How to restore factory settings on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing for a new firmware. However, the wrong approach can lead to the loss of important data, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the smartphone. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting – from the standard menu to Recovery and Fastboot modes – and also explain how to minimize risks at each stage.

Xiaomi devices (including the Redmi Note, Redmi K and classic Redmi lines) have two types of reset: soft (through settings) and hard (through recovers). The first saves files in memory but deletes applications and settings; the second completely cleans the internal drive. The choice of method depends on the purpose: if the phone slows down due to software, soft reset will suffice; if you need a clean system before firmware, you need a hard reset.

Important: the procedure is different for devices with unlocked and locked bootloader. On Redmi models after 2020 (for example, Redmi Note 10/11/12), Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is enabled by default, which will require you to enter Mi Account data after a reset.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you reset Xiaomi Redmi, follow 3 critical steps.Neglecting them can make it impossible to recover data after a reset if the device uses File System Encryption (FBE).

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud:
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the reset process due to discharge can damage system files.
• 🔑 Make sure to access the Mi Account. After a hard reset, the device will require a login / password from the attached Mi Account. If you forget the data, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.

For models with root access or custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) additionally:

• 🛠️ Save the file. persist.img (responsible IMEI and serial numbers of modules).
• 📡 Check for drivers. ADB/Fastboot on PC if you plan to reset via computer.

⚠️ Attention: On Android devices 12+ and MIUI 13/14 After reset, you may need to re-activate Google Mobile Services (GMS). If the phone does not pass Google certification (for example, global firmware on the Chinese model), some applications (YouTube, Gmail) will stop working.

2. Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu

The safest method for eliminating software lags without losing personal files works on all Redmi models, including the latest ones (Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Redmi K60).

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (optional, but useful for debugging).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset (or Erase all data on new versions of MIUI).
5. Confirm the action by entering the pattern lock/PIN-code.
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-10 minutes).

What is removed during soft discharge:

• 📱 Installed applications and their data.
• 🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi, sound, fingerprints).
• 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Pictures remain untouched.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI Global Stable for Redmi 9/10) Google Play may be lost after reset. To return it, go to Settings → Google → Google Play Settings and Update Services.

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

This method is used when the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the MI logo, or a soft reset is not helpful.It is suitable for all Redmi, but requires caution: improper actions in Recovery can lead to loss of IMEI or damage to the modem partition.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and a menu with English/Chinese interface will appear.

Further action:

• 🔄 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware) with volume buttons.
• 🔘 Confirm the choice of the power button.
• 📛 Select Wipe All Data (complete cleanup) or Wipe Cache (cache only).
• 🔄 Wait until it is finished (Success will appear on the screen).
• 🔙 Go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

The difference between Wipe Data and Wipe Cache is:

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with dynamic partitions (Dynamic Partitions, for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Resetting via Recovery can cause an error called "Invalid partition table" in which case you need to flash through Fastboot.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The method for advanced users when Recovery is unavailable or corrupted requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB Type-C cable (original to avoid connection issues).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off Redmi and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a screen with a rabbit and a Fastboot inscription).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
4. Check the connection command: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the device.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For complete cleaning (including internal memory) use:

fastboot format userdata


fastboot format cache




fastboot reboot

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ It works even on “brick” devices (if the bootloader is not damaged).
• 🔧 Allows selectively to delete partitions (e.g., only userdata without system).

Risks:

• 🚨 Error in teams can lead to loss IMEI or modem damage.
• 🔒 On a blocked bootloader, resetting via Fastboot is impossible without unlocking.

1. Reinstall the Mi USB Driver driver.

2. Use USB 2.0 port (not 3.0)

3. Enable Debugging by USB In the developer settings (if the phone is turned on).-->

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct reset, Xiaomi Redmi users face challenges.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them.

If Redmi does not turn on or freezes on the download after reset:

1. Connect the charger and wait 15-20 minutes (sometimes the system is restored automatically).
2. Try to log in to Recovery and repeat the reset.
3. Swipe your device through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.

💡

Redmi models with Android 11+ may require resetting Google Pay and other services tied to hardware keys (e.g., Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD) after resetting.

6.How to recover data after reset

If a backup is not created, some of the data can be recovered using specialized tools, and success depends on the type of reset and the file system.

Reconstruction methods:

• 📁 Photo/video: Use DiskDigger, Recuva or EaseUS MobiSaver. connect your phone to your PC MTP And scan the internal memory.
• 📞 Contacts: If sync with Google has been enabled, they will automatically recover after logging in to your account.
• 💬 Messages: Applications like SMS Backup & Restore can recover backup from the cloud.
• 🎮 Application Data: For games with cloud-based saves (such as Genshin Impact), it is enough to re-enter your account.

Limitations:

• 🚫 On devices with FBE-encryption (all Redmi on Android 10)+) Data recovery without backup is almost impossible.
• 🔒 If the internal memory was formatted via Fastboot, the chances of recovery are near zero.

To increase the odds:

1. Do not write new files to your phone after a reset.
2. Use ADB Pull to extract data residues (if there is root):

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/ contacts.db

7.Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi reset