How to reboot Android to factory settings on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing for a firmware update. However, doing the wrong thing can lead to the loss of important data or even the “bricking” of a smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of resetting, including hidden MIUI features, and explain how to avoid typical errors.

It’s important to understand that factory resets not only remove user files, but also application settings, accounts, Wi-Fi passwords. However, on the new Xiaomi 13/14 and Redmi Note 12 models, the process is different from older devices due to the updated Recovery Mode. We will look at each method in detail, taking into account the features of different versions of MIUI.

1. When you need a reset to factory settings

Factory reset is not a universal solution to all problems, but in some cases it is really necessary:

• 📱 Selling or transferring a device – deletes all personal information, including your Mi Account
• 🔄 System lags and freezes – helps with “brakes” after updates or installation of dubious applications
• 🔒 Removing viruses – if the antivirus detects malware that is not removed by standard methods
• 📦 Firmware errors – when the smartphone does not turn on or does not work correctly after the update

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even harm:

• ❌ Hardware malfunctions – if the display, speaker, or camera doesn’t work, resetting won’t restore the iron
• ❌ Battery problems – fast discharge is more often related to battery wear, not software
• ❌ Lock-in IMEI — If the device is blacklisted by the operator, the reset will not unlock the network.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you dump Xiaomi, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Back up via Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud. This will save contacts, SMS and app settings.
2. Delete your Mi Account (if you plan to sell the device) via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete your account. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the smartphone.
3. Charge the battery to at least 50%. When reset via Recovery, discharging during the process can cause a failure.

Pay special attention to the associated services:

• 🔐 Google Authenticator – If you use two-factor authentication, transfer the codes to another device
• 💳 Banking Apps – Remove Linked Cards in Google Pay or SberPay
• 🎮 Gaming accounts – link game progress to social media or email

⚠️ Note: On devices with locked bootloader (Xiaomi) EU/Global) Resetting via Fastboot without unlocking will result in complete loss of performance.

3. Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (most secure)

This is a method that works for working devices and that keeps the ability to roll back if something goes wrong. MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (optional, but useful for debugging)
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset
4. Click Reset Settings → Delete all data
5. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action

It takes 5-15 minutes, and the device will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new.

💡

If the smartphone asks for the old password after reset, it means that the Mi Account has not been deleted. Use the FAQ instructions to unlock the device.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo or does not respond to touch, use a hardware reset:

1. Turn off the device (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds)
2. Keep Power + Volume Up until the Mi logo appears
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and tap Wipe Data.
4. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data
5. After completion, select Reboot.

On new devices (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60), the Recovery menu may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: On devices with data encryption (on by default in the MIUI 12+) Recovery resets may result in loss of access to internal memory if you do not know the password from your Mi Account.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used when the first two fail, but requires an unlocked bootloader and PC.

1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your computer
2. Connect the off smartphone to the PC, keeping Volume down
3. In the command line, run: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device)
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

On devices with Dynamic Partition (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Redmi K50) instead of erase userdata, use:

fastboot erase --all

💡

Fastboot resets ALL data without recovery, including files in the DCIM folder. Use this method only if other methods have not helped.

6.What to do after resetting: initial setting

After a successful reset, the device will prompt you to go through the initial setup.

• 🔄 Do not restore data from an old backup if the reset was due to viruses or system errors.
• 🔒 Don’t miss the screen lock setting – this will protect the data the next time you reset.
• 📱 Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) before data recovery

If there are problems after the discharge:

• Wi-Fi not enabled → Reset network settings in Settings → Connections → Network reset
• Camera Not Working → Check the permissions for the Camera app in the settings
• The battery goes down fast. → Give me the battery. 2-3 full charge cycle for calibration

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Error 1: "This device is locked" in Fastboot

Solution: Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi service (requires an account binding and a wait of 7-15 days).

Mistake 2: Hanging on the Mi logo after reset

Solution: Repeat the reset via Recovery by selecting the Wipe Dalvik Cache before the reboot.

Error 3: "Invalid IMEI" after reset

Solution: Restore the IMEI via the Engineering Menu (#4636##) or contact the service center.

💡

If you lose photos after reset, try to restore them with DiskDigger or Recuva (only if you haven’t written new data to your device!).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions