Xiaomi Resets to Factory Settings: 5 Proven Ways

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, applications and system settings. It's not just "cleaning up the garbage," it's returning the device to a "out of the box" state. Most often, the procedure is required in three cases:

First, before you sell or transfer your smartphone to another user. Even if you delete files manually, fragments of data can remain in memory — a complete reset guarantees their irrevocable destruction. Second, when critical system failures: endless reboots, errors when updating or infecting with malware. Third, if the device began to slow down for no apparent reason — sometimes the clean system works faster than after months of use.

It is important to understand: resetting does not solve hardware problems (such as a broken screen or a faulty battery) and does not delete data from the device. SD-The card (if installed) will also require reconfiguration of all settings after the procedure, from Wi-Fi to fingerprints.

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

This is a method that works for working devices where you can log in, and it doesn't require a computer or any special knowledge, just follow the instructions.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset (on MIUI 14+, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Reset).
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset (some models will require you to enter a password from Mi Account).

It takes 5-15 minutes. The device will reboot several times -- don't interrupt it, even if the screen stays black for a long time. Once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setting, like when you first turn it on.

Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Connect the charger (the battery must be charged at least 50 times%)|Delete your Google account if you plan to sell your phone-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12 and later after the reset, you may need confirmation through the Mi Account, tied to the phone. If you forget your account information, restore it before resetting - otherwise you risk getting a brick".

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

If the smartphone doesn’t turn on, hovers on the logo or doesn’t respond to touch, hardware reset via Recovery will help.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-20 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (manage by the volume and power buttons).
4. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on older versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

In Recovery, the interface may be different: on new models (Xiaomi 13/14) menu in English, on old (Redmi Note 5) – in Chinese with characters. If you are not sure about the choice of item, focus on the word Wipe (cleaning) or Reset (reset).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, you can remotely erase all data through Xiaomi services.

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. Select the Find Device section.
3. The map will show the last known location of the smartphone (if GPS is enabled).
4. Click Erase Device and confirm the action.

Remote reset only works if you meet three conditions: the device is on, connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi), and tied to your Mi Account. If the phone is turned off, the command will be executed the next time you connect to the network.

⚠️ Note: After a remote reset, it will be impossible to recover data, even through specialized programs like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare. PIN-code.

Yeah, but I did.|Yeah, I didn't.|No, I always do.|I use the "Find the device" function"-->

Method 4: Complete Fastboot reset (for experienced)

The Fastboot method is the most radical and requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.

• 🔄 They are getting stuck on the Mi logo and do not load.
• 🔧 Have a damaged firmware (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 Blocked with a pattern lock, but you have access to your Mi Account.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it into the C:\platform-tools folder.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.
3. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt in the platform-tools folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is recognized, you will see its serial number.
6. Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After this procedure, the device can require authorization through Mi Account — even if it didn't exist before — this is the theft protection introduced by Xiaomi in 2021, and if you don't remember your account details, restore them before resetting or contact support with proof of purchase.

💡

If the fastboot device command doesn't show your device, install the drivers manually through Device Manager.In the list, look for Android Bootloader Interface or Xiaomi Composite MDB Interface.

Method 5: Reset via EDL Mode (extreme case)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode used to recover bricks (devices that are unresponsive to anything) that requires:

• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool program.
• 🔌 Special cable (or closing contacts on the board).
• 📄 Official firmware for your model.

The process is risky and can lead to a complete loss of warranty.We do not recommend it without experience, but if there are no other options:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Turn off the phone and connect it to the PC, holding Volume up + Volume down (some models need to close test points on the board).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait for the finish (10-20 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL On devices with a locked bootloader (Bootloader) can lead to permanent lock (hard-brick). Before the procedure, check the status of the bootloader with the command: fastboot oem device-info If in the response Device unlocked: false, first unlock it through the official Xiaomi website.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the device will start in initial settings.

1. Choose the language and region (we recommend Russia or Europe for the correct operation of Google services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (required to download updates and restore backup).
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if the device has been tied) without this step, some features (Mi Cloud, Find Device) will not work.
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created through Settings → Backup).
5. Set up a fingerprint/face and PIN-code.

At this point, you can opt out of pre-installed apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) by unchecking the boxes during the setup process. We also recommend you immediately disable Auto Update in Settings → About Phone → System Update to avoid unexpected reboots.

💡

Once reset, the device may suggest updating the firmware. If your goal is to sell the phone, don't upgrade: the new version of MIUI may add a Mi Account lock that the customer will have to uninstall.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ones:

If the device doesn’t turn on after reset or shows a No command error, try:

• 🔌 Repeat the reset via Recovery by selecting Wipe Cache Partition before Wipe Data.
• 📱 Swipe stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 5).
• 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if the warranty is valid).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions