How to Reset Xiaomi Phone to Factory Settings: 3 Ways + FAQ

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that solves most software problems, from freezes and errors to preparing the device for sale. However, an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, 3 proven reset methods (via settings, recoveries and Fastboot), a table of compatibility with models, and answers to frequent questions.

We’ll look at not only the standard instructions, but also the hidden nuances of what to do if the phone doesn’t turn on, how to bypass lock after a reset, and why some Xiaomi models require an account binding even after a hard reset. All methods are relevant for MIUI 12-14 firmware and Android 10-14 devices.

If you drop your phone before selling, remember to unplug it from your Mi Account. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device because of Find Device lock. For models with a Qualcomm chip (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) after the reset, you may need to re-authorize - this is normal, but requires access to the Internet.

Important: Reset does not delete data from SD-cards (if installed) and does not affect the files in the folder MIUI/Backup. However, all applications, Wi-Fi settings, accounts and internal files (photos, videos, documents) will be erased without the possibility of recovery without a backup.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure begins

Before you dump Xiaomi, follow the mandatory steps – this will save you from losing important data and problems with your account.

• 🔒 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account: after reset, the phone may require authorization. If you forget the data, restore it on the official website.
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50%: interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can cause software failure.

For owners of phones with unlocked bootloader (Bootloader) or custom firmware (Custom ROM), the reset process may be different. In such cases, it is recommended to use the Fastboot method (described in section 3), since a standard reset through settings may not return the device to a “clean” state.

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting your phone due to viruses or suspicious apps, check it with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).Some malware may persist even after being reset if it is embedded in system partitions.

Backup important data|Remember the username/password of Mi Account|Charge the phone. >50%|Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell)|Delete SIM-map SD-map (optional)-->

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

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from a working system, which is suitable for most situations: preparing for sale, eliminating small glitches, cleaning up unnecessary files.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap on Backup and Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Restore and Reset).
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will ask you to choose what to drop: 📱 All data – complete cleaning (recommended). 🔄 Settings – only user settings (apps and files will remain).

PIN-code

Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once you reboot, you'll be asked to set up your device as new, and if the phone was tied to your Mi Account, you'll need authorization.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) After resetting through the settings, you may still have "junk" in the system folders. Use the Fastboot method for complete cleaning (section 3).

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If the phone is loading for more than 20 minutes after reset, do not force it to turn it off. On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T), the first boot after reset can take up to 30 minutes.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method is useful if the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the MI logo, or not responding to touch.

Instructions:

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 + Nutrition. 🔧 For POCO F1, Mi 8: Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Hold the buttons until the Mi Recovery logo appears.

In the Recaveri menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm the action by entering the unlock code (if required).

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

- 🧹 — dataset.

- 🔄 — restart.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, resetting through the receptacles may not delete all user data. In this case, use the Fastboot method (section 4).

Through Settings | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset-->

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is the deepest reset that completely reinstalls the firmware.

• 🔧 Removing Serious System Errors.
• 📦 Removal of custom firmware (Custom) ROM).
• 🔒 Unlocking the device after a failed update.

For this method, you will need a computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable (preferably from the set).

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website. Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\MiFlash).
3. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Click Loudness Down + Power before the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot Mode) appears.

Connect the phone to the computer.

MiFlash Tool

here

Select

Refresh

Clean All

Flash

Wait for the process to be completed (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once the device is restarted, it will be in a box-like state, and all data, including internal memory, will be erased.

5. Frequent post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

5.1 Phone asks for old Mi Account after reset

This is Xiaomi's standard Find Device protection to unlock the device:

• 📧 Enter the login and password from the account that was tied before the reset.
• 🔗 If you don’t remember the data, restore it on the Mi Account website.
• 📞 If the phone is bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact him or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

5.2. The telephone shall not be switched on after discharge

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery is dead: connect the charger and wait 15-30 minutes.
• 🔌 Fastboot Firmware: Repeat the procedure with the correct version of the software.
• 🛠️ Hardware failure: if the phone does not respond to charging - contact the service center.

5.3. "This device is locked" error appears

This error means that the bootloader is locked.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires binding to Mi Account and waiting 7-30 days).
• 📥 Install firmware via Fastboot with a Clean All and Lock tick (unless you plan to unlock).

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If after a reset, the phone requires a Mi Account and you do not remember it, do not try to bypass the lock through third-party programs. This can lead to the complete loss of the device.

6. How to avoid data loss during a reset

Even if you backup, some data may not be recovered.

• 📁 Photos and videos: copy them manually to your computer or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). Built-in backup MIUI retains only miniatures.
• 💬 Messages and calls: use apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Game data: Link games to your Google Play account or social media.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords: Write them down in advance – Backup MIUI they don't keep.

For owners of Xiaomi with MIUI 14 Mi Mover function is available (Settings) → The phone. → Mi Mover, which allows you to transfer data to a new device over Wi-Fi, but it only works between Xiaomi phones.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery), standard backup through MIUI In this case, backup directly through the TWRP (backup).

7. Reset vs. Flashing: Which is better to choose

Many users confuse factory reset and firmware reflash, so let's figure out when to use:

The bottom line is that if the phone is just buggy or you're preparing it for sale, you just need to reset it through settings or recoveries, and if the device is infected with viruses, doesn't turn on or needs a clean system, use Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions