Smartphones of the line Redmi from the company Xiaomi are famous for their performance and availability, but over time, even the most reliable device can begin to work unstable. The accumulation of temporary files, errors in the system registry, or conflicts after updates often lead to the phone starting to slow down, overheating, or spontaneously rebooting. In such situations, the most effective solution is a full system reset, which returns the software to its original state as it was at the time of purchase.
The factory reset procedure, known as a Hard Reset or Factory Reset, deletes all user information from the internal memory of the device. This is a radical, but often the only way to restore functionality operating system without contacting a service center. It is important to understand that after completing this procedure you will receive a clean Android shell MIUIthat will not contain your photos, contacts, messages or installed applications. Therefore, before starting any action, it is critical to create a backup copy of all important data.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for resetting settings on Redmi smartphones. We will look at both the standard method through the settings menu and deeper methods through Recovery mode, which are necessary when the screen is locked or the system cannot boot. You will learn about the nuances of working with your account Google and Mi Accountto avoid problems with activation blocking after a reboot.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before initiating the cleaning process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps that guarantee the security of your data and successful completion of the procedure. Ignoring this step may result in the permanent loss of important information or the device being blocked by security mechanisms. The first step is to create a full backup. You can use the built-in cloud storage Mi Cloud or synchronize data with your account Google.
Be sure to check the battery level. The process of formatting internal memory and reinstalling system files is energy-consuming. If the phone turns off in the middle of the process, it can damage the bootloader and turn the smartphone into a brick. It is recommended to have at least 50-60% charge, and it is better to connect the device to the charger throughout the entire operation.
⚠️ Attention: Factory reset does not delete data from the microSD memory card if one is installed. However, for complete security, it is recommended to remove the memory card before starting the procedure, so as not to accidentally format it along with the internal memory.
It is also necessary to unlink security accounts. Modern versions Android and shell MIUI have the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) function. If you perform a reset without logging out Google or Mi Account, the phone will require you to enter the password for these accounts upon first activation. If you do not remember it, access to the device will be blocked.
- 📸 Back up photos and videos to the cloud or to a computer.
- 🔋 Connect your smartphone to a charger or make sure the charge is more than 60%.
- 🔓 Sign out of your Google and Mi accounts before resetting to settings.
- 💾 Save important documents and notes to external storage.
☑️ Preparing to reset Redmi
Method 1: Reset through the Android settings menu
This is the simplest and safest method, which is suitable for devices that are in working order and have access to the main screen. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), but the general logic remains the same. You will need to go to the system settings section, where memory and factory data management options are hidden.
Open the application Settings and scroll down to the item About phone. In some firmware versions, the required section may be named Advanced settings or located in a category Advanced. Inside this menu, find the item Reset settings. The system will offer you two options: resetting all settings (without deleting data) and completely deleting all data. To return to the factory state, select the second option.
A warning about that all data will be deleted, including music, photos and applications. The system will also show the approximate time the process will take. After clicking the confirm button, you may be required to enter a pattern, PIN, or fingerprint to verify the owner's identity. This is protection against accidental or unauthorized reset.
If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Google Account, make sure you have access to your phone to receive the verification code, as after the reset, logging into your account may require re-verification.
After confirmation, the phone will automatically reboot. You will see the Redmi or MIlogo, as well as an animation of the system installation process. At this point, the screen may turn off and light up several times - this is normal behavior. Don't try to interrupt the process even if it seems stuck. Complete cleaning and reinstallation takes from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of internal memory and processor speed.
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery mode
If the smartphone is frozen, does not boot to the desktop, or you have forgotten the screen unlock password, the standard method through the settings is not available. In this case, you must use recovery mode Recovery Mode. This method is deeper and allows you to reset even when the operating system is not working. This mode is entered by using a combination of physical buttons when the device is turned off.
First, turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously hold down the volume up button (Volume Up) and the power button (Power). Hold them down until the logo Miappears, after which you can release the power button while continuing to hold down the volume. After a few seconds, the main Recovery menu will open. Control in this menu is carried out with the volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed with the power button.
In the Recovery menu, select a language (usually English and Chinese are available), then go to the item Wipe Data. In the next menu, select Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation of the action, usually this is item Confirm. After confirmation, the formatting process will begin. When completed, you will see a message Data wiped successfully. Select Back to Main Menuand then Reboot -> Reboot to System.
What if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
If when you enter Recovery you see hieroglyphs instead of English text, do not panic. In most global versions of Redmi, the first menu item allows you to select the language. Use the volume buttons to navigate to what appears to be a language selection (often second or third from the top) and select English. If language selection is not available, the reset procedure (Wipe Data) is usually located at the very bottom of the list or has a standard location that can be found by the button layout.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. All actions are performed exclusively by mechanical buttons. Be careful when navigating so as not to select the data wipe option by mistake.
Method 3: Remote reset via Google Account
There is a scenario when the phone is lost, stolen or located in another location, but you need to delete sensitive data from it. For such cases, the company Google has provided the Find My Device service. This method allows you to initiate a factory reset remotely through any browser on a computer or another smartphone.
For this method to work, the problem phone must be turned on, connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or a mobile network) and logged into your Google account. The geolocation and remote control function must also be activated. Go to the website android.com/find and log in using the same account that is used on the Redmi phone.
The location of the device will be displayed on the map (if it is online). In the control menu, select the option Wipe device (Erase Device). The system will warn you that all data will be permanently deleted. After confirmation, the command will be sent to your phone. Once the device comes online, it will automatically begin the reset process. After this, the phone will be rebooted to the factory settings state, and access to your data will be denied.
| Reset method | Required access | Difficulty | Risk data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings | Access to desktop | Low | Full (if there is no backup) |
| Via Recovery | Physical access to buttons | Average | Full |
| Via Google Find | Internet and Google account | Low | Full |
| Via Mi Cloud | Internet and Mi account | Low | Full |
Remote reset via Google is effective only if there is an active Internet connection on the device. If the phone is turned off or in airplane mode, the command will be executed only after it is connected to the network.
FRP and Mi Account lock problem
One of the most common problems after resetting the settings is the activation lock screen. This is a security mechanism designed to prevent the use of stolen devices. If you did not log out of your account Google or Mi Accountbefore resetting, the system will require you to enter the password for this account when setting it up for the first time. This requirement cannot be circumvented by simply pressing buttons.
In the case of an account Google (FRP Lock), you need to enter the email and password that were synchronized with the device before the reset. If you changed your password recently, you may need to wait 24 hours before attempting entry on the reset device. This is a security measure that prevents unauthorized access by attackers.
With an account Mi Account the situation is similar. The shell MIUI tightly binds the device to the user account. If the phone was found or purchased second-hand, and the previous owner did not unlink the device from his account, it is impossible to unlock it legally without his participation. Official support Xiaomi can unlock the device only if you provide a purchase receipt confirming your ownership.
- 🔒 FRP Lock requires entering the last used Google account.
- 📱 Mi Account lock requires a password from the Mi ID associated with the phone.
- 📄 To remove the lock in the service, you need a receipt for the purchase of the device.
- ⏳ After changing your Google password, you may need to wait 24 hours.
⚠️ Attention: There are many unofficial ways to bypass FRP and Mi locks through special apps and vulnerabilities. Using such methods may violate the warranty, lead to unstable system operation or complete blocking of the device by the manufacturer at the server level.
Initial setup after reset
After the reset and reboot procedure has been successfully completed, you will see a welcome screen similar to what you saw when you first turned on the new phone. Select the interface language and connect to the Wi-Fi network. At this stage, the system may offer to restore data from a backup copy. If you created a backup in Google Drive or Mi Cloud, you can restore contacts, call history and a list of installed applications.
During the setup process, the system will offer to configure security functions: add a fingerprint, set up facial recognition or set a PIN code. It is recommended that you do not skip this step as this will ensure your data is protected in the future. You will also be asked to accept the terms of the user agreement and adjust your privacy settings MIUI.
Please note that after logging in for the first time, your phone may be slow for a while. This is because files are indexed, application updates are downloaded, and cloud data is synchronized in the background. Give the device 15-20 minutes of rest after the initial setup so that it can optimize performance.
When restoring from a backup, select only the data you need. Restoring a full system image may bring back old software errors that caused you to perform the reset in the first place. It is better to set up your phone as new and install applications manually.
If after resetting and setting up you experience rapid battery drain or heating, check for system updates in the menu Settings → About phone → MIUI version. Manufacturers often release patches that correct errors that may have appeared after a clean installation. Also make sure that all system applications are updated through the store GetApps or Google Play.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will information be deleted from the memory card when resetting settings?
By default, the standard reset procedure through the settings or Recovery menu affects only the internal memory of the device. The data on the microSD card remains intact. However, in some Recovery menus there may be a separate “Format SD Card” item or a “Clear internal memory and SD card” checkbox. Please read the on-screen messages carefully before confirming. To 100% guarantee the safety of files on the flash card, it is better to remove it before starting the procedure.
What to do if the phone is stuck on the logo after a reset?
If the device is stuck on the logo Redmi or MI for more than 20 minutes, perhaps There was a failure while writing system files. Try performing a force reboot by holding the Power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, you need to enter Recovery mode again and repeat the Wipe Data procedure. In the worst case, you may need to flash the device via a computer using the Mi Flash Tool.
Is it possible to cancel a factory reset after it has started?
No, it is impossible to cancel the process. Once formatting of memory partitions and deleting data begins, a power interruption or reboot will damage the operating system. The phone will not be able to boot and will require a complex flashing procedure at a service center to restore it. Wait for the process to complete, even if it seems long.
Does the reset remove the Android version or MIUI skin?
No, a factory reset returns the settings to the out-of-the-box state, but does not roll back the software version. If you updated your phone to Android 13 i MIUI 14, then after the reset you will still have the same versions. To roll back to an older version of Android, you need to completely flash the device via a computer, which is a more complex procedure.
How to reset a phone if the screen is broken and the sensor does not work?
If the sensor does not respond, you will not be able to reset it through the settings menu. The only working option is to use Recovery mode through the physical buttons (Volume Up + Power), as described in the second section of the article. Also, if USB debugging was previously enabled, you can try to send a reset command through the computer using ADB tools, but this requires preliminary preparation.