How to erase everything from Xiaomi Redmi: from files to firmware

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that can be necessary in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to eliminating critical failures in the operation of MIUI. However, not all users know that simply clicking the Reset button in the settings menu does not always delete all data irrevocably. Residual files, app cache and even fragments of accounts can remain in the device’s memory, creating privacy risks.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to completely delete data from Redmi – from standard reset via settings to low-level cleaning through Fastboot and the Internet. EDL-We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions. MIUI (12, 13, 14) and models of the series Redmi Note, Redmi K, Redmi A. If your phone is locked, stuck on the logo or does not respond to touch – here you will find solutions for such cases.

Before you start, remember that a complete reset is an irreversible process, and it will not be possible to recover data without a backup, so the first step is to save everything important: photos, contacts, messages and application files. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or physical copying on your PC.

1. Standard reset via MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in reset feature in the MIUI menu.It is suitable if the phone is turned on, responsive to touch and you have access to a password/pattern lock.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Reset (in MIUI 14, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. If necessary, enter the password from Mi Account (if tied).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the phone has Find Device enabled, you may need to reset your last Xiaomi account!

What's removed:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data
• 📂 Photos, videos, music and uploaded files
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth settings
• 📋 Google, Xiaomi, social media accounts

What NOT to be removed:

• 🔄 Updates to the firmware (the phone will remain on the current version) MIUI)
• 📶 Operator network settings (APN)
• 🔋 Battery charging cycle data

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Payment cards (Google Pay, Mi Pay)|Get out. SIM and SD-map (optional)-->

2.Right reset via Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn’t turn on, freezes on the Redmi logo or doesn’t respond to touch, a Recovery Mode reset will help, which works even on locked devices, but requires physical access to buttons.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Keep Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Let go of Meals, but keep Volume up until you see the Recovery menu.

Resetting instructions:

• 📛 Use volume buttons for navigation, power for selection.
• 🔍 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (in some versions of Factory Reset).
• ✅ Confirm the action (Confirmation).
• 🔄 After completion, select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may have a Recovery menu in Chinese, in which case, look for characters (data cleanup) and (confirm).

3. Complete cleaning through Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical one, and it removes all memory partitions, including firmware, and requires subsequent flashing of MIUI. Use it only if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even turn on in Recovery.
• 📱 We need to remove custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🔒 Device locked in Mi Account after reset.

Tools required:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
• 📦 Firmware MIUI For your model (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Enter the phone in Fastboot: turn it off, then hold Power + Volume down.
2. Connect to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
3. Run the full cleanup: fastboot erase boot fastboot erase system fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
4. Reflash MIUI: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash userdata userdata.img (replace file names with current ones from your firmware).
5. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Continuous power is critical! If the process is interrupted, the phone can turn into a brick. Use a UPS or a laptop with a charged battery.

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Before you run your Fastboot firmware, check the phone model with the fastboot getvar product command. Using firmware from another model will cause the device to fail!

4. Deletion of Mi Account after reset (bypassing FRP)

If Redmi requires data entry from the last Xiaomi account (Mi Account) after a reset, it means that FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection has worked, and you can bypass it in several ways:

Method 1: By deleting your account

• 🌐 Go to the Mi Account website.
• 🔑 Sign in with the same account that was linked to the phone.
• 📱 In the Devices section, find your Redmi and remove it from the list.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – the lock should disappear.

Method 2: Use of the EDL-mode (for advanced)

• 🔧 You need an authorized Xiaomi account (to unlock) EDL).
• 💻 You need a PC with Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
• 🔌 Put the phone in. EDL-Mode (close the volume up) + Loudness down + Power with the device switched off).
• 📥 Swipe the full firmware with a clean all checkmark.

⚠️ Attention: Bypass FRP through third-party tools (e.g, FRP Bypass APK) Xiaomi account may be blocked for suspicious activity. Officially supported method is always preferred.

5 How to erase data from a damaged Redmi (not turning on, not responding)

If the screen is broken, the phone doesn’t respond to buttons or shows no signs of life, but you need to delete data from it, try the following methods:

Option 1: Connect to a PC in MTP mode (if the screen is partially running)

• 🔌 Connect Redmi to your computer via USB.
• 📂 In Windows Explorer, open the device as a flash drive.
• 🗑️ Manually delete files from folders DCIM, Downloads, Pictures.

Option 2: Use ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

• 💻 Install. ADB on a PC and plug in the phone.
• 📋 Check the connection: Adb devices
• 🗃️ Delete the data by command: adb shell rm -rf /sdcard/* (This will clear internal memory, but will not affect system files).

Option 3: Removal of microSD (if used)

• 📱 Turn off the phone (if possible).
• 🔧 Carefully remove the tray for SIM-microSD cards.
• 💾 Connect the card to the PC through the card reader and format it.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is physically damaged (for example, after falling into the water), do not try to turn it on. This can lead to short circuit and irretrievable data loss.

Table: Comparison of Reset Methods for Redmi

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Redmi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Error 1: Phone doesn't turn on after being reset via Fastboot

• 🔋 Reason: Interrupted firmware process or incompatible version MIUI.
• 🛠️ Solution: Repeat the firmware with the correct version of the software for your model. Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.

Error 2: Photos and files are left after reset

• 📂 Reason: Standard reset through settings doesn't always clear folder DCIM and Downloads at 100%.
• 🧹 Solution: Before resetting manually delete files or use Fastboot to completely clean userdata.

Mistake 3: Mi Account blocked after buying a used phone

• 🔒 Reason: Previous owner didn’t untie the account before the sale.
• 📧 Solution: Contact the seller and ask them to remove the device from their personal account. If this is not possible, contact Xiaomi with a check to purchase.

Mistake 4: phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after reset

• 🔧 Solution: Log in to Recovery and run Wipe Cache. If it doesn't work, run your phone through Fastboot.

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Before selling or transferring your phone to another person, always reset via Fastboot or EDL – this is guaranteed to delete all data, including linked accounts.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions