How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 3 working ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from freezes and errors to viruses and junk files, but users don’t always understand what exactly happens when such a reset is performed and how to perform it correctly so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a brick.

This guide covers all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices based on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, including hidden nuances that are not written about in the standard manuals. We will analyze not only the basic methods through the settings menu, but also alternative options for cases when the phone is not turned on or locked, and also explain why sometimes the reset does not help and what to do in such situations.

Before you get to the action, remember: factory resets remove ALL data from the device’s internal memory, not just photos and messages, but also accounts, app settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and even some system files. If you don’t back up in advance, it will be extremely difficult (and often impossible) to recover information.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Even if your Xiaomi is unstable, take time to prepare, which will save you from losing important data and make it easier to set up your device after a reset.

First, back up. MIUI has a built-in tool for that.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save (contacts, messages, applications, system settings).
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.

A copy will be saved in internal memory or on Mi Cloud (if sync is enabled), and the alternative is to use Google Account to reserve contacts, calendars and parts of apps.

Second, remember or write down:

• 🔑 Logins and passwords from Mi Account, Google, social networks.
• 📶 Passwords from home and work Wi-Fi networks (you can see them in Settings) → Wi-Fi → Save networks).
• 📱 IMEI Devices (type *#06# in the dialer number).

Third, check the battery power. If the reset is interrupted by the discharge, the phone may stop turning on. The optimal level is at least 50%, but you'd better plug the charger in for the duration of the procedure.

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If you sell a phone, don't sign in to your Mi Account after the reset — the new owner must create an account, otherwise the device may remain tied to your account.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you can log in, and it's the safest and recommended for most users.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (in some firmware - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Smash all data (reset to factory).
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset (or Remove Everything in HyperOS).

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which can take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

Make sure that a backup copy is created|Disable Google Account (if you are selling a phone)|Remember the password from Mi Account|Connect the charger|Exit from all accounts (social networks, messengers)-->

Features for different models:

• 📱 Nana POCO F5 Redmi Note 12 may be different: → System system → Additionally. → Reset.
• 🔄 In HyperOS (for example, on Xiaomi 14), the reset menu is hidden in Settings. → Memory. → Reset.
• 🔒 If your phone is locked with a pattern lock, this method will not work – use Recovery.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to clicks or is blocked, Recovery mode will help.This method works even without logging in, but requires care - wrong actions can lead to loss of IMEI or other problems.

How to get in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔘 For POCO X3, Redmi Note 10: Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition. 🔘 For Xiaomi. 13/14 on HyperOS: Volume up + Food (hold on) 15+ seconds).

Mi

Further action:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
3. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data → Confirm.
4. Once you’re done, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install drivers.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

The phone will reboot and start cleaning up, and this method doesn't remove the firmware, but it resets all user data and settings.

⚠️ Note: If you previously unlocked the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, you may need to re-unblock it after resetting via Fastboot, OTA-updates) will not work.

5. What to do if the dumping did not help?

In 10 percent of cases, even a complete reset doesn't solve the problem, and here are the possible causes and solutions:

If none of the methods worked, the problem is probably in the hardware:

• 🔋 Faulty battery (phone switches off when the battery is broken) 30-40% charge).
• 🛠️ Damaged motherboard (after falling or getting moisture).
• 📡 Memory module is not working (data is not stored).

In such cases, self-repair rarely helps – it is better to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when resetting, which leads to additional problems.

Mistake 1: Resetting without decoupling Mi Account

If you sell or transfer a phone, be sure to delete your Mi Account before reset, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your password.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Exit.
3. Confirm the deletion of the account from the device.

Mistake 2: Interrupting the discharge process

If you take out the battery or force the phone to turn off during data clearing, it can lead to:

• 🗃️ Damage to section /data (The phone will be cyclically rebooted).
• 🔄 Poose. IMEI (no network after switching on).
• 🚫 Lock the bootloader (requires unlocking via Mi Unlock).

Error 3: Using unofficial firmware

If you have installed custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through the standard menu may not work.

• 📥 Download stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
• 🔧 Fastboot or Recovery (depending on the type of firmware).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note) 8 Pro, POCO F1) After resetting via Fastboot, the section with IMEI. To avoid this, save a folder before the procedure. /nvdata through TWRP (if established).

7. Post-reset recovery: first steps

After a successful reset, the phone will go back to the "out of the box" state.

1. Customization of language and region

When you first turn on, select:

• 🌍 Region: Russia (or your country) and the availability of certain features (e.g. Google Pay) depends on it).
• 🗣️ Language: Russian (or English if you plan to install global firmware).

2. Network connection

Immediately after setting the language:

• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (preferably a home network, as mobile internet may not work without it). SIM-map).
• 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → System update (if available).

3. Data recovery

If you have made a backup copy:

• 📱 For MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Restore.
• ☁️ For Google Account: When you first turn on, the system will offer to restore data from the cloud.

4. Verification of key functions

Make sure everything works correctly:

• 📞 Calls and SMS (check IMEI in *#06#).
• 🎵 Sound (speakers and microphone).
• 📷 Camera (take a test shot).
• 🔋 Charging (connect the charger).

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If the phone is slower than before, it is likely that the problem was hardware (weary memory, weak processor), in which case only the replacement of the device or downgrade firmware to a lighter version (for example, from MIUI 15 to MIUI 14) will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions