Resetting settings on Xiaomi: all ways for smartphones and TVs

Resetting on Xiaomi devices is a necessary procedure when selling a gadget, fixing software failures or preparing for firmware. However, doing this incorrectly can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi) and Mi TVs, including hidden nuances that are not written in the standard instructions.

It is important to understand the difference between types of reset: Soft Reset saves some system files, while Hard Reset completely cleans /data partition. The latter method is required in case of serious failures, but can lock the device if Find Device was previously activated without detachment of the account.

1. When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Factory reset is not a universal solution, but a last resort. Before you start, check if your situation is one where it is really necessary:

• 📱 The device hung on the logo (bootloop) after an unsuccessful update or installation of custom firmware.
• 🔒 You have forgotten your graphical key/password and it is not possible to unlock through Mi Account (for example, there is no access to the linked number).
• 🐢 Smartphone or TV brakes even after cleaning the cache and turning off background applications.
• 📦 Before selling or transferring the device to another user (be sure to untie the Mi Account!).
• 🔄 You must delete all data after infection with a virus (e.g. xHelper or FlyTrap).

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi device was bought hand-held and tied to someone else’s Mi Account, a reset via Recovery can activate a lock. FRP (Factory Reset Protection.In this case, you will need to enter the username / password of the previous owner. The only way out is to contact the seller or use the official Xiaomi service to unlock (paid).

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

The unpleasant surprise after reset is the loss of photos, contacts or messages. To avoid this, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Back up via Settings → About Phone → Backup (for MIUI) or Google Drive (for pure Android). Note: MIUI backup doesn’t save apps – only system settings and SMS.
2. Untie the accounts: 📌 Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out. 📌 Google: Settings → Google accounts → Delete the account

Remember or take a picture

*#06#

Battery charge

Recovery

🔹 Feature for Mi TVs TV: Before reset, turn off all external devices (configures, sound panels) and remove USB-Otherwise, the system may freeze during the initialization phase.

3. Ways to reset settings on Xiaomi smartphones

The choice of method depends on the state of the device. If the smartphone turns on and reacts to touch, use Soft Reset. If the screen does not respond or the device in the bootloop, only Hard Reset.

Soft Reset via the settings menu (for working devices)

The safest way, which does not require additional manipulations:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter your password/pattern lock (if requested).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

Instructions for most models (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/F3, Mi 11/12):

1. Turn off the device (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power + Volume up (hold 10-15 seconds). For POCO F1/F2/F3: Power + Volume up + Volume down.

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: Some models (Redmi 9, Redmi Note 8) may request Mi Account passwords after resetting via Recovery, even if the device was not tied. This is a firmware bug. The solution is to flash the device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to reset the settings on the device with damaged Recovery.
• 📦 Complete cleaning is required before the customization ROM.

You will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and an unlocked bootloader.

fastboot oem edl # EDL Mode Translation (Qualcomm only)


fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands permanently delete data. Don't use it unless you're sure you're doing it. MediaTek devices may require a special cable instead of fastboot oem edl. EDL.

4. Reset settings on Xiaomi Mi TVs

Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV A2, P1, Q2, etc.) also support factory reset, but the process is different from smartphones. The main rule is not to pull the power cord during surgery, otherwise the TV may stop turning on.

Reset via the settings menu (main method)

If the TV is responding to the remote:

1. Open Settings → Device → Reset and Update.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Enter. PIN-code (by default 0000 or 1234 if not modified).
4. Confirm the action.

It takes 3-5 minutes, and after the restart, the TV will suggest you choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.

Hardware reset via buttons (if the TV is not turned on)

If the Mi TV is stuck on the logo or does not respond to the remote:

1. Turn off the TV (remove the power cord).
2. On the back, look for the Reset button (usually next to HDMI ports).
3. Hold it with a paper clip or toothpick for 15-20 seconds.
4. Without releasing the button, plug in the power and hold for another 10 seconds.

The TV will restart and return to factory settings. ⚠️ Attention: On Mi models TV 4S/4A The Reset button can be hidden under a plug. Don't confuse it with the Power button!

5.Typical post-reset errors and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Phone/TV stuck on the logo after reset: Cause: damage to system files. Solution: flash the device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 🔒 Mi Account password request after Hard Reset: Reason: Xiaomi account was not untied Solution: enter your previous account details or contact the service center with proof of purchase.
• 📶 No mobile network after reset: Reason: reset IMEI (It's rare, but it happens on MediaTek devices. Solution: Restore. IMEI Engineer Mode (code #3646633##).
• 🔊 No sound on the Mi. TV after reset: Reason: reset the audio processor settings. Solution: perform Settings → Sound. → Resetting the sound settings.

💡

If photos are missing after reset, check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder – sometimes thumbnails are saved even after cleaning.

6.How to avoid blocking Mi Account after resetting

One of the most frustrating features of Xiaomi devices is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock, which is activated after a reset if the Mi Account is not untied.

1. Untie your account in advance: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Log out. Delete your device from the trusted list at account.xiaomi.com.
2. Disable Find Device: In the Xiaomi account menu, find Find Device and deactivate the feature.

Use official resetting methods

• Avoid third-party utilities like Mi Account Unlock Tool, which often contain viruses.

🔹 Important: If you bought a device from your hands and can not untie other people’s accounts, check it on the IMEI.info website – it may be a stolen gadget.

💡

The only legal way to unlock Mi Account after a reset is to contact Xiaomi Service Center with a check to buy.

7. Alternatives to total dumping

It is not always necessary to clean the device completely, and in some cases, more gentle methods are enough:

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: For smartphones: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. TV: Settings → Warehouse → Clearing the data.
• 🔄 Network Resetting: Solves Problems with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings.
• 📱 Safe Mode: Allows you to remove problematic applications. Squeeze Power, then hold power down until you request a safe mode switch.

If the purpose of the reset is to remove the brakes, try turning off the animation first:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Install Windows animation = off, transition animation = off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset