How to return factory settings on Xiaomi smartphones: 3 working ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing for a new firmware. However, not all users know that an incorrect hard reset can lead to data loss, locking a Mi Account account or even “bricking” a smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of resetting – from the standard Settings menu to forced recovery via Fastboot – and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) are all tied to the manufacturer’s account. If you forget your Mi Account password, resetting through Recovery can lock your phone! So check before you start to see if you remember the login data, which will save you hours of unlocking. Also note: on models with an unlocked bootloader, the reset process is different from the standard one.

1. When you need a reset to factory settings

Resetting isn't always a panacea, but in some cases it's the only way to bring a smartphone back to life.

• 📱 Preparation for sale or transfer – deletion of personal data (photos, messages, passwords) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔄 System lags and freezes – if Xiaomi brakes after the update MIUI installing applications.
• 🔒 Removing viruses or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 📦 Update errors (such as hanging on the logo) MI cyclic).
• 🔧 Reset before firmware via Fastboot or TWRP (recommended for clean installation).

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even harm:

• ❌ Hardware breakdowns (faulty display, charging connector, battery).
• ❌ Lockdown FRP (Google – requires the last account data entry.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 12+ and unlocked by the bootloader reset via Recovery can lead to automatic blocking of Mi Account. Before the procedure, untie the device in the account settings on account.xiaomi.com.

Preparation for the dump: what to do before the start

Unprepared resets can result in loss of important data or locking your phone.

Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup|Check if you remember the password from your Mi Account|Untie the device from your Google account (Settings) → Accounts)|Charge your phone at least 50%|Make sure that SIM-card retrieved (if reset due to viruses)-->

Backup is a critical step. MIUI has a built-in tool (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset), but it doesn't save all the data. Alternative ways:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud – syncs contacts, notes, photos (up to 5 GB free).
• 💻 Computer – copy files through MTP (folder DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp).

If you are using Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, be sure to save the EFS folder (contains IMEI).

adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1 modemst1.img


adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst2 modemst2.img

⚠️ Attention: On models POCO F1, Mi 8 and older reset via Fastboot without a file persist.img may be erased IMEI. If you are not sure of your actions, use only the method through Settings.

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

The safest method, suitable for most users, works if the phone turns on and responds to touch.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode (optional, but useful for debugging).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
5. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and after the reboot, you'll be asked to set your phone up as new, and if you see a request for Mi Account data, use the previously associated account.

💡

If after reset, the phone asks for a password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com or contact Xiaomi support (you need a purchase check).

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This is a method that you need if your phone is not turning on, it's getting stuck on your logo, or it's not responding to touch. Use physical buttons to log in to Recovery.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, use this navigation scheme:

• 🔘 → (Wipe All Data).
• 🔘 (Confirm).
• 🔘 → (Reboot to System).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 13+ Recovery reset can activate anti-theft protection (Anti-Theft). If you don't remember the Mi Account password, the phone will be locked.

5. Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for advanced)

This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or if previous methods did not work. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\MiFlash).
3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, select the folder with firmware, press Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-30 minutes).

Important nuances:

• 🔌 Use the original cable – cheap analogues can interrupt the process.
• 🖥️ On PC, the driver signature must be disabled (for Windows).
• 📥 The firmware should be exactly for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro Max are different devices!).

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Fastboot resets the phone completely, removing all data, including viruses and corrupted system files, but this method requires an unlocked bootloader (except: official firmware for some regions).

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

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

If the IMEI is missing after the reset (no network), restore it using the EFS backup or the QCN Rebuilder tool (root required). For Xiaomi models with a Qualcomm processor, the QPST utility will suit.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset, try pressing Power + Volume up for 30 seconds (forced discharge of the capacitors).If that doesn't work, plug it into charging for 1 hour and try again.

7.How to avoid blocking Mi Account after resetting

Mi Account locking is the most common problem after a reset, and it occurs if:

• 🔐 The phone was tied to a Xiaomi account.
• 📱 Reset was done via Recovery or Fastboot.
• 🌍 The device was purchased in China (the probability of blocking is higher).

To avoid blocking:

1. Before resetting, untie the device in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Delete the account.
2. If your phone is already locked, enter your last account. If you don't remember your password, restore it through Xiaomi's website.
3. To unlock without a check, contact the service center (purchase confirmation will be required).

On models with MIUI Global (international firmware), locking is less common than on the Chinese versions (MIUI China). If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, always check the status of Mi Account through Settings → About Phone → Mi Account Status.

8. Alternative discharge methods

If the standard methods don’t work, try these options:

• 📱 Reset via Find Device: Go to i.mi.com and log in.Select a locked device → Delete the data. Confirm the action (the phone must be connected to the Internet).

ADB

adb shell


recovery --wipe_data

TWRP

1. Install TWRP for your model.
2. From the TWRP menu, select Wipe → Format Data (enter yes).
3. Reboot.

⚠️ Attention: Use TWRP On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13) can lead to locking the bootloader. XDA Developers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset