Resetting your smartphone Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to solve performance problems, remove viruses, or prepare the device for sale. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to account blocking or even bricking of the phone. In this article we will analyze loss of important data, account blocking Mi Account or even bricking the phone. In this article we will look at three official method reset (through settings Mi Recovery and Fastboot), explain how to avoid common mistakes, and give a checklist for safe preparation.

A feature of smartphones Redmi (as opposed to “naked” Android) is the presence of a proprietary shell MIUI, which adds additional options to the reset menu. For example, here you can choose whether to save application data or not, and in some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+it is available "soft reset" without deleting media files. But even with these options more than 30% of users lose access to the phone after a reset due to a linked account Xiaomi —we will talk about this in the section about errors.

When you really need a factory reset

Many resort to a hard reset at the slightest lag, although the problem is often solved more easily. Here objective reasons for a complete reset:

  • 🔄 System failures: the phone constantly reboots, applications crash, and updating MIUI does not help.
  • 🦠 Viruses or malwarethat are not deleted by an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
  • 📱 Preparation for sale/transfer: to delete all personal data (photos, passwords, messages).
  • 🔒 Forgotten pattern key or PIN (if other unlocking methods did not work).
  • 🐢 Critical slowdown after long use (for example, Redmi 9A after 2-3 years of operation).

But in which cases a reset is not needed:

  • ❌ Lack of memory - just clear the cache or transfer files to a memory card.
  • ❌ The battery runs out quickly - the problem is most often the wear of the battery or background activity of applications.
  • ❌ One application does not work - reinstall it or clear the data through Settings → Applications.
⚠️ Attention: If you reset your phone due to screen lock, please note that after a hard reset you may need to enter data from the linked account Mi Account. If you don't remember your password, restore it to reset on the website account.xiaomi.com.
📊 Why do you want to reset Redmi?
Eliminate lags and crashes
Prepare for sale
Remove viruses
Unlock the screen
Other

Preparing for a reset: what to do to avoid losing data

Even if you are planning a "soft reset" (with saving media files), the risk of data loss remains. Here are the required steps before the procedure:

  1. Create a backup through Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset → Local backup. B MIUI this allows you to save:
    • 📱 Contacts, SMS, Log calls
    • 🖼️ Photos and videos (optional)
    • ⚙️ System and application settings

    The copy file will be in the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup - copy it to your PC or cloud.

  2. Synchronize data with your account Mi:
    • 🔄 Enable synchronization in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
    • ☁️ Make sure that important files (photos, notes) are downloaded in Mi Cloud.
  • Remove linked devices (if you are preparing the phone for sale):
    • 🔌 Unlink Redmi from your account Google in Settings → Accounts → Google.
    • 📱 Remove the device from the list of trusted ones Mi Account (on the website or in the application Mi Cloud).
    • Charge the phone at least 50% — if the reset is interrupted due to a discharge, the device may stop turning on.

    ☑️ Checklist before resetting

    Done: 0 / 5

    If you use Redmi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the reset process may vary. In this case:

    • 🔓 Make sure you have the firmware file (.zip) for recovery.
    • 🛠️ Check for TWRP or other custom recovery.
    ⚠️ Attention: On models Redmi with a processor MediaTek (for example, Redmi 10A or Redmi 9C), resetting via Fastboot may lead to an error BROM ERROR: SLA AUTH. In this case, use only the method via Mi Recovery.

    Method 1: Reset through the settings menu (the most secure)

    This method is suitable if the phone is turn on and you remember the unlock password. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12–14 (on older versions the path may differ slightly).

    1. Open settings and go to the section: 
      Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Erase all data

      On some models (for example, Redmi Note 11), the path may be: 

      Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset → Reset settings

    2. Select reset type:
      • 🔄 "Erase all data" —full reset (deletes everything, including applications and files).
      • 📁 "Erase only settings" —saves media files, but deletes accounts and settings (not available on all models).
  • Confirm the action:
    • Enter PIN/password/pattern key from the lock screen.
    • Click "Erase everything" (or "Confirm").
    • Wait for completion (usually 5-15 minutes). Phone will reboot and offer to configure as new.

    If after resetting the phone freezes on the logo Redmi, do not panic - this is normal for the first 10-20 minutes. If the freeze lasts longer, try the method. via Mi Recovery (described below).

    💡

    If after resetting the phone asks you to enter the password for Mi Accountand you don’t remember it, do not enter the data at random! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will be blocked for 24 hours. Use password recovery via the website. account.xiaomi.com.

    Method. 2: Reset via Mi Recovery (if the phone does not turn on)

    This method is useful if:

    • 🔐 You forgot the unlock password.
    • 🔄 The phone freezes on loading (bootloop).
    • 📵 The screen does not respond to touches (but the device turns on).

    To enter Mi Recovery:

    1. Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10 seconds).
    2. Hold the combination buttons:
      • 🔘 Power button + Volume up (for most models Redmi).
      • 🔘 On some devices (for example, Redmi 7A) — Power + Volume down.

    Hold the buttons until the logo Mi and recovery menu appears.

  • Select language (English and Chinese are usually available).
  • Go to the section Wipe Data (use volume buttons to navigate, the power button to select).
  • Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action (Confirm).
  • Wait for completion (the phone will reboot automatically).

    • In Mi Recovery additional options are also available:

    Option Description When to use
    Reboot Reboot the phone If a reset is not required
    Wipe Data Full reset When selling or critical failures
    Connect with MiAssistant Connecting to a PC for recovery If the phone is not recognized through Fastboot
    Mount Connecting the drive to a PC To copy important files before resetting
    ⚠️ Attention: On models Redmi s MIUI 13+ in Mi Recovery you may be prompted to enter a password from Mi Account even before the reset. If you do not remember your password, use method via Fastboot (described below) or restore access to your account in advance.

    Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for experienced users)

    This method the most reliable, but requires connecting to a PC and installing drivers ADB/Fastboot. It is suitable if:

    • 🔧 The phone does not respond to other reset methods.
    • 🔒 You need to bypass the lock Mi Account (only for an unlocked bootloader!).
    • 📡 You need to reflash the device after an unsuccessful update.

    What you will need:

    • 💻 A computer with Windows (or Linux/macOS with installed ADB i Fastboot).
    • 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
    • 📥 Utility Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or Platform Tools from Google.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Install drivers:
      • Download Mi PC Suite or drivers ADB manually.
      • Connect the phone to the PC in Fastboot (press Power + Volume down with the phone turned off).
  • Check the connection: 
    fastboot devices

    If the device is displayed (for example 1234abcd fastboot) - you can continue.

  • Perform a reset: 
    fastboot erase userdata

    fastboot erase cache
    

    fastboot reboot

    These commands will delete user data and cache, but will preserve the firmware.

  • For a full reset (including system files) use: 
    fastboot erase system

    fastboot erase boot
    

    fastboot reboot

    ⚠️ Caution: this will lead to losing the firmware —the phone will not turn on without flashing!

    • What to do if fastboot doesn’t see the device?

    1. Check the cable and USB port (try a different connector).

    2. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Android Bootloader Interface").

    3. Disable driver signing in Windows (to do this, restart the PC in debugging mode).

    4. Try another PC or OS (for example, Linux).

    If after the commands the phone does not turn on or shows an error No command, it means the firmware is damaged. In this case:

    • 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from the website Xiaomi Firmware.
    • 🛠️ Use Mi Flash Tool for flashing (instructions are on the website Xiaomi).

    Typical reset errors and how to avoid them

    Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems. Here are most common errors and their solutions:

    Error Cause Solution
    Phone asks for password Mi Account after reset The account Xiaomi was linked to the device Recover the password on account.xiaomi.com or contact support
    Stuck on the logo Redmi after reset Damage to system files or interrupted process Repeat reset via Mi Recovery or flash phone via Fastboot
    Error Can't mount /data v Recovery Partition damage userdata Run fastboot format:ext4 userdata via PC
    Phone does not turn on after Fastboot Firmware removed or bootloader Reflash the device via Mi Flash Tool

    Another common problem is loss of IMEI after a reset (the phone does not connect to the network). This happens if files in the partition /nvramwere deleted. To restore IMEI:

    1. Install the application MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek) or Qualcomm QPST (for Snapdragon).
    2. Enter the original values IMEI (they are indicated on the box or under the battery).
    ⚠️ Attention: On models Redmi with a processor Snapdragon (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro), attempting to change the IMEI manually may lead to loss of warrantyContact your service center. if you are not sure of your actions.

    What to do after the reset: setup Redmi from scratch

    After a successful reset, the phone will turn on like new. optimal procedure for quick setup:

    1. Select language and region:
      • 🌍 For Russia, specify "Russia" (this is important for the correct operation of services Google i Mi Cloud).
      • ⚠️ Do not select "China" - this will limit functionality Google Play.
    2. Connect to Wi-Fi:
      • 📶 Use a reliable network - this will speed up downloading of updates.
      • 🔒 Avoid public access points (risk of data interception).
    3. Log in to your account Google i Mi:
      • 🔑 If you are selling a phone - do not link your accounts!
      • ☁️ Enable synchronization of contacts and data with Mi Cloud.
  • Restore data from backup: 
    Settings → Additionally → Backup and reset → Restore
  • Update MIUI to the latest version: 
    Settings → About phone → System update

    This will fix possible bugs after reset.

  • Configure security:
    • 🔒 Set PIN or pattern key.
    • 👆 Enable unlock by fingerprint (if supported).
    • 🛡️ Activate "Find device" in Mi Cloud.

    If you have restored data from a backup, but the phone is started slowdownmaybe the problem is in specific applications. Check:

    • 📊 Memory usage in Settings → Applications → Memory usage.
    • 🔋 Battery consumption in Settings → Battery.
    • 🚫 Startup unnecessary applications in Settings → Permissions → Autorun.
    💡

    After resetting, do not install all old applications at once - add them one at a time to identify “slowing down” software.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Redmi

    ❓ Is it possible to reset Redmi without losing photos?

    On some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) there is an option in the reset menu "Erase only settings"that saves media files. However no guarantee it’s better to copy the photo to your PC or to the cloud in advance. You can also use the option Mount to Mi Recoveryto connect the phone to a PC and copy files manually.

    ❓ Why does the phone ask for the old one after resetting password?

    This happens due to the function Factory Reset Protection (FRP) from Google. If an account was linked on your phone Google, after resetting you will need to enter its data. If you don't remember your password, restore it via accounts.google.com. On Redmi you may also need to enter data from Mi Account.

    ❓ How to reset Redmiif the screen does not work?

    If the sensor does not respond, but the screen turns on:

    1. Connect the phone to the PC and use the mouse via OTG adapter (if supported).
    2. Reset via ADB: 
      adb shell

      recovery --wipe_data

    If the screen is completely black, all that remains is Fastboot or the service center.

    ❓ Is it possible to cancel the reset after the process has started?

    No, you cannot interrupt the reset —this will damage system files. If you accidentally start a procedure, wait for it to complete. If the phone does not turn on after this, use Mi Recovery or Fastboot to restore.

    ❓ Why after the reset Redmi doesn’t it catch the network?

    This may be due to:

    • 📡 Loss of IMEI (solved by recovery through the engineering menu).
    • 🔌 Damage to the communication module (if the phone has been dropped or gotten wet).
    • ⚙️ Incorrect APN settings (check in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access points (APN)).

    If the problem persists, contact the service center.