How to reset Xiaomi phone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance, eliminate software failures or prepare the gadget for sale. However, many users are afraid to perform this procedure because of the risk of losing data or permanently “bricking” the phone. In fact, if you act on instructions, hard resets are no more dangerous than a regular firmware update.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, from the standard method through settings to forced reset via Recovery Mode. Separately, we will discuss the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader and explain why sometimes after a reset the phone requires you to enter an old Mi Account. All instructions are checked on MIUI firmware 14/15 and are relevant for models 2020-2026.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Before you start the procedure, make sure it is really necessary.Reset erases all data from internal memory (photos, contacts, messages, applications), so it should only be used in extreme cases:

• 🐢 Phone slows down, apps constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Critical bugs (for example, the camera or sensor is not working).
• 📱 The device is infected with a virus that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 💰 You sell or transfer your phone to another person and want to delete your personal data.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or password to unlock the screen.

If the problem is related to a particular application or slow system operation, try alternative methods first:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button) → "Restarting in Safe Mode").
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi phones with a tied Mi Account may require a login and password from an old profile after reset. If you do not remember the data or the phone is bought with your hands, it will be difficult to unlock it (you will need to contact Xiaomi support).

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Xiaomi to factory settings, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and account issues:

1. Back up. Use the built-in Settings tool. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) is especially important to save: 📞 Contacts (export to.vcf) 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) 📝 Notes and SMS (Use the Mi Mover or SMS Backup & Restore)

Mi Account

After the reset, the phone can request the account details that were tied before the procedure.

Charge the battery at least 50%.

soft-brick

(phone won't turn on)

Remove the memory card and SIM. Reset does not affect external drives, but it is better to be safe.

If you drop your phone before selling, additionally:

• 📱 Log out of Google Account in Settings → Google accounts → Delete the account.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after reset via Recovery, Anti-Rollback protection may work, which means you won't be able to flash the device to an older version. MIUI, Check the current version in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a good method if the phone is turned on and you remember the unlock password, and it's the easiest and most secure method, because it doesn't require a reboot in Recovery Mode.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset (on some firmware, the path may be different: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Reset (or Erase All Data).
4. The system will prompt you to enter a password/pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Click Delete Everything and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will turn on with clean firmware, like after you buy it, and you will only have to go through the initial setup.

💡

If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box of settings - the system will tell you the right way.

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

If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t respond to clicks, hangs on the logo or is locked with a password, use Recovery Mode, which works even on bricks, but requires care.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone. If it's frozen, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older devices (e.g. Redmi 4X): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

volume

feed-in

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Clear All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, and you do not remember them, use the unlock instructions below.

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+) The standard Recovery can be replaced by Fastboot, in which case the reset will require a connection to the computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for new models)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t load into Recovery or if it’s a Fastboot Mode (a black screen with a rabbit labeled FASTBOOT) that opens instead, the manufacturer has disabled standard recovery, in which case the reset is done via a computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the phone’s processor).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and transfer it to Fastboot Mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 5-10 seconds
2. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
3. Run the Mi Flash Tool and press Refresh – the program must identify the phone.
4. Choose Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset) + loader-lock).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).

On models with a MediaTek processor (such as Redmi 10A or POCO C50), an unlocked bootloader is required to be reset via Fastboot. If the bootloader is locked, first get permission to unlock through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).

How to Unlock Xiaomi After Resetting If You Require Mi Account

One of the most common problems after a reset is a Mi Account request that was tied to your phone before the procedure, which is anti-theft protection, and you can legally circumvent it only by knowing your login and password. If you forgot your data or bought your phone by hand, try the following:

Option 1: Restore access to your Mi Account

If your account is yours, but you don’t remember the password:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Click Forgot password? and enter the linked email or phone number.
3. Follow the recovery instructions (confirmation code will be sent to the mail or SMS).

Option 2: Call for support for Xiaomi

If the phone is purchased from hand and the previous owner has not untied the account:

• Contact the seller and ask them to remove the device from their Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Devices.
• If you cannot contact Xiaomi, please contact them with proof of purchase (check, contract) and the unlocking process can take up to 30 days.

Option 3: EDL bypass (power users only)

If legal methods do not help, you can try flashing the phone in EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode using boxing (UFi Box, EasyJTAG) or XiaoMiTool V2 utility.

• ⚠️ Requires disassembly of the phone (you need to close the test points on the board).
• ⚠️ It can lead to hard-brick (complete loss of performance).
• ⚠️ Breaks the guarantee.

💡

If the phone requires Mi Account after a reset, never buy "account bypass" from third parties - it's fraud. The only legal way is to restore access through official support.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often make mistakes that lead to additional problems, and the most common ones are:

Another common problem is that the phone doesn't turn on after the reset, and there are many reasons.

• 🔋 Battery discharged during the process (you need to charge and repeat the reset).
• 📱 Firmware damaged (reflashing through Mi Flash Tool required).
• 🔌 Failure of the hardware (for example, the dump of the battery plume).

If the phone hangs on the Mi logo after reset, try:

1. Go to Recovery and repeat the reset.
2. Swipe stock firmware through Fastboot.
3. Contact the service center (if the warranty is valid).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions