How to reinstall Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to restore the smartphone to its previous performance, fix software failures or prepare the device for sale. However, an improper procedure can lead to data loss, locking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting – from the standard menu to Fastboot mode – and also tell you how to avoid typical errors and what to do if something goes wrong.

It's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea. If your Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 is slowing down because of a worn-out battery or a damaged motherboard, factory settings won't solve the problem. But if it's virus infection, application conflict or system littering, resetting will help. Then you'll know which method to choose depending on the situation, how to save important data and what to do after a successful reset.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi to factory settings?

Reset the Xiaomi smartphone to factory state is worth in several cases:

• 📱 Strong lags and hangs – if the phone has become slower even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary apps.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot – the device is constantly turned on and off without loading until the end.
• 📲 Viruses or malware – if the antivirus has detected threats that cannot be removed by standard methods.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code – Recovery reset will help unlock the device (but Mi Account confirmation will be required).
• 💰 Preparing for the sale – to delete all personal data and untie accounts.
• 🛠️ Failed update MIUI — If the phone is not working properly after the update.

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even exacerbate the problem:

• 🔋 Hardware malfunctions – if the phone is not turned on due to a damaged battery or motherboard.
• 📶 Network problems – if Wi-Fi or mobile internet is not working due to a damaged module.
• 🔌 Charging problems – if the cable or port USB damaged.

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting Xiaomi before selling, be sure to untie your Mi Account account in the settings. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the phone - the device will require you to enter your data to activate.

If you are not sure if resetting will help in your situation, try more gentle methods first:

• 🧹 Clean the cache manually through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button) → Hold "Switch off" → confirm the transition).
• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

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

This is a good method if the phone is turned on, you remember the unlock password and want to maintain maximum control over the process, the main advantage is the ability to choose which data to delete and which to leave (for example, files on a memory card).

The instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 13C, POCO X6 Pro, Mi 14 and older models on the MIUI 12-14.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will offer two options: 🔄 Reset all settings – only removes settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sounds), but saves files and applications. 🧹 Delete all data – complete factory reset (recommended for selling or fixing serious failures).

Delete all data

PIN-code

Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After the reset, you will need to reconfigure the device: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Mi Account (if it was previously linked).

Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the username and password from Mi Account|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Untie bank cards and social media accounts|Make sure that SIM-card not blocked PIN-code-->

⚠️ Warning: If you sell a phone, do not restore the backup after a reset.This can cause personal data (photos, messages) to remain on the device. Instead, reset, then turn off the phone immediately and pass it to the buyer.

If after reset, the phone requires data input from the previous Mi Account, and you do not remember them, use the unlock instructions at the end of the article.

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

If Xiaomi does not load beyond the logo, cyclically reboots or locks the pattern lock, you can reset it through Recovery Mode. This method works even without access to the main menu, but requires care - wrong actions can lead to loss of access to the phone if you do not remember the data from the Mi Account.

The manual is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, including devices with a locked bootloader.

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power button + volume button. For older devices (e.g. Redmi 4X): Power button + volume button.

Hold the buttons until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to confirm your choice.

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Reboot

Reboot to System

If after a reset, the phone requires data input from Mi Account, this is normal - this is how Factory Reset Protection (FRP) works. Enter the username and password from the account that was associated with the device before. If you don't remember the data, see the section "How to unlock Mi Account after a reset".

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) After resetting via Recovery, an error may appear "This device is locked", which means that the bootloader is locked, and further actions will require unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or load Recovery.
• 📦 You need to reflash the device from scratch (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔓 Requires to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot original USB-All data will be deleted without any possibility of recovery.

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
2. Turn off the phone.
3. Press the power button + volume down button before the Fastboot screen (the Android robot with an open case) appears.
4. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
5. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install drivers or try another cable.
6. For a full reset, run fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.
7. The phone will reboot and start setting up from scratch.

If you need not only to reset, but also to reflash the device, download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website and use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (released after 2021), a Fastboot reset may require unlocking the bootloader, linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting 7-15 days (depending on Xiaomi policy.

1. Use the original Xiaomi cable.

2 Connect your phone to a USB 2.0 port (usually black).

3. Disable the driver signature in Windows (to do this, type in the command line: bcdedit) /set nointegritychecks on, then restart the PC).-->

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful Xiaomi reset to factory settings, you need to follow a few important steps to keep the phone running smoothly:

1. 📶 Set up an internet connection – without Wi-Fi or mobile, you won’t be able to log in to Mi Account and download updates.
2. 🔑 Sign in to your Mi Account (if it was previously linked) If you forgot your password, restore it through the official website.
3. 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Update the system, fix any bugs and improve performance.
4. ☁️ Restore data from the backup (if you did backup before reset). → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Restore from backup copy.
5. 🔒 Set up protection - set up PIN-code, fingerprint or pattern lock.
6. 🚫 Disable unnecessary services: Advertising in MIUI: Settings → Privacy → Advertising services → Auto-Update Apps: Google Play → Settings → Auto-update → Only through Wi-Fi.

If you dropped your phone before selling:

• ✅ Make sure that Mi Account is untied (check in Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account).
• ✅ Log out of all Google accounts, social networks and instant messengers.
• ✅ Reset again (double reset ensures that all data is deleted).

💡

After reset, don't rush to restore all the applications at once. Install the essentials first and watch the phone work for 1-2 days. If the lags are gone, the problem was in the software. If not, it may be the hardware.

How to unlock Mi Account after resetting?

If Xiaomi requires you to enter data from Mi Account after a reset and you don’t remember them, there are several ways to solve the problem:

1. 🔍 Restore password: Go to the login page. Click Forgot password? Enter the linked email or phone number. Follow the recovery instructions (confirmation code will come to the mail or mail). SMS).

Use a backup email

Contact us for support of Xiaomi

• Write to the support chat on the Mi Support website.
• Provide proof of possession of the device (checks, box with IMEI).
• Wait for a response (may take a few days to a week).

If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untidy the Mi Account, contact him and ask him to do it remotely through his personal account (Device section).

⚠️ Note: Do not use questionable services that offer "zero" FRP" That could lead to a lockdown. IMEI Or installing an unofficial firmware that would take away your warranty, the official way to unlock is through Xiaomi support.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you reset Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

To avoid most of the problems:

• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% before resetting.
• 📋 Backup important data (photos, contacts, messages).
• 🔍 Check it out. IMEI before and after reset (dial *#06#).
• 🔓 Unplug your Mi Account if you are selling your phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions