How to return Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 working ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to restore the smartphone to its previous performance, eliminate software failures or prepare the device for sale. The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the system to its original state, as after purchase. However, many owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi face difficulties: the system requires a password from Mi Account, the reset through Recovery ends in error, then after the procedure the phone stops booting.

In this article, we will break down three official reset methods (through settings, Xiaomi account and recovery mode), explain how to bypass typical errors, and provide a checklist for safe preparation. We will focus on the nuances for models with MIUI 14/15 and devices with a locked bootloader. If you plan to sell a phone or just want to clean it of digital garbage, this guide will help you get it right the first time.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Reset Xiaomi to factory settings is not only when selling, but also in a number of other cases:

• 📉 Strong braking: phone lags, apps spontaneously close and less than 10% of free memory left.Reset often helps better than cache cleaning.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: device turns on, shows logo MIUI, Then it turns off and repeats the process.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN: If you don’t remember the unlock password and Find Device is disabled, reset is the only way out.
• 📱 Preparation for sale: deletion of personal data (photos, messages, accounts) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🛠️ Errors after the update: if after the upgrade MIUI Glitches appeared (sensors do not work, communication is lost).

However, resetting won’t help if the problem is related to hardware — for example, a broken screen, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard — in which cases repairs are required at a service center.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (most devices purchased officially), a reset via Recovery may require you to enter data from Mi Account, which was previously associated with the phone.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you dump Xiaomi, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and avoiding problems:

1. Back up. Use the built-in Settings tool. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) is especially important to save: 📁 Contacts (export to.vcf) 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (write manually or use Google Password Manager)

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

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Untie the accounts.

• 📱 Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out.
• 🔗 Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account
• Remember IMEI. Dial *#06# and write down both numbers (you can use it to reconnect after resetting).

Backup contacts and files|Charge your phone to at least 50%|Unlock Mi Account and Google|Write it down. IMEI device|Make sure you know the data from Mi Account (if reset via Recovery)-->

If you are selling a phone, you should also:

• 📦 Extract. SIM-card and memory card (if any).
• 🔄 Format internal memory after reset (option will appear in the recovery menu).

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If you reset the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, after the procedure, you may need to re-activate the Mi Account to unlock the bootloader.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

This is a good method if the phone is turned on, you remember the unlock password and have access to the settings menu. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Reset (on some models – Reset all settings).
4. Read the warning and click Reset your phone settings.
5. When you request, enter PIN-code.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you bought it.

⚠️ Note: If the phone requires data from the previous Mi Account (not yours) after the reset, it means that the device was linked to another account. In this case, contact the previous owner or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

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Resetting through settings is the safest method, but it is not possible if the screen unlock password is forgotten or the phone is not turned on.

Method 2: Reset via Mi Account (if you forget your password)

If you do not remember the pattern lock or PIN-code, but you have access to the Mi Account attached to the phone, you can reset remotely through Find Device, and this works even if the device is locked.

1. Go to Find Device and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi (if not, update the page or check if the Internet is on on your phone).
3. Click on the option to erase data (or Erase Device in English).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

After a successful reset, the phone will restart and prompt you to go through the initial setup, and it's important that this method only works if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the mobile Internet or it is connected to Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated earlier (in the security settings).
• 🔒 Mi Account was not deleted from the device before blocking.

Method 3: Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the phone doesn't turn on, hangs on the logo, or you forget your password and Find Device doesn't work, the only way out is to reset through Recovery Mode, a method that requires caution, as improper actions can lead to a device blink.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Mi):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: 🔘 For most models: Power button + Loudness up. 🔘 For POCO F1/F2/F3: Power button + Loudness down.

Hold the buttons until the Mi Recovery logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).

In the recovery menu, select the language (usually English and Chinese are available).

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).

Reboot → Reboot to System

If the phone requires a Mi Account entry after the reset, it means that the device was tied to the account and the bootloader is locked. Enter the username and password from the account that was previously associated. If you do not remember the data, restore it on the Mi Account site or contact the proof of ownership of the device for support.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-activate the bootloader).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after resetting via Recovery or shows an error “This device is locked”, try repeating the procedure by selecting Wipe Data → Format Data from the menu. This will completely clear the internal memory, but can help bypass the lock.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:

If none of the methods worked and the phone still doesn’t work, then the hardware may be the problem, so contact Xiaomi’s service center with a check to buy.

What to do after a reset

After a successful reset, your Xiaomi will be like new to get it back to working order:

1. Go through the initial setup: Choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi. Link Mi Account (required if you plan to use Xiaomi services). Set up Google Account to access the Play Market.
2. Restore data from backup: If the backup was in Mi Cloud, select Restore from the Cloud. If you used Google Drive, log in and restore contacts, photos, apps.
3. Update your firmware: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Install the latest version of MIUI (this will fix any bugs after reset).

Set up security.

• Install. PIN-code.
• Activate Find Device (Settings → Mi Account → Find Device)

Attention.

Mi Account