Reset Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi's smartphone to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes necessary, solution. You've noticed that the phone has started to slow down, spontaneously reboot or "forget" settings? Maybe the virus attacked the system and the antivirus failed. Or you just want to sell the device and delete all personal information without the possibility of recovery. In any case, hard reset will return Xiaomi to its original state, as it was when it was first unpacked.

But before you hit the button, you have to understand that this process is irreversible. All photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, even screen settings will be erased. Fortunately, Xiaomi has several ways to reset, from simple menu to emergency via Recovery Mode, we will take each one apart so you can choose the best option, and also tell you how to bypass the Mi Account lock after the reset if you forget the data from the account.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Don't rush to drop your phone when you first fail, sometimes it's enough to clear your cache or update your firmware, but there are situations where hard reset is the only way out.

• 🔄 System failures: the phone is constantly restarting, hanging on the logo MIUI or makes an error, the system is not responding".
• 🐢 Critical slowdown: Even after memory clearing, the device works as if it were “in syrup” and animations twitch.
• 🦠 Viral attack: Antivirus has detected malware but cannot remove it (for example, banner ads appear on top of all apps).
• 📱 Preparing for sale: You want to hand over your phone to a new owner without any trace of your activity.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock: If you entered the wrong password several times, the system can lock permanently.

Important: If the problem is hardware related (for example, a broken screen or a broken speaker), reset will not help.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is enabled Find Device, after the reset may require data input from Mi Account. without them, it will be impossible to unlock Xiaomi!

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Before you reset Xiaomi, make sure all valuable files are copied. Here's what you should save:

• 📸 Photos and videos: You can upload them to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or copy them to your computer via the Internet. USB-cable.
• 📞 Contacts: sync them to Google Account or export them to file VCF.
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore for Backup.
• 🎮 Game saves: many games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile is linked to your account – check if your achievements are saved in the cloud.
• 📝 Notes and documents: export them to PDF Or transfer it to Google Drive.

Don't forget the hidden data: Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, banking app data, which you'll have to manually restore. If you're using Mi Cloud, check if automatic backup is enabled in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.

Make backup photos and videos |

Sync your contacts with Google|

Save passwords from Wi-Fi and apps |

Get out. SIM-Memory card and card (if you don’t want to format them)|

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, you may need to re-unblock after the reset.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

If the phone turns on and you remember the password, this method is the fastest and most secure. The instructions are suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12/13 and others.

Steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (on some firmware this item may be called Additional → Resetting).
4. Select Settings Reset.
5. The system will tell you what to reset. Tick it. Delete all data.
6. Enter a password or pattern lock to confirm.
7. Click Reset and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

Once you reboot, the phone will turn on with the screen of the initial setup, as after you bought it. If you synced the data with the Mi Account, the system may suggest that you restore it.

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If the menu does not contain "Reset", try to enter "Reset" in the settings search bar. The system will tell you the right way.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a pattern lock, resetting through Recovery Mode will help, which even works on “bricks” – phones that do not boot the system.

Instructions:

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/F3: Volume up + Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi Mi A1/A2/A3 (Android One): Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for characters (clean up data) and (reboot). On the newer models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12), the interface may be in English.

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

If the first two methods fail (for example, because of a damaged firmware), the firmware remains via Fastboot, which requires a computer and special software, the Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for "brick" phones that do not respond to buttons.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the official website of Xiaomi or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (the latest version can be found on the official resource).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to go to Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended). Clean All and Lock - cleaning + lock the bootloader (if it has been unlocked).

Flash

Once firmware is installed, the phone will automatically restart, a method that is guaranteed to delete all data, including viruses and corrupted system files, but requires caution: the wrong firmware can permanently kill the device.

⚠️ Note: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool resets Mi Account. If the phone was tied to the account, after flashing it, you may need to enter a login / password. Without them, you will not be able to unlock Xiaomi without an official unlocker!

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Fastboot firmware is an extreme method, only use it if the phone doesn't respond to other reset methods or if you're an experienced user.

How to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset

One of the most frustrating things is when Xiaomi asks you to enter your Mi Account data after a reset and you forget it, and unfortunately there is no official way to get around it: Xiaomi has specifically implemented this anti-theft protection.

• 🔑 Password Recovery: Go to account.xiaomi.com, select "Forgot your password?" and follow the instructions. You will need access to an email or phone number associated with your account.
• 📧 Support: If you have officially purchased your phone, provide a check and purchase details to Xiaomi Support.
• 🛠️ Service center: In some cases, official Xiaomi services can unblock on request (for example, if you provide a box and documents to your phone).

Illegal methods (such as using a “hole” in firmware or paid unlock services) are fraught with consequences:

• The phone can be locked permanently after the upgrade.
• Xiaomi can remotely disable the device via IMEI.
• Risk of installing malware when using unofficial firmware.

If the phone is bought by hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, contact him. Without his help, it is almost impossible to unlock Xiaomi.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple process like resetting can go wrong, and here are some of the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

If the phone gets worse after it's reset (like overheated or discharged quickly), there may be a hardware problem, and only a service center diagnostic can help.

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If the phone takes longer to load after reset (over 15 minutes), don't panic. The first download after a hard reset can take up to 30 minutes - that's fine.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions