How to return Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 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 eliminating critical errors in the MIUI. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, locking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of resetting (including hidden ones), explain how to avoid typical errors, and give a checklist for safe preparation.

Xiaomi’s smartphone features are tight integration with the Mi Account ecosystem and MIUI, which means that even after a full reset, some settings (such as account binding or regional restrictions) can be maintained. We’ll show you how to completely “reset” the phone, including removing all traces of the previous owner if you buy the device from hand. And for owners of models with an unlocked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3, etc.), we’ll provide advanced instructions for resetting via Fastboot.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Before you start the procedure, make sure that it is really necessary. Resetting will not help in the following cases:

• 🔋 The battery discharges quickly (the reason is more often in battery wear, not in software).
• 📶 Network problems (for example, not catching) 4G) — This could be a hardware fault of the communication module.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code (this requires bypassing the lock, not resetting).

Here are the justified reasons for the dumping:

• 🐢 Strong Interface Braking MIUI After the update (especially relevant to older models like Redmi) 4X or Mi A1).
• 📱 Preparing the phone for sale or transfer to another user.
• 🔄 Fixing errors after a failed firmware (e.g., getting stuck on the Mi logo).
• 🚫 Removing viruses or suspicious applications that are not removed by standard methods.

If your problem doesn’t fall into these categories, perhaps more gentle methods are enough: cleaning the cache, rolling back the update or flashing through MIUI Recovery, which we will also briefly discuss at the end of this article.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Unprepared resets can result in loss of important data or locking the device.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged

Untie all devices from Mi Account (laptops, smartwatches, speakers)

Remember the username and password from Mi Account (required after reset)

Delete your Google account if your phone was tied to your job/study-->

Pay special attention to backup. Xiaomi has a built-in backup feature:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save (contacts, messages, notes, Wi-Fi settings).
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.

However, this method does not save some data (for example, passwords from Wi-Fi or setting up individual applications), for a full backup, it is better to use third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup.

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If you are selling a phone, check it through ##4636## (Testing) after the reset – there should be no accounts left or any other accounts left. IMEI-previous owner.

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

It works on all Xiaomi models, including the latest flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70) and budget devices (POCO M6, Redmi 13C).

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap a few times on the MIUI version until the words “You are a developer!” appear (this unlocks hidden options).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset settings and confirm the action.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and then you'll be asked to set the phone up as new.

• 🔑 Enter the same Mi Account that was tied before the reset (otherwise the phone may be locked).
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi before logging in to avoid sync errors.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is blocked by a pattern lock, resetting through Recovery mode will help. This method works even on “bricks”, but requires accuracy – improper actions can lead to the loss of IMEI or lock the bootloader.

Instructions for most models (except for Xiaomi on Android One, such as Mi A2/A3):

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

On some models (such as the POCO X3 or Redmi Note 9), the Recovery menu may look different. If you see MIUI Recovery 3.0 or 4.0, select:

Wipe Data → Format Data → Confirm (enter “yes”)


Then back → reboot → reboot to system

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On phones with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery can result in loss of /data data, in which case it is better to use the Fastboot method (described below).

If the phone doesn't turn on after the reset, or if it says "This device is locked," Mi Account protection is activated.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, you can reset the binding only through the official Xiaomi service (you need a check or a sales contract.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or in cases where a standard reset does not help (for example, after a failed firmware). ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C (better than original).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with fastboot.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
5. Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For models with a locked bootloader (Redmi 9A, POCO M3, etc.), this method is not suitable - you will need to first unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting!).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi 11 and later), a Fastboot reset may cause Anti-Rollback protection to be activated, meaning that you won’t be able to flash the old version after the procedure. MIUI. Before reset, check the current firmware version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:

1.The phone asks for an old password after resetting

This means that the device has activated the device's Device Protection function.

• 🔑 Enter the Mi Account that was tied before the reset.
• 📧 If you forget your password, restore it through the official website.
• 🛠️ For used phones, contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase.

2.Reset interrupted and phone not switched on

If the process is interrupted (for example, the battery is dead), try:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 30% and reset via Recovery.
• 🖥️ If the phone doesn’t respond, plug it into your PC and try the command: fastboot continue.
• 📱 On some models, the combination of nutrition helps + Loudness up + Loudness down (hold 20 seconds).

3. After reset, there is no net (no catches) SIM-map)

This may be due to a loss of IMEI or a failure in the communication module.

• 📶 Restart the phone and check if it is inserted. SIM-map.
• 🔧 Enter the recovery command in the engineering menu (#4636##) IMEI (root).
• 📲 If the problem persists, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instruction below).

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On Xiaomi models with two SIM-cards (for example, Redmi Note) 11 Pro) Network priority may be lost after reset. To correct, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network priority and select 4G/3G/2G (motor-car).

Alternative methods: when the reset does not help

If the standard methods haven’t solved your problem, consider these options:

1. firmware via Mi Flash Tool

This is a heavy artillery for cases where the phone doesn't turn on or the reset causes errors.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows and installed drivers Qualcomm/QDLoader.
• 📁 Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (downloaded from the same site).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool and select the folder with the firmware.
3. Connect the phone to Fastboot mode (or EDL if the phone is unresponsive).
4. Press Refresh, then Flash and wait until it is completed.

2. Bypassing locks through TestPoint

If the phone is locked with a Mi Account and does not accept login data, you can try TestPoint, which works on most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models until 2022, but requires disassembling the device.

Instructions:

1. Remove the back cover of the phone (need a mediator and hair dryer).
2. Find TestPoint points on the motherboard (their location depends on the model; for the Redmi Note 8, these are two contacts next to the battery).
3. Close them with tweezers and connect the phone to the PC at the same time.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, flash a special firmware to bypass the lock.

⚠️ Attention: TestPoint is risky, because if you do something wrong, you can damage the board. If you're not sure about your skills, contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions