Reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step. It helps fix software failures, remove viruses, prepare the device for sale or transfer to another person. However, an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, locking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, proven reset methods for all Redmi models (from Redmi 4X to Redmi Note 13 Pro+), including solutions to typical problems after the procedure.

It's important to understand that factory reset is not like flashing. It deletes user data (photos, apps, settings), but it saves the original MIUI firmware. If the goal is to update the system or fix critical software bugs, it may require firmware through Fastboot. We'll focus on safe reset methods that don't require technical skills.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Before you dump the Xiaomi Redmi, assess whether it is really necessary.The procedure is irreversible and takes 5 to 30 minutes depending on the method.

• 🔄 The phone brakes, often overheats, or spontaneously reboots — even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary apps.
• 📱 Plan to sell or transfer your smartphone to another user – a reset will delete personal data (but does not guarantee 100% cleanup, see the security section).
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code and unlocking through Mi Account is not available.
• 🛠️ After a failed update MIUI Errors have appeared (e.g. com.android.phone or miui.home are constantly stopping).
• 🦠 Suspected infection with viruses that are not removed by antiviruses (for example, XiaomiAds or redirects in the browser).

Resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Bloating the battery or damage to the screen plume (repair required).
• 📡 Hardware malfunctions of the communication module (no network, Wi-Fi does not work).
• 💾 Damage to section /system (need to be reflashed).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is locked through Find Device, the reset will not unlock it.

Preparing for resetting: what to do in advance

The unpleasant surprise after reset is the loss of photos, contacts or messages. To avoid this, follow 3 mandatory steps:

1. Back up. Use built-in Settings → About Phone → Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Please note: MIUI backup does not store some application data (e.g. WhatsApp or Viber messages – they need to be exported separately).
2. Make sure you know the username and password from Mi Account. Once reset, the phone may require authorization (Mi Cloud Activation Lock function). Without your account data, it will be difficult to unlock the device.

Please check further:

• 📌 Is there any important data in your internal memory (such as screenshots or downloads) on your phone – the cloud won’t save it.
• 📌 Are bank cards or social media accounts linked to the device - after reset, a second authorization will be required.
• 📌 Whether custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) is installed – they may require separate instruction.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, the reset will not remove the peg. Unlocking will require contacting the previous owner or contacting Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase.

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on, and you remember the unlock password. It's the simplest and the least risky.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Resetting to factory settings).
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering PIN-code-key.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (the phone will restart 1-2 times).

Reset time: ~5-10 minutes. After the reset, you will be asked to set the phone as new.

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data that you don’t remember, try:

• 🔑 Restore password through the official website.
• 📧 Check the email linked to your account – there may be a backup email.
• 📱 Use the unlock method via Fastboot (if debugging is enabled by Fastboot) USB).

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If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for longer than 15 minutes after reset, don't panic. Turn it off with a long press of the power button (20+ seconds), then turn it on again. If the problem recurs, try resetting via Recovery.

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

If Xiaomi Redmi does not load (hangs on the logo, cyclically reboots or locks), use Recovery mode. This method works even if the firmware is damaged, but requires care.

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 20 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Redmi Note 8/9/10: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the phone will restart automatically).

Note: Some versions of Recovery may have different menus, such as the Redmi K40.

Wipe & Reset → Format Data → Type "yes" → Confirm

If after resetting via Recovery, the phone still does not turn on:

• 🔌 Try charging it for 30 to 60 minutes - sometimes the battery runs out in the background.
• 🔧 Install firmware via Fastboot (if you have access to a PC).
• 🛠️ Contact the service center - possible hardware malfunction.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but remember the Mi Account data associated with the phone, you can reset the lock through the site i.mi.com:

• 📶 Connecting your phone to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 Linking your Mi Account to your device before blocking.
• 📱 Find Device enabled (located in Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
3. Press Unlock and confirm the action.
4. Wait 5-10 minutes – the phone unlocks automatically (reboot may be required).

If the unblocking through the site does not work:

• 🔄 Try resetting your Mi Account password and try again.
• 📧 Check the email linked to your account – you may have received an email with instructions.
• 🔧 Use alternative unlock methods (e.g., through the ADB or TestPoint).

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, you can't unlock it through i.mi.com. In this case, contact the previous owner or Xiaomi support with a check to buy.

Security after reset: how to completely delete data

Factory reset via menu or Recovery does not guarantee complete deletion of data. Files can be recovered using special programs (for example, Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver). If you sell or transfer a phone, follow the additional steps:

1. Encrypt the data before reset. Go to Settings → Security → Phone Encryption. Set the encryption password (not a pattern lock!). Wait until the process is complete (may take 1-2 hours). Reset via Settings or Recovery.
2. Rewrite the memory. After reset, fill the internal memory with junk data (for example, download and delete a large file or record video at maximum resolution).
3. Use TWRP to format. If you have a bootloader unlocked, install TWRP Recovery and execute the command: Format Data → Type "yes" This will delete the data without recovery.

For models with support for File-Based Encryption (Redmi Note 11/12, Redmi K50 and later), additional encryption is not required - the data is automatically protected by a hardware key.

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Even after the factory reset, data can be recovered! Use encryption or formatting via TWRP to completely clean up.

Typical post-reset errors and their solutions

After resetting Xiaomi Redmi, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔴 The phone requires a Mi Account you don't remember.Solution: Restore your password on account.xiaomi.com or contact support with proof of purchase. If the phone is hand-built, contact the previous owner.
• 🔴 The phone is constantly restarted (bootloop). Solution: Try resetting through Recovery. If it doesn't work, run the phone through Fastboot.

If the phone is running slower than before the procedure:

• 📱 Check if the background applications are installed (in Settings) → Annexes → Auto-start).
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Clean the cache in Recovery (Wipe Cache).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi reset