How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a device for sale to fixing software failures. However, the wrong approach can lead to loss of important data, locking an account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting (including hidden MIUI functions), explain when to use, and warn against the typical mistakes that even experienced users make.

Xiaomi’s smartphone features are tight integration with the Mi Account ecosystem and MIUI’s proprietary shell. This means that a simple reset through settings doesn’t always clean the device completely: it can leave tied accounts, payment data, or even root-rights traces. We’ll show you how to make a reset truly “clean”, taking into account all the nuances of the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

Before you start the procedure, make sure it is really necessary. Reset is not a panacea, and in some cases the problem can be solved with less radical methods.

Here are the reasons for a complete reset:

• 📱 Preparation for sale / transfer – removal of all personal information (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🔄 System lags and freezes that are not eliminated by restarting or cleaning the cache.
• 🚫 Viruses or suspicious activity (e.g., status bar advertising).
• 🔓 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN-code (unlocked by Mi Account).
• 🛠️ Failed software update that led to a cyclical reboot (bootloop).
• 📦 Errors after firmware (for example, loss) IMEI or).

Here are the cases where the reset will not help or even harm:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge - the problem is more often hardware (wear and tear of the battery).
• 📶 Bad network signal – may be associated with an antenna module or SIM card.
• 🎵 Distortion of sound in the dynamics – requires the diagnosis of the audio chip.
• 💾 Lack of memory – it is better to transfer files to a map or to the cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting your phone due to bootloop (infinite boot), don't try to log in to Recovery via a button combination more than 3 times in a row. on some models (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3) This can lead to a locking of the bootloader and the need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do necessarily

The unpleasant surprise after reset is the loss of all contacts, photos and messages. To avoid this, follow 3 critical steps:

1. Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup. MIUI available: 📱 Local copying (save to phone or memory card). ☁️ Mi Cloud (requires login to your account).

Important: Cloud copying does not save the installed APKs, settings of some applications (such as WhatsApp) and game data.

Untie the accounts.

• 🔗 Mi Account (otherwise, after reset, you will need to enter a login / password).
• 📌 Google (to avoid the use of Google) FRP-lock-in).
• 💳 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.) – some block access when changing devices.
• Check the battery power - if the phone runs out during reset, there is a high risk of soft-brick (the device will not turn on).

For models with unlocked bootloader (Xiaomi 11T, Poco F3, etc.) additionally:

• 🔓 Make sure you have access to Fastboot (Loudness Down Combination) + Nutrition).
• 💻 Prepare a PC with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot Mi Flash Tool (in case the reset goes wrong).

Backed up | Untie Mi Account | Untie Google account | Charged phone >50% | Downloaded firmware (if you need Flash)

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3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and it keeps the integrity of the system partitions intact and doesn't require a computer.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock (if requested).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Data.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-10 minutes).

On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi 12) the path may be different: Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset → Reset settings.

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone requires data input from the previous Mi Account, and you do not remember them, do not try to guess the password. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

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If resetting through the menu doesn't help eliminate the lags, try clearing the cache first: Settings → Memory → Clear the cache. This will delete temporary files without losing data.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery Mode.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including old (Redmi 4X) and new (Xiaomi 14).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Power + Volume up. For Poco F1/Mi 8: Power + Volume up + Volume down.

Mi

Recovery

Nutrition

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm

Yes

Reboot → Reboot to System

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese:

• The third item on the top is Wipe Data.
• The first item in the submenu is Wipe All Data.
• The last item is Reboot.

On models with a locked bootloader (most official firmware), a Recovery reset does not delete data from the /data/media partition. To completely clear the phone, go to the settings after the reset and manually format the memory.

5. Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used when:

• 🔧 You need to reflash your phone completely (for example, after a failed update).
• 📦 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 🔓 You need to bypass Mi Account (only for unlocked devices!).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original!).
• 📦 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot drivers.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\proshivka).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (full clean) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

fastboot oem edl # Translation to EDL mode (for some models)


Fastboot flash all # Commands for manual firmware (alternative to Mi Flash Tool)

⚠️ Note: Firmware through Fastboot on models with a locked bootloader (Redmi 9, Note 11, etc.) will lead to an anti-rollback error and "bricking" the device. Before the procedure, be sure to check the status of the bootloader with the command: fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

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Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring a phone with a damaged Recovery or bootloop back to life after a failed upgrade, but it requires technical skills and risks turning the device into a brick if it fails.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the instructions, users often face problems. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

Pay special attention to models with the function of Anti-Rollback (Xiaomi Mi A2, Poco F2 Pro). Trying to flash the old version of the software will lead to irreversible locking of the bootloader.

fastboot getvar anti

7. What to do after the discharge?

A successful reset is only half the battle, so that the phone is stable.

• 🔄 Update to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• ☁️ Restore data from backup (if you did).
• 🔒 Set up protection: Add a fingerprint (Settings) → Password and security. Enable encryption (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption).
• 🚫 Disable unnecessary services: Settings → Annexes → Autostart control

For models with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60) after discharge is recommended:

1. Calibrate the battery: Discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption.
2. Set the regimen on DC Dimming (Settings) → Display) to reduce flickering.

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If the phone starts to run out faster after reset, turn off Auto Brightness and set a fixed value. In MIUI, the auto-brightness algorithm often doesn't work properly after reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions