How to completely reset Xiaomi to factory settings: 5 proven ways

Why you need to reset Xiaomi to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get the smartphone back on track, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to a "out of the box" state, most often in three cases:

First, if the phone started to brake for no reason — lags when opening applications, a long boot system or spontaneous reboots. Second, reset helps with critical software errors when the device does not respond to touch, does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo. Third, the procedure is mandatory before selling or transferring the smartphone to another user — to protect personal data.

But what's not known is that Xiaomi's reset has some nuances about linking to your Mi Account, and if you forget your account password, after you reset, your phone may need to enter data to unlock it, which is protection against theft, and we'll show you how to get around this problem legally and without losing functionality.

Ready to Reset: What to Do to Avoid Losing Important Data

Before you reset Xiaomi, be sure to save all critical files.

• 📸 Photos and videos (including hidden folders and screenshots)
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (if not synced with Google)
• 🎵 Music, downloads and documents from internal memory
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, data stored in the browser
• 🎮 Game states (unless linked to a developer account)

The most reliable way to back up is to use Settings → Google → Backup. Here you can save contacts, calendars, passwords and even some application settings.

• 🖥️ Computer: Connect the phone to USB file transfer (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Downloads, Pictures.
• ☁️ Cloud: Upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud (if your account is not blocked) or Yandex Drive.
• 📱 Another smartphone: use apps like ShareMe (from Xiaomi) to transfer over Wi-Fi Direct.

⚠️ Warning: If you use Mi Cloud for backup, make sure there is enough space on your account. Free fare is limited to 5GB, and photos in their original quality take up a lot of space. Alternatively, compress images before uploading.

Also check if the phone is linked to your Mi Account. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. If it has an email, write it down and password, you will need authorization after the reset. If the account is not yours (for example, the phone is bought by hand), try untie it before resetting through Settings → Account → Delete account.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, use a program reset via the menu, which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, including the latest MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action with a password / pattern lock.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will suggest you set it up as new. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, you will need to enter your username and password.

Data backup verified

Battery charge > 50%

All off. SIM-cards and memory card (optional)

Recorded data from Mi Account (if linked)

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⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after the reset, the error "This device was reset. Enter the password from the last Google account" may appear. FRP (Factory Reset Protection.To avoid blocking, delete all Google accounts in the settings before resetting.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, unresponsive to buttons, or cyclically rebooted, use Recovery mode, which works even when your system files are damaged, but requires physical access to your phone’s buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Power + Volume up. For older smartphones (like Redmi 4X): Power + Volume up + Volume down.

Mi

Recovery

Nutrition

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Clear Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — Data reset (Wipe Data).
• 🔄 — reboot (Reboot).
• 📱 — Connection with PC (Connect with MIAssistant).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If after a reset, the phone requires you to enter data from Mi Account, but you do not remember the password, there are two official ways to unlock:

1. password recovery via email/SMS:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot your password.
2. Choose recovery via email or phone.
3. Follow the instructions in the letter or SMS (the link is valid for 24 hours).

2 Unlock through the Xiaomi website (if the phone number is linked):

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Click Forgot your password and confirm your identity via SMS/email.
4. After changing the password, enter new data on the phone.

If your account is not yours (e.g., a handheld phone), contact the previous owner. The only legal way to get around the lock is to provide Xiaomi with the purchase documents (check, purchase agreement). Illegal methods (e.g., firmware through EDL) can lead to the loss of IMEI or "brick".

💡

If you often forget passwords, enable two-factor authentication in Mi Account. Go to Account Settings → Security → Two-step verification and link backup email or phone number.

Method 4: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the Recovery menu is not available or the phone gives a “No command” error, you can reset via Fastboot mode. This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a bootloader unlocked (on some models).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Warnings:

• ⚠️ On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) Pre-unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool.

💡

Fastboot reset is the most reliable way to do soft-brick resetting (when the system doesn’t boot but the Fastboot is available), however, it requires technical skills and can lead to a loss of warranty if the bootloader is blocked.

Method 5: Resetting through Xiaomi service centers (guarantee cases)

If you are not sure of your abilities or phone warranty, contact the official service center Xiaomi.Reset through the service has advantages:

• 🔧 Free diagnostics (if warranty is valid).
• 🛡️ Guarantee of conservation IMEI and serial number.
• 📄 Official confirmation of works (relevant at sale).

How to find a service center:

1. Go to mi.com/global/service.
2. Choose a country and a city.
3. Check the reviews about the center (some unofficial services may offer "blocking bypass" in illegal ways).

The cost of the reset in the service:

⚠️ In unofficial services can offer "bypassing the lock Mi Account" for 1,000-2000 ₽ This violates Xiaomi’s policy and may result in loss of features (e.g. Mi Cloud failure or account ban).

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems.

1.The phone asks for an old Google password (FRP)

Decision:

• Enter the data from the last Google account that was on the phone.
• If you don’t remember your password, restore it through accounts.google.com.
• On some firmware (MIUI Global) you can skip the check by connecting the phone to Wi-Fi and waiting for a server error (retry in 24 hours).

2.There is no net after reset (IMEI reset)

Decision:

• Check the IMEI in Settings → About Phone → General information.
• If the IMEI is missing (Null or 0), restore it via the engineering menu: ##4636## → Phone Information → Select SIM
• If the IMEI is lost after firmware, contact the service (self-restore may violate the law).

3.The phone is cyclically rebooted after resetting

Decision:

• Try resetting again through Recovery.
• If it doesn’t work, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the 4PDA forum).
• Check the battery – sometimes a cyclical reboot is due to a malfunction.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset