How to return factory settings to Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: a complete guide with photos and videos

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to factory settings is a procedure that solves most software problems, from slowdowns and freezes to errors after updates. However, the wrong approach can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods of resetting – from the simplest (through settings) to emergency (through Fastboot), and also tell you how to prepare for the procedure and what to do if something goes wrong.

It's important to understand that Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) has a special way of unlocking the bootloader and resetting it via Recovery. For example, after a hard reset, the device may require you to enter data from the Mi Account previously tied. If you forget your password, restore it in advance, otherwise you risk remaining with the locked gadget.

This article is relevant for all Redmi Note 7 modifications (including Redmi Note 7 Pro), regardless of MIUI (12/13/14) or regional firmware (Global/China/EEA).

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you reset Redmi Note 7, follow the mandatory steps – this will save you from losing important data and unexpected problems:

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) SMS and call records (applications like.vcf) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Reset at low charge can be interrupted, which will damage the system files.
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the Mi Account. After the reset, the device may request a login and password, especially if the Find Device feature was previously activated.
• 📡 Disable all accounts (Settings) → Accounts, including Google, Mi Account and social media will make it easier to set up after a reset.

If you plan to sell or transfer the device, additionally:

• 💳 Remove Bank Cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay.
• 📍 Turn off Find Device in Mi Account settings.
• 🔄 Log out of all messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) so that new owners do not get access to your chats.

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If you're resetting a device because of slow operation, first try clearing the cache through Recovery (the Wipe Cache section).This often solves the problem without completely resetting.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the MIUI menu.

• 📱 The device turns on and responds to touch.
• 🔓 You know the pattern lock./PIN-code.
• 🚫 No critical failures (e.g., constant reboots).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
5. Wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it, and if the device requests Mi Account data, enter it -- that's OK for devices with an attached account.

Battery charge > 50%|Backup created|All accounts are down.|pattern lock/PIN famous-->

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 The phone is getting stuck on the Redmi logo or is constantly rebooted.
• 🔒 You forgot the pattern lock./PIN-code.
• 📱 The screen does not respond to touch, but the device is turned on.

To log in to Recovery Mode on Redmi Note 7:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue text in English/Chinese).

Next:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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If Recovery doesn’t have Wipe All Data, you have customized recaps (such as TWRP) installed, in which case, select Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).

Attention! Some Redmi Note 7 firmware may have a "This device is locked" error after a hard reset, which means that the bootloader is locked and you will need to:

• Enter the Mi Account data associated with the device.
• Or unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-30 days).

Yeah, you do.|Yes, but with the help of a master.|No, I'm afraid to break something.|I didn't know it was possible.-->

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used in extreme cases where:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is not available or working.
• 📦 The device does not turn on at all (black screen, no reaction to buttons).
• 🔓 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

To reset via Fastboot you will need:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool or Platform Tools (from Google).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 7.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Warning! fastboot erase commands will delete all data without recovery, including files in internal memory. If the bootloader is locked, after restarting, the device may require authorization to Mi Account.

What to do if the Redmi Note 7 is not turned on after reset

If, after discharge, the device:

• 🔄 Halt on the Mi logo – try re-entering Recovery and making Wipe Cache.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

Critical information: If the device stopped turning on and does not respond to charging after reset via Fastboot, the boot or system partition is likely damaged, in which case you will need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of the clean all option.

How to recover data after resetting

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on the type of reset:

• 📱 Soft reset (through settings): Data can be recovered using programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but only if no new files are written to the device.
• 🔧 Severe discharge (through Recovery/Fastboot): Recovery is almost impossible because the userdata and cache sections are completely overwritten.

For recovery:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 7 to the PC.
2. Install a recovery program (e.g., DiskDigger for Android).
3. Scan internal memory – programs will find fragments of deleted files.
4. Save the recovered data on the PC.

Attention! Don't install recovery software on the device itself, it will overwrite the deleted data and make it impossible to recover it.

Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 7 reset