How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings: 5 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s device to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, helping to fix software failures, prepare the gadget for sale or remove traces of personal data before transferring it to another user, but an incorrect reset can lead to the loss of important files, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of resetting for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi), Mi TVs and Xiaomi tablets - from the standard menu to forced reset via Fastboot.

1. When do I need a factory reset?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only solution:

• 📱 System lags and freezes – if the smartphone brakes even after cleaning the cache and removing applications.
• 🔒 Preparing for sale/transfer – Deletion of all data, including Google and Mi Accounts.
• 🚨 Viruses or malware – when the antivirus fails to deal with the threat.
• 🔄 Errors after the update MIUI — For example, endless loading or lack of network.
• 🔧 Failed overclocking/modification – if the device is unstable after changing system files.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen, a broken speaker or a charging connector).

⚠️ Warning: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset may result in a loss TWRP Before the procedure, make sure you have a backup of NANDroid.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand

Unprepared resets can cause data loss and unforeseen problems.

Create a backup copy of contacts and photos|Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Untie the device from Google Account (if any) FRP)|Download the firmware for your model (in case of recovery)-->

Pay special attention to your Mi Account. After the reset, the device may require you to enter the login and password that were tied before the procedure. If you forget the data, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

For owners of devices with MIUI 12+ and Find Device enabled, a reset without detachment of the account will result in a blocking of activation.

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Search for the device.
2. Turn off the function.
3. Confirm the action with a password from the account.

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If you reset your Mi TV, pre-disconnect it from the Wi-Fi network in the settings, which will speed up the process and avoid synchronization errors with Xiaomi servers.

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

This method is suitable if the device is switched on and reacts to touch. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Tablet) section.
3. Select Reset (in some versions – Reset and Reset).
4. Smash all the data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and it restarts and starts with a clean firmware, just like when you buy it, and it's going to show a greeting in the language that you originally chose.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) after the reset, the error "This device is locked" may appear, which means that the bootloader is locked, the solution is to unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool.

For Mi TVs, the path is a bit different:

1. On the remote, press Settings.
2. Select Device → Reset and Update → Reset to factory settings.
3. Enter. PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).
4. Confirm the action.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the MI logo, does not respond to touch or is locked with a pattern lock, Recovery Mode will help, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, except for models with damaged memory (eMMC).

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Turn off the device (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 📱 Power button + Loudness up for most models (Redmi 9, POCO F3 etc.). 📱 Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down for older devices (Mi 5, Redmi) 4X).

Mi

Recovery Mode

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Clear Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

For Mi TVs, the combination is different:

1. Turn the TV off the socket.
2. Press the Menu button on the remote (or on the back of the TV).
3. Connect the power by holding the button until the Recovery menu appears.
4. Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset using volume buttons and OK.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume down before the screensaver Fastboot (Android robot with an open stomach) appears.
3. Connect the device to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears) - continue.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a complete reset with flashing, use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip

Note:

MIUI Download

⚠️ Attention: On devices with a bootloader, fastboot erase commands will not work. Trying to execute them can lead to a complete lock of the smartphone. Check the bootloader status by command: fastboot oem device-info Search for Device unlocked: true unlocked.

6. Method 4: Reset via ADB (if the pattern lock is forgotten)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but USB-Debugging was enabled earlier, you can reset the password through ADB without data loss (only for MIUI before version 12.5).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer.
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

After the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset. Attention: this method does not work on all devices. On MIUI 13+ and HyperOS, it is blocked for security reasons.

For new firmware versions, use an alternative method:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

This command will open a password change menu where you can set a new PIN.

7. Method 5: Reset via service menu (hidden code)

Some Xiaomi models (mainly until 2020) have service code to reset, which does not require a computer and works even when the screen is locked (if you have access to the dial keyboard).

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##7780### This will perform a soft reset (it will remove settings and apps, but save media files).
3. For a complete reset, type ##7378423## or *2767*3855#.

List of supported models:

• 📱 Redmi Note 7/8/9 (except for the Pro versions).
• 📱 Mi 8/9/10 (before MIUI 12).
• 📱 POCO F1, POCO X2.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ HyperOS service codes are disabled, and entering them can lead to the error "Connection problem or invalid". MMI code".

8. What to do after the discharge?

After a successful reset, the device will start in initial configuration mode.

• 🔄 Do not restore data from the backup right away – first check if the problem has been solved (lags, errors, etc.).
• 🔒 Turn off automatic sync in your Google account to avoid re-infection with viruses (if the reset was due to them).
• 📱 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Install antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender) before data recovery.

If after the reset, the device requires data input from Mi Account, but you do not remember them:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Press Forgot Your Password?
3. Restor access via email or a linked phone number.
4. If your account is not restored, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy.

For Mi TVs after reset:

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network.
2. Choose a region (Russia or Europe) for the correct operation of the services.
3. Turn off automatic updates in Settings → Software updates if you use unofficial firmware.

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If the device does not turn on or freezes on the logo after reset, this is a sign of damaged firmware, in which case you need to flash through Fastboot (method 3) or contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset