How to return Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: 3 working ways (2026)

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to fix software failures, prepare the device for sale or delete personal data. The procedure erases all user files, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are three fundamentally different methods of resetting: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and the Fastboot command line – each of them is suitable for different scenarios.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the ways in detail, with nuances for the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other popular lines, and focus on recovery from a failed reset, frequent errors (such as This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device), and how to save important data before the procedure: If your Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch, or requires you to unlock your Mi Account, here you will find a solution.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way out. Here are typical situations where the procedure is justified:

• 📱 The smartphone slowed to unacceptable levels (lags, hanging, long download applications) even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔒 Device locked due to forgotten pattern lock, PIN-Mi Account code or account (unless linked to an account).
• 🐛 Constant system failures: spontaneous reboots, application errors (com.android.phone), "black screen" after the update.
• 📦 Preparing to sell or transfer to another user – secure deletion of personal data.
• 🔄 Failed update MIUI, After which the smartphone does not load or works incorrectly.

However, a reset will not help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions: a broken screen, a broken battery or a damaged motherboard, in such cases, repairs are required at the service center, and it is pointless to reset the device when locked through Find My Device (you need to enter Google account data after the reset).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Redmi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A/10A) Resetting via Recovery could lead to Invalid error ZIP In this case, use the Fastboot method.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

An unprepared reset can result in the loss of important data.

1. Keep a backup copy: 📁 Photos, videos and documents: copy to PC via MTP (connection USB) Upload to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). 📱 Contact and SMS: Export through the Contacts app (setup) → Export or sync with Google Account. 🎮 Save Games: Use built-in backup features (e.g. in Genshin Impact or in the Game of Thrones). PUBG Mobile).

Check the battery charge.

at least 50%

Find out the model and version of MIUI

Settings → About the phone

Untie the accounts.

• 🔗 Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out.
• 🔗 Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.
• Confirm the action by entering PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
• Wait until the process is complete (the smartphone will reboot several times).
• Release the buttons when the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear (English or Chinese).
• Use volume buttons for navigation and power to confirm your choice.
• Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware) and then Wipe All Data.
• Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (entry may be required) PIN-code, if it has been installed).
• Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data or the smartphone gives an error Can't mount /data, this means that the data partition is corrupted, in this case only the firmware through Fastboot (method 3) will help.

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) after reset via Recovery, an error This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device may appear. This means that the firmware version is incompatible with the device.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable method, but it requires a computer and minimal command line skills.

• 🔧 Devices with damaged partition /data (Can't mount error /data recover).
• 🔧 Smartphones blocked through Mi Account (if you do not know the login details).
• 🔧 Models that do not work on the sensor (control via buttons and PCs).

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 📱 Firmware for your model (download from the same site by selecting the Fastboot version).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 5-10 seconds until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
4. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi_Fastboot).
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).
8. After successful firmware, the smartphone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Clean all and lock mode will block the bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) without re-unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, it means that the bootloader is locked.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to the tool under the same Mi Account that is tied to the device.
3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode and follow the unlock instructions.
4. After unlocking, repeat the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

1. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers manually (download from xiaomiflashtool.com).

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.

4.In Device Manager, check that the smartphone is defined as Android Bootloader Interface.-->

Frequent resetting errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them:

If, after a reset, the smartphone requires the entry of Google Account data (This device was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google Account...), this means that FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection has been activated.

1. Enter the Google Account that was linked to the device before the reset.
2. If you don’t remember the data, try to restore access through the Google Restore page.
3. To bypass FRP on some Redmi models, you can use utilities like FRP Bypass Tool, but this requires an unlocked bootloader.

💡

If Xiaomi Redmi fails to turn on or fails after a reset, never try to "fix" it through a reset. This can exacerbate the problem.

Data recovery after resetting

If you didn't back up before reset, you can only recover data with specialized tools - but the odds depend on whether the /data partition was overwritten. If the reset was done via menu or Recovery, some of the data can remain in the device's memory until they are overwritten by new files.

To recover, try these methods:

• 🔍 Memory scanning software: Dr.Fone (supports photo recovery, messages, contacts); Tenorshare UltData (works with Xiaomi Redmi on Qualcomm and MediaTek chips); EaseUS MobiSaver (free version with restrictions).
• 💾 Recovery from the cloud: If you have enabled apploade in Google Photos, check the Archive folder in the web version of the service. Contacts and calendars can be restored through Google Account (synchronization).
• 🔧 Manual file search: Connect your smartphone to your PC in mode MTP and check the folders. DCIM, Downloads, Pictures — sometimes files are left untouched. Use a file manager with signature search support (e.g. PhotoRec).

Important: Don't write new data to your smartphone after a reset if you plan to restore files. New data can overwrite old data, making it impossible to restore it.

If you can’t recover data, but it’s critical (such as photos with important events), contact a specialized data recovery lab. The cost of the service starts at 5,000 rubles, but the chances of success depend on the smartphone model and the method of reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions