How to completely clean Xiaomi phone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks.The procedure removes all user data, applications 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, loss of important files or even “bricking” the device if the process is interrupted at a critical stage.

In this article, we will break down three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), explain how to prepare the device to minimize risks, and reveal nuances that even official instructions do not mention. POCO X5 post-discharge IMEI, Or how to get around the requirement to enter a password from an old Mi Account when activated, and we will focus on the hidden Hard Reset function, which is only available through the engineering menu on firmware. MIUI 14+.

When you really need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a universal solution, and often a problem can be solved with less radical methods. Here are 5 clear reasons why factory settings are warranted:

• 🔄 System lags and freezes: If Xiaomi brakes even after cleaning the cache, removing apps and updating MIUI, Resetting will bring back the clean system.
• 📱 Preparation for sale / transfer: Deletion of personal data (photos, messages, passwords) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔒 Screen lock: Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Find My Device is not helpful.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware: If the antivirus detects threats that are not removed by standard methods.
• 🔧 Errors after the update MIUI: For example, constant reboots or no network on Xiaomi 13 Ultra after upgrade to the new version of the new model. MIUI 15.

But there are also false reasons when the reset will not help or even aggravate the situation:

• ❌ Battery discharges: Resetting won't restore battery capacity - need replacement or calibration.
• ❌ Camera/Speaker Fails: The Problem Is Probably in the Hardware, Not the Software.
• ❌ No network (IMEI invalid: On models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C) discharge IMEI finally.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in data loss in the section /data, But it will not affect the custom firmware in /system. For complete cleaning, use the command fastboot erase userdata.

Preparing your phone before resetting: what to do

Unprepared resets can cause data loss, Mi Account problems, or even locking your device.

Make a backup copy of the data|Unplug your Mi Account (if you sell your phone)|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Check the battery level (minimum 50%)|Delete your Google account (for Android 5.0)+)-->

Pay special attention to backup, and even if you plan to recover your data later, some files may be lost permanently:

• 📁 Local files: Photos in DCIM, Videos, downloads, documents in Downloads.
• 📱 Application settings: Game saving, message history in Telegram/WhatsApp, browser-marking.
• 🔑 Passwords and tokens: Autofill data, two-factor authentication keys (2FA).

For backup, use:

If you are selling a phone, be sure to untie your Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your password (Mi Account Lock feature). On models with MIUI 13+, you also need to delete all fingerprints and graphics keys.

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Before resetting, disable the Find Device feature (Settings → Google → Security → Find Device) to prevent blocking through Factory Reset Protection (FRP) on Android 5.0 and later.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, you remember the lock password and want to save data in the Mi Account. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require additional tools.

Instructions for MIUI 12-16:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (optional, but useful for debugging).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset (on some models – Delete all data).
5. Confirm the action by entering PIN-lock-in.
6. Wait for the reboot (the device may be on longer than usual).

On POCO and some Redmis, the path may be different:

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

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from the old Mi Account, but you do not remember it, you can restore access only through the official Xiaomi website" FRP It may lead to a blockage. IMEI.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

This method is used when:

• 🔋 The phone does not respond to the switch button.
• 🔒 Forgot the lock password and Find My Device doesn’t help.
• 🐢 The device hung on the logo. MI or in a reboot cycle.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (if it is on, press the power for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO F3/F4 and Redmi K40: Power + Volume down. For older Redmi 4/5: Power + Volume up + Volume down.

MI

Recovery

From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese) select:

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

Use volume buttons for navigation and power for confirmation.

After reset, the phone will restart. If there is a "No command" error with the Android robot lying down, repeat the steps, holding Power + Volume up 10-15 seconds.

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On some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) Recovery Mode is available option Reboot to Fastboot - an alternative way to go to firmware mode if the reset via Recovery did not work.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a PC with drivers installed and an unlocked bootloader (if you plan to flash custom software), which is suitable for:

• 🔧 Restore a “brick” phone (for example, after a failed update).
• 📦 Complete cleaning of all sections (including /system and /vendor).
• 🔄 Installation of official firmware over the custom.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 5-10 seconds
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and execute: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install Xiaomi drivers.
5. For a full reset, enter alternately: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For full flashing (if the phone does not turn on even after reset), download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website and do:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, the fastboot erase userdata may not work, in which case you need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting on new accounts).

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-map, check it out:

• 📶 Network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network selection (select operator manually).
• 🔧 Availability of updates MIUI: Sometimes network bugs are fixed in new versions.
• 📱 Physical state of the slot SIM: Try another card or clear your contacts.

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On Qualcomm Snapdragon models (such as Xiaomi 11T Pro) 5G may be missing after reset. To return support, go to the engineering menu (#4636###) and select NR/LTE/TDS/CDMA in the network settings.

Reset on a locked phone: bypass FRP and Mi Account Lock

If you bought Xiaomi “hands-on” and the previous owner did not untie the account, after resetting the phone will require you to enter a username / password from Mi Account. This is Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which is activated on Android 5.1+.

It is not possible to get around it officially, but there are legitimate ways:

1. Contact the previous owner: Ask them to remove the device from the list of trusted users on the Mi Account website.
2. Provide proof of purchase: Contact Xiaomi with a check or sales contract.
3. EDL mode: Some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) can flash the device through Emergency Download Mode using the Mi Flash Tool (requires an authorized developer account).

⚠️ Warning: Use of “screwsters" FRP (for example, through ADB or SP Flash Tool can lead to:

• 🚫 Blocking IMEI (MediaTek).
• 🔒 Loss of warranty.
• 📵 Constant failures in the communication module.

The forums often advise using the Mi Account Unlock Tool, but these tools are:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Payment is required (often fraud).
• 🔓 May contain viruses.
• ⚖️ Violate the Xiaomi user agreement.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions