How to clean Xiaomi phone to factory settings: safe ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution when selling a device, fixing software failures or after a virus attack.The procedure removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, an improper reset can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account account, loss of important files or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, we’ll look at three proven reset methods (via the settings menu, Recovery Mode and Mi Flash Tool), as well as instructions for saving data before cleaning. We’ll look at the nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), explain how to bypass the lock after a reset, and warn against typical errors. If you’re planning to sell a phone or it has become braking for no reason, read on.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before cleaning

Reset without backup is how to format a hard drive without saving files. Even if you're sure there's nothing important on your phone, check these folders at least:

• 📸 DCIM/Camera — Photos and videos (including hidden.thumbnails folders)
• 📄 Download - documents, PDF, APK-file
• 🎵 Music and Ringtones – audio files, including recorded voice notes
• 📱 MIUI/Backup — backup SMS, Calls and notes (if created)

Use:

• 🖥️ Computer: Connect the phone to USB file transfer (MTP) And copy the folders manually.
• ☁️ Cloud: Google Drive, Mi Cloud (up to 5 GB free) or Telegram (Favorites Channel").
• 🔄 Third-party applications: Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup (for app backup).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is synced to Mi Account, you may need to enter a password from your Xiaomi account after reset. Make sure you remember the username and password - otherwise the phone will turn into a "brick" with an account request the first time you turn on.

Make sure battery power > 50% | Copy photos and videos on PC|Export contacts to VCF|Record username/password from Mi Account|Deactivate Google Account (Settings → Accounts)

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

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, not locked with a pattern lock and you have access to the menu. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS on new models).

Steps:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Memory (or Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset on Older Versions).
2. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
3. Fly through the warning and click Reset settings.
4. Enter the request PIN-Lock screen code or password from Mi Account.
5. Confirm the action – the phone will restart and start cleaning (it will take 3-10 minutes).

On some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) the path may be different:

Settings → System and device → Additional → Resetting settings

⚠️ Note: If you do not disable your Google Account before resetting (in Settings) → Accounts, after rebooting, the phone may require login and password from the last associated Gmail account. FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

Yeah, through the settings menu.|Yes, through Recovery Mode.|No, never.|I tried it, but there were problems.-->

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

Recovery Mode is an emergency boot mode that works even if the system doesn't start.

• 🔄 Devices with looped loading (logo Mi or POCO burns endlessly).
• 🔒 Phones with forgotten pattern lock.
• 🦠 Smartphones infected with viruses that block access to settings.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO X3, Redmi Note 10: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi Recovery

• On older versions: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
• MIUI 13+: Clear Data → Format Data
• Confirm the action (with a Power button or sensor if supported).
• After cleaning, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — data-cleaning.
• 🔄 — restart.

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

This method is used if:

• 🔧 The phone does not respond to buttons and does not load into Recovery.
• 📦 You need to reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 Smartphone blocked by Mi Account after reset.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows 7-11.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (download here).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers (they come with the package).
2. Unpack the firmware (file with.tgz extension) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-ear (Fastboot logo).

Mi Flash Tool

Refresh

Select

• Clean All – Complete cleaning (recommended).
• Clean All and Lock – Clean + Lock bootloader (for experienced ones only!)
• Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool deletes all data without recovery, including files in internal memory. If the phone was linked to Mi Account, after firmware may need to enter a login / password.

1. Repeat the process with another firmware version (e.g., select EEA instead of Global).

2 Hold the power button for 30-60 seconds for forced reboot.

3. Check cable and port USB — Sometimes the problem is poor contact.-->

5.How to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset

If after resetting the phone requires the username and password from Mi Account, it means that previously activated the security mechanism Xiaomi.

• 🔑 You have access to the attached email/phone.
• 📱 The phone was not stolen (in this case, the lock is removed only through the official service).

Methods of unlocking:

1. Through Xiaomi: Go to account.xiaomi.com. Log in to the account that your phone is linked to. Under Devices, find your smartphone and click Delete Device.
2. Through Find Device: Install Find Device on another Xiaomi phone. Sign in with the same account. Select a locked device and click Delete Account.

Non-legal methods (such as use) EDL-Regime or paid services may be permanently blocked IMEI It's not worth the risk!

💡

If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, always check if the Mi Account is untied. To do this, reboot your phone and try resetting your settings. If you request an account, refuse to buy!

6. Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems after a reset.Here's the top-5 mistakes and their solutions:

If the phone is slowing down after reset, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Worn-out battery (check battery health in Settings) → Battery).
• 📉 Outdated firmware (update through Settings) → Updating the system).
• 🧩 Application conflict (install only the necessary programs).

7.What to do after resetting: setting up your phone from scratch

Once it's reset successfully, it'll be like new, to get it back to working.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi: This is necessary to activate Google Services and download updates.
2. Log in to the accounts: 📧 Google (to access the Play Market). 🔑 Mi Account (if you plan to use branded services).
3. Recover the data: ☁️ From the cloud (Google Drive or Mi Cloud). 🖥️ From the computer (copy files back).

Set up security.

• Add a fingerprint (Settings → Password and security).
• Enable encryption (Settings → Additional → Encryption).
• Install the necessary applications: Do not download everything – start with instant messengers, banking applications and social networks.

To expedite the work:

• 🚀 Turn off animation: Settings → Special facilities → Remove animations.
• 🔄 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Background restriction.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache once a month: Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.

💡

To avoid resetting, update your firmware regularly and don't install apps from unknown sources. Use Google Play Protect to scan for viruses.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions