How to wipe everything with Xiaomi Redmi: 5 ways to completely reset

Why would you want to delete all data from Redmi?

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a procedure that solves most software problems but is often performed incorrectly. Users face consequences ranging from β€œbricks” (defaulting devices) to the inability to link an account after a reset. The main mistake is using the standard settings menu β†’ Unprepared discharge, which leads to blocking MI-account or loss of important data.

In this article, we will understand 5 Proven ways to completely delete information from Redmi (including Note models) 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C And others, and we'll also talk about how to avoid typical problems. MI-account without a device binding – this is critical when selling your phone or if you forgot your password.

Method 1: Standard reset via the settings menu

The easiest method, but only works if the phone is turned on, you have access to the menu, and you remember the password from the phone. MI-It's a good one for Redmi. MIUI 12–14.

Algorithm of action:

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings (on some models path: Settings) β†’ Additionally. β†’ Recovery and discharge).
  • πŸ”„ Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Resetting – these are different options!).
  • πŸ” Enter the password from MI-account (if requested) and confirm the action.
  • ⏳ Wait for the reboot (usually takes 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires to enter the old MI-account, and you don't remember it, it's going to be hard to restore access. In this case, go to Method 4 (delete via Fastboot).

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… Doesn't require a computer.
  • βœ… Keeps working MIUI.
  • βœ… Suitable for beginners.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Does not delete data from SD-The maps (they need to be formatted separately).
  • ❌ If the phone is locked, the method will not work.

Disable Google Account in Settings β†’ Accounts

Save backup to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure you remember the password from MI-account-->

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

This method comes in handy if Redmi is not turned on, stuck on the logo or locked with a pattern lock.It works on all models, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi 9T and later.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-7 seconds).
  3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and tap on Wipe Data.
  4. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (on some firmware - Factory Reset).
  5. After completion, select Reboot.

Important: In Recovery Mode, the touch screen may not work – use volume buttons for navigation and power for confirmation.

Model RedmiCombination for entering RecoveryFeatures
Redmi Note 10/11/12Food + Volume upMenu in Chinese/English
Redmi 9/9A/9CFood + Volume upA charging connection may be required
Redmi 8/8AFood + Volume up + Volume downLong-term retention (10+ seconds)
Redmi 7/7AFood + Volume upMenu without touch control

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global) may remain tied to Recovery MI-If you plan to sell your phone, use Method 4.

Standard reset via settings

Hard reset via Recovery

Removal via Fastboot

Never dropped it.

Another way.-->

Method 3: Formatting internal memory (complete cleaning)

If you want to not just reset your settings, but completely erase all data (including photos, videos and app cache), use formatting via Recovery or Fastboot. This method is suitable for preparing your phone for sale or if you want to get rid of viruses.

Instructions for Recovery Mode:

  1. Go to Recovery (see Method 2).
  2. Choose Wipe Data β†’ Format Data.
  3. Enter the confirmation code (usually yes or 1234).
  4. Wait until it is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

For Fastboot (requires a computer):

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

After formatting, the phone will be clean, but:

  • πŸ“± MIUI It will remain (unless you ask again).
  • πŸ”’ Reference to MI-The account may be saved (see Method 5).
  • πŸ“ Data on SD-not affected by the map.

πŸ’‘

If the phone doesn’t turn on after formatting, try flashing it through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions in Method 5).

Method 4: Removal MI-Fastboot account (for blocked phones)

If after resetting Redmi requires to enter the old MI-You have to delete the account, and you don't remember it, through Fastboot, which works on most models, but requires a computer and drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
  2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
  3. Connect Redmi to your computer via USB.
  4. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and do:
fastboot oem remove-mi-account


fastboot reboot

If the command fails, try an alternative method (for MIUI 12+):

fastboot erase frp


fastboot reboot

After restarting, the phone should not ask MI-If the problem persists, the device has recoil protection (see spoiler below).

What to do if the team does not work?
On the new firmware (MIUI 13/14) Xiaomi blocks deletion of the account via Fastboot, in this case, only flashing through the Fastboot will help. EDL-mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account or contacting a service center).

⚠️ Attention: Removal MI-Fastboot account can result in bootloader blocking on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+). Before executing, check if Bootloader is unlocked (in Fastboot, type fastboot oem device-info – if Device unlocked: true, you can continue to do so).

Method 5: Complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)

The most radical method is to flash your phone from scratch through the Mi Flash Tool, which will delete all information, including the one you need to use. MIUI, MI-Accounts and even viruses:

  • πŸ”§ Restoration of bricks (not including phones).
  • πŸ“± Removing root rights or custom firmware.
  • πŸ”’ Bypassing lockdown MI-Account (if other methods do not help).

What you need:

  • Windows computer.
  • Installed Qualcomm drivers (for Redmi on Snapdragon) or Mediatek (for Redmi on Helio)
  • The Mi Flash Tool.
  • Official firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Instructions:

  1. Download and unpack the firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
  2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
  3. Connect Redmi to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
  4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
  5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
  6. Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After the firmware, the phone will look like new, but:

  • βœ… Deleted. MI-account and all data.
  • βœ… Officially restored MIUI.
  • ❌ Possible loss IMEI (on some models).
  • ❌ Reconfiguration (language, region, accounts) required).

πŸ’‘

Flashing through the Mi Flash Tool is the only way to get it removed MI-account on phones with a blocked Bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi) K50).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make mistakes when resetting Redmi, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
The phone will not turn on after resettingThe process is interrupted or the battery is dead.Charge your phone for 30+ minutes, then reset again
Demands old. MI-post-reset accountAccount binding not removedUse Method 4 or Method 5
Can't mount /data error in RecoveryThe file system is damaged.Run Format Data in Recovery
Fastboot doesn't see the phoneNo drivers or faulty cableInstall the drivers. ADB, try another USB-port
After the firmware, there's no network.Lost IMEIRestore the IMEI through Engineer Mode (instructions for your model)

If none of these methods worked, your Redmi may have anti-rollback protection, which means that the firmware will not allow you to roll back to the older version of MIUI.

  • Check the Anti-Rollback version with fastboot getvar anti.
  • Download the firmware with the same or newer version of Anti-Rollback.
  • If you are not sure, contact the Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I remove it? MI-computer-account?
On some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 or Redmi 9), you can try to bypass the lock via Recovery by selecting Wipe Data β†’ Format Data. However, on new devices (with MIUI 13+), this will not work - you will need a Fastboot or firmware.
When the phone resets, it says, "This device is locked." What do you do?
This means that Bootloader is locked, and to unlock it, you need to: Apply for unlock through the official Xiaomi website, connect the phone to your computer and use the Mi Unlock Tool. Once unlocked, repeat the reset or flash the phone. The process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new accounts.
How to erase data from Redmi if it is not powered on and charging?
If the phone doesn't respond to charging and buttons, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a faulty battery or power controller). In this case: Try charging the phone with another cable/power unit (at least 1 hour). If the indicator doesn't burn, contact the service (maybe you need to change the battery). If the phone turns on but shuts down immediately, try resetting via Fastboot (see Method 4).
Can data be recovered after a complete reset?
If you made Format Data or reflashed your phone, it is almost impossible to recover data (photos, messages, contacts) the only chance is if: You backed up to Mi Cloud or Google Drive, used third-party backup software (for example, Titanium Backup for root access). The data was on SD-Programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver can find fragments of data, but only if the reset was performed incorrectly (for example, via Wipe Data without Format).
How to check if all data is deleted after resetting?
To make sure your phone is completely clean: Check the memory in Settings β†’ Storage - should be free almost 100% of the space. Make sure there are no linked accounts (Settings) β†’ Accounts. Try to create a new one. MI-account - if the phone does not ask for the old one, the binding is deleted. For complete certainty, swipe the phone through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 5).