How to reset to factory settings on Xiaomi devices: all ways

Resetting to factory settings on Xiaomi devices is a radical but effective way to return the gadget to its original state. The procedure helps with freezes, system errors, before selling a phone or after a failed upgrade. However, many users face difficulties: they can not find the right item on the menu, forget the password from Mi Account, or the device does not respond to commands at all.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to reset, from the standard method through settings to forced recovery through Fastboot. Separately, we will focus on the nuances for different models (Redmi smartphones, POCO, Mi TVs) and explain how to avoid blocking after reset. If your Xiaomi is stuck on the logo or requires you to enter a password after hard reset, here you will find a solution.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to get the device back on track.

• 📱 System failures: the phone is constantly restarting, apps are crashing, or an error appears "com.android.phone process stopped".
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN: If you don’t remember the unlock password, Find My Device doesn’t help.
• 📦 Preparation for sale: to delete all personal data, including accounts, photos and messages.
• 🔄 After an unsuccessful update: if the firmware "flyed off" or the device hung on the logo MIUI.
• 🛠️ Removing viruses: if the antivirus detects malware that is not removed by standard methods.

But resetting doesn't always solve the problem, for example, if the phone doesn't turn on because of a damaged battery or a physical failure of the board, software manipulation won't help, and it's useless to reset the settings for hardware defects in the screen or speakers.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset may result in a lock due to Xiaomi’s data protection policy.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, do a few critical steps to keep you from losing data and unforeseen problems:

1. Backup. Use the built-in Settings feature. → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud: 📞 Contacts (export to.vcf) 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) 📝 Messages (annexes such as: SMS Backup & Restore) 🎮 Save games (if the game supports cloud backup)

Make sure you know the username and password from Mi Account

FRP Lock

Charge the device at least 50%

Delete your Google account

Factory Reset Protection (FRP)

If you’re dropping Xiaomi from the freeze, try the less radical methods first:

• 🔄 Restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button) → long tap on "Switch off").
• 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Return the settings to factory without deleting data (some firmware has the option "Reset network settings").

Backed up important data |

I know the username/password from Mi Account|

Device charged at more than 50% |

Deleted your Google account (if you sell your phone)|

I tried alternative methods to solve the problem.-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method available on all Xiaomi working devices, suitable for Redmi, POCO, Mi and Mi TVs, the main condition is that the phone must turn on and respond to touch.

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on some models).
3. Slip on Resetting (may be called Reset and Reset).
4. Choose Reset all settings or Delete all data.
5. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
6. Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

For Mi TVs, the path is a bit different:

1. Press the Settings button on the remote.
2. Select Device Preferences → Reset → Factory Data Reset.
3. Confirm the reset by entering PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).

Once complete, the device will restart and prompt you to configure it as new, at which point you may need to enter Mi Account data if Find My Device was previously enabled.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi Note 10 Pro) after resetting through the menu, you may remain linked to your Google account. To avoid problems, delete your Google account before resetting in the Settings section. → Accounts.

💡

If you reset your phone and you don’t remember your old password, use Mi Account Unlock, which requires access to your email or phone number associated with your account.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn’t turn on, hovers on the MIUI logo, or doesn’t respond to touch, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which works on all Xiaomi devices, including older models like the Redmi 4X or Mi A1.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Nutrition + Loudness up. 📺 For Mi. TV: On the remote, press Home. + Menu for 5 seconds.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (select item) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on newer versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in a Mi Account authorization requirement. If you don't remember your account details, restore them in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If standard methods don't work (e.g., Recovery is damaged or your phone is locked), you can use Fastboot mode, which requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the device to the computer via USB.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and execute: fastboot devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Some models (such as the Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9T) may require an additional boot boot boot unlock command:

fastboot oem unlock

After that, the data will be erased and the phone will be rebooted to its original state.

On devices with a MediaTek processor (such as Redmi 9A or POCO C31), Mi Account authorization is required to reset via Fastboot. Without it, the fastboot erase userdata command will not work.

💡

Fastboot reset is the most reliable way if the phone is not turning on or the Recovery is damaged, but it requires an unlocked bootloader on most models.

What to do after resetting: setting up and possible problems

After a successful reset, the device will start as new.

1. Choose a language and region.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if Find My Device was enabled)
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

Possible problems and solutions:

If you are selling a phone, after reset, you must:

• 🔄 Restart the device and make sure it doesn’t require a password.
• 📱 Check that there are no linked accounts in the settings (Settings) → Accounts).
• 📦 Delete. SIM-card and memory card (if it has been encrypted).

Features of reset on different Xiaomi devices

The reset procedure may vary depending on the device type and MIUI version. Let’s consider the key nuances for popular categories of gadgets.

Smartphones and tablets

On most smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi) the reset is done the same way, but there are exceptions:

• 📱 POCO X3/X4: After reset, re-activation may be required IR Blaster (DU remote).
• 📱 Black Shark: Reset does not affect game settings, as they are stored in a separate section.
• 📱 Mi Mix: Some models lack touch controls in Recovery – use volume buttons.

Mi TVs

On Xiaomi TVs, the reset is done via a menu or remote, but there are nuances:

• 📺 Mi TV 4S/5: After reset, the Dolby Vision setting may be lost - recalibration will be required.
• 📺 Mi TV Stick: Reset is done through the Mi utility TV Assistant on PC, as there are no physical buttons.
• 📺 Mi TV Q1/Q2: After resetting, you may need to reset Google Assistant.

Wearable devices (bracelets, watches)

For gadgets like Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch reset is performed differently:

• ⌚ Mi Band 5/6/7: press the touch button on 10–15 seconds before the vibration occurs.
• ⌚ Xiaomi Watch S1: Go to Settings. → System system → Reset.
• ⚠️ After the reset, you will need to re-attach to the phone via Mi Fitness or Zepp Life.

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On Mi TVs, HDMI-CEC settings are often lost after resetting. To regain control from the remote of other devices (for example, consoles), go to Settings → Connections → HDMI-CEC and turn on the option again.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset