How to roll back Xiaomi to factory settings: 4 working ways + problem solving

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a procedure that can be necessary in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing critical system failures. However, an improperly performed reset can lead to locking the device (especially on models with Mi Account reference), loss of data or even “bricking” the gadget. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of resetting for Xiaomi 2026 devices, including hidden nuances that are not written in the standard instructions.

It is important to understand that the process differs depending on the version of MIUI, smartphone model and even the firmware region. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with global firmware, resetting through Settings can take up to 10 minutes, while on the Redmi Note 12 with the Chinese version of MIUI, you will need additional unlocking of the bootloader. We will look at universal methods, and also point to “pitfalls” for specific product lines.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure begins

Before starting the reset, follow the mandatory steps – this will save you from losing important data and unforeseen blocking:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50%. on Xiaomi models 12T and newer reset at low charge can be interrupted due to optimization of power consumption MIUI.
• 📱 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup or using Mi Cloud.Please note: backups MIUI do not store data of certain applications (for example, WhatsApp or banking programs).
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the Mi Account data. On devices with Mi Cloud Lock (most models after 2020), you will need to enter a login / password after reset.
• 📡 Untie your device from your Google account (if you use it) and this will prevent problems with your device. FRP-Factory Reset Protection on Android 9 and later.

Pay special attention to your device models. For example, on POCO F5 and Xiaomi Pad 6, a reset via Recovery can result in data loss on the memory card if it is encrypted. Check this in Settings → Storage → Encryption.

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If you sell a phone, remember to log out of all accounts (Mi, Google, social networks) and disable the Find Device feature in Mi Cloud. The buyer will not be able to activate the smartphone if your account remains linked.

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

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices based on MIUI 12-14. The main advantage is simplicity and minimal risk of errors.

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch;
• 🔓 You know the pattern lock./PIN-code;
• 🚫 No hardware damage to the screen.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Resetting (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Reset – these are different options!).
3. Enter the password from the lock screen if necessary.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything. The process will take 5-15 minutes.

Once you reboot, you'll be asked to set your phone up as new, and you may have a Mi Account request, which is normal for devices with an account link, and if you forget your password, use the unlock instructions below.

Battery level of charge|Backup of data|Unbinding Google account|Knowing the password from Mi Account (if tied)|Disable the function "Find the device"-->

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

If Xiaomi’s smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is locked, a Recovery Mode reset will help.This method works on 90% of devices, but has nuances:

• ⚠️ On some models (for example, Xiaomi 11 Lite) NE) Recovery can be blocked if the bootloader has not previously been unlocked.
• 🔧 After resetting via Recovery on devices with MIUI 13+ Re-activation may be required through the Mi Account.
• 📱 On older models (until 2019), the Recovery interface can be in Chinese – use a translator or navigate by icons.

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Power + Volume up; For POCO X3/Redmi Note 10: Power + Volume up + Volume down; For Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (Android One): Power + Volume down.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection):

1. Select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can lead to complete data loss or "bricking" of the device. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Connect the phone to your computer, holding Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type: fastboot devices Make sure the device is determined (serial number should appear).
4. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For devices with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro, etc.) before reset will require unlocking through the official Mi Unlock tool. the process takes up to 72 hours due to the Xiaomi check.

5. Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (if the phone is locked)

If Xiaomi requires you to enter data from Mi Account after a reset and you forgot them, there are several ways to unlock:

To recover the password from Mi Account:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Select Forgot Password? and specify the attached email or phone number.
3. Follow the instructions in the letter or SMS.

If you don’t have access to your email/phone, try to restore your account via Mi Cloud from another Xiaomi device where you are logged in.

1. Open the Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account.
2. Select Account Management → Security → Access Restoration.

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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy, so unlocking after a reset may require not only a password from Mi Account, but also an SMS or email confirmation, even if you remember the login details.

6. Frequent errors after reset and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, Xiaomi users face problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔄 Phone Cycle Reboots (bootloop): Reason: Damaged firmware or incompatible version MIUI. Solution: Fastboot your phone with the official firmware from en.miui.com.
• 🔒 Requires a password from Mi Account but you don't remember it: Reason: Mi Cloud Lock feature activated.Solution: Use the unlock instruction above.
• 📵 Network fails after reset: Reason: Reset parameter IMEI Or a modem setting error. Solution: Fastboot modem reflash or restore. IMEI using the engineering menu (#4636##).
• 🔋 Battery discharges quickly: Reason: After reset, the system indexes files and optimizes applications. Solution: Let the phone run for 1-2 days or perform Battery Optimization in Settings → Battery.

⚠️ Warning: If the screen says “This device is locked” on a red background, it means that the bootloader is locked and the Mi Account data is incorrect. In this case, an independent solution to the problem is almost impossible - you need to contact the service center with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).

7.How to avoid data loss during a reset

Many users mistakenly believe that factory resets erase all data without recovery, and in fact, with the right approach, you can save most of the information:

• 📁 Photos and videos: Copy them on PC via MTP (File transfer mode) or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud, on models with MIUI 14 Use the backup function to the cloud (Settings) → The phone. → Backup).
• 📱 Contact and SMS: Export contacts to.vcf file via Contacts → Settings → Import/Export. SMS Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Game and App Data: Use built-in backup features in games (such as Genshin Impact or GIG). PUBG Mobile is linked to accounts. For WhatsApp, back up to Google Drive (Settings) → chat → Backup copy).

💡 Tip: If you plan to sell your phone, format your memory card (if it has been encrypted) through Settings before resetting. → Warehouse → Memory map → Format it. Otherwise, the new owner won't be able to use it.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions