How to Reset Xiaomi Phone to Factory Settings: 3 Proven Ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, from freezes and errors to preparing a device for sale. However, the wrong hard reset can turn a smartphone into a brick or permanently delete important data. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for models of 2020-2026, including hidden nuances for devices with MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS.

According to service center statistics, 37% of Xiaomi’s dead calls involve an interrupted fastboot reset or a mischosen Recovery mode, and we’ll show you how to avoid these errors, save IMEI and Mi Account data, and what to do if the phone doesn’t turn on after the reset, starting with preparation, the most important step that many people miss.

Preparation for reset: what to do before the hard reset

Even if your Xiaomi is failing, don’t start a reset without preparation. 80% of the time, the problems are solved by less radical methods: cleaning the cache, updating MIUI or rolling back to stable firmware.

• 📱 Check your Mi Account: After the reset, you will need authorization. Make sure you remember your username/password or your associated phone number. On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14) without an account, it will take 72 hours to unlock!
• 🔄 Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI. Resetting on an outdated version could lead to a reboot cycle.
• 📁 Save data: contacts, photos and messages. Use Mi Cloud (in Settings) → Xiaomi Account → Cloud) or manual copying to a PC via MTP.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Reset via fastboot at low charge will be interrupted, and the phone may not turn on.

Pay special attention to related services:

• 💳 Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.): after resetting them will have to reinstall and re-title.
• 🔑 Two-factor authentication (Google Authenticator, Telegram): transfer the codes to another device or print backups.
• 🎮 Gaming Accounts (Genshin Impact, PUBG): Link them to the mail or social media.

Make a backup in Mi Cloud|Check the battery charge|Remember the Mi Account data|Untie the bank cards|Save the codes 2FA|Update MIUI last-minute-->

⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader (for example, after firmware custom recovery), resetting through the settings menu can lead to loss of IMEI. Use the method only via fastboot with the fastboot erase userdata command.

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

This is a method that works for working devices, and it doesn't require a computer. IMEI and Mi Account data, but deletes all user files and settings. MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Reset (on HyperOS: Settings → Memory → Resetting).
2. Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Reset is a different mode!).
3. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything. The process will take 5-15 minutes.

Once you restart, the phone will suggest you set it up as new.

• 🔄 Do not miss the Mi Account binding – otherwise, after 72 hours, the device will be blocked.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi before logging in to avoid sync error.
• 🔒 If you forget your Mi Account password, restore it here before resetting.

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If the phone hangs on the MI logo for a long time after reset, don't force it to turn it off. Wait 20 to 30 minutes - the system can restore files in the background.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery mode, which works even without access to the settings menu, but requires physical access to the device’s buttons.

Instructions for all models (except Xiaomi 12S Ultra and newer – they have a different combination):

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of Power + Volume Up (10-15 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release Power, but keep holding Volume Up until you see the recovery menu (usually in Chinese or English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and Power to select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait until the end (the screen will appear the words Data wiped successfully).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), the recovery menu may look different:

• 🌐 Interface language: English or Chinese (switched by volume button).
• 🔒 The Wipe Data Item may be called Clear Data or Erase All.
• ⚠️ On some firmware after reset, you will need to enter a password from Mi Account before booting the system.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with a locked bootloader (default on all new Xiaomi), a reset via recovery may result in an error. MIUI version cannot be installed on this device. Use method 3 (fastboot).

Through the settings menu |Through recovery |Through fastboot |Never reset-->

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The fastboot method is the most reliable for brick-and-brick devices, but it requires a computer and knowledge of commands.

• 📵 The phone does not turn on or respond to charging.
• 🔄 Resetting through recovery ends in error.
• 🔓 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged)>
• 📦 Firmware archive for your model (download the Fastboot version, not Recovery).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and turn it into fastboot mode: hold the Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds.
2. Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the fastboot folder and execute: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
4. For a complete reset without firmware, run: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
5. If you need to reflash the device, use the script from the firmware archive: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].tgz

On HyperOS models (such as the Xiaomi 13T), you may need an additional command to unlock critical partitions:

fastboot flashing unlock_critical

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Fastboot reset deletes ALL data, including files in internal memory. If you want to save photos or documents, use method 1 or contact a service center to retrieve data via the internal memory. EDL-regime.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, Xiaomi will offer to go through the initial setup, where it is important to avoid typical errors:

• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi at the stage of greeting – without the Internet you will not be able to log into Mi Account.
• 🔑 Enter Mi Account data immediately – on HyperOS, delaying this step for 72 hours blocks the device.
• 📱 Skip recovery from backup if you want a clean system.Backup can endure old mistakes.
• 🔒 Set up a screen lock (PIN or a pattern lock – without it, some functions (for example, Mi Pay) will not work.

To recover data:

1. If you’ve used Mi Cloud, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Cloud and choose which data to sync.
2. For a manual backup, connect your phone to your PC and copy files to DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads), etc.
3. Install the apps again from Google Play or through APK-files if you saved them to the PC.

On devices with HyperOS after reset can:

• 🔄 Spontaneously update the firmware - do not interrupt the process.
• 📱 Absent the usual launcher - install it from GetApps (branded store Xiaomi).
• 🔊 Reset the sound profile – check the volume in Settings → Sound.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right reset, there can be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the IMEI (no network) is missing after the reset, try to restore it:

1. Enter the dial number: ##4636## Check if IMEI1 and IMEI2 are displayed.
2. If you don’t have an IMEI, use the XDA instructions for your model (root rights required).

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14 Pro) self-restore IMEI This can cause a permanent modem lock, in which case contact an authorized service center.

Reset before sale: how to delete all data irrevocably

If you sell or transfer to Xiaomi, a simple reset is not enough — you can recover data with special programs.

1. Encrypt your memory before reset: Go to Settings → Security → Phone Encryption. Set your password and wait until the encryption is complete (may take 1-2 hours).
2. Run a reset via fastboot with the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase metadata This will remove the encryption keys, making data recovery impossible.
3. Swipe the device with clean firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (Clean All option).

After that:

• 📱 Untie the device from the Mi Account in your personal account.
• 📵 Out. SIM-microSD card and memory card.
• 🔄 Take a picture of the box and IMEI (on the battery sticker to confirm the sale.

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Even after a complete reset, attackers can recover data if there was no encryption. On HyperOS devices, encryption is enabled by default, but on older models (Redmi Note 8 and earlier), it must be activated manually.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions