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

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 remains one of the brand’s most popular smartphones years after its release. But over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, glitch or simply requires a “clean start” before selling. Hard reset solves most software problems, but if executed improperly can turn the phone into a “brick.” In this article, 5 proven ways to reset the Redmi Note 7 (including the Note 7 Pro and Note 7S models), as well as answers to questions about saving data, unlocking Mi Account and typical errors.

It's important to understand that resets delete all user data -- photos, contacts, messages, installed apps. But there are nuances on Redmi Note 7: for example, some firmware blocks reset without entering a password from Mi Account, and in Fastboot mode you need to unlock the bootloader, and we will analyze each method with these features in mind, and also give tips on how to avoid common errors.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you drop the Redmi Note 7, follow the steps you need to take to avoid losing important data and avoiding Xiaomi account issues:

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → System system → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) Messages (applications like.vcf) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to discharge can damage the firmware.
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the Mi Account information. After resetting, the phone may require login/password input, especially if Find Device was enabled.
• 📶 Disable all accounts (Settings) → Accounts, including Google and Mi Accounts, if you plan to sell your device.

If you drop your phone before selling, additionally:

• 📦 Get out of all social networks (Facebook, Vkontakte, Telegram, etc.).
• 💳 Remove Banking Apps and Card Data from Google Pay.
• 📡 Turn it off. SIM-card or remove it if the phone is tied to the operator (for example, MTS, Beeline).

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 7 with firmware MIUI 12+ After reset, you may need to verify your old Mi Account password, even if you untie your device, which is a theft protection measure. If you don't remember the password, restore it in advance.

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

This is a good method if the phone is turned on, you remember the lock password and you can log in, and the advantage is that you have minimal error risk and you can keep the recoil.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → General Settings → Resetting.
3. Select Delete all data (reset to factory data).
4. If requested PIN-code or pattern lock – enter it.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (usually the red button).
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will suggest setting it up as new. If you request Mi Account entry at this stage, the device was tied to a Xiaomi account, enter the data or follow the unlock instructions (see section 5).

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

If the Redmi Note 7 doesn’t boot, freezes on the logo, or is locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery Mode, which works even without access to the system, but requires care.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the buttons: Power + Volume Up at the same time Hold until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power to select.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some firmwares – Factory Reset).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you ask for a password in the Recovery menu and you don't remember it, go to Fastboot 4.

• 🔄 Some firmware may have different names for menu items (e.g. Clear Data instead of Wipe Data).
• 📛 If the phone asks for a Mi Account after reset, then Find Device has been activated.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 7 with the bootloader locked, resetting via Recovery may not work if the firmware is damaged.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most reliable method if other methods have not worked, requiring a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and an unlocked bootloader (if the phone has not been unlocked before, you will need to link to the Mi Account).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC (or use the Mi Flash Tool).
2. Turn off Redmi Note 7 and turn to Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume Down The screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared and the inscription Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute commands in order: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you reboot your phone again, you need your password or your Mi Account, you're not completely reset.

• Repeat the procedure by adding the command fastboot erase frp (removes Google FRP binding).
• If the phone has a locked bootloader, unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (it takes 72-360 hours to wait).

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 7 with firmware MIUI Global Stable 12.5+ The fastboot erase frp command may not work due to enhanced protection, in which case you will need to run through the Mi Flash Tool with a choice of Clean All option.

💡

If the phone does not appear after the fastboot device command, install the drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).

5 Unlocking Mi Account after reset

One of the most common issues after a Redmi Note 7 reset is asking for a Mi Account, even if you untie your device in advance, and it’s due to Find Device, which links your phone to your Xiaomi account.

How to unlock:

1. On the Mi Account Enter screen, click Forgot the Password? and follow the recovery instructions.
2. If you remember the password but the phone doesn't accept it: Check the keyboard layout (should be English). Make sure Caps Lock is off. Try entering the password through the web version of Mi Account - if it fits, the problem is in the phone.

don't remember the password

• Contact Xiaomi with a check (can help if the phone is officially purchased).
• Use informal methods (at your own risk), such as firmware through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

Advantages of the method:

• 🖥️ Simple interface without command line.
• 🔄 Ability to create a backup before resetting.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 It does not work if the phone is not switched on or locked.
• 🔒 Requires unlocking. OEM developer-setting.