How to completely reset Xiaomi smartphone: all ways to reset to factory settings

Why you need a full reset Xiaomi and when to apply it

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get the smartphone back on track, which removes all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning the device to a “out of the box” state.

First, if the phone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. Second, when you plan to sell or transfer the device to another person, without resetting, personal data can remain in memory. Third, resetting helps eliminate critical system errors, such as endless boot or locking the screen due to a firmware failure. But it is important to understand that this is not a panacea. If the problem is related to a hardware failure (for example, a faulty memory or processor), reset will not help.

Xiaomi warns that after a reset, the device may require re-authorization in the Mi Account if the Find Device function was previously activated. Without a password from the account, it will be impossible to unlock the phone. It is also worth remembering that on some models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), a reset via Recovery can lead to a lockdown of the bootloader if it was previously unlocked.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, take a few critical steps: First and foremost, back up your data. Even if you're planning a reset because of a phone sale, save copies of your photos, contacts, and messages to your Google Drive, Mi Cloud, or external drive.

• 📱 Use the built-in Backup app in Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset.
• ☁️ Sync your contacts and calendar with your Google or Mi Account.
• 💾 Transfer files to your computer via cable USB Type-C (in file transfer mode).
• 🔐 Write down passwords from Wi-Fi networks (you can export them through applications like WiFi Password Viewer).

The second is to check the battery power, make sure it's at least 50 percent, and if the phone runs out during the reset, it can damage the system files and turn the device into a brick. SIM-cards and memory cards (if any) to avoid random formatting.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi has Device Protection enabled (in some regions), you may need to enter a password from your previously associated Mi Account after resetting!

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (some versions of MIUI call it About Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
4. Click Erase all data (you may need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Delete Everything.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and when it's finished, it automatically reboots and prompts you to configure it as new, and it doesn't affect system partitions, so you don't need to re-unlock the bootloader once it's reset.

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 that you forgot, a reset via Recovery will help.This mode starts before the main system boots and allows you to perform low-level operations.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (English or Chinese).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data item (or on Chinese firmware).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Note: on some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese, in which case, look for characters (clear data) and (confirm). If you accidentally choose Wipe All over Wipe Data, it will delete all partitions, including system files, and the phone will stop booting.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used when the Recovery menu is unavailable or the phone is in a bootloop state.Reset via Fastboot will require a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB cable.

Steps for discharge:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
2. Connect the device to the computer via USB.
3. Open the command line (cmd) and enter:

fastboot devices

(This team checks to see if the device is detected.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If the phone doesn’t boot after these commands, you may need to reflash the system partition. To do this, download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website and use the command:

fastboot flash system name file.img

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) Resetting via Fastboot without unlocking can cause the device to permanently lock.Before using this method, make sure the bootloader is unlocked.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after resetting via Fastboot, try pressing the power button for 30 seconds to force the restart.

What to do if after resetting the phone requires a password from the Mi-account

One of the most common problems after a reset is asking for a password from your Mi Account, even if you didn't link it to it, and it's because of the Find Device feature, which is automatically activated when you add an account, and if you don't remember the password, there are several ways to solve it:

• 🔑 Try to restore access through the official Mi Account website (you will need access to an email or phone associated with the account).
• 📧 If recovery is not possible, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box with the help of the company). IMEI).
• 🛠️ On some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) you can bypass the lock through the EDL-The system, but it requires special equipment and knowledge.
• ⚠️ Do not use third-party services to unlock – this can lead to loss of warranty or malware installation.

If the phone is bought by hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, the only legal way to unlock it is to contact him and ask him to remove the device from the list in Find Device.

How to avoid problems after reset: recommendations from Xiaomi

To make the reset go smoothly and not lead to additional problems, follow these tips:

• 🔋 Always check the battery before resetting, the optimal is 70% or higher.
• 🌐 If you drop your phone before selling, untie all accounts (Google, Mi, Samsung if used) in the settings.
• 📦 After reset, do not restore data from the backup immediately. First, check whether the clean system is stable.
• 🔒 If you plan to unlock the bootloader after reset, do so before installing the applications – this will reduce the risk of errors.

Also note the MIUI version. On older firmware (e.g. MIUI 10 or lower), a reset may cause an NFC module or fingerprint sensor to malfunction. If your model supports the upgrade, do so before reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Download and install the latest version of MIUI.
3. Only then do the reset.

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If the phone is slower than before, it probably wasn’t the software that was the problem, but the hardware (e.g., worn-out memory) that would help if the module was replaced.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset