Formatting a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi is a radical, but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, remove viruses, or prepare the device for sale. Unlike a normal reboot, a hard reset erases all user data, returning the phone to its out-of-the-box state. However, many owners are afraid to perform this procedure because of the risk of losing important files or turning the gadget into a “brick.”

In practice, formatting safeif you follow proven instructions and take into account the nuances of a particular model. For example, for Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi 9A the reset algorithm through the settings menu is identical, but entering the mode Recovery may differ due to different versions. MIUI. In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from the simplest (via the system interface) to the advanced (using Fastboot), and also explain how to save important data before cleaning.

We will pay special attention to typical errors: why the phone may not respond to commands after a reset, how to restore access to account Mi Account and what to do if the device is stuck on the logo Xiaomi. If you have never performed such manipulations before, don’t worry: each step is accompanied by screenshots (interface descriptions) and explanations.

📊 Why do you want to format your Xiaomi Redmi?
The device is slow/glitchy
I'm getting ready for sale/transfer
Remove viruses/malware
Forgot pattern key/PIN
Another option

1. Preparing for formatting: what you need to do before resetting

Before you start cleaning be sure to back up. Even if you are planning a reset due to viruses, some data (photos, contacts, messages) can be saved via cloud services or locally on your computer. Here's what you should do:

  • 📱 Synchronize contacts and calendars with your account Google or Mi Account. To do this, go to Settings → Accounts → Google/Mi Account → Synchronization.
  • 📷 Copy photos and videos on PC or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). Use a wired connection or wireless transfer via Mi Share.
  • 📝 Export SMS and call log using apps like SMS Backup & Restore (available in Google Play).
  • 🎮 Save game datalinked to accounts Google Play Games or social networks.

If the phone no longer responds to touches or is locked, try connecting it to the computer in MTP (to transfer files) mode. data-i="71">this mode is activated even when the screen is locked - just connect the USB cable and select the appropriate option in the notification shade (if available). Redmi This mode is activated even when the screen is locked - just connect the USB cable and select the appropriate option in the notification shade (if available).

⚠️ Attention: If the function Find Device (Search for device) in Mi Accountis enabled on your phone, after the reset you may be required to enter the login and password for this account. Make sure that you remember the authorization data, otherwise you risk getting a blocked device.

Also check the battery charge - it should be at least 50%. Interrupting the formatting process due to a discharge can lead to serious malfunctions in the firmware. If the phone is low, connect it to the charger for 15–20 minutes before starting the procedure.

☑️ Checklist before formatting

Done: 0 / 5

2. Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the simplest method)

This method is suitable if the phone turns onresponds to touches and you have access to the settings menu. It is the safest, since the system itself controls the reset process. The instructions are valid for all models. data-i="93">Settings Xiaomi Redmi based on MIUI 12–14.

Steps to perform a reset:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the home screen or application menu).
  2. Scroll down and select the section About phone.
  3. Tap on the item Reset settings (in some versions MIUI it may be called Restore and reset).
  4. Select Erase all data (or Reset settings).
  5. The system will prompt you to enter PIN code/pattern (if installed).
  6. Confirm the action by clicking Erase all or Reset settings.

The phone will automatically reboot and begin the cleaning process, which will take from 5 to 15 minutes. Once completed, you will see the initial setup screen just like after purchase. If the device is stuck at the reset stage for more than 20 minutes, see section "Typical problems and their solutions".

Xiaomi Redmi model Path to reset in MIUI 14 Path to reset in MIUI 12
Redmi Note 11/12 Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Erase all data Settings → Advanced → Recovery and reset → Reset settings
Redmi 10/9 Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Erase all data Settings → System → Advanced → Recovery and reset
Redmi 8/8A Settings → About phone → Reset settings Settings → Advanced settings → Recovery and reset
⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Redmi K50) after a reset, you may need to re-link your account Mi Account, even if it was not previously active. This is due to the security policy Xiaomi to protect against theft.
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Resetting through the settings menu is the safest method, but requires the operating screen and access to the system.

3. Method 2: Formatting via Recovery Mode (if the phone does not turn on)

If the smartphone does not respond to touchesis stuck on the logo or locked, you will have to use recovery mode - Recovery Mode. This method works even in case of serious system failures, but requires strict adherence to the instructions.

To log in Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi use one of the combinations:

  • 🔄 Power button + Volume up (the most common option for models after 2019).
  • 🔄 Power button + Volume up + Volume down (for some older devices, for example, Redmi 5/6).

Action algorithm:

  1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Hold the combination of buttons and hold until the logo appears Mi (usually 5-10 seconds).
  3. Release the buttons when you see the menu Recovery (black screen with yellow text in English/Chinese).
  4. Use the buttons volume for navigation and power to confirm the selection.
  5. Select item Wipe Data (or Clear Data), then Wipe All Data.
  6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
  7. After completion, select Reboot to reboot.

If the menu Recovery is in Chinese, be guided by the location of the items: (Wipe Data) is usually in the third position. For models with custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), the interface will be different - in this case, select Wipe → Format Data.

What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If the button combination does not work, try connecting the phone to the charger for 5 minutes, then try again. On some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro), you must first hold down Volume up + Power, and after vibration, release only the power button.

4. Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is the most radical and requires connecting the phone to the computer. It is used if:

  • 🔧 Phone is not included in Recovery;
  • 🔧 You need to reflash the device after an unsuccessful update;
  • 🔧 You need to unlock the bootloader (Bootloader).

For work you will need:

  • 💻 Computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot;
  • 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high quality);
  • 📥 Archive with firmware for your model (download only from the official website Xiaomi).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Turn off the phone and switch it to mode Fastbootby holding Volume down + Power.
  2. Connect the device to computer.
  3. Open the command line (cmd) in the utilities folder ADB/Fastboot.
  4. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    fastboot devices

    If the phone is recognized, you will see its serial number.

  5. Reset to factory settings: 
    fastboot erase userdata

    fastboot erase cache

  6. Reboot the device: 
    fastboot reboot

On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 11 with MIUI Global), before resetting via Fastboot, you must unlock the Bootloader through the official application Mi Unlock ToolWithout this step, the phone may stop working. turn on.

⚠️ Attention: Commands fastboot erase completely erase the partition with user data. If you plan to reflash the phone, first download the correct version MIUI for your model - unsuitable firmware can lead to “bricking” the device.
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Before working with Fastboot, disable the antivirus on your computer - it can block ADB utilities as potentially dangerous.

5. What to do after formatting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone Xiaomi Redmi will start in initial setup mode. Here's what you should pay attention to:

  1. Select language and region: Specify Russian and Russia (or your country) to avoid problems with services Google.
  2. Connecting to Wi-Fi: Without the Internet you will not be able to download updates and restore backups.
  3. Login to accounts:
    • 📌 Mi Account —required if previously linked;
    • 📌 Google Account — for synchronizing contacts, mail and applications.
  • Data recovery: If you made a backup via Mi Cloud or Google Drive, the system will offer to restore it at this stage.

    • If after resetting, the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, but you don’t remember it:

    • 🔑 Try to restore access through the website account.xiaomi.com;
    • 🔑 If the account is not yours (for example, the phone was purchased second-hand), contact the previous owner to unlink;
    • 🔑 B In extreme cases, you will have to contact support Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

    On models with MIUI 13/14 after the reset, a notification may appear indicating the need to update the firmware. We recommend installing the latest version of the software via Settings → About phone → System updateto avoid security vulnerabilities.

    6. Typical problems after formatting and their solutions

    Even if the reset is performed correctly, problems may occur. Let's look at the most common ones:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    Phone stuck on logo Mi Incomplete reset via Recovery or interrupted firmware Repeat the reset via Fastboot or reflash the device
    Requires a password Mi Accountthat does not exist The previous owner's account is not unlinked Contact support Xiaomi with a purchase receipt
    Does not turn on after reset Battery discharged during the procedure Charge the phone for 30-60 minutes, then turn it on again
    No network after reset APN settings have been reset Manually add mobile data parameters (ask your operator)

    If after formatting the phone became heat very much or discharge quickly, check:

    • 🔋 Background processes in Settings → Battery → Battery usage;
    • 🔋 System updates — sometimes old firmware conflicts with new software;
    • 🔋 Applicationsinstalled after the reset (especially from unverified sources).
    ⚠️ Attention: If functions like NFC or IR porthave disappeared after the reset, check if the region settings have been reset. Some features are disabled if you select a country where they are not supported (for example, NFC may not be available for the region India).

    7. How to avoid formatting: alternative cleaning methods

    If the purpose of the reset is speed up the phone or free up memory, try less radical methods:

    • 🧹 Clearing the cache: Go to Settings → Storage → Clear cache. This will delete temporary files without losing personal data.
    • 🗑️ Removing unnecessary applications: Sort apps by size and delete those that are not are using. Settings → Applications → Manage applications Sort apps by size and remove those you don't use.
    • 🔄 Rollback to factory firmware without resetting: Through Settings → About phone → System update → Three dots (menu) → Select update package you can reinstall the current version MIUI without loss data.
    • 🛡️ Check for viruses: Use Google Play Protect or antivirus (for example, Dr.Web) to scan the system.

    If the problem is interface freezing, try:

    1. Disable animation: in Settings → Accessibility → Remove animation;
    2. Reset settings Launcher: hold down an empty space on the main screen → Launcher settings → Reset;
    3. Disable background processes for individual applications in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.

    These measures help in 70% of cases when users mistakenly believe that the phone needs a full format. If your smartphone is infected with virusesis blocking access to the settings, or you are preparing it for sale, resetting it to factory settings remains the only reliable solution.

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    Before formatting, always try clearing the cache and deleting unnecessary applications - this solves most problems with performance.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about formatting Xiaomi Redmi

    Is it possible to format Xiaomi Redmi without losing data?

    No, a full factory reset always erases user data (photos, applications, settings). However, you can selectively clear cache or delete unnecessary files through Settings → Storage without full formatting.

    After resetting, the phone asks for the old password from Mi Account. What to do?

    This is anti-theft protection - Xiaomi blocks the device if it was reset without unlinking the account. Solutions:

    1. Remember the password and enter it;
    2. Restore access via account.xiaomi.com;
    3. If the phone was purchased second-hand, contact the previous owner to unlink;
    4. Contact support Xiaomi with proof of purchase (receipt, box).

    To bypass this blocking independently impossible - you will need official unlocking.

    How long does formatting take?

    Time depends on method:

    • 🕒 Through settings menu: 5–15 minutes;
    • 🕒 Through Recovery: 10–20 minutes;
    • 🕒 After Fastboot: 5–10 minutes (excluding preparation time).

    If the process took longer than 30 minutes, interrupt it (hold down the power button for 15 seconds) and repeat the reset using another method.

    Is it possible format Xiaomi Redmi via a computer without Fastboot?

    Yes, but only if the phone is recognized by the system as a removable storage device. To do this:

    1. Connect the device to the PC via USB;
    2. In the phone's notification shade, select File transfer (MTP);
    3. On your computer, format the internal memory as a regular disk (Not recommendedas this may damage system files).

    This method is not a full-fledged alternative reset to factory settings and may lead to errors in the system. Use it only in extreme cases.

    After formatting, root access disappeared. How to return them?

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

    1. Unlock Bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool;
    2. Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP);
    3. Flash Magisk or SuperSU via Recovery.

    Remember that unlocking Bootloader resets all data, so make a backup copy in advance.