How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings through Recovery: detailed instructions with photos

Resetting Xiaomiโ€™s smartphone to factory settings via a recap module is a versatile way to return the device to a โ€œcleanโ€ state when it stopped working normally. Unlike resetting through system settings, the Recovery Mode method works even if the phone doesnโ€™t turn on, hangs on the logo or is locked with a password. But there are nuances: wrong actions can lead to loss of data on internal memory or even โ€œbrickingโ€ the device if it is a model with a locked bootloader.

In this article, we will discuss three official methods of discharge through the Recovery: standard (through the use of the sluice). MIUI Recovery, using Fastboot for bricks, and an alternative method for unlocked bootloaders, youโ€™ll learn how to save important data before reset, which Xiaomi models require a special approach (e.g., the first step in the process of resetting, POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), And what to do if the phone doesn't turn on after it's reset. MIUI 14/15 hyperos 2026 year-end.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It

Recovery Mode is a system-independent environment built into Xiaomiโ€™s firmware and allows you to perform critical operations whenever you want to do something. MIUI or HyperOS doesn't boot:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset the settings to factory (wipe) data/factory reset);
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Install official or custom firmware (.zip files);
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Cache Clearing (wipe cache partition);
  • ๐Ÿ” Unlock the bootloader (on some models).

On Xiaomi smartphones, two types of recovery are used:

  1. Stock-stock MIUI Recovery is a simplified interface with touch controls (on new models) or volume buttons (on old ones.
  2. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project - custom recovery with advanced features. Requires an unlocked bootloader.

90% of Xiaomi problems are solved through stock recavers. TWRP It is only necessary for advanced users who install informal firmware.

๐Ÿ“Š What type of recavator do you use?
Stock MIUI Recovery
TWRP
I don't know what it is.
Other

Preparation for resetting: what to do before

Resetting over the receptacles removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts and installed applications.

Backup through Mi Cloud or Google Account|

Copy files (photos, videos) on a PC or flash drive|

Write it down. IMEI (on the box or through *#06#)|

Charge your phone at least 50% |

Make sure that the username/password from the Mi Account is known (if it was linked to the account)-->

Backup:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings โ†’ Xiaomi Account โ†’ Mi Cloud โ†’ Backup. Select the data to save (contacts, SMS, note-book).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Google Account: Settings โ†’ Google โ†’ Backup. Synchronize contacts, calendar, passwords.
  • ๐Ÿ’พ Local Copy: Connect your phone to your PC and manually copy folders DCIM (Photos, Downloads, WhatsApp (if any).

โš ๏ธ Note: If the phone has a password on (PIN, You have a pattern lock, and you have a Mi Account attached, and you have to reset your account to unlock it, and without that, you have to turn your phone into a brickยป!

IMEI and serial number:

Write them down in advance, and you'll need them if the network goes missing after the reset. IMEI possible:

  • On the phone box (barcode sticker);
  • Using the engineering menu: type *#06#;
  • In settings: About the phone โ†’ General information โ†’ IMEI.

Method 1: Resetting through a standard MIUI Recovery

This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note. 11/12/13, POCO X5/F5, Mi 11/12/13 The interface may be slightly different, but the principle is the same.

Step 1 - Enter Recovery Mode

Turn off the phone.

  • ๐Ÿ”˜ Press the power button. + volume-button;
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears;
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Release the buttons when you see the recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese).

Step 2: Select language and reset

In the stock recavery, Xiaomi can have Chinese interfaces.

  1. Slip on the icon of the globe (or find the item with the flag);
  2. Choose English;
  3. Press Wipe Data. โ†’ Wipe All Data;
  4. Confirm the action with a swipe or a choice of Confirm.

Step 3. Wait until completion

It takes 2-5 minutes, and then you'll see the data wipe complete.

  • ๐Ÿ”™ Click Back to Main Menu;
  • ๐Ÿ”˜ Choose Reboot. โ†’ Reboot to System.

๐Ÿ’ก

If after reset, the phone hangs on the logo for more than 10 minutes, turn it off with a long press of the power button (20).+ seconds) and re-energize.

Xiaomi modelFeatures of dischargeTime of the process
Redmi Note 10/11/12Recovery touch interface, supports reset without connecting to a PC3-4 minutes
POCO F3/4/5Mi Account Confirmation may be required after reset4-5 minutes
Mi 11 Ultra/12 ProRecovery takes longer due to large memory capacity5-7 minutes
Redmi 9A/9CVolume button management (no touch screen in recovery)2-3 minutes

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (for โ€œbricksโ€)

If the phone doesn't turn on at all or hangs on the Mi screensaver and you can't get into the recavator, Fastboot Mode will help. This method requires a PC connection and the Mi Flash Tool installation.

What you need:

  • ๐Ÿ’ป Windows computer 10/11;
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original);
  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Mi Flash Tool Programming;
  • ๐Ÿ“„ Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Step 1 Transfer your phone to Fastboot

Turn off the device.

  1. Press the power button. + volume-cut;
  2. Hold for 10 seconds until the hare appears in the hat (Fastboot logo);
  3. Connect the phone to the PC.

Step 2: Install drivers and flash

On the computer:

  1. Unpack the archive with firmware (.tgz or.zip);
  2. Open the Mi Flash Tool;
  3. Click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware;
  4. Select Clean All (complete reset) mode.
  5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

โš ๏ธ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one on your phone.

What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
1. Check if drivers are installed (download Mi) USB Driver). 2. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). 3. Disable the antivirus - it can block the program. 4. Restart the PC and phone, then reconnect.

Method 3: Resetting through TWRP (unlockable)

If your Xiaomi has a custom recavator installed TWRP, The reset process will be different, and this method is suitable for users who:

  • ๐Ÿ”“ Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool;
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Installed. TWRP custom-stitch ROM;
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Want to save data on a memory card (unlike stock recavery, TWRP allows selectively clearing of sections).

Step 1. Enter in TWRP

Turn off the phone.

  • ๐Ÿ”˜ Press the power button. + volume-button;
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hold on until the TeamWin logo appears (usually 5-7 seconds).

Step 2. Perform the discharge

TWRP interface:

  1. Tap the Wipe;
  2. Select Advanced Wipe;
  3. Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache; System; Data; Internal Storage (if you need to clear your memory).

Swipe to Wipe

Reboot System

Advantages of TWRP:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ The possibility of selective resetting (e.g., cache only);
  • ๐Ÿ’พ Building Full Backups (Backup) โ†’ select sections โ†’ swipe);
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Installation of custom firmware (Install) โ†’ select the zip file).

๐Ÿ’ก

If, after discharge, through TWRP The phone won't turn on, check if you've erased the Vendor or Boot partition, and then you'll need to reflash the device through Fastboot.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Can't mount /data in TWRPEncrypted data sectionFormatting Data (in TWRP: Wipe โ†’ Format Data, enter Yes)
Phone asks for password after resetMi Account and Protection was includedEnter account details or flash through Fastboot with Clean All and Lock
E: Unknown command in recoveryDamaged RecaveriFastboot (Fastboot Flash Recovery) recovery.img)
After the reset, there's no net.Gone. IMEI module NVRAMRestore IMEI via Maui Meta or re-flash modem
Anti-rollback check failAttempt to roll back on old firmwareDownload a new version of the firmware from the official website

If the phone is not turned on after resetting:

  1. Connect to charging for 30 minutes - perhaps the battery has run out;
  2. Try to get into the Fastboot (Food). + Reduce the volume) and reflash;
  3. Check if the battery plume is leaving (relevant after falls).

Data recovery after resetting

If you havenโ€™t done a backup, the chances of getting the data back are there, but they depend on what was erased:

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photo/Video: Use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (plug your phone to your PC in mode) MTP). Efficiency: 30-70%.
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Contacts/SMS: If Mi Cloud or Google Sync is enabled, the data will be automatically restored when you first connect to the Internet.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game progress: check if your account is linked to Google Play Games or social media.

How to increase your chances of recovery:

  • ๐Ÿ›‘ Do not write new data to your phone after a reset;
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and use it ADB scan:
adb shell


su




dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0 of=/sdcard/recovery.img

Then scan the image with programs like Autopsy or PhotoRec.

โš ๏ธ Note: Recovering data from Xiaomiโ€™s internal memory after a full reset (Wipe All Data) is almost impossible if the encryption function was enabled (default activated in the file). MIUI 12+).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reset Xiaomi through the recap if I forgot my password?
Yes, but there's a caveat: if you had a Mi Account attached to your phone, you'll need to reset your username and password, and if you don't have that, you'll have to lock your phone, and if you don't have an account, you'll delete your password.
Why does the phone stop after the reset?
Probable causes: ๐Ÿ”‹ Worn-out battery (check battery health through AccuBattery); ๐Ÿ“ฑ Damaged firmware (flash through Fastboot); ๐Ÿงน Residual garbage (after discharge, perform Wipe Cache in the Recovery).
How to Reset Xiaomi if the Screen is Not Working?
If the sensor is not responding, but the phone is turned on: Connect USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter; Go to the Recovery (power and volume buttons); Control the mouse cursor to select menu items. If the screen is completely black, only the Fastboot method with firmware through the PC remains.
Will the Recovery reset data on the memory card (SD)?
No, the standard Wipe Data in MIUI Recovery only clears internal memory. MicroSD data will remain intact unless you select the Wipe Internal Storage option in the microSD. TWRP.
Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
No. Once you have confirmed Wipe All Data, the process is irreversible. Interrupting (e.g., pulling out the battery) can cause the firmware to be damaged and the need for a complete firmware reflash through the Fastboot.