How to restore factory settings on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 working methods + FAQ

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to fix system failures, prepare a device for sale or delete personal data. The procedure seems simple, but has nuances: from choosing a method (through settings, Recovery Mode or fastboot) to the risks of data loss and blocking the Mi Account. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of resetting for Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and others, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors.

It’s important to understand that resetting doesn’t always solve performance or battery problems. If your phone is slowing down due to overloaded memory, try clearing the app cache first or rolling back updates through Settings → About phone → System Update. Factory settings should only be applied in extreme cases – for example, in an endless reboot, viruses, or before transferring the device to another user.

This article is relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS (2023-2026).If your Redmi is released before 2018, some menu items may differ – check for the screenshots in the official Xiaomi documentation.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you reset Redmi, follow 3 critical steps.Neglecting them can result in the loss of important data or locking the device through Mi Account.

• 📱 Back up. Use the built-in tool. MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Alternatively, Google Drive (for contacts, photos) or manually copy files to your PC via a computer. MTP.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Recovery resets at low charge can be interrupted, leaving the phone in a "brick" state".
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the data from Mi Account. After the reset, the system will require the username / password if Find Device (anti-theft protection) was previously activated).
• 📶 Disable all accounts: Google, Mi Account, Samsung Knox (if used) This will speed up the process and avoid synchronization errors.

Pay special attention to the attached devices. If your Redmi is synced with the Mi Band, smart lamps or other Xiaomi gadgets, you will have to reconnect them after reset. For the Mi Band, this means a complete re-binding through the Mi Fitness app.

2. Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (most secure)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the pattern lock/PIN. It saves files on the memory card (if installed), but deletes all applications, settings and user data.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset (on MIUI 14, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Resetting).
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter the PIN/password from the lock screen (if requested).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset. The phone will restart and start the process (it will take 5-15 minutes).

After the reset, the device will boot into a “out of the box” state, and you will be asked to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log into Mi Account (if it was tied).

Contact backup and photo taken

Battery charge > 50%

All accounts are disabled (Google, Mi, social networks)

Removed. SIM-cards and memory card (optional)

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⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Note 9 Pro) may have a locked bootloader after resetting through the settings. This is not critical, but will make it harder to follow up the firmware via fastboot. To avoid a problem, disable the option before resetting. OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers.

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

If Redmi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touches, use Recovery Mode.This method works even when the screen is locked, but requires physical access to the device’s buttons.

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

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Data wiped successfully

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — Data Cleanup (Wipe Data).
• 🔄 — reboot (Reboot).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone requires a Mi Account password to be reset and you don't remember it, don't try to guess the code. After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours. Use the official unlock tool: account.xiaomi.com.

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If Recovery Mode doesn't open, try plugging your phone into a 10 minute charge, then repeat the combination.On some models, low battery power blocks access to the recovery menu.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if the first two fail or you need to completely reflash the device. Requires a PC, a USB-TypeC cable and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers. Don't use it unless absolutely necessary - the wrong commands can turn the phone into a "brick".

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off Redmi and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare image will appear with the inscription Fastboot).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the Xiaomi drivers manually.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the phone is restarted, it will be in factory condition. If you want a full flashing, download the official ROM for your model from en.miui.com and use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]

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Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, including files on internal memory, and only use it if other methods have failed or you are confident in your actions.

5. Frequent post-reset problems and their solutions

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

• 🔄 Phone cyclically reboots: Most likely, the firmware is damaged. Try reflashing the device via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
• 📵 Not catching the net: Check if installed SIM-If the problem persists, update the map. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##).
• 🔒 Requires a password from Mi Account: Enter the associated account details. If you forgot your password, restore it via account.xiaomi.com.
• 🛑 Hanging on the logo. MI: Get out. SIM-card and memory card, then reset via Recovery. If it doesn't work, run your phone through fastboot.
• 📱 Sensor is not working: This could be a hardware problem. Check if the screen is responding in Recovery Mode. If not, contact the service center.

If photos or contacts are lost after reset, try to restore them using programs like DiskDigger (for internal memory) or Google Photos (if Auto Apploade was turned on), note that the chances of recovery depend on whether the data was overwritten by new files.

6. How to avoid data loss during a reset

A complete reset inevitably deletes user data, but some of the information can be saved.

• ☁️ Cloud backups: Contacts, calendars, notes - sync with Google Account. Photos and videos - enable auto-save in Google Photos or Mi Cloud. SMS and call log - use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 💾 Local Copy: Connect Redmi to PC via USB You can copy files from the internal memory manually, use the memory card (if you have a slot) - the data on it is not affected when you reset through the settings.
• 📱 Third-party utilities: Titanium Backup (requires root) - saves applications and their data. Swift Backup - an alternative for devices without root.

Pay special attention to saving passwords. If you used Mi Browser or Google Chrome, export saved logins through Settings → Passwords. For applications (such as banking) passwords will have to be manually restored.

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

Factory settings aren't always the only solution. If the goal is to eliminate lags or make room, try these methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → Select the application → Warehouse → Clear the cache. Use Settings for system applications → Warehouse → Clean up.
• 🔄 Update rollback: If problems started after the update MIUI, Return to the previous version via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a Service Package.
• 🛠️ Safe Mode: Press the power button, then hold your finger to Turn off → Select Safe Mode, and it has all third-party apps disabled, which helps you identify the brake culprit.
• 📦 Remove Unnecessary Applications: Use Settings → Annexes → Remove unnecessary or manually uninstall rarely used programs.

If your phone is slowing down due to a lack of RAM, turn on the option Advanced Memory Mode in Settings → Special features → System settings. This will limit the background activity of applications.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions