Full reset of Xiaomi phone: all ways to zero to factory settings

Why you need a full reset and when to apply it

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical solution that erases all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. This procedure is required in several cases: before selling the device, during critical system failures (for example, after a failed MIUI update), to remove viruses or if the phone began to slow for no apparent reason. It is important to understand that a complete reset does not amount to formatting internal memory — it deletes only user data, but does not affect the system firmware files.

Xiaomi has integrated several ways to zero: through the settings menu, Recovery mode, Fastboot command, and even remotely through Mi Account. The choice of method depends on the condition of the phone. For example, if the screen does not respond to touch, and the sensor is partially working, a reset through physical buttons will suit, but if the device is locked with a graphical key but connected to the Mi Account, you can use the Find Device feature.

One key point is that a Fastboot or Recovery reset may require unlocking the bootloader if you haven’t done it before, and this is true for Qualcomm Snapdragon models (e.g., Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 11). MediaTek devices (e.g., Poco M4 Pro) don’t usually require unlocking for a standard reset.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before resetting Xiaomi, it is critical to follow a few steps to avoid losing important data or locking your device. First, back up via Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud. This will save contacts, SMS, photos and app settings. Note: backup in Mi Cloud is only available with a linked Mi Account.

Check the status of your Mi Account:

• 🔑 Make sure you remember the username and password from Mi Account – after resetting, the phone may require authorization to unlock.
• 📱 Untie your device from your account if you plan to sell your phone (does in Settings) → Mi Account → Delete the account).
• 🔄 If the phone is locked and the account is not tied, the reset may result in activation. FRP-locking (protection against discharge).

It is also worth considering:

• 🔋 Battery charge must be at least 50% – interruption of the reset process due to discharge can “brick” the device.
• 📡 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network if you plan to reset via Mi Cloud or update your firmware after resetting.
• 🛠️ Prepare the cable. USB Type-C and PCs with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed if you need to reset via Fastboot.

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If you drop your phone before selling, don’t forget to take it out. SIM-microSD card and memory card. Recovery formatting can accidentally erase data on an external drive.

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

This method is suitable if the Xiaomi phone turns on, reacts to touch and you have access to the menu. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require additional tools. The main advantage is the minimum risk of errors, since the reset occurs normally.

Step instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action by entering the pattern lock/PIN-code.
5. Wait for the reboot – the phone will automatically reset and start with the screen of the initial setting.

On models with MIUI 14 and newer (for example, Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Memory → Resetting → Erase all data.

Make sure there is a backup copy

Charge your phone at least 50%

Unrespond Mi Account (if you are selling the device)

Remember your Google/Mi Account details

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⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled the Mi Data Protection function (in Settings) → Privacy, after reset, you will need to enter a password from Mi Account, even if the account was untied, this protection is relevant for devices released after 2021.

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t load beyond the logo, hover on the MIUI screen or react to touch, resetting through Recovery will help.This method works on all models, including the Poco F3, Redmi 10 and Xiaomi Mi 11, but requires physical access to power and volume buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
4. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (you will need to enter a password if it was set).
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi Pad 5), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese, in which case, focus on the order of items:

• 1st item - reboot (Reboot),
• 3rd or 4th - data reset (Wipe Data).

⚠️ Warning: On devices with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi blocks it by default), a Recovery reset may require Mi Account data entry even after resetting. If you don't remember the password, the phone will turn into a brick".

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires you to connect your phone to your PC, and it's useful if you:

• 🔧 Recovery Unavailable or Damaged,
• 📱 phone locked FRP (Google account),
• 🔄 You need to re-flash the device after resetting.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download from Xiaomi or Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
• 📄 Firmware file for your model (downloaded from the official Xiaomi website in the Fastboot section) ROM).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (a hare image with the word Fastboot will appear).
2. Connect the device to the PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
4. Reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache For complete zeroing (including system partitions) use: fastboot flash all [name file firmware file].tgz
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase userdata and fastboot flash all commands irreversibly delete all data, including files in internal memory that were not included in the backup. If you are not sure about the firmware model, the phone may stop turning on!

Method 4: Remote reset via Mi Account (if the phone is lost or locked)

If you lost Xiaomi or forgot the pattern lock, but the phone is tied to Mi Account, you can reset remotely via Find Device. This method only works when the device is actively connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).

How to reset remotely:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the Find Device section, select the lost device (if there are several).
3. Click Erase Device and confirm the action.
4. Wait 5-10 minutes – the phone will reboot and reset if it was connected to the network.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Does not work if the phone is disabled geolocation services or mobile Internet.
• 🔒 After the reset, you will need to re-authorize in the Mi Account (if there was a link).
• 📵 If the phone is turned off, the reset command will be executed the next time you connect to the network.

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Remote reset via Mi Account does not delete data from the microSD card. If it stored important files, they can be restored after the phone is returned.

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After zeroing out, Xiaomi will launch with a welcome screen, like after buying, and it’s important to properly perform the initial setup to avoid problems with accounts or system operation.

Steps after discharge:

1. Language and Region Choice: Please indicate your country (or region) to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Use a stable network – this will be required to restore backup.
3. Mi Account Authorization: If the phone is for sale, skip this step. If you have reset for yourself, log in to recover your Mi Cloud data.
4. Data recovery: Select backup from Mi Cloud or Google Drive (if you created it) and install priority apps (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram) manually.

Security setting

• Install a new one. PIN-code.
• Activate Find Device in Settings → Mi Account.

If after resetting the phone is slower than before zeroing, follow the following steps:

• 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🚀 Turn off animation to speed up the interface (in Settings) → Special facilities → Remove animations).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset