Where to find a reset on Xiaomi: 5 ways for all models

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a versatile solution to fix software failures, prepare a device for sale or restore health after a failed upgrade. However, many users are lost when you need to find this feature in the maze of the MIUI menu. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 14) and the firmware version, the path to reset may differ, and in some cases you need to use hidden combinations of buttons or even Fastboot.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways of resetting, from the standard menu to forced recovery via Recovery Mode. You will learn how to bypass the Mi Account lock after the reset, what data will be deleted irrevocably, and why some devices are hidden behind additional confirmations.

1. Standard reset via the settings menu

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in feature in the MIUI interface.This method works on all devices, including Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi’s flagship 13/14 series, provided the phone turns on and responds to touch.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).

2. Scroll down and select About Phone (on some models – Additional).

3.Put on Backup and Reset (or Reset on new versions of MIUI 14/15).

4. Select Reset, then confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ You may need to re-link your Mi Account after a reset, even if you've disabled it before.

• 📱 For MIUI 12–13: The path may look like settings → System system → Additionally. → Reset.
• 🔒 If there is no item "Reset": Try entering the "Reset" request in the search box settings".
• ⏳ Execution time: The process takes 3-10 minutes depending on the amount of data.

Backup your Mi Cloud or PC | Remember Mi Account| Battery Charge > 50%| Disable your Google Account (if you are planning to sell)

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2. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Xiaomi’s smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to charging or is locked after a failed update, hardware reset via recovery mode will help, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires accurate follow-up.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see a menu labeled Recovery.

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) After resetting via Recovery, you may be asked to enter Mi Account data, even if you did not link it (FRP).

3. Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lose your phone or it's stolen, Xiaomi allows you to reset remotely via the Mi Cloud web interface, which is also useful if the device is locked, but you have access to the linked account.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.

2. In the Devices section, select the desired smartphone.

3. Press Find the device, then erase the data.

Remote reset works only if:

• 🌐 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔄 Find the device has been activated in the settings.
• 🔒 The device does not have custom Recovery installed (for example, TWRP).

⚠️ Warning: After a remote reset, the phone may require you to enter Mi Account data when you first turn on. If you are selling the device, be sure to unplug the account before transferring it to the new owner.

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode| Remotely via Mi Cloud| Never reset |Another way

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4.Reset with Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is used when standard methods fail, such as when partitions are damaged. /data or if the device is in a bootloop state, you'll need a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line (cmd in Windows).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

On models with a Qualcomm chipset (for example, Xiaomi 12T, POCO F4) after these commands, you may need to flash the persist partition, otherwise the camera or sensors will not work properly.

• 🖥️ Tools required: Google Platform Tools.
• ⚙️ For MediaTek: Use SP Flash Tool instead of Fastboot.
• 🔧 Risks: Wrong commands can turn a phone into a brick".

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Before using Fastboot, check if the bootloader is unlocked. If not, unblock through the official Xiaomi website, otherwise the commands will not execute.

5. Data loss-free reset: myth or reality?

Many users are looking for a way to reset Xiaomi's settings "to factory" but save photos, contacts or messages. Unfortunately, a full reset always deletes:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots).
• 📞 Contacts (if not synchronized with the Google/Mi Cloud).
• 💬 Communications in SMS and messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🎮 Game and Application Data (Progress, Save).

However, there are partial alternatives:

• 🔄 Reset only settings: In some versions MIUI There is an option to Reset Network Settings or Reset Application Settings (does not delete files).
• ☁️ Backup: Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive to save important data before resetting.
• 📱 Transfer to PC: Connect the phone in mode MTP and copy the files manually.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ Network Settings Reset can also remove stored Wi-Fi passwords and eSIM data.

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The only way to save data when reset is to back up in advance, and even a soft reset doesn't guarantee the safety of files.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you reset your settings to Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after the reset, the phone requests Mi Account, but you do not remember the data:

1. Try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
2. If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner for the data or provide him with a check for official unlocking.

7.Reset on new models: what has changed in 2026

In the firmware MIUI 14 and HyperOS (for Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), Xiaomi has tightened the requirements for resetting settings.

• 🔐 Mandatory Mi Account binding: Even after a reset via Recovery, account data may need to be entered.
• ⏱️ Delay after reset: On some models, the turn on takes up to 15 minutes (system optimization).
• 📱 Recovery: Recovery interface on HyperOS is touch-sensitive, but without gesture support.
• 🔧 Fastboot lock: On devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Xiaomi 14 Ultra), unlocking the bootloader requires 168-hour wait.

For owners of new models, we recommend:

1. Before resetting, untie Mi Account in the settings (Accounts → Mi Account → Delete account).
2. Use official Xiaomi tools for resetting, avoiding third-party utilities.
3. After resetting to HyperOS, you may need to reconfigure Google Services.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions