Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 to factory settings: a detailed guide with photos

When you need a Redmi Note 3 reset and what it gives

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get the smartphone back on track, which removes all user data, apps and settings, bringing the device back out of the box.

First, if the smartphone starts to slow down or overheat for no apparent reason. Over time, the MIUI operating system gets clogged with cache, temporary files and residues of remote applications, which leads to a decrease in performance. Second, resetting helps with system errors: constant reboots, hanging on the Xiaomi logo or sensor malfunctions. Finally, this is a mandatory step before selling or transferring the phone to another user - to delete personal information.

But not all problems are solved by resetting, for example, if the Redmi Note 3 is not turned on due to a damaged battery or a failed memory module, the factory settings are powerless, and resetting will not help if the phone is locked through the Mi Account - this will require official unlock from Xiaomi.

Preparing for resetting: what to save and how not to lose data

Before you start resetting, make sure all important data is copied. You can't recover information after hard reset -- photos, contacts, messages and files will be deleted permanently.

• 📱 Contact and SMS: sync with Google Account or export through the Contacts app to.vcf.
• 📷 Photos and Videos: Move to your computer, cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or external drive.
• 🔑 Passwords and logins: Check if they are saved in Google Smart Lock or write them down manually.
• 🎮 Game progress: link your gaming accounts to Google Play Games or social media.

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. If you have ever unlocked it (for example, to install custom firmware), after resetting via Recovery, the phone may stop booting, in which case you will need to re-unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 3 has an unofficial firmware installed (e.g. LineageOS), a reset via a standard menu can result in a "brick" (unworkable state.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and you can log in. It requires no additional tools and takes no more than 5 minutes. Instructions are relevant for MIUI of all versions, including global and Chinese (China ROM).

Open Settings and go to Additional (or About Phone in new MIUI versions) and then select:

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

The system will ask you to choose what to reset:

• 🔄 Resetting all settings – deletes applications, data, and settings, but saves files to internal memory.
• 🗑️ Delete all data – complete reset, including internal memory (recommended before sale).

Once confirmed, the phone will restart and begin the cleaning process. The Xiaomi logo will appear on the screen with a progress lane - do not turn off the device until the reset is complete (usually takes 3-7 minutes).

Make sure battery charge > 50%|

Sync your contacts with Google|

Copy photos on PC|

Remember the password from Mi Account (if tied)|

Disable protection with a pattern lock (if any)-->

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

If the Redmi Note 3 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires physical access to the phone’s buttons.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press both Loudness up (+) and Nutrition at the same time.
3. Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and menu appear in English/Chinese.

In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection). Select Wipe Data (or in the Chinese version), then Wipe All Data and confirm the action. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter the username and password from Mi Account, linked to the phone. If you forget the data, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if the first two did not work or the phone has custom firmware installed. To work, you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Fastboot utility (part of the Android SDK).

Connect the Redmi Note 3 to the PC, then:

1. Press Volume Down (-) + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder from fastboot.exe.
3. Enter the command to completely reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once these commands are executed, the phone will be completely cleaned, including internal memory.This method bypasses the Mi Account lock, but can result in loss of IMEI if the firmware is damaged.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔋 Discharge during reset: If the battery runs out in the process, the phone can turn into a brick. > 50%.
• 🔒 Forgotten Mi Account: If you don’t remember your password, restore it in advance or use the Fastboot method (but risk losing it) IMEI).
• 📱 Redmi Note 3 has two modifications - kenzo (Snapdragon 650) and kate (Helio) X10). Install firmware only for your model!

Another common problem is network loss after a reset, which is caused by a failure in the modem or IMEI files, to reconnect.

1. Check if the flight mode is active.
2. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and networks → Access Point Settings and Update Configuration.
3. If it doesn’t work, try the official version of MIUI.

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If the phone is slower after reset, do an additional cache cleanup: go to Recovery and select Wipe Cache Partition. This will not delete user data, but speed up the system.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 3 will offer to go through the initial setup, as after purchase.

1. Language choice: If you have Chinese firmware (China ROM), install English to make it easier to navigate.
2. Wi-Fi connection: Without the Internet, you can not download updates and restore backups.
3. Sign in to Mi Account: If your phone has been linked to your account, sign in, otherwise some features (like Find Device) won’t work.
4. Data recovery: The system will offer to restore backups from Mi Cloud or Google.

If you plan to sell a phone, don't set it up after you reset it. Just turn it off and pass it on to the customer so they can set it up on their own without having to face your accounts.

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After reset, be sure to check all sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer, camera) and communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS). If something does not work, it is a sign of hardware failure, not software failure.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions