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

Introduction: when you need to reset Xiaomi to factory settings

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to its original performance, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the system to the “out of the box” state, most often used in three cases: before selling the phone, to fix critical failures or after a failed firmware experiment.

The manufacturer has provided several methods of resetting: through the settings menu, using physical buttons (hard reset), and even through the Fastboot mode for “brick” devices. However, each method has nuances, from the need to remember the pattern lock to the risk of losing access to the Mi Account. In this article, we will analyze all options with Redmi models, POCO and flagship Xiaomi series 12/13/14.

Before you start, answer two questions: are important data (photos, contacts, messages) saved and do you remember the username / password from Mi Account? Without this, it may be impossible to restore access to your phone after a reset - especially on devices with a tied Xiaomi account.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The safest and most recommended method is to reset directly from the system that is running, and it's good if the phone is turned on, touch-sensitive, and you have access to the menu, and the main advantage is that you can choose whether to save media files (photos, videos) or delete everything completely.

The instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi devices on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will offer two options: 📱 Reset settings – only removes apps and settings, saving media files. 🧹 Erase all data – complete reset (recommended before sale).

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password.

Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the device protection function is enabled on the phone (in the Mi Account settings), after reset, you will need to enter the username and password from this account"!

Backup to Mi Cloud or PC

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Connect your phone to charge (at least 50% battery)

Delete your Google account if you plan to sell your device

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On some models (such as the POCO F3 or Redmi Note 10 Pro), the path to reset may be slightly different: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset. If you do not find the right item, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn’t turn on, freezes on the MI logo or is locked, a Recovery Mode reset will help, which works on all Xiaomi devices, including older models on MIUI 9/10.

Use a combination of physical buttons to log in to Recovery, depending on the model:

After logging into Recovery Mode, the volume buttons (moving) and the power button (selecting) are controlled.

1. Select the language (usually English or ) with the volume buttons.
2. Select Wipe Data (or for Chinese firmware).
3. Confirm the choice of the Wipe All Data item.
4. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wiped successfully).
5. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power until the screen with the hare appears.
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
4. For a full reset, run fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the logo after the fastboot reboot command, try flashing stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. For instructions and firmware files, look for the 4PDA forum in the section of your model.

On devices with a locked bootloader, a Fastboot reset may not work – you will need to unlock through the official Mi Unlock Tool. SMS-The code takes up to 720 hours, but it is necessary for a full recovery.

What to do after resetting: the first steps

After a successful reset, the phone will start as new, and you'll have to go through the initial setup, but there are a few things that many people forget about:

• 🔒 Mi Account Link: If the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account, you will need to log in after the reset. Without this, access to the system will be blocked (Find Device function).
• 📱 Data recovery: If sync with Mi Cloud was enabled before reset, the system will offer to restore contacts, notes and photos.
• 🔄 Software Update: After reset, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → System update: Outdated firmware may contain vulnerabilities.

If you dropped your phone before selling, remember:

1. Unplug all accounts (Mi Account, Google, social networks).
2. Delete SIM-card and memory card (if installed).
3. Check the performance of all functions (camera, sensors, speakers).

Yeah, before the sale.

Yeah, because of the work failures.

No, but I'm planning.

No, and no planning.

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Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If after the reset, the phone stopped determining SIM-map, check it out:

• Is SIM installed correctly (on some models, the tray has a key - see the labels on the case).
• Flight mode is activated (turn it off in the notification curtain).
• Is the base station firmware updated (in the settings) SIM-map).

💡

If after resetting the phone requires an old pattern lock that you don't remember, only the Fastboot firmware with full formatting will help.

How to save data before resetting

The main fear of resetting is loss of personal data. Fortunately, Xiaomi offers several ways to back up:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Automatic synchronization of contacts, notes, SMS To enable: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account. Select Sync and activate the desired items. Click Backup → Backup to the cloud.

Local copy on PC

File transfer

DCIM

Downloads

WhatsApp

Third-party annexes

Swift Backup

Titanium Backup

⚠️ Attention: Backups through Mi Cloud take up space in cloud storage. Free 5GB is provided, the rest is subscription. Before copying, check the free space in Settings → Mi Account → Cloud.

For POCO and Redmi owners with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), standard backup methods may not work.

• TWRP Recovery to create a full system backup (unlocked bootloader required).
• ADB backup via command line: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab