How to upgrade Android to factory settings on Xiaomi: a full guide with warnings and life hacks

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of failed experiments with firmware. Many users confuse this process with updating Android, but in fact it is a complete reboot of the system to its original state, as if you just unpacked the smartphone. In this article, we will analyze when you really need a reset, how to perform it correctly (including hidden nuances for models with a locked bootloader), and what to do if the device behaves unstable after the procedure.

It’s important to understand that resetting erases all user data — photos, contacts, messages, installed apps. However, not everyone knows that some Xiaomi devices (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5) can be reset with a MIUI Account linked to the previous owner’s account, which can lead to locking the device, and we will tell you how to avoid such traps and prepare for the procedure without risks.

When you need a reset to factory settings: 5 unambiguous reasons

Don't rush to drop your smartphone when you have the first problem, and most of the time, more gentle methods like cleaning your cache, rebooting or rolling back updates help, but there are situations where resetting is the only solution:

• 🔄 System lags and freezes: If Xiaomi brakes even after cleaning the memory, and in Settings → The phone has a sign that says “System is not optimized” – a sign of damage to system files.
• 📱 Preparing for sale or transfer: To prevent the new owner from gaining access to your data (including hidden files in the data). /data/data/).
• 🔒 Screen lock: Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Find My Device is not helpful.
• 🛠️ After a failed update: If the firmware "broke" the camera, network or battery (for example, after switching to the new device). MIUI 14 with custom recavérie).
• 🦠 Viruses or Malware: When an antivirus finds threats in system folders and it is impossible to delete them.

Resetting won't help if the problem is with a hardware piece, a broken screen, a faulty battery, or a damaged motherboard, and in such cases, repairs are needed, not flashing.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ and associated Mi Accounts may need to enter the username/password of the previous owner after reset. If you are buying used Xiaomi, make sure that the seller untied the account before resetting!

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Even if you're sure that data isn't important, take 10 minutes to prepare, and it's not going to be a surprise.

1. Backup via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. Select System Data and Applications. Xiaomi will save a copy to MIUI/backup/AllBackup on internal memory or to the cloud.
2. Remember or take a picture: Login/password from Mi Account (if linked); Google Authenticator settings (if using 2FA); Device IMEI (type *#06#).

Check the battery charge

Recovery

If you are resetting Xiaomi because of viruses, scan files with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) before backing up.

Backup in. MIUI Cloud|Copy photos on PC|Record the Mi Account data|Charge the phone. >50%|Payment cards (Google Pay)-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a method that works for devices that are working when you can log in, and it's as simple as possible and minimizes the risks.

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Reset (on MIUI 14, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recover and Reset).
2. Select “Erase all data” (not to be confused with “Reset Network Settings”!).
3. The system will be asked to PIN-lock screen code (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by clicking "Delete everything." The process will take 5-15 minutes.

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase, at which point you can recover data from the backup (if it was made through the Mi Cloud).

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If Xiaomi asks for an old Mi Account password after reset and you don’t remember it, try to restore access via [this link] (https://account.xiaomi.com).

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

If the device is getting stuck on the MI logo, unresponsive or locked, you will need a recavery mod. On new models (Redmi Note 13 Pro, POCO X6), you may need to unlock the loader to enter the Recovery.

Instructions for standard recaveri:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, Power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

If you have a TWRP (Castom Recovery) instead of a standard recavator, the path will be different: Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation). On devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset via TWRP can lead to blocking - in which case, an official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool is required.

⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) may reset the firmware region after being reset through the Recovery, resulting in loss of support for LANs (e.g., LANs, 4G Before the procedure, check the current region in Settings. → Additionally. → Region.

What to do if Xiaomi does not turn on or glitches after reset

In 90% of cases, problems after a reset are due to an interrupted process or incompatible firmware.

If the device does not respond at all (black screen, no vibration), try a hardware reset:

1. Connect the charge for 30 minutes (even if the indicator is not on).
2. Press Power + Volume Down for 20 seconds.
3. If the Fastboot menu appears, run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Reset vs. Firmware: Which is Best for Your Xiaomi

Many people confuse factory reset with firmware reflashing.

• 🔄 Reset: Deletes user data but leaves the current version MIUI. It doesn't require unlocking the bootloader. It takes 5-15 minutes.
• 📦 Flashing: Completely replaces system files (you can put a different version) MIUI It requires unlocking the bootloader on new models, takes 20 to 40 minutes, and there's a risk of bricking".

Flashing is needed if:

• You want to upgrade/roll back to another version of MIUI.
• The reset did not solve the problem (for example, after a failed “over-the-air” update).
• You want to install a Global ROM instead of China ROM (or vice versa).

For most users, reset is enough. Flashing is an extreme measure that requires technical skills.

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If your goal is simply to clean up the system of garbage, try the less radical methods first: cleaning the cache in the recavator (Wipe Cache Partition) or resetting the settings through Settings → Applications → Clear all data for specific programs.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to data loss or device lockdown, and these are the most common:

• 🔋 Discharge during reset: On models POCO F4 GT Or Black Shark 5, resetting the battery during the process is a surefire way to get a brick.
• 🔒 Forgotten Mi Account: If you bought Xiaomi from hand and did not untie the account of the previous owner, after resetting the phone will require entering his data.
• 📡 Firmware region reset: On multi-band models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 5G) After the reset, local support may be lost LTE-Check the region in Settings → The phone. → General information → Version. MIUI.
• 🛠️ Use of unofficial tools: programs like Miracle Box or SP Flash Tools can be permanently damaged IMEI or NVRAM. Use only standard methods for resetting.

If you are resetting Xiaomi before selling, be sure to:

1. Untie all accounts (Mi Account, Google, Samsung Knox, if any).
2. Delete everything. SIM-Memory cards and cards (they may contain personal data).
3. Reset twice, first through the menu, second through the Recovery, and that's guaranteed to remove all traces.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset