How to roll back Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: all methods + instructions for MIUI 14/15

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a procedure that can solve most smartphone problems, from bugs in MIUI to full unlock before sale. But not everyone knows that an incorrect reset can lock the device through Mi Account (if you do not untie the account in advance) or lose data without the possibility of recovery. This article covers all the current ways to reset devices on MIUI 14/15, including hidden nuances for models with HyperOS.

We’ll break down not only the standard reset, but also the methods for “bricks” (when the phone doesn’t turn on), and explain why some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) require additional action due to hardware protection. If you plan to sell the phone or transfer it to another person, here you will find a checklist for a complete clean without risk to the new owner.

Warning: Reset is not a panacea. If the problem is caused by physical damage (for example, a fall or moisture), factory settings will not fix it. In such cases, a diagnosis is required at the service center. Also remember that after the reset, Xiaomi may require data input from the associated Mi Account - this is more detailed in the section on unlocking.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before cleaning

The first rule is never to drop your phone spontaneously, and even if the device is slowing down or making errors, you should take a few critical steps first, or you risk losing photos, contacts, or even locking your smartphone out of your Mi Account.

Start with backup. Xiaomi has a built-in solution for this:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud (but requires a linked account and plenty of space).
• 💾 For reliability, copy important files to the PC through MTP (Put the phone on USB).

Second, unplug all accounts:

• 🔗 Mi Account: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Get out.
• 📌 Google: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.
• 💳 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.) – delete them or deactivate them in the security settings.

⚠️ Note: If you are selling a phone and the buyer is not from your country, Mi Account may lock the device when you first activate it in another location.

Third, check the battery power. Make sure it's at least 50 percent charge, and if the reset is interrupted by a discharge, the phone can turn into a brick (it won't even turn on before the Xiaomi logo).

Untie Mi Account and Google|Create a backup |Charge your phone to at least 50% |Delete your banking apps |Cert important files on your memory card-->

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

This is a good method if the phone is turned on and reacts to touch, it maintains the integrity of the system and minimizes the risk of locking, instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Reset (on some models – Reset all settings).
3. The system will ask you to choose what to clean: 📱 All data – complete reset (recommended). 🔄 Settings only – saves files, but resets system settings (may not help with serious bugs).

graphical key/PIN-code

Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will start as a new one, with a screen of initial setup. If you're selling a device, don't connect to Wi-Fi at this point -- hand it over to the customer in this way.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T Pro, Redmi K50 Ultra) after the reset, you may receive a request to enter Mi Account data, even if you untie the account. This is due to the hardware protection of eSIM. In this case, use the official unlock tool Mi Unlock Tool.

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If after reset, the phone asks for a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - try to restore access through the site account.xiaomi.com. If this does not help, contact the support with proof of purchase (check, box).

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or launches into an endless reboot, use Recovery Mode.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including old (Redmi 4X) and new (Xiaomi 14).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔋 For most models: Nutrition + Loudness up. 🔧 For older devices (until 2019): Power + Loudness up + Loudness down.

Hold the buttons until the Mi Recovery logo appears.

From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).

Nutrition

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

If the phone is stuck on the logo again after reset, this may indicate:

• 🔋 Damaged firmware (requires flashing through Fastboot).
• 💾 Memory problems (often found on Redmi Note) 8/9 fall-out).
• 🔌 Faulty battery (if the charge drops immediately after disconnection from the network).

4. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 📱 Phone locked off Mi Account after reset.
• 🔄 You need to refashion the device from scratch.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and type: fastboot devices If the device is identified (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the drivers.
5. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

If you need to delete your Mi Account (for example, after buying a used phone with a linked account), use the command:

fastboot erase frp

⚠️ Note: On models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14), fastboot erase frp may not work due to enhanced protection, in which case official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool is required (you need an account tied to the phone for at least 7 days).

5. Features of reset for different Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are dropped the same way, and the table below shows the key differences for the popular series:

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70) you may need to re-activate over the Internet after a reset. If the phone is not connected to Wi-Fi, use a mobile network or USB-ethernet adapter (for models with OTG support).

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On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chip (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), resetting via Recovery takes up to 20 minutes - don't interrupt the process, even if the screen doesn't change.

6.How to avoid blocking Mi Account after resetting

The main problem when resetting Xiaomi is activation of the Mi Account protection, which requires entering the username / password of the previous owner.

• 🔗 The account was not untied before the reset.
• 📱 The phone has been stolen/lost (the system recognizes the change) SIM-maps or geolocations).
• ⏳ Less than 72 hours have passed since the account was detached.

To unlock the phone:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and restore access to your account.
2. If your phone requires a password when you turn on: Connect to Wi-Fi. Enter Mi Account. If you don't remember the password, use recovery via email/phone.

Mi Unlock Tool

official website

⚠️ Warning: Don't buy used Xiaomi phones with Mi Account tied! Even after a reset, the original owner can block the device remotely. → Mi Account.

7 What to do if the discharge did not help

If after reset problems remain (the phone brakes, does not turn on or gives errors), the reasons may be as follows:

If none of the methods worked, there may be a problem with the hardware:

• 🔋 Battery – if the phone turns off at 30-40% charge.
• 💾 Memory (eMMC/UFS) — Frequent errors in file recording.
• 📡 Antenna module – no network or Wi-Fi.

In such cases, contact an authorized Xiaomi service center. Self-repair may deprive the warranty (if it is still valid).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset