How to return Xiaomi Redmi 7 to factory settings: 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, remains a popular budget smartphone due to reliable hardware and flexible firmware MIUI. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down: temporary files accumulate, updates conflict, and viruses or failed experiments with root rights can make the phone almost unusable, in such cases, resetting to factory settings is the most effective way to return the device to a “second life”.

But how do you do a reset so you don't lose important data or turn Redmi 7 into a brick? In this article, we'll look at all the current ways, from a standard menu reset to Fastboot recovery for locked devices, and how to get around the No command error in Recovery, what to do if the phone doesn't turn on, and how to save contacts before reset. Let's start with preparation!

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Factory reset is the complete removal of all user data from your phone. Without proper preparation, you risk losing photos, messages, passwords from your accounts, and even access to some applications (such as banking ones).

Backup your data via MIUI or Google

Record or photograph logins/passwords from accounts

Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged

Delete your Google account if you plan to sell your phone

Download the original firmware (in case of errors)-->

Pay special attention to backup. MIUI has a built-in backup feature: Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Alternatively, use Google Drive (for contacts, photos and some settings) or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to delete all accounts (Google, Mi, social media). Otherwise, the new owner will be able to access your data through the recovery function. To do this, go to Settings → Accounts and sync and delete all associated profiles.

⚠️ Note: If Google's Find My Device is enabled on Redmi 7, the phone will require you to enter your last account information after the reset. Without it, you will not be able to unlock the device! → Google → Security.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This is the standard method that is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, it requires no additional tools and takes only 5-10 minutes.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (usually the red button).

The phone will restart and start the cleaning process, the MI logo and progress indicator will appear on the screen, don't interrupt the process, this can damage the system files, and once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

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If the phone hangs on the logo for a long time after reset (more than 15 minutes), try pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot. If this does not help, go to method 2 (Recovery).

This method works in 90% of cases, but there are nuances:

• 🔄 If the phone freezes during the reset phase, it could be a damaged firmware. MIUI before discharge.
• 🔒 If you have forgotten the pattern lock but remember your Mi Account, use the Find Device feature on i.mi.com to unlock the device.
• 📱 If the screen does not respond to touch, connect the phone to the PC and use the mouse through the touch. USB-OTG (Support for the function in the firmware).

Method 2: Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If Redmi 7 doesn't turn on, hangs on the logo, or you've forgotten your password, Recovery mode will help. This method works even without access to the phone's menu, but requires a combination of buttons. Here's how to do it:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue text in English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If instead of a standard Recovery, you see an orange menu with an Android robot and it says "No command," it means that the phone has stock Recovery from Google.

1. Press the Power button + Volume up for 1-2 seconds, then let go (don’t hold it for long!).
2. You will be taken to a hidden menu. Select Wipe data/factory reset using volume buttons and confirm with the power button.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After resetting via Recovery, an error may appear "This" MIUI version cannot be installed on this device. This means that the firmware version is not compatible with the region of the phone).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods don't work (e.g., the phone doesn't turn on or it makes errors in Recovery), the most reliable but difficult way is to reset it via Fastboot mode, USB-It's a cable and a minimum command line knowledge, but it's guaranteed to work even on bricks».

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS;
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set);
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website);
• 📁 Original firmware for Redmi 7 (Fastboot version, not Recovery!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press the Power Button + Volume down for 5-10 seconds until the screen with the hare in the hat-ear (Fastboot mode) appears.
2. Connect your phone to your computer. Install Xiaomi drivers (if Windows doesn't find them automatically, download Mi Phone Manager).
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\Redmi7_Fastboot).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't find fastboot" error, try it.

• 🔌 Reconnect the cable or change the cable USB-port (better to use) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🐧 Nana Linux/macOS use the terminal with the command fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).

Yeah, through the settings menu.

Yes, through Recovery Mode.

Yes, via Fastboot/Pc.

No, I never did.

I don't know what that is.-->

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 7 will launch in initial setup mode.

1. Language and Region Choice: Specify the right region (e.g., Russia) to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Without the internet, you can’t sign in to your Mi or Google account.
3. Log in to accounts: 🔑 Mi-account – required for synchronization of notes, themes and backups. 📧 Google Account – required to access Play Market and backups.

Data recovery: If you’ve been backing up through MIUI or Google Drive, the system will offer to restore contacts, photos, and apps.

Security setting: Install a new one PIN-code or pattern lock, and enable Find My Device (in case of phone loss).

If your phone is running slower than before, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: Update the firmware in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Optimization: Go to Settings → Special facilities → Optimization and start cleaning.
• 🔋 Battery status: If the phone is discharged quickly, a battery replacement may be required.

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After reset, do not install all applications at once - let the phone work "clean" 1-2 days to assess the real performance.

How to avoid mistakes in resetting: expert advice

Even experienced users sometimes face problems when resetting Xiaomi Redmi. 7. Here's the top.-5 Mistakes and how to prevent them:

1. Interrupting the reset process: If you pull out the battery or turn off the power during cleaning, the phone can turn into a brick. Solution: always monitor the charge level (at least 50%) and do not touch the phone during the reset.
2. Use of informal firmware: Castom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) may conflict with Redmi 7 hardware. Solution: Use only stock firmware from the official website to reset.
3. Forgotten Mi Account. If you don't remember the Xiaomi account data, the phone will require you to reset it. Solution: restore access via account.xiaomi.com or contact support.
4. Incompatibility of the firmware region: Installing Chinese ROM on the global version of the phone (and vice versa) leads to errors. Solution: check the firmware marking (Global, China, EEA).
5. If the volume buttons don't work, you can't log in to Recovery. Solution: use this. ADB-PC teams or take apart the phone to check the plume.

If you are planning to sell the Redmi 7, make sure to check:

• 📞 Mobile phone and phone service (possible problems with IMEI post-fresh).
• 📷 Cameras (sometimes after resetting, autofocus disappears - flashing the camera module is required).
• 🔊 Speakers and microphone (test via voice recording or bells).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 7