How to reset settings on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that every user will sooner or later face, and it can involve selling the device, fixing software failures, or preparing for a new firmware. However, not everyone knows that an incorrect reset can lead to Mi Account locking, loss of important data, or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will analyze all the current reset methods for various situations, from the standard menu to forced recovery via Fastboot.

Xiaomi devices have additional layers of protection, such as Mi Account binding and Find Device, which make resetting difficult but avoid problems when approached correctly. We will look at each step in detail, including preparation, method selection and post-reset actions. We will focus on MIUI 14/15 models and new HyperOS-based devices, where the algorithm may differ.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, there are a few critical steps to follow. Ignoring this step can lead to irreversible data loss or device locking. Start with backup — even if you plan to reset due to a malfunction, there is still a chance to recover some of the information.

Pay particular attention to the following points:

• 📱 Sync with Mi Cloud: check if automatic synchronization of contacts, notes and photos is enabled. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and make sure all necessary data is ticked.
• 🔐 Mi Account Unbinding: If you sell a phone, be sure to delete your account through Settings → Mi Account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device.
• 🔋 Battery charge: make sure the charge level is at least 50%. Interrupting the discharge process due to discharge can lead to serious errors in the system operation.
• 📡 Wi-Fi network: Some reset methods (e.g., via Recovery) may require an internet connection to download firmware.

If your device is locked or does not respond to touch, skip this step and move to the forced reset section, but remember: on models with the "Find Device" feature enabled, resetting over Recovery without detachment of the Mi Account will lead to locking the phone.

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If you don’t remember the Mi Account password, try to restore it through the official account.xiaomi.com website before you start resetting. Once blocked, it will be harder to do so due to additional security checks.

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

It's the easiest and safest method for most situations, and it's available if the phone turns on, reacts to touch, and you have access to the settings menu, and it's relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO models based on MIUI or HyperOS.

To perform the discharge:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in HyperOS – About Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset (or Reset in new versions).
4. Click Reset Settings, then Delete all data.
5. If necessary, enter PIN-code.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, the phone will reboot and start setting up as a new device, and if you request input from your previous Mi Account after the reset, you didn't untie it in advance, which is called FRP-blocking.

Make sure your phone is over 50% charged |

Backup of important data |

Disable protection with a pattern lock/password (if you plan to sell)|

Unplug your Mi Account (if the phone is transferred to another user)-->

Method 2: Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the phone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which is also a good method if you forget the pattern lock. But here's an important nuance: on modern Xiaomi devices, resetting through Recovery without first detaching the Mi Account will lead to FRP blocking.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the key combination: For most models: Volume up + Power For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume down + Power For Black Shark: Volume up + Volume down + Power

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the volume (move) and power (select) buttons are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Attention! Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12/13 series, Redmi Note 11/12) may require an unlock code to be reset via Recovery, even if the Mi Account has been untied.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable for cases where the phone does not boot even in Recovery Mode, or when you need a complete flashing of the device. It is more complex and requires a connection to a computer with the ADB and Fastboot drivers installed. Not recommended for beginners!

For reset via Fastboot:

1. Install Platform Tools on PC (includes adb and fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
3. Connect the device to the computer through USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and execute the command: fastboot devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

This method deletes all user data, but does not affect system files. If you want a complete flash flash, you will need an additional command fastboot flash system specifying the firmware file.

Through the settings menu |

Through Recovery Mode|

Through Fastboot/EDL|

Never dropped it.-->

Features of reset on new models (HyperOS and MIUI 15)

With the release of HyperOS and MIUI 15, the reset algorithm on some devices has changed, for example, Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 and POCO F6 have additional security checks when reset via Recovery, and the system can now request confirmation through a previously connected trusted phone number or email.

Key changes:

If you encounter a request for additional authentication and no access to the linked number or email, the only way out is to contact Xiaomi support with proof of ownership of the device (check, box, IMEI).

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On HyperOS devices, resetting via Recovery without SMS/email confirmation is not possible. This is a measure of protection against theft, so always update your contact details in Mi Account.

What to do after resetting: the first steps

Once you reset successfully, the phone will start as a new one, and you'll have to go through the initial setup, which is critical, especially if you're selling the device or transferring it to another user.

• 🔄 Language and Region Check: Select the correct region (e.g., “Russia”) to avoid problems with Google and Mi services.
• 📱 Account Link Skip: If the phone is sold, don’t enter your Mi Account during the setup phase. Instead, select “Skip” or “Set up later".
• 🔒 Locking: If you have the phone, install it immediately. PIN-This will protect the data in the event of loss of the device.
• ☁️ Recovery from backup: If you’ve been backing up through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, restore data at this point.

If after reset, the phone requests the data of the old Mi Account (so-called "Mi" account). FRP-Blocking, and you don’t remember them, try the following steps:

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
2. On the lock screen, click "Forgot your password?" and follow the recovery instructions.
3. If recovery is not possible, contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase.

WARNING! Using third-party FRP bypass software (such as Mi Account Removal Tool) can cause permanent system damage or block IMEI. These tools often contain malicious code and do not guarantee the result.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Xiaomi, which leads to additional problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo after reset, try the following steps:

1. Press the power button for 20-30 seconds to force reboot.
2. Try logging into Recovery Mode and repeat the reset.
3. If nothing helps, connect your phone to your PC and check its status through the command: fastboot devices If the device is not identified, you may need to flash it through EDL Mode (power users only!).

On models with a Qualcomm processor (e.g. Xiaomi 11T, Redmi Note 10 Pro), you can use EDL (Emergency Download Mode) to recover, but this requires special cable and knowledge of firmware commands through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi settings