How to completely reset the settings on the Xiaomi smartphone: 5 proven ways

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a device for sale to eliminating critical errors in the system. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to the loss of important data, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. This article will help you understand all the nuances of the procedure, including hidden features of MIUI, the features of working with different models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and ways to circumvent typical problems.

We'll look at not only the standard methods through the settings menu, but also alternatives for cases when the phone is not turned on or locked, especially saving data before reset, working with Recovery Mode and Fastboot, and also understand why sometimes after reset, the device requires you to enter the old password. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and newer versions.

1. When you need a reset on Xiaomi and what is it dangerous

A full reset (or hard reset) returns the smartphone to factory status by removing:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data
• 🔑 Settings of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile network
• 📁 Personal files (photos, videos, documents) – if no backup is made
• 🔒 Passwords, fingerprints, Mi Account data (under certain conditions)

The main reasons for discharge are:

• 🐢 Strong slowdown of the device (especially important for models with 3-4 GB RAM of the Redmi type 9A)
• 🔄 Preparing the phone for sale or transfer to another user
• 🛠 Fixing software failures (endless reboots, application errors)
• 🔐 Restoration of access in case of loss of the pattern lock (with reservations)

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12+ And those who are tied to Mi Accounts may need to log in/password from your account after resetting, even if you've disabled it).

What does not solve the resetting settings:

• 🚫 Hardware problems (broken screen, faulty battery)
• 🚫 Fastboot firmware damage (if the system doesn’t boot at all)
• 🚫 Lockdown IMEI (A separate recovery procedure is required)

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Before resetting the settings, be sure to follow the following steps:

Make a backup copy through Mi Cloud|Copy photo/video on PC or external drive|Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account|Make sure it's on the phone. ≥30% charge|Disable factory protection (if you plan to sell)-->

Ways to create a backup:

Important: If you are using a Redmi Note 11/12 or a newer model with MIUI 14, local backup may not save data from some system applications (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Music), in which case it is better to duplicate files manually.

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Before reset, disable the binding of bank cards in Google Pay and Mi Pay - after zeroing them will have to be configured again with confirmation via SMS.

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

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the pattern lock./PIN-code
• 📶 The device is not locked by Mi Account

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (optional, but useful for optional options)
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset
4. Click Reset (on some models – Erase all data)
5. Select Delete Internal Memory (if you want to delete everything, including files)
6. Enter the device password (if installed)
7. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings

It takes 3-10 minutes, and after the restart, you'll be asked to set the phone up as new, and at that point you can recover data from the backup or skip the step.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ After a reset, you may be asked to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you have previously disabled it. This is due to the Find Device function. To avoid blocking, disable it in advance in Settings. → Mi Account → Find Device.

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

Use this method if:

• 🔄 The device hung on the logo. MI or endlessly reboots
• 🔓 Forgot the pattern lock, but remember the data from the Mi Account
• 📵 The screen doesn't respond to touch, but the phone turns on

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds)
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power For Redmi Note 8/9/10: Volume up + Volume down + Power For POCO F3/F4: Volume up + Power (hold 10+sec)

MI

Further action:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection
2. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware)
3. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data
4. After completion, select Reboot to restart.

Important: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese.

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Recovery removes ALL data without recovery. If the phone is just slowing down, try resetting the cache first (Wipe Cache Partition in the same menu).

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a connection to a PC and is used in cases of:

• 🔧 Software failures after failed update
• 🔒 Locking the bootloader (bootloader)
• 📱 Unable to log in to Recovery Mode

Tools required:

• 🖥 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Tools
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download only from [official website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index))

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot: Press Volume Down + Power The screen should appear the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo)
2. Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by the command: fastboot devices If the list is empty – install Mi USB Driver drivers
3. For a complete reset, run the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

On devices with a locked bootloader (most modern Xiaomi) before reset via Fastboot, you need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock utility.

⚠️ Attention: The wrong commands in Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure what you're doing, go to the service center. 13/14 Anti-Rollback protection.

6. Method 4: Reset via Find Device (if the phone is lost or stolen)

If you don’t have physical access to your device, but it’s tied to your Mi Account, you can remotely reset your device via Find Device:

1. Go to [i.mi.com](https://i.mi.com) and log in.
2. Select your device from the list (should be online)
3. Click to erase data and confirm the action
4. Wait for the command to be executed (may take up to 30 minutes)

Limitations of the method:

• 📶 The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔋 Charge level ≥15%
• 🔒 The device must not be turned off or in aircraft mode

After a remote reset, the phone will automatically unplug your Mi Account, making this method useful when selling the device remotely.

7.Frequent post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after successful resetting, users face typical difficulties:

If you lose access to internal memory after the reset (the phone asks you to format the data), don't agree right away.

1. Connect your phone to your PC and copy the data through ADB: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\
2. Use DiskDigger utilities to restore files

8. Alternative methods of discharge for specific cases

For rare situations where standard methods do not work:

• 🔧 Dumping through ADB: If debugging mode is enabled, you can execute the command: adb shell recovery --wipe_data Works on MIUI 12-14 without losing access to Fastboot.
• 🔄 TestPoint Reset: Hardware method for unlocking bootloader on Redmi models 6/7/8. Details about TestPoint The method consists in closing contacts on the board for forced transfer to mode EDL. Used to bypass Mi Account lock on older devices.Risk of board damage — 30-50%, Recommended only in service centers.
• 📱 Reset via service menu: On some models (e.g, POCO X3) code: ##7378423## After entering, select Wipe Data (not working on the code) MIUI 14+).

For devices with HyperOS (new models 2026), the reset process may be different, in particular, in Recovery Mode there is an additional Repair System point that tries to restore the system without completely cleaning the data.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions