Resetting Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings via buttons: a complete guide

Resetting your smartphone Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings via hardware buttons is a necessary measure that is resorted to when the device refuses to turn on, freezes on the logo, or is locked after an unsuccessful update. Unlike a soft reset through the menu, this method works even with damaged firmware or a forgotten pattern. However not all models Redmi support the same key combinationand incorrect actions can turn the phone into a “brick.”

This article contains detailed instructions taking into account the characteristics of different generations. Redmi (from Redmi 4X to Redmi Note 12), risk warnings, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. If your device is not responding to charging or is booting into an endless loop, follow the step-by-step guide below. But first, make sure that a reset is really necessary: ​​sometimes a simple reboot or removing the SIM card solves the problem.

⚠️ Attention: A button reset deletes all data on the device, including photos, contacts and applications. If the phone turns on, first try saving important information through Settings → About phone → Backup.

When you need a button reset, and when you don’t

A hard reset is a last resort. It is justified in three cases:

• 🔄 Phone does not turn on or freezes on the logo MI (bootloop).
• 🔒 The device is blocked after an unsuccessful update, changing the region or installing custom firmware.
• 🦠 A virus or system software is blocking access to the settings menu.

If Redmi it’s just slow or buggy, first try:

• 📱 Soft reset via Settings → Advanced → Restore and reset.
• 🔋 Removing the battery (on models with a removable battery) for 10–15 minutes.
• 🔌 Connecting to charging for 30+ minutes - sometimes a low battery blocks the start.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader), resetting through the buttons can lead to account blocking Mi Account. If you do not remember your account details, it is better to contact the service center.

Preparing for a reset: what needs to be done in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few mandatory steps:

1. Check the battery charge. Make sure the charge level is not lower 30%. If the phone does not turn on, keep it on charge for at least 20–30 minutes. On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi 9T), if the battery is low, the reset may be interrupted, which will lead to damage to system files.
2. Remove the SIM card and memory card. This will prevent accidental formatting microSD and will speed up the reset process.
3. Prepare your login information Mi Account. After resetting, you may need to confirm your account, especially if it was previously activated Find Device.

If you reset your phone before sale, do not forget:

• 📱 Log out of all accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks).
• 🔄 Disable Find My Device in settings Google.
• 📡 Reset network settings (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Reset network settings).

Step-by-step guide: how to reset Xiaomi Redmi via buttons

The reset procedure via hardware buttons is called Hard Reset and is launched through the mode Recovery Mode. The algorithm of actions is the same for most models Redmi, but there are nuances for old and new devices.

Step 1. Login Recovery Mode

Turn off the phone (if it is on, hold the button Power 10-15 seconds Then:

1. Press volume up button (Volume Up) and power button (Power) simultaneously.
2. Hold them 10–15 secondsuntil the logo appears MI and vibration.
3. Release Powerbut continue to hold Volume Upuntil you see the menu Recovery.

📌 Exceptions:

• On Redmi 4/4A/4X and Redmi 5/5A sometimes you need to hold Volume Up + Power till 20 seconds.
• On Redmi Note 7/8/9 after the appearance logo MI you need to quickly release Powerbut continue to hold Volume Up.
• On Redmi Note 10/11/12 the combination may work Volume Up + Volume Down + Power.

Step 2. Navigating the menu Recovery

In the menu Recovery Mode the touch screen does not work - control is carried out with the volume and power buttons:

• Volume Up/Down — move through menu items.
• Power — select an item.

Select a language (usually English or ), then:

1. Go to item Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware).
2. Select Wipe All Data (sometimes called Factory Reset).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.

🔹 Note: On some firmware (MIUI 12+) before resetting, you may need to enter the password for Mi Account.

Step 3. Completing the reset

After confirmation, the cleaning process will begin, which will take 3-10 minutesUpon completion:

1. Select from the menu Reboot → Reboot to System.
2. Wait for the first boot (it may take up to 15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the phone hangs on the logo MI longer 20 minutesthe firmware may be damaged. In this case, flashing will be required through Fastboot or EDL.

What to do if you can’t enter Recovery?

If the button combination does not work, try:

1. Connect the phone to the charger and try again.

2. Use another combination (for example Volume Down + Power for Redmi 3S).

3. Check if the button is stuck Volume Up (a common problem after falls).

If nothing helps, the button connector or motherboard may be damaged board.

Reset features on different models Redmi

Although the general reset algorithm via buttons is the same, some models Xiaomi Redmi have nuances. Below is a table with key differences:

Model	Button combination	Hold time	Features
Redmi 4/4A/4X	Volume Up + Power	15–20 seconds	On Chinese firmware, the menu is in Chinese.
Redmi 5/5A/5 Plus	Volume Up + Power	10–15 sec	After the logo MI quickly release Powerbut hold Volume Up.
Redmi Note 7/8/9	Volume Up + Power	8–12 sec	On Note 8 Pro sometimes it works Volume Up + Volume Down + Power.
Redmi Note 10/11/12	Volume Up + Power or Volume Up + Volume Down + Power	10 seconds	On Note 12 Pro+ you may need to connect to a PC to unlock bootloader.
Redmi 9/9A/9C/9T	Volume Up + Power	12–15 sec	On 9T (Indian version) menu Recovery may be in Hindi.

🔹 Important: On models with a processor MediaTek (Redmi 9A, Redmi 10Aan error may appear after the reset. "This device is locked". This means that unlocking is required bootloader via Fastboot.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users often make mistakes that complicate the reset or lead to data loss. Here are the most common ones:

• ❌ Insufficient battery power. If the charge level is lower 20%the reset process may be interrupted, resulting in damage to system files. Always charge your phone to at least 30% before resetting.
• ❌ Wrong button combination. On some models (Redmi 6A, Redmi 7), holding Volume Down + Power leads to startup Fastboot, and not Recovery. Check the combination for your model in the table above.
• ❌ Interruption of the process. If you remove the battery or forcefully turn off the phone during the reset, this may lead to locking the bootloader or damage to the partition /data.
• ❌ Ignoring Mi Account. On devices linked to your account, after the reset you will need to enter your login and password. Without them, the phone will become a “brick.”

⚠️ Attention: If after resetting Redmi writes "This device is associated with a Mi account" and does not accept your data, this may mean that:

• The account has been deleted or blocked.
• The phone was previously in use and linked to someone else's account (risk when buying used).
• The function is activated on the device Find Device, and it was blocked by the previous owner.

In such cases, the official service Xiaomi can only help if you have a receipt or proof of purchase.

1. The functionality of the buttons (especially after falls or moisture).

2. Connecting to charging (sometimes a low battery blocks the entry to Recovery).

3. Firmware version - on some custom software, the Recovery menu may be disabled.-->

What to do if the reset did not help

If after Hard Reset problems remain (the phone does not turn on, freezes or gives errors), the reasons may be as follows:

1. Damaged firmware. In this case, flashing will be required via Fastboot or EDL. For this you need:
• 🖥️ Computer with installed drivers Xiaomi.
• 🔗 Official firmware for your model (you can download it at new.c.mi.com).
• 🛠️ app Mi Flash Tool or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).

📌 Instructions for firmware via Fastboot:

1. Download and install Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the archive with the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Powerto enter Fastboot.
4. Connect Redmi to the PC and run Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select the folder with the firmware and press Flash.

2. Hardware malfunctions. If the phone does not responds to charging, does not vibrate and does not heat up when connected to the network, the problem may be:
• 🔋 Battery (swelling, deep discharge).
• 🔌 Charging connector or power controller.
• 📱 Motherboard (after falls or moisture).

⚠️ Attention: If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to contact a service center. Incorrect firmware via EDL can lead to loss of IMEI or failure of the communication module.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to reset Redmi via buttons if the screen is broken, but the sensor works?

Yes, but only if you can unlock the phone and log in in Settings. If the screen does not display an image, but the sensor responds to touches, try:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and control it via Mi PC Suite.
2. Use ADB to reset (command:

   adb shell recovery --wipe_data

   ).
3. If nothing helps - only a hardware reset via the buttons (as described above).

After the reset Redmi Note 8 Pro it asks for a password for Mi Account, but I don’t remember it. What should I do?

This is standard protection Xiaomi against theft Options. solutions:

• 🔑 Recover your password via account.xiaomi.com (you will need access to the email or phone number associated with your account).
• 📄 If the phone was purchased used, ask the previous owner to unlink the device via Find Device.
• 🛠️ Contact the service center with a receipt of purchase - they can officially remove the binding.

❌ Do not try to bypass the blocking programmatically - this will lead to IMEI blocking.

The reset was interrupted, and now the phone does not turn on How to restore?

If. the process Hard Reset was interrupted, system partitions may be damaged. Try:

1. Repeat the reset using the buttons (sometimes several attempts help).
2. Flash the phone via Fastboot (instructions above).
3. If the phone is not detected PC, try the mode EDL (an authorized account is required Xiaomi to unlock).

🔹 Note: On Redmi with a processor Qualcomm (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi K40) for EDL you need a special cable or testpoints on the board.

Is it possible to reset Redmi without losing data?

No, Hard Reset via buttons always deletes all data from the internal memory. If the phone turns on, but you have forgotten the password, try:

• 🔧 Reset the pattern via Mi Account (on the website i.mi.com → Find Device → Unlock).
• 🖥️ Connect the phone to the PC and use ADB to delete the file gesture.key (does not work on all firmware).
• 📱 If USB debugging is enabled, you can try backup via TWRP (root access required).

How to reset Redmi via PC if the buttons are not work?

If the hardware buttons are damaged, but the phone turns on and is detected by the PC, use:

1. Mi PC Suite: Connect Redmi to the computer, run the app and select System recovery.
2. ADB: Enable software debugging USB, connect the phone and run the command:

   adb reboot recovery

   Then in the menu Recovery select Wipe Data.

🔹 Important: For ADB requires preliminary activation of debugging in Settings → About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times to unlock developer options).