How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks.The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to the state of “out of the box”.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods: through Settings, using Recovery Mode and via Fastboot (for advanced users), paying special attention to hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not advertise - for example, why after a reset may require re-activation. SIM-How to avoid the error: This device is locked".

Before you start, make sure you have a backup. Even if you plan to reset due to freezes or viruses, saving contacts, photos and documents to Google Drive or Mi Cloud will take only 10-15 minutes, but save you nerves later.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Resetting without preparation is fraught with unpleasant surprises. For example, after the procedure, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 may require entering a username and password from the Mi Account associated with the device. If you forget your account information, unlocking will take from 3 days to a week (depending on the region).

To avoid problems, follow the following steps:

• 🔄 Sync your data with Mi Cloud (check if the option is included in Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization. This will save contacts, notes and some settings.
• 📁 Create a local copy of important files (photos, videos, documents) on your computer or external drive. Use Explorer or Mi File Manager.
• 🔐 Make sure to remember your Mi Account details. If your account is not tied, the reset may be completed without additional requests, but the risk of blocking remains.
• 📶 Check it out. IMEI (type *#06#. After resetting some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) may forget" IMEI, Which will cause the network to be lost.

Pay special attention to applications with two-factor authentication (for example, Google Authenticator or Telegram). Once reset, access to them will be lost if you do not save backup codes in advance. For Telegram, this can be done in the Settings → Privacy → Two-step verification.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your device before selling, be sure to log out of Mi Account in the settings. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the smartphone without your data.

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

This is a method that works if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch, and it's the simplest and least risky method, because the system itself checks the integrity of the data before resetting.

Instructions for MIUI 14/13/12 (relevant to most models including Redmi Note 11, POCO F5, Xiaomi 12 Pro):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action by entering the pattern lock/PIN-code.
5. Wait until the process is complete (usually 5-15 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.

Once you reboot, you'll be asked to set up your smartphone as new. If you previously tied your Mi Account, the system can request the data to activate.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is locked with a pattern lock, Recovery Mode, a recovery mode built into the firmware, will help, which works even with a damaged operating system, but requires accuracy.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO M3/M4: Volume up + Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi 11T/12 Series: Volume up + Power (hold until the Mi logo appears).

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, it may have custom firmware installed on the device, in which case you will need a Fastboot (see the next section).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) After resetting via Recovery, an error may appear "This device is locked", which means that the device is tied to Mi Account, and you will need to enter a login / password to unlock it.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires a computer connection, and it's used if:

• 🔧 The smartphone does not turn on or respond to Recovery Mode.
• 📱 There is an unofficial firmware installed on the device.
• 🔒 You need to unlock the bootloader before resetting.

The work will require:

• Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• USB Type-C cable (original to avoid connection issues)
• Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
2. Connect the device to your computer. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) and execute the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, you will see its serial number.
4. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the device will be reset, but it may be necessary to re-assign the Mi Account and adjust the network settings.

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If the smartphone does not turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing it with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Download the appropriate version of MIUI for your model on the Xiaomi website and follow the instructions of the program.

5. Frequent errors after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, users face problems, and let's look at the most common ones and the ways to solve them.

Error "This device is locked"

Reason: The device is tied to the Mi Account, and after the reset, proof of ownership is required.

• 📱 Enter the login and password from the account that was linked to the phone.
• 🔓 If you forget your data, use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com.
• ⏳ If your account is not yours (for example, you bought a used phone), contact the previous owner or support Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

2.No net after discharge

Reason: Reset could have erased the IMEI or Baseband settings.

• 📶 Reset the device.
• 🔄 Manually select the operator in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network operators.
• 🛠️ If IMEI is not available (checked through *#06#), it will need to be restored using an engineering menu or firmware.

3. Hanging on the Mi logo

Cause: damage to system files during reset.

• 🔄 Try resetting through Recovery Mode.
• 💻 If it doesn’t work, run the device through Fastboot (see section 4).

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If the device requires a password from Google (FRP-lock), this means that the factory reset protection was previously activated.

6.How to avoid problems when resetting: tips from experts

To minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:

1. Check out the MIUI version

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced for Xiaomi Mi 11), resetting via Recovery may not work properly.

2.Use the original cable

When reset via Fastboot, poor-quality cables can interrupt the connection, which will lead to a “brick” of the device, especially for models with USB-C (POCO X4 Pro, Redmi K50).

3. Do not interrupt the process

If the smartphone is long in the reset phase (more than 30 minutes), do not pull the battery and do not force it to turn it off. Wait for completion or wait at least 1 hour - sometimes the process takes longer due to damaged memory sectors.

4. Check the status of the bootloader

On devices with unlocked Bootloader (for example, after installing custom firmware), a reset via Recovery can cause data to be lost in the /data partition.

⚠️ Note: If you reset Xiaomi with root rights (Magisk, SuperSU), after the procedure, the device may lose root access.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions