Xiaomi Resets to Factory Settings: 3 Proven Ways

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

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only solution to restore the smartphone to health, which deletes all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning the device to a “out of the box” state, most often resorted to in four cases:

First, if the smartphone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. This is a typical problem for Redmi Note 10/11 and POCO X3/X4 devices, where new firmware versions conflict with old core modules. Second, the reset helps in preparing the phone for sale - so you are guaranteed to delete personal information, including data from banking applications and Google Pay. Third, the procedure can save the device after a failed rooting or installing custom firmware when the system refuses to boot. Finally, the reset is sometimes required to unlock the bootloader through the Fbootloader firmware.

But it’s important to understand that resetting is not a panacea: it won’t fix hardware problems (such as a broken screen or a broken battery), it won’t restore IMEI after a modem firmware is incorrect, and it won’t help if the phone is locked by a carrier (such as when you buy under a contract), and other methods will be required, from flashing through an EDL to contacting a service center.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, follow three critical steps to avoid losing important data and having trouble activating your device after the procedure:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or using Mi Cloud.Please note: backup MIUI does not store data of some applications (for example, WhatsApp or Viber – they need to be backup separately).
• 🔒 Make sure you know the username and password of the Mi Account account associated with the phone. After the reset, the device may require you to enter this data to unlock (Factory Reset Protection feature).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device, especially on models with Snapdragon. 8xx (Xiaomi 12 Pro or Black Shark 5).

Also check if the Find My Device feature is active on your device (in Google Account).If it is enabled, after reset, the phone may require Google data to verify ownership, this applies to all Android 5.1+ devices, including Redmi 9A and later.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via the settings menu can result in the bootloader being automatically blocked. In this case, you will need to wait 72–168 hours (depending on the model) to re-unlock and go through the Mi Unlock Tool.

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

This method is suitable for devices that turn on and respond to touch, it is the simplest and least risky, since it is controlled by the operating system, the instruction is relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some firmware it may be called About Device or Phone Information).
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (or Reset in MIUI 14).
4. Select Reset, then Erase all data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
6. Confirm the action by pressing Ready or Reset.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model. The device will reboot several times. Don't interrupt the procedure, it can damage the system partitions. Once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like when you first turn on.

Is your Mi Account disabled (if you plan to sell your phone)?

Have you got a backup of contacts and photos?

Is the device more than 50% charged?

Is everyone off? SIM-Memory cards and cards (recommended)?

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On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) after reset, an error message may appear: "This device is locked" This means that Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is activated. To unlock the phone, connect to Wi-Fi and enter the Mi Account data that was tied before the reset.

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

If the smartphone does not load (hangs on the MI logo or reboots cyclically), you will have to use Recovery Mode, which works even on “brick” devices, but requires accurate execution of instructions. On models with a locked bootloader (for example, the new Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), resetting via Recovery boot may not work – you will need to unlock the loader.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F5, Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Volume up + Volume down + Power. For older devices (Redmi 4X, Mi A1): Volume down + Power.

Mi Recovery

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to confirm the selection.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in some versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wiped successfully).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

You will need a computer with installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable (preferably from the set:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds. Connect the device to the PC.

cmd

fastboot devices

The serial number of your Xiaomi should be displayed.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If the phone doesn't boot after these commands, the system partition may be damaged, which would require a full Fastboot flashing using the official ROM for your model, and you can download the firmware at en.miui.com (select the Fastboot version instead of Recovery).

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Resetting via Fastboot deletes the data completely, but does not reinstall the firmware.If the problem was in the system files, you will need additional firmware through fastboot flash all.

What to do if the phone does not turn on after reset

If the device does not boot after reset (hangs on the logo, flashes the screen or reboots cyclically), the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔧 Damaged system partition – relevant for devices where the reset was performed through Recovery or Fastboot on unstable firmware.
• 🔒 Activated. FRP-Protection – the phone requires Mi Account or Google data but cannot connect to the network.
• 🔋 Hardware malfunction – for example, a memory chip dump (typical for Redmi 9 after drops).

Solutions depending on symptoms:

If none of the methods worked, and the device still doesn't turn on, it's probably a hardware problem.

1. Try connecting your phone to charge for 30 to 60 minutes, which can sometimes help with a battery that is dead.
2. If the screen reacts to backlighting (when an incoming call or charging connection is connected), but the image is missing - a malfunction of the display plume or matrix.
3. Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase – on most models, the warranty applies to software failures.

How to avoid mistakes when resetting: tips from experts

The experience of repairing and firmware hundreds of Xiaomi devices shows that 90% of the problems after a reset are due to non-compliance with simple rules.

• 📵 Turn it off. SIM-Pre-reset cards and memory cards on some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 NFC) Formatting can affect external drives.
• 🔄 Do not use unoriginal cables to connect to your PC when reset via Fastboot. Cheap cables can cause communication breakdowns, leading to a "brick".
• ⏳ Do not interrupt the process even if it takes more than 20 minutes. 8A, Mi A2 Lite) discharge may last up to 40 minutes.
• 🔐 Check the status of the bootloader through the command fastboot oem device-info. If Device unlocked: false, reset via Fastboot will not work.

Pay special attention to devices with dynamic memory (UFS), such as Xiaomi 12S or Redmi K50 Gaming. they are not recommended to reset through the Fastboot without first unlocking the bootloader - this can lead to loss of IMEI or modem inoperability.

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If you’re a firmware experimenter, create a Nandroid backup in TWRP Recovery, which stores a full copy of all partitions, including boot, system, and data, and allows you to restore your phone to any state in 5-10 minutes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset