Xiaomi reset to factory settings: 3 proven ways + recovery tips

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

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only solution to restore the smartphone to health, a procedure that removes all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning the device to a “out of the box” state, most often resorted to in four cases:

First, if the smartphone has started to slow down or overheat for no apparent reason. Over time, the system is clogged with cache, residual files of deleted applications and fragmented data. Even regular cleaning through Settings → Storage does not always help - factory reset solves the problem at the file system level. Second, the procedure is mandatory before selling or transferring the device to another person: without it, the new owner can recover your personal data.

The third scenario is critical software failures, where the smartphone cycles to restart, fails to turn on or produces errors like com.android.phone stopped. The fourth case is preparation for custom firmware or unlocking the bootloader, where the reset is done BEFORE the unofficial software is installed to avoid conflicts with the original MIUI firmware.

Ready to Reset: 5 Steps to Avoid Losing Important Data

The main mistake users make is to start resetting without backing up. Even if you plan to bring your smartphone back to life, data can not be recovered after the procedure (unless you have used cloud services Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive).

Start with Settings → About Phone → Backup. Here, select Local Backup or Mi Cloud (requires authorization in your Xiaomi account). The local copy is saved to internal memory, but it can be transferred to your PC via a USB Type-C cable. Google Photos is more convenient for media files, it automatically syncs the images to the cloud.

Pay special attention to the associated accounts:

• 📱 Google Account: without it after resetting will not be able to download applications from the Play Market.
• 🔑 Mi Account: if you forget the username / password, unlock the smartphone after reset will be difficult (require confirmation via email or email). SMS).
• 💳 Banking applications: save login data or untie the device in the personal account of the bank.
• 🎮 Gaming accounts (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile: Link them to email or social media.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone is enabled with the function of “Find Device” in the Mi Cloud, after reset, you will need to enter a password from the Xiaomi account"!

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch. Instructions are universal for all models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5-15 minutes depending on the model, the smartphone will reboot and you will see the screen of the initial setting, as after the purchase. If the device has hung on the MI logo for more than 20 minutes, then there is an error (see the section "What to do if the reset freezes").

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If the menu does not have the option "Reset settings", try the path: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset on some firmware. POCO This section is hidden.

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

If your smartphone doesn’t respond to the power button, reboots or locks in cycles, use Recovery Mode, which works even on bricks, but requires care – incorrect actions can lead to loss of IMEI or damage to the EFS partition.

Instructions for all Xiaomi models (except Black Shark):

1. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power For POCO X3/X4: Volume up + Volume down + Power For Mi 11 Ultra: Volume up + Power (hold 20+sec)

When the MI logo appears, release the buttons. In 5-10 seconds, the Recovery menu will open.

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.

Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.

Once completed, the smartphone will automatically restart, and if the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, you have a custom recavator (e.g., TWRP) installed.

1. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage.
3. Swipe for confirmation (do not delete Vendor or Boot!).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB/Fastboot on your PC and connect the switched-off smartphone to your computer.
2. Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds to enter Fastboot Mode (a screen with a rabbit and FASTBOOT inscription).
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB and execute: fastboot devices If the device is determined (serial number will appear), type: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

These commands will completely clear the user data partition (userdata) and cache. If you need to reset all firmware (including system files), use:

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase boot




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot erase system or fastboot erase boot will remove the firmware! After that, the smartphone will not turn on without re-installation MIUI Use the Mi Flash Tool only if you are confident in your actions.

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, it deletes even the data that might have been left over from the Recovery reset, and only use it in extreme cases or before the firmware.

What to do if the reset is frozen or errors occur

Even with the right actions, the process can go wrong.

If the smartphone is stuck on the MI logo after resetting:

1. Wait 20 to 30 minutes, sometimes the system is initialized for a long time.
2. If the screen is not changing, press Power + Volume up for 20 seconds for a forced reboot.
3. Repeat the reset via Recovery Mode.
4. If the problem persists, run the smartphone through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option (delete all data and block the bootloader).

On Xiaomi models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 9/10), hardware resets sometimes help:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Extract. SIM-memory-card.
3. Press Volume Up + Power for 30 seconds (even if the screen is unresponsive).
4. Connect the charger and try again to turn on.

Recovery of the smartphone after reset: a step-by-step guide

After a successful reset, you will be greeted by the MIUI welcome screen. Take your time to set up the device - first follow these steps:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (do not use mobile Internet – you may have problems activating your Mi Account).
2. Sign in to Mi Account if it was tied before reset. Without this, some features (such as Mi Cloud or Theme Store) will not be available.

Update the firmware. After the reset, it is recommended to install the latest version of MIUI:

Settings → About the phone → System update

Set up security:

• Install. PIN-code.
• Activate Find Device in Mi Cloud (in case of phone loss).
• Turn on Google Find My Device.

If after recovery, the smartphone brakes again:

• 🛑 Don’t install all apps at once – add them gradually while watching performance.
• 🔄 Turn off autoboot for unnecessary programs: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache once a week: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔋 Check the battery health in Settings → Battery status. If the capacity is below 80%, consider replacing it.

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After resetting, Xiaomi may feel like the battery is running out faster. That's normal - the system needs 2-3 charging cycles to calibrate readings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset