How to remove everything from Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: a complete reset to factory settings

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but over time even it begins to “brake” due to accumulated garbage, viruses or firmware errors. If you plan to sell the device, transfer it to another person or just want to return factory performance, a complete data reset is the best solution.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can delete information from the Redmi Note 7, from standard resets through the settings menu to hard-core methods like Fastboot and Recovery. We’ll focus on the nuances that are often overlooked in typical instructions: how to save important data before cleaning, what to do if the smartphone doesn’t turn on, and why some features (such as Google Pay) may disappear after reset.

Important: the procedure deletes all data without the possibility of recovery (unless you use specialized programs before reset), so before starting, be sure to transfer photos, contacts and files to another medium.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before deleting data

Before you start cleaning the Redmi Note 7, follow a few critical steps that may lead to loss of personal data or Mi Account issues.

First, back up. Even if you plan to reset your smartphone because of the sale, saving a copy of your settings and apps will save you time when you set up your new device. Use the built-in Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive.

Second, unplug accounts. After a reset, Redmi Note 7 may require data from the previous Mi Account (if Find Device was enabled) to avoid being blocked:

• 🔗 Delete your Mi Account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete the account.
• 📱 Turn off Find My Device in Google Settings.
• 💳 Remove all bank cards from Google Pay and Mi Pay.

Third, check the battery power. The reset process can take up to 10-15 minutes, and an interruption due to battery discharge can "brick" the device, the optimal charge level is at least 50%.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

If the smartphone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-code, use the built-in reset function. This method does not require a computer and is suitable for most users.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Wait until the process is complete (the smartphone will reboot automatically).

After the reboot, Redmi Note 7 will suggest that you configure the device as new. If you sell a smartphone, do not restore data from the backup, this can lead to conflicts with the new owner.

⚠️ Note: If the device protection function was enabled on the smartphone (in some firmware), after reset, you may need to enter a login and password from the Mi Account previously associated!

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the smartphone is not turned on)

If the Redmi Note 7 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches, or is locked with a pattern lock you forgot, use Recovery Mode. This method works even without access to the main system.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, then the smartphone has custom firmware installed. In this case, try the method through Fastboot (described below).

Method 3: Complete Fastboot Cleanup (for power users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if the standard methods did not work or you need to guarantee to delete all data, including Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
2. Turn off the Redmi Note 7 and turn to Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Important: the fastboot erase userdata command deletes all user data, but does not always reset the Mi Account settings. Use fastboot erase frp (unlocked bootloader only!) for complete cleanup.

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If the smartphone does not restart after commands in Fastboot, enter fastboot reboot recovery, then reset via Recovery Mode.

5. Method 4: Flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (extreme case)

If the Redmi Note 7 is “bricked” (it doesn’t turn on, doesn’t respond to buttons) or you want to install clean firmware, use the Mi Flash Tool. This method erases everything, including system files, and requires an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) from Xiaomi’s website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Transfer your smartphone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down) and connect to your PC.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, specify the path to the firmware folder, select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes. When you're done, you'll reboot your phone with the factory settings. If you get an Anti Rollback error after you've run the firmware, you're trying to install an older version of the software, download the current firmware.

⚠️ Note: Using the Mi Flash Tool with unofficial firmware can lead to loss IMEI or problems with the module NFC. For Redmi Note 7, it is recommended to use only official builds from Xiaomi.

6.What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After the complete cleanup, the Redmi Note 7 will offer you to go through the initial setup.

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔐 Set up the unlock (fingerprint or fingerprint). PIN-code).
• ☁️ Restore data from backup (if the reset was for personal use).
• 📱 Reinstall the required apps (use Google Play or Mi App Store).

If you are selling a smartphone, don’t restore data – just perform the basic setting (selecting a language, connecting to Wi-Fi) and transfer the device to the new owner.

Note that after a reset, you may have problems with Google Pay or banking applications, which involves changing the encryption of data, and to restore functionality, you may need to re-assign cards or reset Google Play Services.

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After resetting via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool, be sure to check the sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) and modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) in the menu ##6484##. In rare cases, they may get confused and require calibration.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi Note 7