How to completely reset the Xiaomi smartphone: 5 proven ways

Why do you need to reset Xiaomi to factory settings?

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to its original performance, most often resorted to in three cases: before selling a gadget (to delete personal data), to fix software failures (for example, after a failed MIUI update), or in preparation for firmware through Fastboot. However, not all users know that a full reset via Recovery removes even data from internal memory (photos, videos, documents), while resets via settings save files in the DCIM folder.

The manufacturer offers several official methods of zeroing, but each of them has nuances. For example, a reset via Mi Account requires a tied account and only works on devices with an unlocked bootloader. But a hard reset via Fastboot may be necessary if the smartphone is not turned on or locked with a pattern lock.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (minimum 50% – when reset via Recovery, the device should not turn off).
• 📱 Backup data (use Mi Cloud or third-party services like Google Drive).
• 🔑 Access to Mi Account (if the smartphone is linked to the account).

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

This method works if your smartphone is turned on and you remember the unlock password. It saves files in DCIM, Downloads and Music folders, but deletes installed apps, accounts and system settings. The instruction is relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14.

How to perform the reset:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter the unlock password (if requested).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and after the reboot, you'll be asked to set the device up as new, and if the smartphone was tied to the Mi Account, you'll need to enter your username and password to unlock it.

Backup contacts and SMS| Write down Wi-Fi passwords (they will reset)| Make sure there is enough charge on the phone | Untie bank cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay-->

⚠️ Note: If you forget the Mi Account password, resetting through settings can block the device! in this case, you will need to unlock through Fastboot (see Method 4).

Method 2: Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the smartphone doesn't respond to touch, freezes on the logo or is locked with a pattern lock, a Recovery reset will help, which deletes all data, including files in internal memory, and returns the firmware to factory status.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the buttons Volume up + Power for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. After completion, select Reboot.

If Recovery doesn’t have Wipe All Data, try an alternative route: Wipe & Reset → Factory Reset. Some models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) may need to enter a password from Mi Account after rebooting.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lose your smartphone or it's stolen, you can reset it remotely through Find Device, which only works if you:

• 📶 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 Find the device in the Mi Account settings.

How to reset remotely:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the lost device in the list.
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.

Note that after a remote reset, the phone will be locked before the Mi Account data is entered. If you are selling the device, it is better to use a local reset (Method 1 or 2) to avoid problems with the new owner.

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Before you remotely reset, try locking your device first through Find Device – this can help you get your phone back if it’s simply lost.

Method 4: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔧 The smartphone does not turn on or hangs on the screensaver.
• 🔐 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked after reset.
• 📦 You need to flash the device through Fastboot (for example, to install custom firmware).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from the official website) MIUI Downloads).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Press Refresh to allow the program to detect the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

⚠️ Warning: Continuous use of the Fastboot for more than 30 minutes without restarting can lead to a device blink (breakdown).If the process is stalled, force the smartphone to restart, holding power for 20 seconds.

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Fastboot resets everything, including the userdata, which does not bypass the Mi Account lock, requiring official proof of ownership through Xiaomi support.

Method 5: Reset via ADB (for developers)

If you have access to the debugging ADB (included in Settings → For developers, you can zero your smartphone out of the command line, which is useful when the screen doesn't respond to touch, but you can't. USB-debugging.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the terminal (or Command Prompt in Windows).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
3. Reset: Adb shell recovery --wipe_data Or for a complete reset (including internal memory): adb shell fastboot -w

If the command doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb reboot recovery


adb shell -- wipe_data

This method doesn’t work on all MIUI firmware – some devices (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) require root rights.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset or gives a No Command error, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the reset using another method (for example, if Recovery didn’t work, try Fastboot).
• 📥 Flash the device with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔧 Contact the service center if you suspect a hardware malfunction (for example, damaged memory).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions