How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why You Need a “Clean” Firmware and When to Use It

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get the device back on track, which removes all user data, apps and settings, bringing the smartphone or tablet back out of the box, most often in three cases:

First, if the device is stuck in a bootloop after a failed update or custom firmware installation; second, when the MIUI starts to slow down for no apparent reason — lags, spontaneous reboots, application errors; and third, before selling or transferring the gadget to another user to prevent leakage of personal data.

It is important to understand that resetting does not always solve hardware problems (for example, a dead battery or a damaged motherboard). But it is effective in software failures, viruses or “cluttering” the system. On new models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12), the procedure takes 5-10 minutes, on old ones (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) – up to 20 minutes due to slow memory.

Preparing for reset: what to save and how to avoid mistakes

Before resetting Xiaomi, follow the mandatory steps, otherwise you risk losing important data without the possibility of recovery:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or Mi Cloud. This will save contacts, SMS, Wi-Fi notes and settings.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. When discharged during reset, the device can turn into a brick».
• 🔐 Find out the version. MIUI (Settings → It's a good idea if you want to flash it over the Fastboot.
• 📡 Disable your Mi Account (if you plan to sell the device). → Xiaomi account → Get out.

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. If you have previously done it (for example, to install TWRP), after resetting via Fastboot, it may be necessary to re-unblock. On new devices (Xiaomi 12T and later), this takes up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi's security policy.

⚠️ Note: If the device has Find Device enabled, you will need to enter your Mi Account password after reset, even if you logged out in advance. → Xiaomi account → Find Device.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for working devices)

The easiest method is to use the built-in Recovery and Reset feature, which is suitable if the device is turned on, touch-sensitive and not locked with a pattern lock. The instructions are relevant for all models on MIUI 12-14, including POCO and Black Shark:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Recovery and Reset (on some firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Select “Reset” (or “Erase all data”).
3. The system will tell you what to delete: 📱 Annexes and their data 📂 Media files (photos, videos, music) 📞 Contacts and messages (if not synced with Mi Cloud)

password/pattern lock

MI

Devices with MIUI 14 and later may request account confirmation even when Find Device is disabled, due to Xiaomi's security policy, if you forget your password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com before you start the procedure.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery Mode, which works even on locked devices, but requires physical access to the buttons.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the device (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 📱 For most models: Nutrition + Loudness up. 🎮 For Black Shark: Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down. 📺 For Mi. TV Stick: connect to USB pinched.

Hold on until the Mi Recovery logo appears (usually 5-15 seconds).

Recovery

Nutrition

• 🌐 Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• 🔄 Reboot → Reboot to System (Reboot).

On some devices (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese, in which case, focus on the icons: "" (Wipe Data) and " (Reboot).

⚠️ Warning: If the device is reset via Recovery, it is a sign of damaged firmware, in which case you will need to flash it through Fastboot (method 3).

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot and Mi Flash (for experienced)

This is the last chance to bring the device back to life if the first two don't work, and it involves completely flashing through the computer and requiring:

• 💻 Windows PC 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked, follow the official instructions).
• 📦 Fastboot firmware for your model (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
3. Turn off the device and turn to Fastboot mode: Algorithm: Power + Volume down (hold 10 seconds) A hare in a hat-eared hat with the inscription "Fastboot" will appear on the screen.
4. Connect the device to a PC. In Mi Flash, press Refresh, the program must determine the device.
5. Select the firmware folder, select the “Clean all” mode and click “Flash”.
6. Wait for the finish (5-15 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.

After flashing through Fastboot, all data, including IMEI and serial number, will be saved, but the Mi Account will be re-linked. If you forget the password, restore it IMPORTANT - otherwise the device will be blocked!

1. USB cable and port (try another cable).

2. firmware version (must coincide with the model of the device).

3. Drivers presence (Device Manager should not have exclamation points near Xiaomi)>).-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

• 🔄 Cyclical reset after discharge → Reason: Firmware damaged. Solution: Fastboot your device with the option "Clean all and lock».
• 🔒 Requires a password from the Mi Account after resetting → Reason: Find Device enabled. Solution: Restore your password to account.xiaomi.com.
• ⚡ Discharge interrupted due to discharge → Reason: Battery is under 30%.Solution: Charge the device for at least 1 hour before the procedure.
• 🖥️ Mi Flash does not see the device → Reason: no drivers or bootloader locked Solution: Install drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 📱 Touchscreen doesn’t work for Recovery → Reason: Display module damaged. Solution: Use volume buttons to navigate.

On devices with MIUI Global Stable, the error "This device is locked" may appear after the reset. This means that the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the official tool (it requires a tied Mi Account and a wait of up to 72 hours).

💡

If the device requires an old Wi-Fi password after reset, or SIM-Just skip a step or enter any symbol, the system will suggest reconfiguring the network.

Recovery of data after reset: what can be returned

If you haven't backed up, the chances of getting your data back are minimal, but there are.

• 📱 Contact and SMS: If they were synced to Mi Cloud or Google, they will recover automatically when they first connect to the Internet.
• 📷 Photos and Videos: Use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (only if you haven’t reflashed your device via Fastboot!).
• 🎮 If the games are linked to a Google Play or Mi Account, progress will recover after re-installation.
• 📂 Memory card files: Formatting internal memory does not affect SD-Take it out and plug it into the PC.

To recover data from internal memory, don't use the first program you see, many of them contain viruses or corrupt the remaining files.

• Dr.Fone (paid but with a free trial)
• EaseUS MobiSaver (supports Xiaomi on a Qualcomm chip).
• 7-Data Recovery (works with devices on MediaTek)

Important: Don't write new data to your device after a reset if you're planning a recovery. Each new file reduces your chances of success.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions