How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings: 3 working ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss, locking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, step-by-step instructions for all possible scenarios, including when the phone is not turned on or locked.

Many users mistakenly believe that hard reset is a universal solution to all problems, but in fact, after a reset, there may be traces of the previous settings in the /data partition, and some system errors (for example, those associated with bootloop) require more deep intervention. We will discuss three official methods: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and the Mi Flash Tool tool – and also tell you how to avoid typical errors.

If your Redmi Note 7 is stable, but you want to sell it or give it to another person, a soft reset is enough, but if the phone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch, or needs to be unlocked after a failed update, you will need a hard reset with full firmware, both options we described below, taking into account the nuances of the MIUI firmware for this model.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you keep all the important data. Even if the phone is working normally, after returning to the factory settings, the following will be deleted:

• 📱 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 📷 Photos and videos in internal memory
• 📄 Documents, downloads and application files
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and saved logins in the browser
• 🎮 Save in games (unless linked to an account)

Use the built-in MIUI tools to back up:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Select Local Backup and tick the necessary data.
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed (the file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder).

If you're planning to sell your phone, untie all accounts in advance.

• 🔗 Google: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account
• 🔗 Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out.
• 🔗 Social networks and instant messengers (such as WhatsApp, VK)

⚠️ Warning: If you don't unplug the Mi Account before the reset, the new owner won't be able to activate the phone without your login and password! this applies to all Xiaomi models with an account binding (including the Redmi Note 7).

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, suitable for preparing the device for sale or eliminating non-critical failures (for example, interface brakes).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Resetting settings.
3. Select Erase all data (reset to factory settings).
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

Make a backup copy of the data|Unlock Google and Mi Account|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Remember the Wi-Fi password (required after resetting)|Make sure that SIM-map removed (optional)-->

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires entering the username and password from Mi Account, whom you do not remember - you can only restore access through the official Xiaomi website (account.xiaomi.com). IMEI!

3. Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

This is a method that is needed if the Redmi Note 7 is not turned on, hovers on the MIUI logo or does not respond to touch. To log into Recovery, hardware buttons are used, so the method works even when the screen is damaged (if it somehow displays the picture).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 🔘 The first item is reboot (Reboot)
• 🔘 The second item is reset (Wipe Data)
• 🔘 The third point is the connection with the PC (Connect with MiAssistant)

Important! In some cases, after resetting via Recovery, the phone can boot longer than usual (up to 15-20 minutes), do not interrupt the process, even if the screen remains black for a long time with the MIUI logo.

Method 3: Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)

This is the last method used if:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔧 Refuse the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 You need to delete Mi Account without password (only for unlocked bootloader!).

This will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).
• 📱 Firmware for Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender).

Instructions:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the archive with firmware (for example, lavender_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RFGMIXM_20210310.0000.00_10.0_global) cyrillic.
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power button + Volume down.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait until the end (green tick in the program) and turn off the phone.

After flashing through the Mi Flash Tool, the phone will be completely cleaned, including the /data partition, and will return to the stock version of MIUI. All data (including the Mi Account binding) will be deleted, but the IMEI and serial number will remain.

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader of the phone is locked, the Mi Flash Tool will not be able to flash the device without official permission from Xiaomi. Unlocking the bootloader requires binding to the Mi Account and waiting 72-720 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy).

1. Repeat the process with another version of MIUI (e.g., an older version).

2. Use Clean all and lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool (but this will block the bootloader!).

3. Check cable and port USB — Sometimes the problem is poor contact.-->

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Even after a successful reset, there may be problems.

If the phone does not see after the reset SIM-map, check it out:

• 📶 Is it inserted correctly? SIM (Redmi Note 7 tray for two cards + microSD).
• 🔄 Is mobile data included in settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 📡 Did you? IMEI (Checked by entering *#06# - 15-digit number should be displayed).

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If you reset your phone, it's slower than it used to be, that's okay. MIUI It optimizes applications in the background. Give the device 10-15 minutes to "install" and restart it.

6. How to avoid data loss during a reset

Many users lose important files because they are unaware of the hidden backup capabilities in MIUI. Here are 3 ways to save data before resetting:

Method 1: Cloud backup

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔗 Select Backup in Mi Cloud and log in.
• 📤 Tick the necessary data (contacts, messages, notes) and click Start copying.

Method 2: Local copy on PC

Connect your phone to your computer via USB, select File Transfer (MTP) mode, and manually copy the folders:

• 📂 DCIM — photo
• 📂 Downloads - downloads
• 📂 WhatsApp/Media — messenger media
• 📂 Android/data — save games (if the games support local copying)

Method 3: Third-party applications

For backup, you can use:

• 🔄 Swift Backup (requires root rights for full backup)
• 🔄 Titanium Backup (Routed Devices Only)
• 🔄 Google Photos to Automatically Upload Photos to the Cloud

If you’re using a Redmi Note 7 with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), a standard reset via settings may not work, in which case use TWRP Recovery to create a full system backup before resetting.

7 Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

User experience shows that most of the problems when resetting Redmi Note 7 arises from ignorance of the nuances of MIUI. Here are the typical errors and how to avoid them:

Mistake 1: Interrupting the discharge process

If you take out the battery or force the phone to turn off during a reset, there is a high risk of damage to the /data partition. At best, the phone simply will not turn on, at worst, you will need to solder the memory.

Mistake 2: Resetting the Mi Account without decoupling

As mentioned, this leads to a lock on your phone.If you forget your password, restore it before resetting through the official website.

Error 3: Using unofficial firmware

Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with unofficial builds (e.g., from 4PDA forums) can lead to:

• 🚫 Poose. IMEI
• 🚫 Non-functioning sensors (gyroscope, compass)
• 🚫 Locking the loader

Mistake 4: Ignoring battery charge

If the battery is under 30%, the phone may shut down during reset. Always charge the device before the procedure!

Mistake 5: Resetting through the wrong Recovery

Some custom firmware installs an alternative Recovery (e.g. TWRP) if you happen to be on it, don't use the Wipe option - it can erase important partitions. Better reboot to the standard Mi Recovery.

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If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact Xiaomi service center, which can result in expensive repairs, especially if you are talking about damage to the EFS partition (where IMEI and serial numbers are stored).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions