Reset Xiaomi Redmi 7 to factory settings: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2019, but even it can eventually start to slow down, give out errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Reset to factory settings is a universal solution for most software problems, from freezes to viruses. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss or even “bricking” of the device. In this guide, we will discuss three official methods of resetting, the nuances of preparation and recovery, and what to do if the phone does not respond to commands.

It’s important to understand that the reset deletes all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed apps, but it does not affect MIUI system files if they were not corrupted, we will also tell you how to bypass the Mi Account lock after the reset (if you forgot the password) and what to do if the smartphone is stuck on the Redmi logo.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Without a backup, you will lose access to the data forever — even service centers will not be able to recover it after a complete reset.

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. Save the file to Google Drive or computer.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge can cause damage to the firmware.
• 🔐 Make sure you know the data from your Mi Account. After the reset, you will need to re-authorize.
• 📶 Disable all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks) in Settings → Accounts to avoid Factory Reset Protection issues (FRP).

If your Redmi 7 is no longer on or is stuck on the logo, skip this step and go straight to the Recovery or Fastboot reset methods.

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If you have forgotten your Mi Account password, try to restore it through account.xiaomi.com before the reset. After the hard reset, unlocking without a password will require you to contact the service center.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, and it's suitable for eliminating small glitches, cleaning the cache and preparing the device for sale.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (usually at the bottom of the list).
3. Slip on Reset (or additionally → Reset in some versions of MIUI).
4. Choose Delete all data (not to be confused with Network Resetting!).
5. Enter a pattern lock or PIN-code if the system requests.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically restarts and prompts you to configure it as new, and it doesn't remove system updates, it's the version of MIUI that was installed when it was reset.

Battery stock. ≥ 50%|Backup created|All accounts are disabled (Google, Mi)|I know the password from Mi Account (if tied)-->

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If Redmi 7 is not on, getting stuck on the screensaver or not responding to touch, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires physical access to the phone buttons.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: If after reset via Recovery phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, you will have to contact the service center Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 📥 You need to reflash the device to a clean version. MIUI.
• 🛠️ You need to unlock the bootloader (Bootloader).

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot original USB-Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down until the image of the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute commands in order: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of your Redmi 7) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the phone doesn’t boot after these commands, the firmware may be damaged, in which case you will need a full flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the official ROM for Redmi 7 (codenamed onc).

Yes, I did (a) | Yes, at the service center | No, never | I plan to do it soon-->

What to do if the phone does not turn on after reset

If the Redmi 7 is stuck on the Mi logo after the reset or the screen is black, the reasons may be as follows:

If the problem is hardware (e.g., damaged battery or motherboard), reset will not help — you will need a diagnosis in the service center. To distinguish the software error from the hardware, try to connect the phone to charge for 30 minutes, and then repeat the reset.

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If the phone doesn’t respond to any reset method, check the integrity. USB-In 30 percent of cases, the problem is the poor contact, not the firmware.

How to recover data after resetting

If you made a backup through MIUI, you can recover the data when you first set up the phone:

1. When turned on, select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. At the Data Recovery stage, select Restore from backup.
3. Specify the path to the backup file (cloud or local file).
4. Select which data to restore (contacts, messages, applications).

If there is no backup, try recovery programs:

• 🖥️ Dr.Fone (Recovery from internal memory if the phone is determined by PC).
• 📱 DiskDigger (to search for deleted files on a memory card).
• ☁️ Google Photos/Contacts (if you synced with your Google account).

⚠️ Warning: Do not write new data to your phone before recovery! Every new file reduces the chances of successful recovery of old data.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting.

• 🔌 Interrupting the process (due to battery discharge or forced shutdown) → causes damage to the firmware.
• 🔑 Forgotten password from Mi Account → locking-up.
• 📱 Use of informal firmware → risk of "bricking" the device.
• 🔄 Reset via Recovery on custom firmware → It can erase the system partition.

To minimize the risks:

1. Always check the battery before resetting.
2. Use only original cables and chargers.
3. Do not install firmware from third-party developers without unlocking Bootloader.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions