Xiaomi's Forced Reset to Factory Settings: The Complete 2026 Guide

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is the last resort when critical system failures, virus attacks, or before selling a device. But what if the phone doesn’t turn on, locks up with a pattern lock, or doesn’t respond to the sensor?

In this article, we will cover all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from the standard method through MIUI Settings to low-level commands via Fastboot. We will focus on the nuances of how to bypass Mi Account lock, what to do when the error "This device is locked", and why you may need to flash flash back after the reset. All instructions are tested on models from 2020-2026 and correspond to the latest versions of MIUI 14/15.

⚠️ Warning: Forced reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts and installed apps. If the phone is still responding to a PC connection, try saving data first. MTP or ADB backup.

1.When does a forced Xiaomi reset need to be made?

Not all problems require a hard reset, but here are the cases where it's really needed:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock./PIN-Code – the device is locked and the Find Device function is disabled.
• 🐢 System lags and freezes – the phone brakes after the update MIUI or custom-fixing.
• 🦠 Viral Infection – Malware blocks access to settings or displays ads.
• 📱 Preparation for sale – you need to completely clear the device of personal data.
• 🔧 Errors after firmware – for example, endless bootloop or no network.

If the problem is hardware malfunctions (for example, the display is not working or the battery is not charging), reset will not help - repair is required. Also, do not reset the device with minor glitches: first try to clear the cache through Settings → Memory → Clean.

2. Method 1: Recovery Mode Reset (works on 90% of devices)

The most versatile method is to use Recovery, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and older devices, the main condition is that the phone must at least turn on (albeit with errors).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the device. If it's stuck, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔄 For older devices (until 2019): Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: some devices may be asked to enter the Mi Account login after reset via Recovery. If you do not remember the account details, you will have to use Fastboot (method 3).

Turn off the phone from charging

Check the battery power (minimum 30%)

Prepare the original USB cable (in case of errors)

Remember the button combination for your model-->

Method 2: Reset via MIUI settings (if the phone is working)

If the device is turned on and reacts to touch, the easiest way to drop it is through the standard menu, which is suitable for Xiaomi on MIUI 12-15 and does not require additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → General settings.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to unlock the developer menu (optional, but useful for debugging).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select: Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset → Reset settings
4. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter your password (if required) and wait for the reboot.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Volume Down + Power The screen should show an image of a rabbit in a hat (Fastboot mode).
2. Connect the device to a PC. Install the drivers (if Windows doesn't find them automatically, download Mi USB Driver).
3. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without Cyrillic.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

🔹 Important: if after firmware the phone requires authorization in Mi Account, and you do not remember the data, you will have to contact the service center to unlock through the phone. EDL.

1. reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably 2.0).

2. disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).

3. Run the program on behalf of the administrator.-->

Table: Comparison of discharge methods

🔹 Conclusion: for most users, Recovery Mode is enough. Fastboot is only needed in critical cases, and EDL — prerogative of service centers.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.

• 🚫 Fastboot: Solution: Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires a tied Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
• 🔄 phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after reset: Solution: Repeat reset via Recovery or stitch the device back through Fastboot.
• 📱 After reset, the sensor does not work: Solution: this is a hardware problem - you need to replace the plume or display.

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone asks for the old Mi Account password and you don't remember it, don't enter the data at random. After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

7. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions

💡

If the phone does not respond to any combination of buttons, the problem may be in the hardware (for example, a faulty power button). EDL-Boxing mode (such as UFi Box or EasyJTAG).