Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it
Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the smartphone back to its original performance, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to a “out of the box” state, most often used in three cases: before selling the phone, to fix critical system failures or after a failed MIUI update.
It’s important to understand that the reset doesn’t delete data from the microSD card, but completely cleans the device’s internal memory.This means that photos, contacts, messages and installed applications will be irretrievably lost unless you back up in advance. Xiaomi has integrated several reset methods into MIUI, from software through menus to hardware using physical buttons.
Service center statistics show that up to 30% of calls for freezes and brakes are solved by a complete reset, but before you start the procedure, check if a more gentle method, such as cleaning the cache or removing unnecessary applications through Settings → Applications, will help.
Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure
The first and most important step is to back up, and even if you're planning a reset because of a phone sale, keep a copy of the data in case the customer changes their mind or needs to recover information. Xiaomi has a built-in solution for this:
- 📱 Local Copy: Go to Settings → The phone. → Backup and select "Create a backup." The system saves data to an internal drive or Mi Cloud.
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: Sync contacts, notes and photos with Mi Account through Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud. Free available 5GB.
- 💾 Third-party services: use Google Drive or Yandex Disk for reliability – they support automatic synchronization of media files.
The second point is to check the battery charge. The reset process can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on the model (Redmi Note 12 handles faster than the POCO X3 Pro due to the difference in processors). Make sure the charge level is at least 50%, otherwise the device may turn off at a critical moment.
⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, after reset, you may need to re-authorize your Mi Account. Write down your username and password in advance - without them, the phone will turn into a brick"!
| Action. | Why is it important? | How to execute |
|---|---|---|
| Save the IMEI | When reset via Fastboot, there is a risk of losing your IMEI, which will deprive you of communication. | Write it down via *#06# or in Settings → About Phone → All specs |
| Untie the accounts | Google and Mi Account can lock your device after a reset (FRP protection) | Delete accounts in Settings → Accounts |
| Verification SIM-map | Some models (Redmi 9A) require SIM to activate after reset. | Make sure that the SIM is working and not blocked by a PIN code. |
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)
This method is suitable for devices that turn on and respond to touch, it is the simplest and least risky, because it is controlled by the operating system, and the instructions are relevant for all models on MIUI 12-14, including Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 11 and POCO F5.
Algorithm of action:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
- Select Resetting → Erase all data.
- If requested, enter a password or pattern lock.
- Confirm the action by clicking Reset settings (some models will require you to enter CAPTCHA).
It takes 5-15 minutes. The device will reboot several times, and then the initial setup screen will be displayed, as after the purchase. If at this stage there is an error "failed to reset", try alternative methods (described below).
Backup of important data is made|Battery charge >50%|All accounts deleted (Google/Mi)|Recorded. IMEI device|Work tested SIM-map-->
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)
If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, not responding to charging or locked with a pattern lock, a Recovery Mode reset will help.This method works on all models, including the old Redmi 4X and the new Xiaomi 14, but requires care - wrong actions can lead to the loss of IMEI.
Step instructions:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO M3 and some Redmi: Volume up + Volume down + Power.
Mi
Recovery
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Confirm
Reboot
Reboot to System
If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons: the icon "swipe off" (🧹) — This is Wipe Data, and the arrow is in a circle (🔄) — Some firmware may require you to enter a password from Mi Account even after a reset - this is protection against theft.
⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Redmi) 9C, POCO C31) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to link to your Mi Account. Without login data, the phone is not activated!
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method requires connecting your phone to your computer and using a fastboot utility. It is suitable for devices that have damaged firmware or are not available Recovery Mode. Dangerous for beginners - the wrong commands can turn your phone into a brick.
Step-by-step:
- Install Android Platform Tools on PC (includes fastboot).
- Turn off Xiaomi and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
cmd
platform-tools
fastboot devices(Serial number of the device must be displayed)
fastboot erase userdatafastboot erase cachefastboot rebootIf you reboot your phone and you don't remember the data, you'll have to go to the service center to unlock it, and on models with an unlocked bootloader (Xiaomi 12 Pro with custom firmware), this can lead to a loss of warranty.
fastboot oem device-infoIf Device unlocked: true is unlocked.-->
Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- 🔄 "The phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo after the reset: often due to an interrupted process, the decision is to repeat the reset via Recovery Mode or wait 10-15 minutes (sometimes the system takes a long time to optimize applications).
- 🔒 "Requires a password from Mi Account after reset: this is protection FRP. The solution is to enter the account information to which the phone was linked. If you don't remember, contact Xiaomi for support.
- 📵 "No net after reset: check if it has crashed IMEI. You can find out by using *#06#. IMEI No, no, you will need to re-flash.
- 🛑 "Error: Cannot load Android system": indicates firmware damage. Solution - flash your phone through Fastboot using Mi Flash Tool.
If none of these methods worked, and the phone still doesn’t turn on or gives up errors, the cause may be a hardware malfunction (for example, damaged flash memory).
💡
Before resetting via Fastboot or Recovery, make sure the phone has official firmware installed.Castom ROMs (like LineageOS) can block standard reset commands.
What to do after resetting: the initial setting
After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial setup mode.
- Language and region choice: set Russian and Russia (important for proper Mi services).
- Wi-Fi connection: Without the internet, you can’t recover data from Mi Cloud or Google.
- Data recovery: If you've been backing up through Mi Cloud, select Restore from Backup. For local copy, connect your phone to your PC and copy the files manually.
Security setting
Updating the system
Settings → About the phone → System update
If you reset your phone before selling, don’t restore your data — just hand over the device to the new owner. To check the cleanliness of the reset, you can use the Mi Check app (available from the Mi App Store), which shows the status of the device.