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

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from slowing down to errors after updating MIUI. But many users are afraid to perform it themselves, for fear of losing data or “breaking” the phone. In fact, if you follow clear instructions, the risks are minimal.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to return Redmi to factory state: through the phone settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot. Separately, we will focus on the nuances for different models (for example, Redmi Note 12 vs Redmi 9A), as well as how to avoid typical errors. If your smartphone is getting stuck, not turning on or just works unstable, here you will find a solution.

⚠️ Important: Reset removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and installed apps. If the phone is still responding to commands, back up via Settings. → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Even if the phone is unstable, take time to prepare - this will save nerves and data.

First, check the battery level. The reset process can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes (depending on the method), and if the phone runs out in the middle, it will cause permanent damage to system files. The optimal level is at least 50%, but you better plug the charger in.

Second, remove the memory card and SIM (if installed). Although the reset usually does not affect external drives, in rare cases, the file system can be damaged, especially for devices with a hybrid slot (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro), where the second SIM shares space with the microSD.

• 🔋 Battery charge: minimum 50%, ideal 100% or connected charger.
• 📱 Mi Account: Make sure you remember the username and password from Mi Account – after reset, authorization may be required.
• 🔐 Google Account: Factory Reset Protection enabled (FRP), You will need an email and password from Google.
• 📁 Backup: Copy important files to your PC or cloud (photos, videos, documents).

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone before selling, remember to log out of Mi Account in the settings. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your data!

2. Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest)

This is the safest and most recommended method if the phone turns on and reacts to touch.Suitable for most Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10, Redmi A1 and others.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or Device in new MIUI versions).
3. Select Resetting (may be called Reset and Reset).
4. Reset all settings (or Delete all data).
5. Enter. PIN-lock code or password if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone (or similar button).

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5 to 15 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires data entry from Mi Account, but you do not remember them, restore access through account.xiaomi.com!

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Resetting through settings is the safest method, but only works if the phone turns on and responds to commands.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or does not turn on at all, recovery mode (Recovery Mode) will help. This method works on all Xiaomi Redmi models, but requires care - improper actions can lead to loss of access to the device.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Redmi Note 8/9/10: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its ID will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. For a full reset, run fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data without recovery. If you need to save photos, first remove the memory card (if you have one).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing it with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Download the appropriate version of MIUI for your model on the Xiaomi website.

5. Features of reset for different models Xiaomi Redmi

While the general reset procedure is the same for all Redmis, some models have nuances: For example, on the Redmi Note 12 and later, additional authorization may be required through the Mi Account, and on the budget Redmi A-series there is no section About the phone in the settings.

Redmi with a MediaTek processor (such as Redmi 10A or Redmi 9C) sometimes has trouble identifying the device in Fastboot.

• 🔌 Use of the original cable.
• 💻 Installation of MediaTek drivers USB VCOM.
• 🔄 Reconnecting the phone to another USB-port.

6.What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in initial setup mode, as after purchase, and it is important to set the basic parameters correctly to avoid problems in the future.

Adjustment steps:

1. Choose the language and region (Russia or Europe is recommended for Google services to work correctly).
2. Connect to the Wi-Fi network.
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if required) or create a new one.
4. Set up a Google account (required if FRP is enabled).
5. Restore the data from the backup (if it was created).
6. Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

⚠️ Warning: If you've reset your phone before selling, don't restore your accounts! just skip the authorization steps and hand over the device to the new owner.

Post-dumping recommendations:

• 📱 Install only the necessary applications – unnecessary programs slow down the work.
• 🔒 Enable Find My Device (in Google Settings) to protect against theft.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📁 Set up automatic backup in Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

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After reset, be sure to update the firmware - this will fix possible bugs and improve performance.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even if you follow instructions correctly, users sometimes have problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If you have disappeared after the discharge IMEI (no network, do not attempt to restore it through third-party programs! this can lead to loss of warranty and irreversible modem breakdown.

8. Alternatives to resetting: when can you do without it

Factory reset is a radical solution, and in some cases, the problem can be solved with less drastic methods:

• 🐢 Brake phone: clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Errors after the update: roll back to the previous version MIUI recover.
• 📱 Viruses or Advertising: Check your phone through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.
• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions).

If the problem is related to a specific application, try:

1. Clear his data in Settings → Apps.
2. Update through Google Play.
3. Remove and re-install.

⚠️ Note: If the phone overheats even after reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (for example, chip dump or thermal paste wear.

- Settings → Battery → Power saving mode (if enabled).

- Settings → Special features → Windows animation (set ×0.5 for acceleration).

- Remove unused applications through Settings → Annexes.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions