Hard Resets on Xiaomi: 3 Ways to Reset to Factory Settings

When you need a hard reset and how it differs from a soft reset

Hard reset on Xiaomi smartphones is a radical solution that brings the device back to its original state, unlike reset software, hard reset completely erases all user data: apps, photos, accounts and even system updates.

The phone hangs on the MIUI logo or loads in an endless loop.

The device is locked after the pattern lock is unblocked.

The system is unstable due to viruses or software conflicts.

You sell or transfer your smartphone to another person and want to delete all personal information.

It is important to understand that the hard reset does not fix hardware problems (for example, a faulty battery or a broken screen). If the phone does not turn on due to a physical breakdown, the reset will not help, and the procedure does not remove the binding to the Mi Account account - this will require a separate unlock.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (e.g., Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) after a hard reset, you may need to log in to the Mi Account that was previously tied. Without a login and password, the phone will turn into a brick".

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you start a hard reset, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and activation issues:

• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → The phone. → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (root rights required) will keep contacts and some settings, but not all apps.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge can cause damage to the firmware.
• 📋 Write down your Mi Account information. After the reset, you may need to re-authorize, especially on devices with an account link.
• 🔌 Prepare the cable. USB. Some reset methods (e.g., via Mi Flash Tool) will require a PC connection.

If the phone doesn't respond to touch or doesn't turn on, skip backup, in which case hard reset will be the only way out. However, remember: on devices with data encryption (by default in MIUI 12+) after reset via recovery, all files will be permanently deleted, even if the browser tries to restore them via PC.

Method 1: Hard Resets via the settings menu (if the phone is running)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the MIUI interface. This is suitable if the phone turns on, reacts to touch and you have access to the settings menu. The instructions are relevant for all modern models: Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, etc.

Steps to be taken:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Tap to erase all data (you may need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Delete Everything.

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-15 minutes, and when you complete it, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after you purchase it.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2 With pure Android) the path to reset is different: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Reset parameters → Delete all data. Also, after the reset, you may need to re-activate the device over the Internet.

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

If your smartphone is getting stuck on a screensaver, does not respond to touch or is locked, use Recovery Mode, a method that works on all Xiaomi devices, including older models like the Redmi 4X or Mi 5.

Instructions for entering Recovery and performing the reset:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2: Volume up + Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi Mi 10/11: Volume up + Power (hold until the Mi logo appears).

Recovery Mode

No command

Wipe data

Factory reset

Yes

Reboot system now

If the menu is in Chinese, look for the layout of the items: the reset is usually the third or fourth on top. ROM) The menu will be in English.

Method 3: Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (for example, due to a damaged firmware), the firmware is left over the PC using the Mi Flash Tool utility.

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website or proven sources like XDA Developers).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need to wait 7-15 days through the Mi Unlock Tool).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the firmware archive (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-ear (Fastboot logo).
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. In Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all (recommended). Clean all and lock (clean + lock bootloader) (only if you sell a phone).

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device, install the drivers manually via the Android SDK Platform-Tools or use the Xiaomi Driver Installer utility.

⚠️ Note: Firmware of unofficial (custom) versions MIUI global ROM Chinese devices may be blocked IMEI Always check the firmware compatibility with your model by device code (e.g. tucana for Redmi Note 8 Pro).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔄 "The phone hangs on the logo. MI Reason: Damaged firmware or interrupted reset process Solution: Repeat hard reset via Recovery or run the device through Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 "Requires a password from Mi Account after reset. Reason: Find Device is activated on the device. Solution: Enter the associated login/password. If you don't remember, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 📵 "The sensor in Recovery Mode is not working. Cause on some models (Redmi) 5A, Mi 8 Lite) sensor disabled in recovery mode Solution: Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
• 🔌 "The computer doesn't see the phone in Fastboot. Cause: There are no drivers or a faulty cable. Solution: Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0), install drivers manually or use the original cable.

If the phone doesn't turn on at all after reset (black screen, no button response), the bootloader may be damaged, in which case only a service center with equipment for flashing through EDL Mode (emergency mode) will help.

💡

Before selling your smartphone, be sure to untie it from Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device!

How to recover data after a hard reset

If you haven't backed up, the chances of getting your deleted data back are minimal, but there are, and the recovery methods depend on whether the encryption was enabled:

• 🔓 No encryption (old models, MIUI Before version 12: You can try programs like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver or DiskDigger. MTP And you scan the internal memory, and success depends on whether the data was overwritten.
• 🔒 Encrypted (MIUI 12+): It's almost impossible to recover, and encryption uses a unique key that is erased when it's reset, even professional tools like this, UFS Explorer won't help.

For the future: set up automatic backup in Mi Cloud (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup). This will save contacts, messages, notes and some applications. It is also useful to periodically copy photos on your PC or in Google Photos.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions