How to return the Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: safe Hard Reset

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution: you get the phone as it was when you bought it: no personal data, installed apps or custom settings, which helps in cases where the device has started to slow down, is infected with viruses, does not turn on after a failed update or you just plan to sell the gadget.

However, a full reset is not just a push of a button. Depending on the Xiaomi model (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11), the firmware version (MIUI 14, HyperOS) and the state of the device (does it work at all?), the reset methods vary. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including resetting via Settings, Recovery Mode, Fastboot and even remotely via Mi Account – taking into account the nuances for locked phones and devices with a damaged screen.

Before you start, remember: Reset removes all data — photos, contacts, messages, passwords from Wi-Fi and apps. If the phone is still turned on, back up via Settings → Google → Backup or manually copy files to your computer. For models with MIUI 14+, cloud backup is also available in Mi Cloud (autonomy required).

1. Reset via the settings menu (the easiest way)

If your Xiaomi is switched on and responsive to touch, this method is the fastest and safest, and is suitable for all models on MIUI and HyperOS, including Redmi 10, POCO F4 and Xiaomi 13.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings (cog icon on the main screen).
• 🔍 Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device in HyperOS).
• 🔄 Slip on Reset (in some versions - Restore and Reset).
• 🗑️ Choose to erase all data (or delete all data).
• 🔐 Enter a password/pattern lock if requested.
• ✅ Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5-10 minutes. After the reboot, you will be greeted by the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. Importantly, if you had a Mi Account attached, you may need to enter your username and password to unlock after the reset (Mi Cloud Lock protection).

On some models (such as the POCO X3 Pro), the path may be slightly different:

Settings → System → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Erase all data

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If after reset, the phone asks for the old password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com. This will require access to the email or phone number associated with the account.

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t load beyond the logo, hovers on the screensaver, or doesn’t respond to the power button at all, a Recovery Mode reset will help, which works even on “bricks” (defaulting devices) provided that the Recovery is not damaged.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. 🔋 Make sure your battery is at least 30% (otherwise you risk getting a completely dead device).
2. 🔄 Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
3. 🎛️ Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Food. POCO F1/Mi 8: Loudness up + Loudness down + For the Redmi Note. 9/10: Loudness up + Food (hold on) 10 sack).

Mi

POCO

Loudness up

Recovery

In Recovery Mode, volume buttons (Up/Down, Move, Power, Select) are used.

• 🌐 Choose a language (usually English or English ).
• 🧹 Find Wipe Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
• ✅ Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
• 🔄 After completion, select Reboot to restart.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) K40, POCO X3 GT) After resetting via Recovery, you may experience a “This device is locked” error, which means that the phone is linked to Mi Account, and you will need to continue to enter the account information that was on the device before the reset.

3. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

If Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged and the phone is still recognized by the computer, you can reset via Fastboot mode, a method that requires a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed and a fastboot utility (which is part of the Android SDK).

Step-by-step:

1. 💻 Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on the computer.
2. 🔌 Connect Xiaomi to the PC through USB-cable.
3. 🎛️ Hold the Loud down. + Meals for 10 seconds to enter Fastboot Mode (screen with rabbit and inscription) FASTBOOT).
4. 🖥️ Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with fastboot and execute the commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of your device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 with MIUI Global) after the command fastboot erase userdata may need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool. If you have not unlocked the bootloader before, this method will not work!

4. Remote reset via Mi Account (if phone is lost or stolen)

If you lost Xiaomi or it was stolen, you can try to reset it remotely through the Mi Cloud service.

• 🌍 Go to i.mi.com and log in.
• 📍 In the Find Device section, select your phone (if it’s online).
• 🔄 Press Erase Device (Erase Device).
• ✅ Confirm the action.

This method has limitations:

• ❌ The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• ❌ Find Device must be activated in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• ❌ The device should have an official firmware MIUI (Custom firmware can block remote reset).

If the phone is off or offline, the reset command will be executed the next time you connect to the Internet, but the location data after the reset will be lost.

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Remote reset via Mi Cloud does not work on phones with unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (such as LineageOS).

5. reset on blocked Xiaomi (if you forgot the password)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code, and the phone requires unlocking, there are two options:

Method 1: Through Mi Account (if tied)

• 🔐 On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Pattern?).
• 📧 Enter. email/phone tied to Mi Account and follow the instructions to reset your password.
• 🔄 After successful authorization, the phone will offer to reset the lock password.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (if Mi Account is not tied)

If you don't have a Mi Account, you'll have to do a Hard Reset via Recovery (see Section 2), but after a reset, you may need to enter data from the last Google account that was on your phone (FRP protection).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi HyperOS models (2026) may have an error after resetting via Recovery, "This device is associated with a Mi Account", even if the account was not explicitly linked. In this case, you will have to contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you do the right thing, the reset can go wrong, so let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them.

If the phone doesn't turn on or hangs on the logo after the reset, the firmware is likely to be damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or EDL Mode (emergency mode) will help.

• 💻 Computer with Qualcomm drivers installed (for EDL).
• 📦 Official firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for the purpose of the EDL).

Firmware in EDL is a complicated procedure, and if you make a mistake, you can finally brick the device. If you're not sure about yourself, contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions