Where the factory settings in the Xiaomi phone: all ways to reset and restore

Resetting a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone to factory settings can be a challenge in a variety of situations, from preparing for sale to fixing software failures. However, many users get lost when they need to find this section on the menu — especially if the MIUI interface is updated or the phone is unstable. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to access factory settings, including hidden methods for locked devices.

It is important to understand that the reset deletes all user data (photos, contacts, messages), but saves system files and firmware. If you plan to sell or transfer a phone, make sure to back up in advance. And for those looking for a solution to the problem with the “hung” device, we have prepared instructions for resetting even without access to the main menu.

1. Standard method: via the MIUI settings menu

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI menu, which works on all current Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13, etc.) if the phone turns on and responds to touch.

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen). Scroll down to the About Phone section (on some versions of MIUI 14+ it may be called About the device).

• 📱 Additionally. → Resetting settings → Delete all data (for the purpose of MIUI 12-14)
• 🔄 Warehouse → Resetting settings → Resetting all settings (alternative path on some models)
• ⚙️ System and device → Additionally. → Resetting (for the purpose of POCO Launcher)

After selecting the item, the system will request PIN-Then you have a deletion warning, confirm the action with the Reset button, and it takes 3-10 minutes, after which the phone will restart in a "clean" state.

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Remember the username and password from Mi Account|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell)-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ and activated Data Protection (in the Privacy section) after reset may require you to enter a password from the previously linked Mi Account. If you do not remember it, restore access in advance on account.xiaomi.com.

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

If your Xiaomi smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked after a failed update, use Recovery mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care.

For entrance to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔧 Power button + Loudness up (for most models) 🔋 Power button + Loudness down (for) POCO F3/F4)

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In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection). Find Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware), then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action. Once completed, select Reboot.

3. Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you've linked it to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely, which is also useful if you've forgotten your pattern lock, but remember your Xiaomi account details.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select the desired smartphone.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Warning: After a remote reset, the phone may still have Mi Account lock (if Device Protection has been activated). To unlock the phone, you will need to enter the username and password from the associated account.

Once a year to clean up the system | Only before sale |Never reset |After critical failures-->

4. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., Recovery is damaged or the phone is “brick” after firmware), you can use Fastboot mode, which requires a computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

This method only deletes user data, but saves firmware. If the phone doesn't turn on after reset, you'll need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.

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Before using Fastboot, check if the bootloader is unlocked on your Xiaomi. If not, unlock through the official Mi Unlock app (it takes 7-14 days for new accounts).

5. Where are the factory settings stored in the phone's memory?

Technically, factory settings are not a single file, but a set of configurations stored in /system and /vendor partitions. When reset, the system clears the following areas:

• 📁 /data — User applications, settings, files.
• 🗃️ /cache — time-files and cache.
• 🔑 /data/data — Application data (including passwords and tokens).

The factory configurations themselves (e.g., standard wallpaper, sounds, preinstalled applications) are stored in the /system partition, which is not affected by resetting. The exception is a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool, which restores all partitions to their original state.

On devices with dynamic partitions (starting with Android 10), the memory structure is more complex, for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50 uses a super.partition system, where factory settings are “sealed” in the image of system.img and cannot be changed without root rights.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users experience problems after a reset, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

To minimize the risks:

• 🔋 Always check the battery power before resetting (optimum 70%+).
• 🔒 Untie Google Account (in Account settings) → Google → Delete your account to avoid blocking FRP.
• 📡 Connect to Wi-Fi if you plan to restore data from a backup after a reset.

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If your phone is locked after being reset due to Mi Account, DO NOT try to bypass the lock through third-party programs.This can result in a complete loss of access to the device.

7. Alternative methods of recovery

If the reset didn’t help solve the problem (for example, the phone still brakes or doesn’t turn on), consider alternative methods:

• 🔄 Firmware rollback: Install an older version MIUI Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).
• 🛠️ Repairs through EDL: Recovery of a “brick” phone in Emergency Download Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and cable) EDL).
• 📦 Clean installation: Firmware through TWRP formatted /data (power-user).

For models with an unlocked bootloader (such as the POCO F1 or Redmi K20 Pro), custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience can be used, but this voids the warranty and can lead to problems with the camera or NFC module.

If you are not sure of your abilities, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center. the cost of diagnosis usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles, and specialists will restore the phone without the risk of data loss.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions