How to return the Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: full instruction

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from freezes and errors to preparing the device for sale. However, an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, locking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will analyze all the official methods of hard reset, including hidden nuances for different versions of MIUI and smartphone models.

Many users mistakenly believe that resetting via the settings menu and reclaiming via the reclaimers are the same thing. In fact, these methods differ in depth of cleaning, execution speed and even warranty consequences. We tested each method on devices from the Redmi Note 10 Pro to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra to provide relevant data. If your phone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or requires unlocking before selling, here you will find working solutions.

Before you start, make sure you have:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (when reset via the recavator, the phone should not turn off)
• 📱 Backup data (contacts, photos, messages – everything will be erased)
• 🔑 Login and password from Mi Account if the phone is linked to the account
• 📡 Stable Internet connection (required to be activated after reset)

1. Reset via the settings menu: the safest method

This is a good way to turn on, touch and access the menu, and it's the easiest and least risky way to do it, because it controls the cleaning process itself, but there's a caveat: some MIUI firmware (especially Chinese ones) may have a hidden reset point or require additional authentication.

To perform the discharge:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if requested.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The process will take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model. Xiaomi 12T Pro with UFS 3.1 will cope in 3-4 minutes, and the budget Redmi 9A can "think" up to 20 minutes - this is normal.

Make sure that sync with Mi Cloud is enabled (if you need to save contacts)

Payment cards (Google Pay, Mi Pay)

Remember Wi-Fi passwords (they will reset)

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)

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⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and newer after reset, you may need to re-link Mi Account even if the phone has not been locked before.This is a security measure from Xiaomi against theft.

2.Hard Recovery Mode: If the phone doesn't turn on

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is blocked after a failed update, resetting through the Recovery will help. This method is more radical: it cleans /data and /cache, but does not affect the firmware. Importantly, new models (Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12) use Fastboot-recovery, not classic.

Instructions for most models:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. After cleaning, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

On the Poco F5 and other devices with MIUI 14 Global, the path may differ: Wipe Data → Format Data → confirm. After such a reset, the phone will require data input from Mi Account, even if it was not previously tied!

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If the phone doesn’t respond to the button combinations, try plugging it into charging for 30 minutes – sometimes a discharged battery blocks the entrance to the receptacles.

3. Reset via Mi Account: Remote management

Few people know, but Xiaomi allows you to reset your phone remotely via the Mi Cloud web interface, which is useful if the device is lost or stolen (but connected to the Internet).

• 📱 The phone is on and has access to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet)
• 🔒 The device is tied to your Mi Account
• 📍 The "Find the Device" function is activated in the settings

To perform the remote reset:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your device in the list.
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.

It can take anywhere from minutes to an hour, depending on the speed of the Internet on your phone, and when you reset, the device automatically unplugs your account if you select the "Delete the Link" option, and note that this method doesn't work on phones with custom firmware or Google services disabled.

4.Reset preparation: how to save important data

Even if you are planning a reset due to the sale of your phone, we recommend you keep:

• 📞 Contacts (export to) VCF via Contact → Management → Exports)
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy on PC or in Google Photos)
• 💬 Messages (use) SMS Backup & Restore from Play Market)
• 🎮 Save games (attach to your Google or Mi Account)
• 📋 Notes and documents (export from Mi Notes to the PDF)

Pay special attention to Wi-Fi passwords, which can't be restored after reset, to save:

1. Install a file manager with root rights (such as FX Explorer).
2. Go to /data/misc/wifi/ and copy the WifiConfigStore.xml file.
3. Open the file on the PC - there will be SSID and passwords in encrypted form (you can decrypt through online services).

On devices with MIUI 13+, there is a built-in backup feature: Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. However, it does not store all data (for example, application passwords and some system application settings are not backed up).

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Backups via Mi Cloud only save contacts, notes and some settings. Photos, videos and messages need to be saved separately!

5 Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even experienced users face problems after a reset, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-map, check it out:

• 📶 Is it inserted correctly? SIM (sometimes the tray shifts when shaken)
• 🔧 Network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Selecting a network (select manually)
• 📱 Firmware version: on some Redmi after resetting, the modem settings fly (solved by flashing the flashing)

⚠️ Warning: On phones with bootloader unlocked, a reset over the Recovery can cause loss TWRP Or custom firmware, which would require re-installation. TWRP fastboot.

6.Reset of a locked Xiaomi phone: bypassing FRP and Mi Account

If you bought a used phone with a Mi Account tied or forgot your Google data after a reset, you will be faced with a problem. FRP-locking. MIUI It is implemented more rigidly than on Android: even after resetting through the recavator, the phone may require the username / password of the previous owner.

There are no official ways to get around this block, but there are legal methods:

1. Contact the previous owner and ask to untie the device via account.xiaomi.com.
2. Provide a check to the Xiaomi service center – they can unblock (does not work in all countries).
3. For Android 10 and below devices, ADB bypasses sometimes help (requires a PC and USB debugging).

Illegal methods (using exploits, flashing through EDL) can:

• 🚫 Lock it down forever. IMEI
• 🔧 Lead to hardware breakdowns (especially on Qualcomm chips)
• 📵 Deprive warranties (if the device is guaranteed)

Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi 9/10, Poco M3) sometimes triggers a reset via Meta Mode, but this requires special cable and knowledge of the SP Flash Tool commands.

7.What to do after reset: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will start as new.

• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (mobile internet may not work without activation)
• 🔑 Skip Mi Account binding if you are selling a phone (new owner must link their account)
• 📱 Disable unnecessary services: Settings → Annexes → Auto Start (Saves Battery)
• 🔒 Enable encryption (if you store sensitive data): Settings → Lockdown and protection → Encryption

On MIUI 14+, after reset, Smart Optimization automatically turns on, which limits the background of applications.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Application Power Management.
2. Select No Limits for Critical Applications (Messaging, Mail).

If the phone warms up or discharges quickly after reset, do:

1. Resetting network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Turn off Mi Cloud Sync (sometimes it creates extra load).
3. Check the updates: Settings → About the phone → System update.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions