Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings (or “formatting”) is a radical but effective way to return the device to its original health. The procedure helps with freezes, system errors, before selling a gadget or after unsuccessful firmware experiments. However, an incorrect reset can lead to the loss of important data, blocking the Mi Account or even “bricking” the phone.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of formatting Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From a standard reset through settings to forced recovery through Fastboot, you’ll learn how to prepare for the procedure, what data you can save, and how to avoid the typical mistakes that even experienced users make. Special emphasis will be placed on the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader and a tied Mi Account.
Why Xiaomi might need to be formatted
Factory resets are not a panacea, but a tool for specific situations, and here are the most common reasons why users decide to format:
- 🐢 Strong brakes and lags – the device slows down even after cleaning the cache and turning off background applications.
- 🔄 Cyclical Bootloop – The phone turns on, shows the Mi logo and reboots again.
- 🚫 Screen locking – forgetting the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
- 📦 Preparation for sale – you need to delete all personal data, including accounts and files.
- 🛠️ Failed update – after firmware, the phone stopped turning on or malfunctions.
- 🦠 Viruses and malware – standard antiviruses can’t handle the threat.
But it doesn't always solve the problem, for example, if the phone doesn't turn on because of a damaged battery or motherboard, formatting won't help, and it's useless to reset the settings if the screen, speaker or camera malfunctions, and in such cases, a diagnosis is required at the service center.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset via Fastboot or Mi Recovery may require you to enter your username and password from Mi Account, even if you haven’t tied it.
Before you start formatting, check if a more gentle method will help:
- 🧹 Cleaning the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🔄 Restart in Safe Mode (hold the power button) →"Restarting in Safe Mode").
- 📱 Resetting the settings of a particular application in Settings → Annexes → [Select an application] → Warehouse → Clear the data.
Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting
Unprepared reset can result in loss of photos, contacts and even locking the device. To avoid problems, follow the following steps:
1. Create a backup of the data
Even if you're planning a reset due to a malfunction, try to save important information.
- 📷 Photo and video: Copy on PC via USB-Cable or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud.
- 📞 Contacts: Export to the file VCF via Contact → Settings → Export or sync with Google Account.
- 📝 SMS and call log: Use apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
- 🎮 Save Games: Make sure that the games are tied to Google Play Games or Mi Account.
For devices with unlocked bootloader, you can create a full backup through TWRP or ADB:
adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f /sdcard/backup.ab2. Make sure you know the information from the Mi Account
If your Xiaomi is linked to your Mi Account, after resetting, the system may require you to enter a login and password to unlock.
- Devices with a locked bootloader (by default on all new smartphones).
- Models with the function Find Device (search device).
- The device with the option Data Protection Mi enabled.
If you don’t remember your account details, try to restore access to account.xiaomi.com. At the very least, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
3. Check the battery charge
The reset process can take 5 to 30 minutes depending on the method, the minimum charge level before formatting is 50%, and if the battery runs out during the procedure, it can lead to:
- Incomplete reset and "bricking" of the device.
- Loss of recovery capability through standard methods.
- Needs to be scalable through EDL (emergency).
Backup of important data |
Battery level of charge ≥ 50%|
Extracted. SIM-card and memory card if not necessary)|
I remember the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)|
Encryption disabled (if you plan to reset via Fastboot)-->
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)
This method is suitable if:
- 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
- 🔓 You know. PIN-code.
- 🔄 You need to return factory settings without deleting data on the memory card.
The instructions are relevant for all devices on MIUI 12/13/14 hyperos:
- Open Settings → About Phone → Resetting (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
- Select "Settings Reset" (not to be confused with "Network Reset").
- The system will ask you to choose what to drop: 📱 Resetting all settings – deletes apps, accounts, and settings, but leaves media files. 🧹 Complete reset – erases everything, including photos, music and documents.
Confirm the action by entering PIN-code-key.
Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
After the reset, you will be asked to configure the device as new.If Xiaomi was tied to the Mi Account, you may need authorization.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) After resetting the menu, there may be encryption left over, which will cause the internal memory to be unrecognised until the password is re-entered. → Security → Encrypting the phone before resetting.
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If the phone is resetting, it asks for an old one. PIN-code to unlock storage, and you do not remember it, will only help a complete flashing through Fastboot or EDL.
Method 2: Formatting with Mi Recovery (if the phone is not turned on)
If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, you can use the built-in recovery menu, Mi Recovery, which works even on locked devices, but requires care.
How to log in to Mi Recovery
The methods of entry depend on the model and state of the device:
| Status of the device | Button combination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone's off. | Food + Volume up | Hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears. |
| The phone is stuck on the logo. | Food + Volume up + Volume down | In some models (for example, POCO F3) All three buttons must be held. |
| Phone in bootloop (cyclic reboot) | Nutrition + Volume up at the moment of vibration | Try it a few times – timing is important! |
| Devices with HyperOS (2026 and later) | Nutrition + Volume up, then select Recovery on the menu | New firmware may require confirmation via Mi Account. |
Instructions for resetting through Mi Recovery
When you log in to Mi Recovery, you'll see a menu in Chinese or English, and you'll be able to control it with volume buttons (up/down, select, power, confirm).
- Select the Wipe Data option (or in Chinese).
- Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data (or ).
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 15 minutes).
- Go back to the main menu and select Reboot (or ).
Step-by-step instruction
- Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Power + On the screen should appear a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
- Connect your device to your PC and check for detection: fastboot devices If the device is not detected, install drivers or try another cable.
- Complete formatting (Warning, this will delete everything, including firmware!): fastboot erase boot fastboot erase system fastboot erase vendor fastboot erase data fastboot erase cache
- If you need to flash a new firmware, use the Mi Flash Tool or commands: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash data data.img
- Reboot the device: fastboot reboot
After restarting, the phone will be like new, but without firmware (if you only format partitions). MIUI HyperOS with Mi Flash Tool.
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Formatting via Fastboot deletes all data without recovery, and this method should only be used if other methods have not worked or you are planning to use firmware.
What to do if Xiaomi asks for Mi Account after formatting
One of the most common problems after a reset is requiring you to enter your Mi Account data even if you didn't link it to it, and it's connected to Find Device and a locked bootloader.
1. Restore access to the account
If you remember an email or phone linked to your Mi Account, try to reset your password:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com.
- Click "Forgot your password?"
- Enter your email or phone number, then follow the instructions in the letter./SMS.
2. Unlock the device via the Mi Cloud site
If you have access to your account, but your phone still asks for authorization:
- Log in to Mi Cloud under your account.
- Go to the “Find Device” section (or “Find Device”).
- Select your smartphone and click "Delete Device".
- Confirm the action.
3. Call for support for Xiaomi
If you do not remember the account data, but the phone was bought officially, you can try to contact the support with proof of purchase (check, box with a phone). IMEI). For that:
- 📧 Write to service.ru@xiaomi.com (for Russia) or through the feedback form on the website.
- 📄 Attach scans of the check, a photo of the box with IMEI serial number.
- 📝 Indicate the reason for blocking (resetting settings).
4. to flash the device through EDL (last resort)
If other methods do not help, the firmware remains through emergency mode (EDL). It requires it:
- 💻 Special cable or boxing (e.g. Xiaomi Authorized) EDL Cable).
- 📥 Firmware in.mbn format for your model.
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without an authorized developer account, it can result in a complete blocking. IMEI on new models (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi) K60). This method is recommended only to experienced users or in service centers.
How to avoid problems after formatting
Even if the reset is successful, there may be some unexpected difficulties after it.
1. Problems with network connection
After resetting, settings may disappear APN (Mobile Internet access points to restore access:
- 📶 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
- 🔄 Click Reset to Default Values or enter your operator’s settings manually.
2. Google Play Services Errors
Some devices may experience sync errors with Google after reset.
- Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
- Find Google Play Services and click on Storage → Clear the cache".
- Reset the device.
3. Fast battery discharge
Once reset, the system can index files and optimize applications, resulting in increased battery consumption. Give the phone 1-2 days to stabilize.
- 🔋 Check the Settings. → Battery → Using the battery for the presence of "gluttonous" applications.
- 🔄 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
4. Loss of application licenses
Some apps (such as Netflix, Spotify, or paid games) may require re-authorization after a reset.
- 📱 You are logged into the same Google Account as before the reset.
- 💳 Subscription fees are not charged twice (check Google Play).
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After reset, take your time to recover data from the backup. First, make sure the phone is stable - sometimes problems come back with the restored settings.