Where is the reset on Xiaomi: all the ways for smartphones, tablets and smart devices

Resetting on Xiaomi devices is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a gadget for sale to fixing critical system failures. However, finding this feature is not always easy โ€” especially if you encounter it for the first time. Depending on the Xiaomi model, the MIUI firmware version and the type of device (smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or TV), the path to reset can differ, and sometimes even hide behind additional security settings.

In this article, weโ€™ll look at all possible reset options, from the standard settings menu to forced recovery via Recovery Mode. Youโ€™ll learn exactly where to look for a reset option on different Xiaomi devices, how to avoid common errors (such as locking your Mi Account after a reset), and what to do if your smartphone doesnโ€™t respond to commands. Weโ€™ll also detail the nuances for specific models โ€“ from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14.

If youโ€™re looking for an answer to the question โ€œWhere is the reset on my Xiaomiโ€, this guide will help you figure out even without technical knowledge, the main thing is to follow step-by-step recommendations and take into account the features of your model.

1. Standard reset via the MIUI settings menu

The easiest and safest way to get the device back to factory settings is to use the built-in MIUI menu.This method is suitable for most Xiaomi smartphones and tablets, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and others with current firmware versions. The main advantage is that you do not need to reboot in Recovery or connect to a PC.

To find the reset option:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
  • ๐Ÿ” Scroll down and select About Phone (on some models โ€“ About Tablet).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Slip on Reset (may be called Restore and Reset on older versions) MIUI).
  • ๐Ÿ” Select to erase all data and confirm the action with a password or pattern lock.

Important: before resetting, the system will prompt you to enter the password from your Mi Account account if it is linked to the device. Without this, the account data will remain on the device, and the new owner will be able to access it. Also make sure that the battery is at least 50% charged - interruption of the process can lead to software failures.

Make a backup copy of important data|Untie cards and accounts (Google, banking applications)|Charge the device to at least 50%|Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account-->

2. Recovery Mode Reset: When the standard method doesn't work

If Xiaomiโ€™s smartphone doesnโ€™t turn on, hangs on the logo, or doesnโ€™t respond to touch, youโ€™ll need to use Recovery Mode, which is also relevant if you forget your pattern lock or device password. However, thereโ€™s a nuance: new models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) have Fastboot mode installed by default, not the classic Recovery.

To get into Recovery Mode:

  1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10 seconds).
  2. Press the Power Button + Volume up and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English and Chinese)
  4. Go to Wipe Data โ†’ Wipe All Data and confirm the reset.

โš ๏ธ Note: Devices with a locked bootloader (bootloader) after reset via Recovery may require data input from Mi Account, which was previously tied. If you do not remember the password, unlock the smartphone will be impossible without official assistance Xiaomi.

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
If you click Power + Volume up and you get into Fastboot (a black screen with a rabbit and FASTBOOT label), then your device has the default Fastboot mode. In this case: 1. Connect your smartphone to your PC. 2. Download and install Mi PC Suite. 3. In the program, select Unlock Bootloader (requires a Mi Account with a phone number tied). 4. After unlocking the bootloader, try again to log in to Recovery.

3. Reset via Mi Account: Remote management

If your Xiaomi device is lost, stolen or you just want to erase data from it remotely, you can use the Remote Reset feature through your Mi Account.

  • ๐Ÿ”— Device connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ It has the function Find Device (Find Device) enabled).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Mi Account has administrator rights on smartphone.

Remote discharge instructions:

  1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
  2. Select the Find Device section.
  3. The map will show the location of your gadget. Click on it.
  4. In the control menu, click Erase Data and confirm the action.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Remote reset erases all data without recovery, including photos, contacts and messages. If the device is encrypted, after reset, you may need to re-authorize to Mi Account on the first turn on.

4.Reset on Xiaomi smart devices: watches, bracelets, TVs

In addition to smartphones, Xiaomi has a wide range of smart devices that may also require resetting, and the procedure for these devices is different from the standard MIUI, so letโ€™s look at it separately.

The deviceResetting methodFeatures
Xiaomi Mi Watch / Watch 2Press the side button 15 seconds before vibration. Select Reset from the menu.Requires a charge connection (at least 20% battery).
Mi Band 7/8In the Mi Fitness app, go to the Device Profile โ†’ Untie.There is no physical reset button โ€“ only through the app.
Xiaomi TV (all models)Go to Settings โ†’ Device โ†’ Reset and Recovery โ†’ Reset to factory.Some TVs require input PIN-code (by default 0000 or 1234).
Xiaomi RouterPress the Reset button on the back for 10 seconds.Reset will return the router to the factory settings Wi-Fi (network name โ€” Xiaomi_XXXX).

For smart speakers Xiaomi Smart Speaker reset is done through the application Mi Home: go to the settings of the device and select Delete the device.

Smartphone|Smart watches|Fitness bracelet|Television|router|Other-->

5 Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even with the seemingly simple reset procedure, users often face problems, and consider the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery discharge: If the charge is below 30%, the device may turn off during the reset, which will damage the system files.Solution: charge the smartphone to at least 50% or connect to charging during the procedure.
  • ๐Ÿ” Mi Account Password: After resetting on some models, you need to enter the data of the Mi Account that was previously linked.Solution: restore the password on the Mi Account site or contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Logo hover after reset: If the device doesn't boot beyond the Mi screen, there may have been an error when erasing the data.Solution: Re-reset via Recovery Mode or thread the device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Unsuccessful reset via Recovery: On some models (e.g., Recovery, POCO F5) Recovery is replaced by Fastboot Solution: Use the Power Combination + Volume down for forced login to Fastboot, then swipe the original Recovery through PC.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you bought a Xiaomi device with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, the reset will not help to bypass the lock.In this case, the only way out is to officially unlock through Xiaomi support with the provision of a check or a purchase agreement.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before selling a Xiaomi device, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account. To do this, go to Settings โ†’ Mi Account โ†’ Sign out and confirm that your account data has been deleted from the device.

6.Reset on a locked device: bypassing the pattern lock

One of the most unpleasant situations is when Xiaomi smartphone is blocked due to a forgotten pattern lock or a computer. PIN-In this case, the standard reset via the settings menu is not available, and Recovery Mode may require you to enter a password from Mi Account:

Method 1: Reset via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)

If your device has previously unlocked a bootloader, you can erase the data via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands will delete all user data, including the pattern lock, but on devices with a locked bootloader, this method will not work.

Method 2: Officially unlock through Mi Unlock Tool

If the bootloader is blocked, the only legal way is to use the Mi Unlock Tool utility:

  1. Download and install the utility on the PC.
  2. Sign in to your Mi Account (should be linked to your device).
  3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
  4. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock the bootloader (it may take 7-30 days to wait).
  5. After unlocking, reset through Recovery.

โš ๏ธ Note: Use of informal methods of circumventing a lock (e.g., through EDL Mode can lead to loss of warranty and software failures. Xiaomi is actively fighting against such methods, so it is better to use official tools.

๐Ÿ’ก

Xiaomi devices with Qualcomm processors (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) have an EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode that allows you to flash the device even with a locked bootloader. However, it requires special cables and knowledge of technical nuances - not recommended for beginners.

7.Recovery of data after reset: what can be returned

Resetting settings on Xiaomi removes all user data, including:

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photos and videos (unless saved to the Google Photos or Mi Cloud cloud).
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Contacts (unless synced with Google Account or Mi Account).
  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Communications (SMS and chats in messengers, if there was no backup).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Save games and customize applications.

However, some of the data can be recovered:

Type of dataRecovery methodConditions
PhotosGoogle Photos or Mi Cloud CloudSynchronization was turned on before reset
ContactsSynchronization with Google AccountContacts were saved to your Google account
CommunicationsBackup via Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ BackupA copy was created prior to reset and saved to PC or cloud
AnnexesAutomatic installation from Google PlayGoogle Settings Enables Auto Recovery Option

If you don't have backups, you can try to recover data using specialized programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver. However, their effectiveness depends on whether the data was overwritten after the reset. On devices with encryption (by default on MIUI 12+), the chances of recovery are minimal.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

๐Ÿ”น Can you reset Xiaomi without a password from Mi Account?
Not if the device was linked to a Mi Account. Once reset via Recovery or Fastboot, the system will require you to enter your account information to activate. This is a measure of protection against theft. If you forget your password, restore it to the Mi Account site.
๐Ÿ”น How long does it take to reset the settings?
Time depends on the model and the amount of data. On modern smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), the process takes 5-15 minutes; on older devices (for example, Redmi 4X) it can take up to 30 minutes; if the reset lasts more than an hour, this is a sign of failure.
๐Ÿ”น Will the data from the memory card be deleted after resetting?
No, resetting only erases data from the device's internal memory. SD-The card remains intact unless you have selected the option to manually clean the memory card, however, we recommend removing the card before reset to avoid accidental formatting.
๐Ÿ”น Why Xiaomi asks for an old password after reset?
This is due to Mi Device Protection, where if the device has Mi Account enabled and lock activated, you will need to enter your account information after the reset, a security measure to prevent you from using the device after the theft. If you don't remember the password, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
๐Ÿ”น Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
No, once a reset is confirmed, the process cannot be interrupted without risking system damage. If you change your mind, wait until the procedure is completed and then restore the data from the backup. Interrupting the reset (for example, by removing the battery or turning off the power) can lead to a device "brick" when it stops turning on.