How to roll back Xiaomi phone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why Reset Xiaomi to Factory Settings and When It’s Needed

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory status is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get it back on track, which removes all user data, apps, and settings, returning the phone to the way it was when it was first unpacked, most often in three cases:

First, if the device started to slow down or spontaneously restart after the MIUI update. Incorrect firmware, conflicting applications or filled memory can lead to lags that are not always solved by reinstalling the software. Second, the reset is necessary before selling or transferring the phone to another person - to delete personal information without the possibility of recovery. Third, it is part of the process of unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware, where a clean system is a prerequisite.

But not everyone knows that Xiaomi has three fundamentally different reset methods: phone settings, Recovery mode, and Fastboot command. Each has its own nuances, from data retention to the risk of “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the methods in detail, taking into account the features of the Redmi Note, POCO and flagship Mi models.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Neglecting preparation can lead to the loss of important data (photos, contacts, messages) or even lock your Mi Account if the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account.

• 📱 Back up. Use the built-in Settings tool. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Pay special attention to: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) Messages (applications like.vcf) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage system files.
• 🔑 Find out if the phone is linked to your Mi Account. After the reset, the device may require you to enter a username and password from your Xiaomi account (Mi Account Lock function). If you do not remember the data, restore access in advance on account.xiaomi.com.
• 📡 Check the network connection. Some reset methods (e.g. via Fastboot) may require the internet.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, resetting to factory settings will not remove the lock.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest method)

This method is suitable for most situations where the phone turns on and responds to touch.It requires no additional tools and is minimally risky.The instructions are relevant for all devices on MIUI 12/13/14, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and Xiaomi 12/13/14.

Steps for discharge:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Data.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots and suggests that you configure it as new, and this method doesn't remove MIUI updates -- the firmware version will remain the same.

Make sure your phone is over 50% charged

Create a backup copy of important data

Remember the username and password from the Mi Account (if linked)

Disable two-factor authentication in your Mi Account (if enabled)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3/F4, Redmi K40/K50) After the reset, you may need to re-activate the Mi Account through the SMS If you don't have access to the linked number, restore it in advance.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or does not load beyond the lock screen, you will have to use the recovery mode – Recovery Mode. This method works even on “brick” devices, but requires care: improper actions can lead to loss of IMEI or other system errors.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: Volume up + Power. For older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese) select:

• Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
• Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons: the exclamation point in the triangle is Wipe Data, the arrow in a circle is a reboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most powerful, but also the most risky, and it's used when:

• 🔧 You need to delete all data, including firmware (for example, before installing customization). MIUI).
• 📱 The phone does not respond to other resetting methods.
• 🔓 You need to unlock the bootloader (but it is a separate procedure).

This method will require:

• A computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed (you can download from the Android Studio website).
• Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• The charge of the phone is at least 70%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Clip Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears (Android robot with an open stomach).
2. Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Check that the device is determined: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the phone.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

These commands will completely clear the partition with user data, but will not affect the system files. If you need to erase all firmware (for example, for flashing), use:

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase boot




fastboot erase recovery

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot erase system or fastboot flash without the right firmware can turn your phone into a brick!

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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. You can download the official firmware at en.miui.com.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔄 "phone is stuck on startup logo after reset": Reason: Interrupted reset process or damaged system files Solution: Repeat reset via Recovery or run stock firmware through Fastboot.
• 🔒 "After the reset, the Mi Account requires, but I don't remember it": Reason: Mi Account Lock function (anti-theft protection).Solution: Restore account access on account.xiaomi.com or contact the service center with proof of purchase.
• 📵 "Can't log in to Recovery - screen doesn't respond": Reason: Sensor or button malfunction. Solution: Try controlling volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection). If it doesn't work, use Fastboot.
• 🔋 "Phone died during reset and now it doesn't work": Reason: interrupted process due to low charge. Solution: Connect to charge for 30 to 60 minutes, then repeat the reset. If it doesn't work, run the firmware through the Fastboot.

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be the hardware (damaged memory, power controller) and we recommend that you contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

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Before resetting via Fastboot, always make sure you have official firmware for your model.Using firmware from another model or region can result in a communication module or camera failing.

How to recover data after reset (if there is no backup)

If you forgot to do a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on which reset method was used:

• 📁 Reset via Settings: Data is deleted software, but you can try to recover it with DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone: ~30-50% (depending on how much data was recorded after the reset).
• 🔧 Recovery or Fastboot Reset: Data deleted at a low level (userdata partition formatting) can only be restored with professional tools like Chip-Off (requires soldering and specialized equipment).

To improve the chances of recovery:

1. Disconnect your phone from the internet immediately and do not install new apps.
2. Do not write new data (photos, videos, apps) – they can overwrite deleted files.
3. Use a memory card (if the data was on it) - it is easier to restore it through an adapter on a PC.

If your phone has Mi Cloud enabled, check to see if your data is synced automatically, for example, contacts and notes can be saved to the cloud even after a reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset