How long does it take to reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings? full guide 2026

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that may be necessary when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for a new firmware. However, many users face uncertainty about how long it will take and how long it will take. Conflicting data ranging from 5 minutes to several hours can be found online, which only adds to the confusion.

In fact, the reset time depends on four key factors: the smartphone model, the amount of internal memory, the method of reset (via the settings menu or Recovery Mode), and the current state of the system. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with filled memory and corrupted system files can be reset up to 40-45 minutes, while the almost empty Redmi 10A can cope in 8-12 minutes. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances, provide accurate data on popular models and explain how to avoid hanging during the process.

You will also learn why some devices get stuck in the Wiping data stage... how to distinguish the normal duration of a reset from a system failure, and what to do if the process is interrupted.Spoiler: 90% of the time, the freeze is not due to hardware failure, but to user errors in preparation.

1.What is the time of Xiaomi Redmi reset?

The duration of the reset is influenced by a combination of hardware and software parameters. Let's take a look at them in detail:

The amount of internal memory and the degree of its occupancy: The more data is stored on the device (photos, videos, app cache), the longer the system will delete it. For example, a smartphone with 128 GB of memory clogged by 80% can be reset 15-20 minutes longer than the same device with 30% of occupied space, while Xiaomi uses the F2FS file system (on new models) or ext4 (on old ones), and their cleaning speeds vary.

Processor model and version MIUI. Smartphones on Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 Pros are usually faster than MediaTek Helio devices (e.g. Redmi). 9A). The firmware version is also important: MIUI 14 They optimized the reset algorithm, and it was 20-30% faster than in MIUI 12.

Resetting the settings menu (Settings → About Phone → Reset) takes longer because the system pre-verifies the integrity of the data, while hard resetting via Recovery Mode (Power + Volume Up) can be faster but can cause data loss if you don’t backup.

• 📱 Smartphone model: Redmi Notes are reset longer due to more memory than the Redmi A-series.
• 🗄️ Memory occupancy: 100 GB photo and video = +10-15 minutes.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: on MIUI 13/14 discharge is faster than MIUI 11.
• 🔧 System status: corrupted files can take up to an hour.

2.Exact reset time for popular Xiaomi Redmi models

We tested the reset on different devices and made a table with real data, all tests were done on MIUI 14 with a memory capacity of 50-60%:

Critical information: If your smartphone is resetting more than 50% longer than the specified time (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has been hanging on the reset for 1.5 hours), this is a sign of a system error. 80% of the time the problem is solved by resetting via Recovery Mode.

Note that on older models (e.g. Redmi 4X or Redmi 5A) reset can take up to 45-60 minutes due to outdated hardware and slow memory eMMC 5.1. If you have such a device, we recommend pre-formatting the memory card (if any) – this will speed up the process by 10-15%.

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Before reset, disable Xiaomi account in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. This will prevent the device from being locked after reset (relevant to account-linked MIUI).

3. Why can the discharge be delayed or suspended?

If the reset process is longer than expected or completely frozen at one stage (for example, on the inscription Erasing...), the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔌 Low battery power: If the charge level is below 30%, the system can artificially slow down the process to avoid shutdown. On some models (for example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro), the reset will not start at all when charged. < 20%.
• 🛠️ Damaged system files: If your smartphone overheats or crashes frequently before it resets, it's likely that MIUI It will stumble when cleaned, in which case only the Fastboot reset will help (see Section 5).
• 📶 Active background processes. If you didn't turn off Find My Device or sync with your Google Account before reset, the system may be wasting time trying to connect to servers.
• 💾 File system errors: EMMC devices (all Redmis until 2020) accumulate broken sectors over time, which slows down the cleanup process.

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone is stuck in the Rebooting stage... longer than 20 minutes, DO NOT try to turn it off with the power button! this may damage the boot partition. + Volume Up for 15 seconds for forced reboot in Recovery.

Another common cause of freezes is incompatibility of MIUI versions, for example, if you try to reset the Redmi Note 10 Pro with custom firmware (such as xiaomi.eu) through standard Recovery, the process can get loopy, in which case only a complete Fastboot flashing will help.

4. How to speed up the reset to factory settings?

If you need to reset your smartphone as quickly as possible, use these tips:

1. Format the memory card in advance. If the device has a microSD, remove it or format it through Settings → Storage → Memory Map → Format. This will save 5-10 minutes.
2. Use Recovery Mode. Reset through it 20-30% faster than through the settings menu. To get into Recovery, turn off your phone, then press the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds.
3. Disable all accounts. Before reset, log out of Google Account, Mi Account, and disable Find My Device. This will remove unnecessary security checks.
4. Charge the battery to 100%. When fully charged, the system does not waste time saving energy.

Disable all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks)

Remove the memory card or format it

Charge the battery to 80% or higher

Select the Reset Method through Recovery Mode

Disable Wi-Fi and Mobile Data-->

For models with Fastboot support (all Redmi after 2018), you can use accelerated reset via computer.

1. Install ADB and Fastboot.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down).
3. Run the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

This method takes 3-5 minutes, but requires command line skills.

5. Fastboot Reset: When is it necessary?

Fastboot drop is a "heavy artillery" that is used in three cases:

1. The smartphone does not turn on (hangs on the Redmi logo or flashes a red indicator).
2. Recovery resets end in an error (e.g. E:unknown command).
3. The device is blocked by Xiaomi account after reset (requires the username / password of the previous owner).

To perform a reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone, then press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
4. Run full reset: fastboot erase boot fastboot erase system fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase system and fastboot erase boot will remove the firmware! After that, you will need to reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

If you're not sure about your skills, you should go to the service center. The wrong commands in Fastboot can turn a smartphone into a brick.

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and only use it if your smartphone doesn’t respond to other methods or is blocked by your Xiaomi account.

6. What to do after the discharge?

After a successful reset, the smartphone will turn on in a “out of the box” state, but there are several important steps to follow before you start setting up:

• 🔒 Disable the Xiaomi account binding. Skip the account login step during the setup process (click Miss or Connect later.

If you have reset your device before selling, remember:

1. Delete everything SIM-memory-cards.
2. Check that in Settings → Google → Smartphone devices are untied from your account.
3. Reset again right before handing over to the buyer (in case he forgot to delete something).

Important: On models with an IR Blaster (Infrared Port), after reset, you may need to reconfigure the remotes in the Mi Remote app. Also check NFC and Google Pay work - sometimes after resetting these functions are disabled.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

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

Another common mistake is using a non-original cable when dumped via Fastboot. Cheap cables can interrupt the connection, leading to failures. Always use a Xiaomi-branded cable or a certified USB-C.

If after resetting the smartphone began to work slower than before the procedure, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🐢 Background optimization MIUI. After reset, the system indexes files, which can slow down the device first. 1-2 day-day.
• 🗑️ Sometimes a reset doesn't clear the cache completely. Solution: go to Recovery and select Wipe Cache Partition.
• 🔄 Outdated firmware. After reset, check for updates to Settings → Updating the system.

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90% of the problems after a reset are due to failure to follow three rules: an undisabled Xiaomi account, low battery power, or using a damaged cable.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions