Full reset of the smartphone Xiaomi: all ways in 2026

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a radical solution that may be required when selling a device, fixing critical crashes, or after a failed upgrade. However, not everyone knows that there are three fundamentally different reset methods: through the settings menu, Recovery mode, and the Fastboot protocol. Each has its own nuances, limitations, and data implications.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current ways of resetting Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 14/15 (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), and explain how to avoid typical errors.

When do you need a full Xiaomi reset?

Before you start the procedure, it is important to understand whether it is really necessary, resetting to factory settings is not a universal cure for all problems, but rather a "heavy artillery" that should be used in specific cases:

• 🔄 Preparing for sale or transfer is the only way to guarantee the removal of all personal data, including accounts, photos and passwords.
• 🐌 Critical system slowdown when the smartphone brakes even after cleaning the cache and removing applications.
• 🔧 Failed update MIUI, resulting in a cyclic reboot or interface errors.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code (in this case, resetting via Recovery may be the only way out).
• 🦠 Malware infection that is not removed by standard means.

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even exacerbate the problem:

• 🚫 Hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken display or charging connector) – repairs are needed, not software reset.
• 🚫 Battery problems if the phone suddenly turns off - the reset can be interrupted and "brick" the device.
• 🚫 Blocking the Mi Account - after the reset, you will need to enter a tied account, otherwise the phone will become a brick".

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting Xiaomi before selling, be sure to untie your Mi Account in the settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Delete your account, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the device!

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Regardless of the reset method chosen, preparation is 50% of the success rate, and neglecting this stage can lead to the loss of important data or even the failure of the phone.

1. Create a backup copy: 📱 Contact and SMS — Sync with Google Account or export through Settings → Additionally. → Backup. 📷 Photos and videos – copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). 🎮 Application Data – Use the built-in backup function in Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset.

Check the battery charge

at least 50%

Make sure the connection is stable

Fastboot

Remember the Mi Account details

Special attention should be paid to tied devices, if your Xiaomi is synchronized with:

• 📺 Mi TV Mi Box – Resetting the connection may be required after resetting.
• 🎧 Xiaomi headphones (AirDots, Buds) – they will have to be reconnected.
• ⌚ Smart watches Mi Band or Watch – health data can be lost.

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

This is the easiest and most recommended method if the phone is stable and you have access to the menu.It is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others on MIUI 14/15.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (in some firmware - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
4. Click Reset settings (may require input) PIN-code-key).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Delete Everything.

The process will take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and the phone will reboot and return to the "out of the box" state.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After resetting through the menu, you may remain attached to the Mi Account. To completely delete it, you need to reset via Fastboot (see Method 3).

💡

If you reset your phone and you don't remember the old password, try connecting to the Wi-Fi that your device used to connect to, and sometimes you miss the lock.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked, resetting through Recovery Mode will help. This method works even without access to the main menu, but has its pitfalls.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F4/F5: Volume down + Power. For Black Shark: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons to confirm your choice. The interface may vary depending on the MIUI version:

• 🔧 Stock Recovery (Chinese version) - menu in Chinese. Look for characters" (clear the data).
• 🌍 Global Recovery - menu in English. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
• ⚙️ TWRP (Custom Recovery – Choose Wipe → Format Data, then confirm by entering Yes.

Once the reset is confirmed, the phone will restart. The first launch can take up to 20 minutes -- that's normal.

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This is the most radical method, which completely erases all memory parts, including system data, and returns the phone to a factory-like state.

• 🔐 You need to remove the binding to the Mi Account (for example, when buying a used phone).
• 🛠️ Requires to eliminate firmware errors that do not correct a normal reset.
• 📦 You need to prepare the device for firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Platform Tools (included in Android) SDK).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press the Volume Down + Power buttons until a bunny with the words "Fastboot" appears.
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), go further.
4. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format userdata fastboot format cache
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: The fastboot erase and fastboot format commands permanently delete data from the corresponding partitions. If you make a mistake in the command (for example, you entered the fastboot erase system), the phone may stop loading!

For models with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro) may need to unlock Bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool.

💡

Fastboot reset is the only way to completely remove the binding to the Mi Account on some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12S Ultra).A normal reset via menu or Recovery leaves the connection to the account.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will start as new, but there are a few important steps to avoid problems in the future:

1. Setting up the language and region: Select Russian in the list of languages (if not, download the language pack via Mi Community). Specify the region of Russia (this is important for the correct operation of Google and Mi services).
2. Wi-Fi connection: Use a stable network - after reset, the phone will download updates. If Wi-Fi does not connect, check the date and time in the settings (sometimes it gets lost after reset).
3. Data recovery: If you backed up through Mi Cloud, log in to your account and restore data to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset. To recover via Google, select the appropriate option when you first set up.

Verification of updates

• Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI.
• If the update is “hang” – restart the phone and try again.

Pay special attention to the security setting:

• 🔐 Install a new one. PIN-code or pattern lock (do not use simple combinations like "1234").
• 👤 Set up facial/fingerprint recognition in Settings → Passwords and security.
• 🔄 Enable automatic backup in Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

If there are problems after the reset (e.g., the camera is not working or there is no sound), it is most likely due to:

• 📱 Incompatible version MIUI — Check if the firmware is suitable for your model.
• 🔧 Damaged drivers – reset again or run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Hardware malfunction - if the problem remains after resetting, contact the service.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Xiaomi, which can lead to serious consequences, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

If you still encounter a problem after a reset, here is the algorithm of actions:

1. Phone won't turn on: Try to pinch Volume Up + Power for 20-30 seconds (forced reboot). If it doesn't work, plug it into charging for 1 hour, then try again.
2. Bootloop: Log in to Recovery Mode and run Wipe Cache. If it doesn't work, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.

Requires an old password after resetting:

• If the phone was linked to a Google Account, enter the details of that account.
• If you forget your password, try resetting via Fastboot (see Method 3).

1. Dial ##4636##.

2. Go to Phone Information and check for IMEI status.

3.If IMEI No use - use the utility SN Write Tool (requires root rights).-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset

Reset via Fastboot (if Recovery is blocked):

• Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
• Run commands: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache

If the previous owner is not available, contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase (check, contract).Unlocking can take up to 30 days.