How to return Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: 3 working ways + problem solving

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi to factory status is a radical but effective way to restore performance or prepare it for sale, and removes all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state.

First, if the phone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update, this is due to cache accumulation, conflicting applications or firmware errors. Second, the reset is mandatory before transferring the device to another owner - to protect personal information. Third, it helps to eliminate critical failures when the smartphone does not turn on or hangs on the Redmi logo.

But it's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea, and if the problem is caused by a hardware malfunction (such as damage to a motherboard or battery), it won't help. SD-maps are only from internal memory. Before you start, make sure you really need a complete cleanup, not a trivial optimization through Settings. → Memory.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Unprepared resets can result in loss of important data or locking the device. To avoid problems, follow these steps before starting the procedure:

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Settings feature. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud, it's especially important to keep contacts, SMS photo.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to "bricking" of the device.
• 🔓 Make sure you remember the data from Mi Account. After the reset, Xiaomi may require you to enter a login and password to unlock (Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature).
• 📶 Disable all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks) in Settings → Accounts if you plan to sell your phone, this will save the new owner from problems with authorization.

If you forget your Mi Account password, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com. Otherwise, after reset, the phone may turn into a “brick” requiring non-existent data. Also check if your account is linked to your Google device – FRP-blocking can work after reset.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Xiaomi Redmi from hand and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, reset to factory settings will not help bypass the lock.

Created a backup copy of important data|The battery is charged more than 50 times%|All accounts are disabled (Google, Mi, social networks)|I remember the username/password from Mi Account.|Checked the operation of the cable and charger-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, it is the simplest and minimizes the risk of errors. Instructions are relevant for all Redmi models (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13, etc.) based on MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. If required, enter a password or pattern lock from the device.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset settings (on some models – Remove everything).

It takes 5 to 15 minutes to complete, and when it is done, the phone will automatically restart and prompt it to be configured as a new device, and if after the reset, the error "This device is linked to an existing Mi Account" appears, enter the account details that were linked before the cleanup.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 8 Pro) after reset, the message "Device locked. Enter Mi Account password" may appear, even if you did not link it, this is due to the automatic creation of an account when you first turn on.@xiaomi.com The password you used when setting up.

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If the phone is loading for a long time after reset (more than 20 minutes), don't panic.The first turn on after cleaning may take longer due to the optimization of applications.

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

If Xiaomi Redmi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is fixated on download, use Recovery Mode, which works even with damaged firmware, but requires care.

Instructions for all Redmi models (including Redmi K40/50, Redmi A1/A2):

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Redmi Note 9/10/11: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

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

• 📛 The third item on top is Wipe Data.
• 🔄 Penultimate paragraph - Reboot.

⚠️ Note: If you select Wipe Data, you will find a "Can't mount" error /data", This indicates that the data partition is damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help (see Method). 3).

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🚫 The screen will be marked with a “No command” or “Device is locked” error".
• 🔧 Requires a complete flashing (for example, after a failed update).

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility. This method removes everything, including the firmware, and requires subsequent installation of MIUI via a PC. If you are not sure of your skills, you should contact the service center.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot.
2. Turn off your phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press the Loudness Down + Power buttons for 10 seconds. Release after the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, execute the cleaning command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
5. For a complete reset (including firmware) use: fastboot flash all [firmware name].tgz (requires a pre-downloaded firmware file for your model).
6. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

If the phone doesn't turn on after this, or if it gives an "Invalid image" error, it's likely that the wrong firmware version was chosen, in which case you'll need to re-rout the firmware with the correct MIUI file for your model.

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Fastboot reset is a last resort, and it only works if other methods don't work or need to be flashed. Without ADB experience, it's best not to take risks: an error can lead to a complete loss of service of the device.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If the IMEI or serial number is lost after the reset, it indicates critical firmware damage, and you can only restore them through the engineering menu (#4636##) or through firmware reflashing. Do not use third-party software to restore the IMEI, which can lead to loss of warranty and unstable network operation.

Another common problem is the loss of warranty service rights. If the reset was done through informal tools (such as custom Recovery like TWRP), Xiaomi’s service center may refuse repairs. Always use the official methods described in this article.

How to avoid problems with resetting: tips from experts

To minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Check the version. MIUI On some beta versions of firmware, the cleaning function may not work properly. Update to stable version in Settings → Updating the system.
• 📡 Use the original cable to connect to your PC. Cheap cables can cause bugs when you run through Fastboot.
• ⏳ Don't interrupt until you fully restart. Even if the screen is out, wait 10-15 minutes.
• 🔒 Turn off encryption (if enabled) in Settings → Lockdown and protection → Encryption. It'll speed up the resetting process.
• 📥 Download firmware only from official sources: Official website MIUI Xiaomi Firmware Updater (for experienced users)

If you plan to sell your phone, follow the following steps after the reset:

1. Turn on the device and wait for the initial setup to be completed.
2. Go to Settings → About your phone and check that the status of the device is “Not tied to your account”.
3. Run a test call and check the camera to make sure there are no hardware problems.

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If you often sell or buy used Xiaomi phones, bookmark this instruction, which will be useful for quickly preparing the device for transfer to a new owner.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions