How to zero Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 proven ways (2026)

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing critical bugs or preparing for a new firmware. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to Mi Account locking, data loss or even “bricking” a smartphone. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Mi Recovery and Fastboot), explain how to avoid common errors, and give a checklist for safe preparation.

Xiaomi devices are a feature of Mi Account binding, which can make it more difficult. For example, after a Recovery reset, the phone may require even the rightful owner to enter a login/password. We will explain in detail how to avoid this and what to do if the smartphone is already blocked. In the article, you will find a table of compatibility methods with different models (from Redmi Note 7 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and answers to frequent questions about data recovery after a reset.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Without backup, you will lose photos, contacts and messages — they will not be restored by standard means after reset, especially when it comes to devices with encrypted storage (such as Xiaomi 13T Pro or POCO F5).

Here's what you should check out:

• 📱 Sync with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and make sure that you have synced contacts, notes and photos. On some models (e.g. Redmi 12), this item may be called Cloud and Accounts.
• 🔐 Deleting your Google account: If you sell a phone, delete your Google account in Settings → Accounts: Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to log in to their account due to security protection FRP.
• 🔋 Battery charge: charge level must be at least 50%.When discharged through Recovery, discharging during the process may cause firmware damage.
• 📡 Stable Wi-Fi connection: If you reset through settings, your phone may require you to download the latest version of the software before resetting.

Delete Google and Mi accounts

Synchronize data with Mi Cloud

Charge your phone to 50%+

Download drivers for Fastboot (if you plan this method)

Remember the username/password from Mi Account-->

If you are resetting your phone due to freezes or errors, try other methods first:

• 🔄 Restart in Safe Mode: Press the power button, then hold your finger on the “Stop” option.
• 🛠️ Cleaning the cache: in Settings → Warehouse → Clean up select Cash applications.

⚠️ Note: If you reset Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, root access and custom Recovery (for example, after resetting) may disappear, TWRP). They'll have to re-install.

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

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models running MIUI 12-14. The main advantage is that you do not need to enter a Mi Account password after a reset, unless the phone was stolen or locked earlier.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Resetting (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Choose to Erase All Data (or Delete All Data on Newer MIUI Versions).
3. If you have the option to Clear internal storage, mark it – it will delete all files, including music and videos.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if the phone requests.
5. Confirm the action with the Reset button.

It takes 5-15 minutes. After you reboot, the phone will suggest you set it up as new. If you didn't delete your Mi Account before resetting, the system can request a username/password, which is fine.

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If after resetting the phone asks for the account of the previous owner, and you do not know him - use the official unlock form on the Xiaomi website (checks or proof of purchase are required).

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is blocked, use Mi Recovery mode, which works even on “bricks” (devices with damaged firmware), but has the risk of blocking Mi Account.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, 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.

Mi

Mi Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

If the phone requires the previous owner’s account after the reboot and you don’t know it, try:

• 📧 Enter your Mi Account details if your phone was yours.
• 🔓 Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box with) IMEI).
• 🛠️ Use it. EDL-mode (only for experienced users, requires an authorized account).

⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi Mi 9, Mi 10) may have a "This device is locked" error after reset via Recovery, which means that the bootloader is locked and further action will require unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to reset your phone with a damaged Recovery.
• 📦 You need to run a clean version. MIUI flat-fibre.
• 🔒 The device is locked Mi Account, and other methods do not help.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model (download from the official website).
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (if you haven’t unlocked before, do it via Mi Unlock Tool).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power The screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared (Mi Bunny).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and check for device detection: fastboot devices If the list is empty, install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers.
3. Download the firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
4. Unpack the archive with the firmware and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock the bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

Important: After the firmware is installed via Fastboot, the phone will be as new as the new one, but:

• 🔄 You may need to re-link your Mi Account.
• 📱 All data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔒 If the bootloader has been unlocked, it will lock again (on models with Anti-Rollback, for example, Xiaomi 12).

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring a brick back to life, but it requires technical skills. If you're not sure, go to the service center.

5 Frequent Resetting Errors and How to Fix Them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If the phone doesn’t turn on or gets stuck on the boot after reset, try:

1. Press the power button for 30 seconds.
2. Repeat the reset via Recovery or Fastboot.
3. Switching the phone through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized account and boxing, such as UFi Box).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) After a failed reset, the Anti-Rollback protection may work, in which case the phone will refuse to turn on, and you will need firmware through the phone. EDL with an official service center account.

6.How to recover data after reset

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on the reset method:

• 📱 Reset via Settings: Data is deleted software and can be recovered using DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone (only if no firmware has been reflashed).
• 🔧 Dumping through Recovery/Fastboot: data is deleted at a low level, recovery is almost impossible.

For recovery:

1. Connect your phone to your computer in MTP mode (if it is turned on).
2. Use EaseUS MobiSaver: Select file type (photos, messages) → Scan → Restore
3. If the phone doesn’t turn on, try removing the memory chip and plugging it into the PC-3000 (only in service centers).

Important: Do not write new data to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old files.

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If you only need to restore contacts, check them on your Google account (contacts.google.com) or Mi Cloud (i.mi.com).

7. reset on a locked phone (if you forgot the password)

If you forget the pattern lock, PIN or password, you can reset Xiaomi, but there are nuances:

• 🔓 Using Mi Account: On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? and log in to your Mi Account. This will work if the phone is connected to the Internet.
• 📱 Through Recovery: as described in Method 2, but after reset, Mi Account data may be required.
• 💻 Through Fastboot: If you don’t remember the data from Mi Account, this is the only way to get around the lock, but you will need to unlock the bootloader.

On models with MIUI 13+, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection is added. If you reset your phone via Recovery and do not remember the data from the Google account that was previously linked, you can only unlock the device:

• Google Find My Device (if your phone is connected to the Internet)
• Contact the service center with proof of purchase.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions