How to reset Xiaomi Mi to factory settings: 3 working ways + data recovery

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi to factory settings is a radical solution that brings the smartphone back out of the box, removing all user data, apps, settings, and even system updates (in some cases), most commonly in four situations:

1) Selling or transferring a phone so that the new owner does not have access to your accounts, photos or correspondence, even if you delete files manually, they can be restored by special programs.

2) System failures: the phone brakes, spontaneously restarts, does not respond to touch or "hangs" on the Mi logo. Often this is due to software conflicts after updates or installing incompatible applications. Reset helps restore stability.

3) Virus removal: If the antivirus detects malware that is not removed by standard methods, resetting is the only reliable way to get rid of it. Viruses can disguise themselves as system files, and manual cleaning is not always effective.

4) Firmware preparation: Before installing custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience), it is recommended to reset the device to avoid installation errors.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Mi models with a locked bootloader, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot can lead to activation of Mi Account protection. If you do not remember your account details, the phone will turn into a "brick." Check the lock status in advance!

Before you start the procedure, make sure that the problem really requires such drastic measures. For example, if the phone just slows down, try:

• 🧹 Clean the cache manually through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Update to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🚫 Remove unused apps and disable autoboot via Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 🔋 Check battery status (wearing more than 50% often causes lags).

Ready to Reset: What to Do to Avoid Losing Important Data

Resetting to factory settings permanently removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and images from messengers).
• 📱 Contacts that are not synced to Google or Mi Cloud.
• 💬 Communications in SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers.
• 🎵 Music, downloads and documents.
• 🎮 Save in games (unless linked to an account).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords saved in the browser logins.

It is almost impossible to recover this data after reset (especially if disk encryption is enabled).

Methods of backup

For a full backup, we recommend combining methods.

1. Sync your contacts and emails through Google.
2. Save photos in Google Photos or on a memory card.
3. Make a local copy of the apps and settings through the Mi PC Suite.
4. Export correspondence from messengers (in WhatsApp: Settings → Chat → Backup).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi Mi 11 or later with the Data Protection feature (c Settings) → Password and security, after reset, you will need to enter the old PIN-- A code or a pattern lock. Write it down in advance!

Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)|Disable the protection of the pattern lock (if you do not remember it)-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch. It does not require a computer or special knowledge. MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (on some models – Resetting).
4. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
5. If requested PIN-code or password - enter it.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone (on some firmware - Delete everything).
7. Wait for the process to be completed (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it. If the phone requests Mi Account data, enter the tied account. On models with the unlocked bootloader, you can skip this step.

What to do if the Reset menu is not available?

On some firmware (e.g., the global version of MIUI for Xiaomi Mi A1/A2), the path may differ:

Settings → System → Additional → Reset parameters → Delete all data

💡

If the phone is slowing down and does not allow you to open the settings, try to restart it in Safe Mode (hold the switch off button → “Reboot in Safe Mode”). In this mode, all third-party applications are turned off, and the reset will go faster.

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

If the Xiaomi Mi doesn’t load beyond the logo, freeze or lock, use Recovery, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires physical access to the phone’s buttons.

Step 1: Enter Recovery Mode

Turn off the phone (if it's stuck, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).

1. Press the power button + volume button.

In the Recovery menu, volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection) can be controlled. On new models (Mi 10/11/12), touch control can be provided.

Step 2: Selection of a discharge point

From the Recovery menu, select:

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

On some firmware, the path may look like this:

Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data → Yes

Once confirmed, the cleanup process will begin. It will take 2 to 10 minutes. Once completed, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Mi models with encrypted storage (File-Based Encryption feature, FBE) After resetting via Recovery, the phone may require you to enter the old password. If you don't remember it, the device will become unusable! What if Recovery Mode doesn't open? If after holding the buttons, the phone vibrates but the menu doesn't appear, try: 1. Connect the charger (sometimes helps with a discharged battery). 2. Use the power combination + Reduce volume (on some models, for example, Mi 9) SE). 3. Repeat the attempt 30 seconds after the complete shutdown. If nothing helps, proceed to the reset via Fastboot (Method 3.) Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users) This method is used if: 🔧 The phone does not respond to buttons and is not included in Recovery. 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!). 📥 You need to flash the device after the reset: 💻 Computer with Windows or macOS. 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged). 🛠 Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK. 🔋 Charging the phone battery at least 30%. Step. 1: Installation of drivers and tools 1. Download and install official Xiaomi drivers for your model. 2. Install Platform Tools from Android SDK Download the Mi Flash Tool. 3. Unpack the archive in a folder. C:\platform-tools (for convenience. 2: Fastboot Phone Turn off the phone. Then: Press the power button + Hold it until you see a screen that says Fastboot and a robot image. USB. Step. 3: Open Command Prompt (cmd) on behalf of the administrator and go to the folder with Platform Tools: cd C:\platform-tools If the serial number of the device appears in the answer, enter the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot The phone will restart and begin the cleaning procedure. This method does not remove firmware, only user data. 💡Reset via Fastboot does not delete Mi Account! If the phone was linked to the account, after the reboot you will need to enter the username and password. To bypass the lock, you need an unlocked bootloader and firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. What to do after the reset: Initial configuration and data recovery After a successful reset, Xiaomi Mi will start in initial setup mode. Follow the instructions on the screen: Select a language (Russian or English); connect to a Wi-Fi network (recommended to recover data from the cloud); enter Mi Account details (if the phone was tied); set up a fingerprint/face (optional). Restore data from backup (if it was made) Data recovery Depending on the backup method: 📱 Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore and select the desired copy. ☁ Google: When you first start, the system will offer to restore contacts, apps and settings from your Google account. 💻 Local Copy: Connect your phone to your PC and transfer files manually or use Mi PC Suite. if you made a backup through TWRP (Custom Recovery, install it again and restore data through the Restore menu. Checking the phone after reset After data recovery: Update the software to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Update system. Check the camera, speakers, microphone and sensors. Install antivirus (like Dr.Web or Kaspersky) and scan the system. Set up autosynchronization (Settings) → Accounts. → Synchronization). ⚠️ Warning: If the phone is slower after reset than before the procedure, check: Is the animation of the interface enabled (Settings) → Special facilities → Remove animations. Are there any viruses installed in the recovered files (check with antivirus) Are the storages full (clear the cache in Settings) → Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them Even when following the instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common errors and their solutions: Error Reason Decision Phone asks for old password after reset Encrypted data (FBE) Factory Reset Protection Protection (FRP) Enter the password from the previous lock. If you do not remember - you need firmware through Fastboot with the removal of frp Reset is interrupted by 50% and the phone does not turn on Settled battery or damaged firmware Charge the phone for 30 minutes, then repeat the reset via Recovery. If it doesn’t help, run through Fastboot After resetting there is no network (does not catch). SIM-Map) Modem firmware or incorrect settings have been dropped APN Update the software or manually add settings APN Operator (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)) Cannot log in to Mi Account after reset Phone is tied to the account, and the data entered incorrect Restoring access through the Mi Account website. If the account is deleted – it requires unlocking the Recovery Mode bootloader not opening Damaged Volume button or Recovery firmware Use Fastboot or connect the phone to your PC and flash Recovery through Mi Flash Tool If none of the methods helped, there may be a problem in the hardware (damaged memory, controller, etc.) In this case, contact the Xiaomi service center. How to find out if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi Mi? Connect the phone to your PC, translate to Fastboot and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer is Device unlocked: True is unlocked. If false is locked. Unlock is only possible through Xiaomi's official permission (Mi Unlock website). FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Mi Reset: Can You Reset Xiaomi Mi Without Losing Data? No, factory reset removes all user data from internal memory. However, you can: Save individual files (photos, videos) to a memory card or PC; sync contacts and notes with Google or Mi Cloud; Use Cache Clearance in Settings → Storage (does not delete personal files). If the goal is to speed up the phone, try cleaning the cache first through Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition), it does not affect user data. MIUI No, factory reset doesn't roll back the firmware version. MIUI, However: If you reset through Fastboot with firmware, you can install any version (including the older version). A1/A2 With Android One, a reset can bring back Android stock firmware without a shell MIUI. How to reset Xiaomi Mi if you forget the lock password? PIN-A code, a pattern lock, or a password, but remember the Mi Account, do this: Turn off the phone. + Volume up to enter Recovery. select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. After you reboot, enter your Mi Account when the phone requests it. If the Mi Account is also forgotten, you will need to: Restore your account through the Xiaomi site. Or unlock the bootloader and flash the phone through Fastboot (remove the account binding). ⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Mi) 11/12/13 And newer) bypass Mi Account without account data is impossible! How long does it take to reset Xiaomi Mi? Time depends on the method and model of the phone: Through the settings menu: 5–15 - Through Recovery: 10–20 Minutes (longer on older models with eMMC drive). Through Fastboot: 2–5 (only clear the userdata partition) if the process is more than a few minutes long 30 It's a problem, maybe: phone's dead (charging), memory is damaged (diagnosis required), firmware is damaged (flashing needs) Can I cancel the reset after the process starts? No, you can't interrupt the reset without risking damage to the firmware. If you turn off the phone during the procedure: On models with eMMC (e.g. Mi) 8/9) It's a firmware that could go off. UFS (Mi 10/11/12) The best case scenario is that the phone will reboot, but the data will be partially erased. 20 Wait for the battery to discharge or force the phone to restart (hold the power button). 15+ seconds, and then repeat the procedure.