How to reset Android to factory settings on Redmi: 3 methods + solving errors

Resetting a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance, eliminate software glitches, or prepare the gadget for sale. The procedure erases all user data, including photos, messages, installed applications and account settings. However, not everyone knows that full reset on Redmi can be done in three fundamentally different ways - and each of them has its own nuances.

In this article we will analyze not only the standard procedure through the settings menu, but also alternative methods: using mode Recovery (for locked phones) and Fastboot (for devices with an unlocked bootloader). We will pay special attention preparing for a reset from backup to checking linked accounts Mi Accountthat can block the phone after resetting. You will also find a table comparing methods and answers to frequently asked questions, for example, why after a reset it asks for a password or how to restore data if a backup was not created. Redmi asks for a password or how to restore data if a backup was not created.

⚠️ Important: If yours was purchased from a secondary market, before resetting, make sure that the previous owner untied his Redmi purchased on the secondary market, before resetting, make sure that the previous owner has untied his Mi Account. Otherwise, the device may be locked after resetting (the so-called MIUI Activation Lock).

1. Preparing for a reset: what needs to be done before resetting Redmi

Resetting to factory settings is an irreversible process that deletes all data from the internal memory of the smartphone. Even if you plan to sell a device, preliminary preparation will save time and nerves.

The first thing you need to do is create a backup copy. There is a built-in tool for this: go to MIUI There is a built-in tool for this: go to Settings → About phone → Backup and reset → Local backup. save:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS and call log
• 📷 Photos and video (optional if they are stored on the memory card)
• 🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sound profiles)
• 📥 Installed applications (no data, only lists)

However, built-in backup MIUI not always For example, it does not save:

• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords (you will have to enter them again)
• 🎮 Saves in games (if they are not linked to a Google account)
• 📂 Files in folders Download, Documents and others user directories

Therefore, we additionally recommend:

• 🖥️ Copy important files to a PC or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 🔄 Synchronize contacts with Google Account (check in Settings → Accounts → Google → Synchronization).
• 📋 Write down the phone's IMEI (dial *#06#), in case it is blocked after a reset.

Create a local backup in MIUI|

Copy files to PC/cloud|

Check synchronization with Google Account|

Write down the phone IMEI|

Unlink all unnecessary accounts (Mi, Google, social networks)|

Make sure the battery charge is > 50%-->

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi function is enabled "Device protection" (in some versions MIUI it is activated automatically when you add a fingerprint or pattern), after resetting the system may require you to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you have not linked it. To avoid blocking, disable this option in advance in Settings → Screen lock and password → Additional settings → Protection device.

2. Method 1: Reset through the settings menu (the easiest method)

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone turns on and responds to touches.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern key or PIN code.
• 🔄 You need to quickly return the factory settings without additional manipulations.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to section About phone (in some versions MIUI — Advanced → Recovery and reset).
3. Select Reset settings (or Reset all settings).
4. The system will prompt you to choose what to reset. To reset completely, check:
• 📲 Delete all data (including applications and files)
• 🔄 Reset network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)

Confirm the action by entering the PIN code or pattern.

Wait for the process to complete (usually takes 5-15 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

After the reboot, you will see the initial setup screen, just like after purchase. Here you can either restore data from a backup or configure the device from. zero.

3. via Recovery Mode (if the phone is locked or does not turn on)

If the smartphone does not respond to touches, is locked with a pattern, or does not boot at all, this will help recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method works even without entering a password, but requires physical access to the phone buttons.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off Redmi (press and hold the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold down the button combination:
   • For most models Redmi (Note 5/6/7/8/9/10, K20/K30, etc.): Volume up + Power.
   • For older models (Redmi 3/4, Note 4X): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Hold the buttons until the logo appears MI, then release.

After a few seconds, the menu will appear Recovery (in English or Chinese).

In the menu Recovery control is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (choice). data-i="139">(or

1. Select an item Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait for the process to complete (the message appears on the screen Data wipe complete).
4. Return to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Attention: In some versions MIUI after resetting via Recovery you may be required to enter data from Mi Accountif you previously linked an account XiaomiIf you do not remember the password, restore it in advance on the website account.xiaomi.com.

What to do if there is no Wipe Data item in Recovery Mode?

If there is no reset option in the Recovery menu, it means your Redmi has custom firmware installed or the recovery partition is damaged. In this case, try:

1. Install the official Recovery via Fastboot (see method 3).

2. Use third-party tools like OrangeFox Recovery or TWRP (requires an unlocked bootloader).

4. Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader Unlocked).
• 🖥️ You have access to a PC with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔄 You need a “clean” reset from flashing (for example, after an unsuccessful update).

To reset via Fastboot you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Utilities ADB and Fastboot (can be downloaded as part of Platform Tools from Google).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (checked by command fastboot oem device-info - line Device unlocked: true).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Turn off Redmi and switch it to mode Fastboot:

   Press the "Volume Down + Power" buttons until the screensaver with a rabbit in a hat with earflaps appears.

2. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux).
3. Check the device connection:

   fastboot devices

   Your serial number should be displayed Redmi.

4. Reset to factory settings:

   fastboot erase userdata
   fastboot erase cache
   fastboot reboot

If after these commands the phone does not reboot or gives an error, you may need a complete flashing via Fastboot using the official ROM from XiaomiTo do this, download the firmware for your model from the website en.miui.com/a/miui/download and run the command:

fastboot flash all [firmware_filename].zip

⚠️ Attention: Continuous use Fastboot without unlocking the bootloader can lead to hard-brick (complete inoperability) of the device. If you are not sure of your actions, contact a service center. center.

Through the settings menu|

Through Recovery Mode|

Via Fastboot|

Not reset yet|

5. Comparison of reset methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to decide on the method, we have collected the key differences in the table:

Criterion	Reset via menu	Reset via Recovery	Reset via Fastboot
Does the screen need to be unlocked?	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Works when locked phone?	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
PC required?	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Deletes all data?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (you can optionally reflash)
Difficulty	⭐ (easy)	⭐⭐ (average)	⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)

For most users, the optimal option will be reset through the settings menu. It does not require additional tools and is minimally risky. Recovery Mode is useful if the phone is locked or does not turn on, and Fastboot is “heavy artillery” for cases when other methods did not work or you need to reflash the device.

6. Possible problems after the reset and their solutions

Even after a successful reset. reset Redmi may behave unexpectedly. Let's consider typical situations and ways to eliminate them.

🔒 The phone asks for the password for Mi Account after resetting

This is one of the most common problems. It occurs if:

• The device was linked Mi Account, and the function "Find device" was enabled.
• The previous owner did not unlink his account (relevant for used phones).
• It was activated in the settings "Device protection".

Solutions:

• 🔑 Enter your password Mi Account (if you remember).
• 📧 Restore access to your account via email or phone number on the website account.xiaomi.com.
• 📞 If the phone was purchased second-hand, contact the previous owner and ask him to unlock the device via Settings → Mi Account → Devices.

⚠️ Attention: If it is impossible to contact the previous owner, you can officially unlock Redmi only through the service center Xiaomi with the provision of a purchase receipt. Unofficial methods (such as bypassing EDL Mode) require special equipment and can lead to IMEI blocking.

📱 The phone is stuck on logo MI after reset

If after resetting the device does not boot beyond the logo, possible reasons:

• Damaged firmware (especially if the reset was performed via Fastboot).
• Conflict with custom Recovery (for example, TWRP).
• Hardware malfunction (less often).

Solutions:

• 🔄 Try resetting the settings via Recovery Mode.
• 🖥️ Reflash the device with the official firmware via Mi Flash Tool (requires unlocked bootloader).
• 🔧 If all else fails, contact a service center - the partition may be damaged EFS (responsible for IMEI and communication modules).

📶 Networks are missing (no mobile connection or Wi-Fi)

After After resetting, the settings for mobile networks or Wi-Fi may disappear. To restore the connection:

• 📡 For mobile network: go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access point settings (APN). reset and load the configuration automatically (or manually enter the settings of your operator).
• 🌐 For Wi-Fi: check if the module is enabled in Settings → Wi-Fi. If the network is not found, try rebooting the router or resetting its settings.

What to do if after reset Redmi does not detect the SIM card?

If the phone does not see the SIM card after resetting, the reasons may be the following:

1. The partition is damaged EFS (stores IMEI and modem settings. In this case, this will only help). flashing via Mi Flash Tool with a tick Clean All and Lock.

2. Physical malfunction of the SIM card slot or contacts. Check if the contacts in the slot are bent (carefully pry them up with a needle).

3. The SIM card is inactive (for example, if you have not used the number for a long time). Contact your operator to check the status of the card.

7. How to restore data after a reset (if there is no backup)

If you forgot to make a backup, the chances of getting the data back depend on was the memory overwritten? after the reset, the less you used the phone after resetting, the higher the likelihood of recovery.

Recovery methods:

• 🖥️ Recovery apps:
  • 🛠️ Dr.Fone (Wondershare) - supports recovery of photos, messages and contacts.
  • 🛠️ EaseUS MobiSaver - scans internal memory for deleted files.
  • 🛠️ DiskDigger - free utility for recovering photos and videos.
  Important: For these apps to work, you need root access, which you will have to get again after resetting.
• 🔍 Search in cloud services:
  • 📧 Check Google Photos —the photos may have been synchronized automatically.
  • 📥 Google Drive or Mi Cloud backups of contacts and notes could be saved.
• 📱 Recovery via ADB (for advanced users):

  If the phone turns on, but the data is erased, you can try to extract the remaining files via ADB:

  adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db

  This command will copy the contact database (if it has not been overwritten). You can similarly try to extract other files.

⚠️ Attention: Do not install data recovery apps on the smartphone itself —they can overwrite the very memory sectors where deleted files are stored. Perform all manipulations with the internal memory connected to the PC (in MTP or via ADB).

8. Frequently asked questions about resetting Redmi to factory settings

🔹 Why after reset Redmi is it running slower?

After resetting, the system indexes files and optimizes applications. Give the phone 1-2 days to “boost.” If lags remain:

• Check whether the device is overheating (the thermal paste may have dried out). data-i="315">Disable animation in
• Disable animation in Settings → About phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times on "MIUI Version", then in Developer settings disable animation).
• Install lightweight firmware (for example, MIUI Lite or custom Pixel Experience).

🔹 Is it possible to reset Redmi without data loss?

No, a full factory reset always erases user data. However, you can:

• Selectively delete unnecessary files manually through Files → Cleanup.
• Reset only network or application settings (there are corresponding options in the reset menu).
• Use the function "Optimization" in MIUI (it clears the cache without deleting personal data).

🔹 How to reset Redmiif you forgot the pattern key?

If you remember the password from Mi Accountlinked to your phone:

1. enter the pattern key incorrectly 5 times.
2. Click Forgot your password? and log in via Mi Account.
3. Reset the key in the security settings.

If Mi Account is not linked or you don’t remember password:

• Reset via Recovery Mode (see method 2).
• Or use Mi Unlock Tool to unlock (requires a linked account and Internet access).

🔹 After reset root access is gone. How to return?

Resetting to factory settings deletes root custom Recovery. To return superuser rights:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (if it was locked after the reset).
2. Install TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.img

3. Flash Magisk to get root:

In TWRP, select "Install" → specify the Magisk.zip file → swipe to confirm.

⚠️ After these manipulations it may work SafetyNet, and some applications (for example, banking) will stop working. To fix this, install the module MagiskHide Props Config.

🔹 Is it possible to cancel the reset after it has started?

No, after confirming the reset the process is irreversible. However, you can:

• 🔌 Interrupt the power (remove the battery or hold down the power button for 20+ seconds), but this can damage the firmware.
• 🖥️ If the reset is performed through Fastboot, you can close the command line, but the risk of the device being “bricked” remains.

If you interrupted the reset at the stage of formatting the partition userdata, the phone may stop turning on. In this case, only flashing via Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode will help (an authorized developer account is required Xiaomi).