Reset Xiaomi Redmi S2 to factory settings: 3 working methods + tips for data recovery

Xiaomi Redmi S2 is a popular budget smartphone released in 2018, but still actively used thanks to balanced specs and support MIUI. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give out errors or require resale - and then there is a need to return it to a "clean" state.Reset to factory settings solves most software problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a "brick".

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to reset the Redmi S2: through system settings, using Recovery Mode, and forced reset if the phone is locked or does not respond to commands. We will separately discuss the preparation of the device, the nuances of working with MIUI and how to recover data after the procedure. If you are looking for a solution to a specific problem, use the table of contents or FAQ at the end of the article.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a cure-all, but 80 percent of the time it helps bring a smartphone back to life without going to a service center, and here are the typical situations where the procedure is justified:

• 🐢 The phone is very slow, applications are long to open or fly out.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock, PIN-lock-screen code.
• 📱 The device is infected with viruses or suspicious software (for example, after installation) APK source).
• 🔄 Plan to sell or transfer your smartphone to another person.
• 🛠️ After a failed update MIUI Glitches (for example, the camera does not work, the sound is lost).
• 📡 Network problems: does not catch mobile Internet, does not connect to Wi-Fi.

But resetting won't help if the problem is hardware: a broken screen, a faulty battery, physical damage to the board, and in such cases repairs are required.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, remember to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device due to the link to your profile.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance?

Reset removes all data from internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications and their settings. To avoid losing important information, follow the following steps:

Save contacts in a Google Account or on SIM-map|Download photos and videos to your computer or the cloud|Write down passwords from Wi-Fi and apps|Make sure the phone has enough charge (minimum 50%)|Disable the protection. FRP (If you plan to sell your phone)-->

Pay special attention to backup. MIUI has a built-in backup feature:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save (contacts, messages, notes, system settings).
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.

The backup file will be stored in internal memory in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder, and copy it to a computer or cloud (e.g., Google Drive or Mi Cloud).

Yes, you did the procedure yourself.|Yeah, but at the service center.|No, I never had to.|I don't know what that is.-->

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest way)

If the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you remember the unlock password -- use this method. It's the safest and doesn't require any additional tools.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data (entry may be required) PIN-code).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the initial setup screen, just like after you buy it.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is enabled with Device Protection (in some versions) MIUI), After reset, you may need to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device!

💡

This method is only suitable if the phone is fully operational and you have access to settings. If the screen is locked or the smartphone is not turned on, read on.

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

If you forget your password, the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo or does not respond to commands, resetting through Recovery Mode will help.

Instructions for Redmi S2:

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.
4. Select a language (e.g. English) from the menu, then Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 📱 The first point is reset.
• 🗑️ Second/third item: data reset ().

Method 3: Forced Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 Phone does not turn on at all (black screen, no reaction to buttons).
• 📱 Recovery Mode is damaged or not opened.
• 🔒 You need to bypass Mi Account protection after reset (only for unlocked bootloader!).

You will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool.Warning: Wrong actions can turn your phone into a brick!

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi S2 (codename ysl) from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot mode: Press the Power Button + Volume Down for 10 seconds. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.

Mi Flash Tool

Refresh

Clean All

Flash

The process will take 5-15 minutes, and once completed, the phone will restart in a clean state.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot resets all data without recovery, including files in internal memory. It also resets the bootloader settings, which can lead to locking the device if it was tied to the Mi Account.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when you follow the instructions, users have problems.

If the phone is unstable after reset (for example, it discharges quickly or overheats), calibrate the battery:

1. Discharge the phone before automatically shutting down.
2. Charge to 100% without interruption.
3. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

How to recover data after resetting?

If you have made a backup through MIUI, it is easy to restore the data:

1. When you first set up your phone, select Restore from backup.
2. Specify the path to the backup file (in internal memory or the cloud).
3. Select data for recovery (contacts, messages, applications).

Try flashing the official MIUI phone through Fastboot (see Method 3).