How to return factory settings on Xiaomi devices: 5 proven ways

Factory resetting on Xiaomi devices is a one-stop solution for most software problems, from slowdowns to bugs after a software update. However, not all users know that there are several ways to reset, each of which is suitable for different situations. For example, if a smartphone or Mi TV does not respond to commands, you will need a hardware reset through physical buttons, and when you lock your Mi Account account, you will need special service tools.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of returning to standard settings, including hidden features for power users, you will learn how to avoid data loss (if possible), which models support Fastboot commands, and what to do if the device does not turn on after reset, and special attention will be paid to devices with a locked bootloader - for them the procedure is different from the standard one.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

Before you start a procedure, it's important to understand if it's really necessary. Restore standard settings is a radical measure that removes:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data (including saved games)
• 🔑 Google accounts, Mi Accounts and other linked profiles
• 📁 Personal files (photos, videos, documents) – if there was no backup
• 🔧 Individual settings of the system (wallpaper, sound schemes, brightness)

The discharge is justified in the following cases:

• 🐢 The device is severely braked or constantly overheating for no apparent reason.
• 🔄 After the software update, critical errors appeared (for example, com.android.systemui stops working).
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, and Find Device does not help unlock.
• 📦 Before selling or transferring the device to another user.
• 🛠️ Service center recommends reset as part of diagnosis.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi device is tied to your Mi Account and you don’t remember the login details, a reset via Recovery or buttons will result in the protection activation. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: In this case, additional unlocking will be required.

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

If the device is still responding to commands, make sure to back up. Even if you're planning a reset due to a sale, saving the data will come in handy for the transfer to the new device.

For smartphones Xiaomi has a built-in backup tool:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save (contacts, messages, system settings).
3. Click on “Create a backup” and wait until it is completed.
4. The backup file will be stored in the internal memory in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder.

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If you’re using Mi Cloud, make sure you have enough space.The free fare only provides 5GB, and a system backup can weigh between 3GB and 10GB.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for working devices)

This is the easiest and safest method if the device is turned on and responsive to touch, suitable for Redmi, POCO, Mi and Mi TVs.

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Tap Reset (or Restore and Reset on older versions).
5. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
6. If necessary, enter PIN-code.
7. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 2-5 minutes).

Instructions for Mi TV TVs:

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

⚠️ Note: On some Mi models TV (Like Mi. TV 4S 2018-2019) Re-binding the remote may be required after reset. check in advance if you have a spare remote or Mi Remote app on your smartphone.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Keeping important data|Remember the data from the Mi Account|Disable two-factor authentication (if any)|Prepare. SIM-re-activation card-->

Method 2: Hardware reset via buttons (if the device is not switched on)

If a Xiaomi smartphone or TV doesn’t respond to the screen, hovers on the logo, or reboots cyclically, a hardware reset via a combination of physical buttons will help.

For smartphones:

1. Hold the combination: 📱 Power button + Loudness up for most models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 newer). 📱 Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down for older models (Mi 5, Redmi) 4X).

Mi

Recovery

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe & Reset

Confirm the choice of the power button.

Reboot

For Mi TVs:

1. Turn off the TV (remove the plug from the socket).
2. On the back, look for the Reset button (usually next to HDMI ports).
3. Insert the plug back by holding the Reset button with a sharpening (for example, a paper clip).
4. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator lights up.
5. Release the button and the TV will automatically reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other device.
2. Sign in with your Mi Account.
3. In the menu, select Find Device (Find Device).
4. Your device will be displayed on the map – click on it.
5. Select Unlock or Erase Data option.
6. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After a remote reset via Find Device, the device may require re-entering Mi Account data when you first turn on. If you do not remember the password, use the restore feature on the Xiaomi website.

If Find Device doesn’t work, try an alternative method through Fastboot mode (see next section).

6. Method 4: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 Recovery menu unavailable.
• 🔒 The device is locked and Find Device is not helpful.
• 📦 Requires a complete flashing (for example, after a failed update).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or Fastboot-command.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode.
3. Connect the device to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. To reset, run the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
6. The device will reboot with clean settings.

If you need a full flash, download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com and use the Mi Flash Tool.

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Reset via Fastboot only deletes user data, not system files. If the problem is caused by firmware corruption, you will need a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

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

A little-known method that works on some Xiaomi models (mostly on smartphones until 2020 release) allows you to bypass the lock screen without losing data in some cases.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##7780##
3. Confirm the reset (this code only resets settings without affecting user data).
4. Use the code for complete reset: *2767*3855# ⚠️ Note: This code formats all internal memory, including system files!

List of supported models:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 5/6/8/9
• 📱 Redmi Note 4/5/7
• 📱 POCO F1

On new devices (2021 and later), these codes are usually locked.

8.What should I do if the device does not turn on after resetting?

In rare cases, after the restoration of factory settings, the device can:

• 🔄 Hanging on the Mi logo.
• 📵 Do not respond to the power button.
• 🔥 Overheat and turn off.

Possible causes and solutions:

If none of the methods worked, it may be a hardware problem, in which case we recommend contacting an authorized Xiaomi service center.

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If the device requires a Mi Account after the reset, but you don’t remember the data, try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi settings