How to completely reset the Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 4 proven ways

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a procedure that can be needed in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing critical MIUI failures. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, locking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of zeroing out – from the standard menu to low-level methods through fastboot – and also explain how to avoid typical errors and save important information.

Features of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO It is a close integration with the ecosystem. MIUI This means that after a reset, you may need to enter your Mi Account login and password, even if you have not previously used it. 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) After resetting through recovery, Factory Reset Protection can work (FRP), We'll explain in detail how to circumvent these restrictions legally.

It is important to understand the difference between soft and hard resets: the former saves some system files and sometimes leaves tails from previous settings, while the latter (via fastboot or Mi Flash Tool) completely rewrites the userdata partition, which guarantees a clean system. The choice of method depends on your goal: if you just need to eliminate the lags, a standard reset will suffice; if the phone is infected with a virus or does not turn on, radical measures will be required.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before zero

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (such as the POCO F4 or Redmi K50) after a fastboot reset, it may be necessary to re-unlock the bootloader, which will take up to 72 hours.

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged

Unplug a Google account (if used) FRP-defence)

Remember the username / password from Mi Account (required after reset)

Delete SIM-card and memory card (if installed)

Check for drivers ADB/Fastboot on PC (for advanced methods)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Even if you plan to reset through the settings menu, errors happen. Use the official Mi Cloud app or third-party utilities like Swift Backup. Google Photos will work for media files, and contacts can be synced with a Google or Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (by default on all new Xiaomi), a reset via fastboot or Mi Flash Tool without prior unlocking will lead to a complete loss of the phone’s performance. Check the status of the bootloader with the command fastboot oem device-info – if the answer has a line Device unlocked: false, first unlock it through the official tool Xiaomi.

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

This is the easiest and most secure method that is suitable for most users, it does not require a computer and retains the ability to restore data through Mi Cloud (if the backup was created in advance). MIUI 12–14, including Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5.

To perform the discharge:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Resetting (on some firmware, the item may be called Reset and Reset).
3. Tap to erase all data and confirm the action.
4. If requested PIN-code or pattern lock – enter it.
5. Wait for the reboot (usually takes 3-10 minutes).

Once you restart, the phone will suggest you set up the system as new.

• 🔑 Enter data from Mi Account if the phone was linked to the account.
• 📱 Skip recovery from backup if you want a clean system.
• 🔄 Don't plug in. SIM-Map immediately – complete the initial setup first.

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If the phone asks for a password from an old Google account after reset (FRP-If you don't remember the protection, try entering the data from the last synchronized account. If that doesn't work, you'll need to bypass it. FRP via fastboot (described in method 4).

This method doesn’t remove system updates, so if your goal is to roll back to an earlier version of MIUI, use a hard reset (method 3 or 4).

• 🐢 Hangs on the Mi or Redmi logo.
• 🔄 Cyclically rebooted (bootloop).
• 🚫 Blocks access to settings due to a virus.

3. Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

If the phone is not turned on or the settings menu is not available, you can use the Recovery mode, a special recovery mode. Xiaomi uses two types of recovery:

• Stock recovery (Mi Recovery) - limited functionality, but works without unlocking the loader.
• Custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) – requires unlock, but allows you to make backups and install firmware.

Instructions for stock Mi Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F3/F4: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi 12/13 series: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Release the buttons when the Mi logo and menu appear in English/Chinese.

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some Clear Data versions).

Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 15 minutes).

Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

If you need a Mi Account password after resetting your phone and you don't remember it, you'll need to use the Mi Flash Tool (mode 4).

• 🔧 Firmware is damaged (the phone does not load even in recovery).
• 🔒 The bootloader is locked and you are trying to install custom firmware.
• 📱 Device "bricked" after a failed update.

Through the settings menu

Through Recovery Mode

Using fastboot or Mi Flash Tool

Never dropped it.-->

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method involves connecting the phone to a computer and using fastboot commands.

• 📵 The phone does not turn on or go into recovery.
• 🔄 I need to run another version. MIUI (for example, roll back MIUI 14 on MIUI 13).
• 🔧 Need to get around FRP (Google).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the Android website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you plan to firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into fastboot mode, clamping Volume Down + Power (for most models).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices If the device isn’t displayed, install drivers manually through Device Manager.
3. For a complete reset (deletes all data, including internal memory) run: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
4. If you need to additionally remove system partitions (for example, to firmware another version) MIUI), Use: fastboot erase system fastboot erase vendor ⚠️ Warning: Removing system and vendor partitions without further firmware will make your phone inoperable! This step is only needed if you plan to flash the new version right away MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.

Once the commands are executed, the phone will restart and start setting up from scratch. If you have deleted system partitions, the next step is to run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (described in method 4).

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Reset via fastboot does not bypass the protection of Mi Account! If the phone was tied to the account, after the reboot you will need to enter a login and password.

5. Method 4: Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool (for "brick" devices)

This is the most radical method used when other methods fail. The Mi Flash Tool allows you to flash the official MIUI firmware on top of a damaged system, which often saves phones after failed updates or virus attacks.

• 🔓 Requires an unlocked boot loader (otherwise the firmware will not stand up).
• 📥 You need to download the correct firmware version for your model.
• 💻 It only works on Windows (there is no official version for Windows). Mac/Linux).

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and install it.
2. Download the firmware for your model (select the Fastboot version, not the Recovery version). 10 Pro, it's gonna be a file of the view sweet_global_images_V13.0.4.0.SKFMIXM_20221010.0000.00_12.0_global_....
3. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\rom).
4. Turn off the phone and switch to fastboot mode (as in method 3).
5. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
6. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
7. Press Refresh – your phone should appear in the list of devices.
8. Select firmware mode: Clean all – full reset (recommended); Clean all and lock – reset + lock bootloader (only if you sell a phone!); Save user data – firmware without deleting data (not always stable).

Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

If the phone does not turn on after firmware or hung on the logo, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the firmware with the choice of Clean all.
• 📥 Download another firmware version (for example, an older one).
• 🔧 Check cable and port USB (Use the original Xiaomi cable).

6.How to bypass Mi Account protection after a reset

One of the most common problems after a Xiaomi reset is asking for a username and password from Mi Account, even if you don't remember them, and this is due to Find Device, which is automatically activated when you link your account, and if you can't remember the login details, there are several legal ways to address:

Method 1: Restore access to your Mi Account

• 🌐 Go to the recovery page.
• 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with your account.
• 🔑 Follow the instructions to reset your password (access to mail or email is required). SMS).

Method 2: Unlinking your account through official support

• 📄 Prepare proof of possession of the device (checks, box with) IMEI).
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Support via the official website.
• 🕒 Expect a response (may take up to 5 working days).

Method 3: EDL-bypass (only for experienced!)

If the first two methods do not help, you can use them. EDL-This is a low-level firmware mode that allows you to flash your phone even with the bootloader locked:

• 💻 Special cable EDL (board-bar).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 🔓 Official firmware in.mbn format.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Without official permission, Xiaomi may be blocked. IMEI! This method is recommended only in extreme cases and it is better to entrust it to service centers.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If your problem is not described in the table, try:

• 🔍 Find a solution on the forums Xiaomi.eu or 4PDA.
• 📹 Watch YouTube video instructions (see your phone model).
• 🛠️ Contact the service center (if the phone is guaranteed).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions