How to set up a Xiaomi device after resetting to factory settings: the full guide

Introduction: why you need a reset and what to do next

Factory resetting on Xiaomi devices is a radical but effective way to make it work again, used for hangings, viruses, before selling or after a failed firmware experiment, but after the procedure, users often face the problem that a phone or TV turns into a “clean sheet” — without apps, accounts or personal data.

This article will help you to properly configure your Xiaomi device after a reset, avoiding typical errors.We will look at the process for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi) and TVs (Mi) TV), We'll focus on resetting your Mi Account, updating your firmware, and optimizing your system, and we'll focus on things that aren't written in the official instructions, like how to return them. OTA-Update after manual reset or what to do if the device is not connected to Wi-Fi.

Importantly, the reset procedure is different for devices with MIUI and HyperOS (new firmware Xiaomi from 2026).

Preparation for setting up: what to do before turning on the device

Before you start setting up, follow a few critical steps that will save time and prevent activation problems.

• 🔋 Charge the device to at least 50%. Reset and initial setup consume a lot of power - the risk of a sudden shutdown can lead to software failures.
• 📡 Prepare a stable Internet connection. Mobile Internet is better for smartphones (if you have a mobile Internet connection). SIM-map already inserted, for TVs - wired Ethernet.
• 📱 Make sure you have access to the Mi Account.Without it, you won't be able to unlock the device after a reset (relevant for account-based models).
• 🔑 Save backup codes (if any) This applies to two-factor authentication or backup passwords to unlock the bootloader.

If you have been resetting your device because of viruses or suspicious software, do not connect it to your main Google account or Mi Account until you have fully checked with antivirus.

First launch: greeting and basic setting

Once reset, the device will start in the initial setting mode, and the screen will display a greeting in the selected language (Chinese or English by default), and your task is to complete all the steps of the settings wizard.

For smartphones, the process looks like this:

1. Select the interface language (we recommend Russian or English).
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network. If the network is not defined, try restarting the router or using mobile data.
3. Enter Mi Account details (if the device has been tied) without this step, further setup will be blocked.
4. Set up a Google account (for Android devices) or skip this step if you plan to use a device without Google services.
5. Accept the terms of use (mandatory step).
6. Select the mode of use: Normal or Children's (affects content restrictions).

Mi TVs are similar, but you’ll need to link to Mi Home instead of a Google account (if you’re planning to use smart features).

⚠️ Note: If the device asks you to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, but you do not remember it, do not try to guess. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the account will be blocked for 24 hours.

Data recovery: backups and synchronization

Once reset, all user data is deleted, but it can be restored if a backup has been created in advance. Xiaomi offers several ways to back up:

• 📱 Local backup (save to your device or memory card). Path: Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• ☁️ Cloud backup (via Mi Cloud) requires authorization to Mi Account and enough space in the cloud (5GB free).
• 🖥️ Backup on PC via Mi PC Suite (official software for managing Xiaomi devices).

To recover data from backup:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Choose the source: Local Copy or Mi Cloud.
3. Enter a backup file (if local) or log in to your account (if cloud).
4. Select data for recovery: contacts, messages, photos, application settings.
5. Confirm the recovery and wait for the process to be completed.

Important: not all data can be recovered, such as Wi-Fi passwords saved in some applications, or settings for individual games may not be transferred, and note that restoring from a backup created on another version of MIUI/HyperOS may cause crashes.

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If the backup is damaged or not restored, try renaming the file by removing Cyrillic characters or spaces from its name.

Firmware Update: Why It's Critical After Resetting

Once reset, the device returns to the factory version of the firmware, which is often outdated.

• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities (older versions) MIUI/HyperOS They may contain uncorrected bugs).
• 🔄 Unstable work (new applications may not support old ones) API).
• 📱 Compatibility issues (e.g., new versions of Google Play Services won’t work properly).

To update the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update (for HyperOS: Settings → About Device → Software Update).
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If you find an update, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi).
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

If automatic updates do not work:

• 🔌 Check your internet connection (sometimes switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data helps).
• 🕒 Make sure the date and time on the device are set correctly (incorrect settings may block access to update servers).
• 📥 Download the firmware manually from the official Xiaomi Firmware website and install through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three dots (menu) → Select a firmware file.

⚠️ Note: If after the update the device began to brake or overheat, perform a cache reset (not to be confused with a full reset!). → Memory. → Cleanup → Cash, it'll delete temporary files without losing data.

Security setting: protection after reset

Reset to factory settings removes all previously set passwords and locks to protect the device:

1. Install a new one. PIN-code or pattern lock: Go to Settings → Screen lock and password. Select the type of lock: PIN, Password or pattern lock: Use hardware lock for maximum security (if the device supports fingerprint scanner or facial recognition).
2. Configure Find Device: Activate the feature in Settings → Mi Account → Find Device. This will allow you to remotely block or erase data if the device is lost.

• After reset, some applications may request redundant permissions (e.g., SMS or geolocation access).
• Control them in Settings → Applications → Permissions.

For Mi TVs, pay special attention to:

• 📺 Age-specific content restrictions (in Mi) TV There is a built-in parental control).

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Never use simple passwords like "1234" or "0000." Once reset, attackers can try to find a lock code if the device has been stolen or lost.

Optimization of work: fine-tuning MIUI/HyperOS

Factory settings are often not optimal for everyday use, and this is what you need to manually adjust:

• 🔋 Performance mode: Go to Settings → Special facilities → Select Balance (for most users) or Performance (if you want top speed).
• 📵 Auto-Run Applications: Limit Auto-Run Unnecessary Applications in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start. It'll reduce battery consumption and speed up the system.
• 🌙 Dark theme and scheduler: Activate dark mode in Settings → Display. → Dark theme: Set up automatic on schedule (evening) to reduce eye strain.
• 🔔 Notifications: Disable notifications from unnecessary apps in Settings → Notifications. Use the mode Do not disturb at night.

For Mi TVs, it is recommended to:

• 🎮 Disable menu animations to speed up navigation: Settings → General. → Animation. → Off..
• 🔊 Customize the sound to your preferences: select Mode Mode Mode Mode Mode, Music or Speech in Settings → Sound.
• 🖥️ Calibrate the screen for better image: Settings → Display and sound → Image mode → Setting up.

If dark themes or fonts are lost after reset, they can be returned via Themes (the default application in MIUI). Download the official themes from the Top section - they are optimized for the current version of the firmware.

Recovery after a failed update or failure

If, after discharge, the device:

• Not included;
• It hangs on the Xiaomi logo;
• Does not respond to touch;
• This is a No Command or Fastboot mode error.

You will need to manually run the firmware via Fastboot or Recovery mode.

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website. Choose the Fastboot version (extension.tgz).
2. Install drivers: For Windows, download the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers (if the device is on this chipset). For Mac/Linux, use fastboot via the terminal.

Transfer the device to Fastboot mode

• Turn off your smartphone.
• Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
• Connect to the PC via USB.
• Switch the device: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.tgz] or through Mi Flash Tool (select Clean all for full flashing).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot erases all data, including IMEI (After the procedure, check for smartphones. IMEI If it's missing, restore it through the engineering menu or contact the service center. IMEI Without experience, it can lead to loss of network!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions