How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: the full guide

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for a new firmware. However, the wrong actions can lead to blocking the Mi Account, losing important data or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Redmi, POCO and Mi models (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and others), and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It is important to understand that the reset deletes all user data: photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. while system files (for example, MIUI firmware) remain intact. If you plan to sell a phone, pre-create a backup. For devices with an unlocked bootloader, the reset process may be different - read about this in a separate section.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a universal solution to all problems, but it is effective in the following cases:

• 📱 Hanging and lag: if the smartphone brakes after updating MIUI installing applications.
• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN-code: the only way to unlock your device without losing data (unless you have a Mi Account tied).
• 📦 Preparing for sale: Deletion of personal information before transferring the phone to a new owner.
• 🐛 Critical system errors: for example, constant reboots or inability to download MIUI.
• 🔄 Recoiling back to previous firmware version: a full reset is often required before a downgrade.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen or a broken battery).
• 📡 Problems with the communication module (no network, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not working).
• 🔐 Blocking your Mi Account after a reset (if the phone was linked to the previous owner’s account).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ And the Mi Accounts that are tied may need to be login/passworded to the original owner after the reset. If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the seller untie the account!

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before starting the reset, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Create a backup copy: 📱 Use the built-in Settings tool → The phone. → Backup. ☁️ Upload data to Mi Cloud (if your account is linked). 💻 Connect your phone to your PC and copy files manually (photos, videos, documents).
2. Make sure to charge the battery: at least 50% to avoid turning off during the process.
3. Remember the data of the Mi Account: after the reset, you may need to re-enter the login and password.
4. Untie the device from services: 🔑 Remove the Google Account (Settings) → Accounts. → Google). 💳 Remove Bank Cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay.

If you drop your phone before selling, you must:

• 📌 Log out of all accounts (Mi Account, Google, social media).
• 🔄 Turn off Find the device (Settings) → Memory of the device → Find the device).
• 📡 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

Create a backup copy|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Unlock Google Account|Remove Bank Cards from Payment Systems|Get out of all social networks and messengers-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 and the enabled function Data Protection after reset may require confirmation via SMS or email. Make sure you have access to the number tied!

Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)

It's the safest method, and it works for most situations, if you:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the pattern lock./PIN-code.
• 📶 The device is not blocked by the Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section About the phone (in) MIUI 14 may be called About the device).
3. Select Reset (or Reset and Reset on older versions).
4. Smash all the data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if required.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when you reboot, you'll see the screen that you set up in the first place, like you did after you bought it, and if your phone asks for Mi Account data, you can type it in, which is normal for a device with a linked account.

💡

If after resetting, the phone asks for an old Wi-Fi password that you don't know, just skip this step.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

This method is used if:

• 🔐 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 📱 The phone is stuck on the logo. MI and.
• 🔄 You need to reset your settings without accessing the menu. MIUI.

Instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models:

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 + Power. For POCO F3/F4 and some Redmi Notes: Volume up + 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, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — dataset.
• 🔄 — restart.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in an error called "This device is locked." In this case, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lose your phone or it's locked, but you have access to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely, and this only works if you:

• ☁️ The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔗 The device is tied to your Mi Account.
• 📍 Find the device activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. Select the Find Device section.
3. The map will show the location of your phone (if it is turned on).
4. Click on Erase Data (Erase Data).
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.

After that, the phone will restart and start the reset process.

• ⏳ The process can take up to 30 minutes depending on the speed of the internet.
• 📴 The phone must be on and connected to the network.
• 🔒 After the reset, the device will be untied from your account.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is enabled with the function Data Protection (MIUI 13+), The remote reset may not work, and you'll need physical access to the device.

Reset on devices with unlocked loader

If you unlocked the bootloader on your Xiaomi (for example, to install custom firmware), the reset process has features:

• 🔓 After resetting via Recovery, the phone can boot into Fastboot with the words "This device is unlocked" - that's okay.
• 📥 For a complete reset, it is recommended to flash the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔄 If you've used TWRP, Reset is done via the Wipe menu → Format Data.

Instructions for devices with TWRP:

1. Boot in TWRP (usually Volume Up + Power).
2. Go to the Wipe section.
3. Select Format Data and enter Yes to confirm it.
4. After formatting, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → System.

If the phone doesn't boot after the reset, the firmware may be damaged.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website.
2. Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

💡

On devices with an unlocked bootloader, resetting through standard Recovery can lead to errors.Always use TWRP or Mi Flash Tool for clean firmware installation.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you reset Xiaomi, users face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be the hardware, and we recommend that you contact Xiaomi’s service center.

💡

If your phone is slower after reset, perform Optimization in settings (Settings → Special Features → Optimization) to help the system adapt to the clean state.

Frequently asked questions