How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings: all the ways and nuances

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to solve performance problems, remove viruses, or prepare the device for sale. However, doing the wrong thing can lead to data loss, locking your Mi Account account, or even “bricking” your smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods, from the standard menu to forced through Fastboot, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It’s important to understand that resetting is not like flashing. It deletes user data, apps, and settings, but leaves the original firmware (if it’s not damaged). If your Xiaomi is slowing down because of a full memory, resetting will help; if the problem is in the “following” firmware, you will need to reinstall it via the Mi Flash Tool.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge – at least 50% (when reset via Recovery, the device should not turn off).
• 📱 Smartphone model: instructions for Redmi Note 10 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra may differ.
• 🔒 Mi Account status: if the device is linked to the account, after reset, you will need to enter a login / password.

1. Reset via phone settings (the safest way)

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, touch-responsive, and you have access to the settings menu.It stores data in the Mi Cloud (if sync is enabled) and minimizes the risk of errors.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Reset (on some models, the path: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Select to erase all data (reset).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if requested.
4. Confirm the action – the phone will restart and start the process (it will take 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ 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.

Make sure sync with Mi Cloud is enabled|Save important files to your PC or cloud|Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account|Check that SIM-Card retrieved (if you plan to sell)

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to buttons or is locked with a password you’ve forgotten, Recovery Mode will help.This method works on all models, including POCO and Black Shark, but requires care.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Hold Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Let go of Power, but keep Volume up until the Recovery menu loads.
4. With the volume buttons, select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on older versions), confirm Power button.
5. Select Wipe All Data and confirm.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After resetting via Recovery, an error may appear "This device is locked" which means that the device is tied to Mi Account and unlocking will require entering the account data that was tied to the reset before the reset.

3. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The method via Fastboot is used if:

• 🔄 The smartphone does not load even in Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to bypass the lock Mi Account (only on the unlocked bootloader!).
• 📦 Requires a “clean” reset before the firmware.

This will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Unlocked bootloader (if not, reset is possible only with the deletion of all data).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare image will appear with the inscription Fastboot).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
3. Enter the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the fastboot erase userdata command, all data, including photos and apps, will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

4. Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lose your phone or it's been stolen, you can reset remotely via Xiaomi's Find Device service.

Conditions:

• 📍 The device must be on and connected to the Internet.
• 🔒 Find Device is enabled on the phone (checked in Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• 📧 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the device.

How to reset:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the lost device in the list.
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.

⚠️ Note: Remote reset does not work if:

• Phone's off or discharged.
• The device has disabled mobile Internet and Wi-Fi.
• The smartphone was unlocked through unofficial firmware (for example, TWRP).

5. Reset via Mi Flash Tool (extreme case)

If all previous methods fail, you can still completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool, which removes all information, including firmware, and installs a clean MIUI.

• 🔧 Restore a “brick” phone (for example, after a failed update).
• 📱 Delete viruses embedded in system files.
• 🔄 Updates to the new version MIUI fully-cleaned.

What you need:

⚠️ Note: Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool will unlock the bootloader if it has been blocked.This can lead to loss of warranty and problems with the Mi Account (it will take 7-15 days to unlock).

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Before you run your firmware, disable antivirus on your PC – some programs (such as Avast) block the Mi Flash Tool as “suspicious software.”

6.What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, Xiaomi will offer to go through the initial setup to avoid problems:

Steps:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (mobile Internet may not work properly until the firmware update).
2. Log in to the Mi Account that was tied before the reset (otherwise the phone may lock).
3. Restore data from Mi Cloud (if sync has been enabled). To do this, select Restore from backup at the setup stage.
4. Update the firmware: go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone requires an old Mi Account password that you don't remember:

• Try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
• If your account is not restored, contact the Xiaomi service center with documents on your phone.

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After reset, be sure to check the settings of Application Resolutions and Special Features – they are reset to factory ones, which can affect the operation of some programs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset