security)

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If the phone has been stuck on the Redmi logo for longer than 15 minutes after reset, don't panic. Try forcefully rebooting it by holding Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds. If that doesn't work, move on to reset via Recovery.

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

If Redmi doesn't load beyond the logo, is stuck on the MIUI screen, or you forgot the pattern lock, use Recovery Mode. This mode is sewn into the firmware and is available even on locked devices. To log in, turn off the phone (press Power for 20 seconds), then simultaneously press and hold:

• 🔄 Nutrition + Loudness up for most models (Redmi Note) 10/11/12, Redmi 10/11/12).
• 🔄 Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down for older devices (Redmi) 4/5/6).

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power to select. Select a language (usually English or ), then:

1. Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete cleaning).
2. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter a password if it was set).
3. Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware (Redmi) 7/8 s MIUI 10) The Wipe All Data item may be called Factory Reset. Not to be confused with Wipe Cache, it's just cache cleaning, not a complete reset!

If the phone is stuck on the logo after reset, the firmware may be damaged, in which case you will need to flash through Fastboot (see next method) or contact the service center. On models with MediaTek (for example, Redmi 9C), sometimes rolling back to stock firmware through the SP Flash Tool helps.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is necessary in extreme cases: if the smartphone does not respond to buttons, got stuck in the bootloop (infinite boot), or you want to flash custom firmware. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C (original, as cheap cables may not transmit data).

Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery) Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., unpack the archive in a folder, C:\Redmi_Flash). Then:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and the inscription Fastboot).
2. Connect Redmi to your PC and open the command line in the firmware folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (e.g., 1234abcd fastboot), continue.
4. Run the firmware: fastboot flash all or for new models (Redmi 12/13): fastboot update name file.zip

It takes 10 to 20 minutes, and don't turn off the cable or interrupt the firmware, which can cause IMEI to be lost or the communication module to be completely inoperable, and when it's done, the phone will automatically reboot to the clean system.

fastboot flash persist persist.img

This section stores sensor calibration and audio settings.-->

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, the reset may not go according to plan.

• 🚫 "This device is locked" in Fastboot: So the bootloader is not unlocked. Use Mi Unlock Tool or reset via Recovery.
• 🔄 Infinite boot after reset: Try resetting again via Recovery by selecting the Wipe Dalvik Cache before rebooting.
• 📵 No network after reset: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → IMEI And check if it's there. IMEI Restore it with Engineer Mode (#4636##).
• 🔒 Demands old. PIN after the reset: This FRP-Factory Reset Protection: Enter the data from the last Google account associated with the.

On Redmi models with a Qualcomm processor (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) after a failed reset, an Invalid IMEI error may appear.

1. Download the QCN Rebuilder utility.
2. Count the original IMEI from the sticker under the battery.
3. Restore it via Diag port (requires a 9008-mode cable).

⚠️ Note: If after a reset Redmi asks for a Mi Account you don't remember, don't try to find a password - after 5 failed attempts, the device will be locked for 24 hours).

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven't backed up, the chances of returning deleted files depend on whether the memory was overwritten after the reset. If you started using the phone right away (installing apps, taking photos), the data is likely lost irrevocably. If the reset was recent, try:

• 🔍 Recovery software: DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver (require root rights). Connect Redmi to PC in mode MTP And scan your internal memory.
• 📁 Cloud Copies: Check Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex.Disk – it is possible that files are synced automatically.
• 📧 Emails and messengers: Gmail or Telegram could save the photos / documents you sent.

To recover SMS and calls, use the SMS Backup & Restore app (if you have automatic backup enabled before reset), and if you need saved passwords from Chrome or Mi Browser, they are linked to your Google/Mi Account – just log in again after reset.

On MicroSD models (e.g. Redmi 9A), the memory card is not affected by the reset, but do not manually delete files – use recovery features like chkdsk (for Windows) or PhotoRec (cross-platform utility).

1. Log in to Settings → Google → Accounts and deletion of all accounts.

2. Formatting a memory card (if it was in the phone).

3. Verification via ##4636### that the IMEI didn't go wrong.

This will protect your data and avoid problems for the new owner.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions