How to completely clean the Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why you need a full Xiaomi reset and when to do it

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to restore the device to health, which removes all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state, most often in three cases:

First, if the device started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. Second, when preparing the phone for sale - so that the new owner does not get access to your personal information. Third, the reset helps to eliminate critical system errors caused by improper rooting or installing custom firmware. However, before you start, it is important to understand: this is not a panacea for hardware problems (for example, a broken screen or a failed battery).

Xiaomi warns that after a reset, the device may require re-authorization in the Mi Account, especially if the Find Device function was previously activated. Without a password from the account, it will be impossible to unlock the phone after a reset. This is a measure of protection against theft, but it can also create problems if you forget the login data.

Preparation for discharge: 5 mandatory steps

The unpleasant surprise after a reset is the loss of all photos, contacts and messages. To avoid this, complete a full backup in advance.

• 📱 Sync your contacts and calendars with your Google or Mi Cloud account (check Settings). → Accounts).
• 📷 Copy photos and videos to your computer or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex.Disk).
• 🔐 Write down passwords from Wi-Fi, apps and Mi Account – after resetting them will have to enter again.
• 💾 Keep a backup copy. MIUI through settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% – interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to “bricking".

Pay special attention to tied services. If you've used Mi Pay, Xiaomi Cloud or note sync, you'll need to reauthorize after the reset. MDM-Profile (for example, if issued by the employer) – in this case, after the reset, confirmation from the administrator may be required.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, it is the simplest and least risky, the instructions are relevant for all models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on MIUI 12-14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on some models).
3. Slip on Reset (may be called Reset and Reset).
4. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes. The phone will reboot several times -- don't interrupt it, even if the screen stays black for a long time. Once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is blocked after a failed update, resetting through Recovery mode will help. This method is more risky - if you make an error, you can damage the firmware.

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Keep Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the power button, but keep Volume up until the Recovery menu appears.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
5. Confirm the reset by choosing Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Note: In some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese. Look for characters (clear data) and (confirm). If you are not sure, you should contact the service center.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and is suitable for cases where:

• Recovery is damaged or missing;
• The phone is locked after the firmware;
• You need to bypass Mi Account Lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, execute: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: This method erases all data without recovery, including files in internal memory, and may not work correctly on devices with a locked bootloader. fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: false is in response, a Fastboot reset may cause the device to be thrown.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Xiaomi will offer to go through the initial setup.

1. Language and Region Choice: Set the right region (Russia/Ukraine/Kazakhstan) to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Without the internet, you won’t be able to log in to your Mi Account or download updates.
3. Sign in to Mi-account: If previously the device binding was activated, you will need to enter the username and password.
4. Data recovery: The system will offer to restore a backup from Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
5. Security setting: Install a new one PIN-code, fingerprint or pattern lock.

If after reset, the phone requires confirmation of the old Mi Account, but you do not remember the password, use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com. In extreme cases, you may need to contact support with a confirmation of purchase (check or box).

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If after resetting the phone began to work slower than before, try to turn off the animation system. To do this, activate the developer mode (7 times tap the build number in About Phone), then in the developer settings set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Duration of the animator on Off.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems.-5 Errors and ways to prevent them:

• 🔄 Interruption of the discharge process → Always wait until the screen is complete (even if the screen is black 10).+ minute).
• 🔒 Forgotten password from Mi-account → Before resetting, check if you remember the login/password or the linked phone number.
• 📱 Discharge with discharged battery → Charge your phone to at least 50%, otherwise you risk getting a brick".
• 🔧 Using Fastboot on a blocked bootloader → Check the lock status with the command fastboot oem device-info.
• 📁 No backup. → Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive for automatic backup.

Especially dangerous is resetting on custom firmware devices (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), in which case the phone may stop loading after reset, the solution is to flash stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2, POCO F1) If you plan to continue using custom firmware, re-unblock Bootloader through the official tool Xiaomi.

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If the phone doesn't turn on or freezes on the logo after the reset, don't try to re-dump it through Recovery.This can make the problem worse. Instead, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions