How to reset Xiaomi phone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to a “second life”: it solves 90% of software problems, from brakes after upgrading to the consequences of viral attacks. However, not everyone knows that an incorrect reset can lead to the blocking of Mi Account or loss of important data. In this guide, we will discuss three official reset methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), explain how to prepare the phone, and warn against the typical mistakes that even experienced owners of Redmi, POCO and Mi.

Importantly, the procedure is different for devices with an unlocked bootloader and those that are tied to a Xiaomi account. If you forget the Mi Account password, a Recovery reset can turn your phone into a brick — more on this in the section on risks and consequences. We also collected current data on models from 2022-2026, where Xiaomi changed the logic of the Recovery menu (for example, in the Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5).

Before you start, answer two questions:

1. Do I need to save data (photos, contacts, messages)? If so, resetting through settings is preferable.
2. Do you remember the username/password from Mi Account? If not, avoid using Fastboot.

Preparing the phone for resetting: what to do

Even if you're in a hurry, skipping this stage can result in data loss or device lockdown, and here's a checklist of mandatory actions:

Pay special attention to backup. Xiaomi has two ways:

• 🔄 Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Minus - limit of 5GB on free fare.
• 💾 Local copy: in the same settings, select Local Backup. The file will be saved in the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup internal.

Important for POCO owners: In POCO Launcher-based firmware, the path to backup may be different. Use a file manager (like Files by Google) and look for a folder by keyword backup.

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, you must:

1. Untie the device from Mi Account in Settings → Mi Account → Exit.
2. Delete all Google accounts in Settings → Accounts and Sync.
3. Remove the screen lock (PIN, pattern lock, fingerprint).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on but is responding to charging, try holding the power + volume button for 10 to 15 seconds, which can trigger Recovery even on a dead battery.

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

This method is suitable if:

• ☑ The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• ☑ You remember the password from the lock screen.
• ☑ No need to get around Mi Account.

The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS on new models):

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter the password from the lock screen (if requested).
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), the path has changed: Settings → Memory → Resetting → Delete all data.

What happens after the reset:

• 📱 All applications and their data will be deleted.
• 📞 Contacts, SMS Calls will disappear (unless synced with Google).
• 📷 Photos and videos will only remain if they are on the memory card (it can be removed before resetting).
• 🔒 The phone will require re-association to the Mi Account when first enabled.

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

This method is used when:

• 🔴 The phone hangs on the logo. MI or POCO.
• 🔴 The screen does not respond to touch (but the device is switched on).
• 🔴 Forgot the unlock password.

The login algorithm for Recovery depends on the model:

After entering Recovery:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
3. Confirm Wipe All Data.
4. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 13+ And HyperOS, after resetting through Recovery, you may have a request to enter Mi Account data, even if the phone was not previously tied. This is due to Xiaomi's security policy. If you don't remember the password, use Method 3 (Fastboot).

For owners of Redmi Note 11 and newer: in some regional firmware, the Wipe Data item may be called Factory Reset or Erase All. If the menu is in Chinese, look for characters (clear the data).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method is the last chance if:

• 🛠 Phone locked off Mi Account after reset.
• 🛠 Recovery does not start or gives an error.
• 🛠 You need to run the device from scratch.

The work will require:

• 🖥 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Teams.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (unless previously unlocked).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
5. In Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the path to the firmware, then Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
6. Select Clean All (full reset) and press Flash.

Alternatively, through ADB:

fastboot oem edl


fastboot flash all [name firmware].tgz




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Fastboot Firmware on models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro et al.) requires official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool. Without it, the phone will turn into a brick.

Important. POCO F3/F4: These models are used EDL-If the Mi Flash Tool can't see the device, try the command:

fastboot oem edl

After that, the phone will go to EDL, and it will be seen by the program QFil or Mi Flash.

Risks and consequences of discharge: what to fear

Factory resets are not harmless, but the real problems Xiaomi users face are:

1. Locking Mi Account: if the phone was linked to the account, after reset, you will need to enter a login / password. Without them, unlocking is possible only through Fastboot (and then not on all models).
2. Loss of IMEI: On some devices (e.g. Redmi 9T) the IMEI may be dropped via Fastboot, which will make it impossible for you to get mobile connectivity, and you can only recover it via the engineering menu (#4636##).
3. This device is locked: appears on devices with a locked bootloader after a failed reset, the solution is official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool (it will take 7-15 days).
4. Loss of warranty: If a reset resulted in firmware through unofficial tools (such as TWRP), Xiaomi’s service center may refuse warranty repairs.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Always untie your Mi Account before resetting (if your phone is working).
• 📡 Check it out. IMEI After the procedure, enter *#06#).
• 🔧 Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi website.
• 🔋 Do not interrupt the reset process (even if the phone is long hanging on the logo).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on or reboots after reset, try flashing it through Fastboot with the Clean All and Lock option option in the Mi Flash Tool. This will return the stock firmware and lock the bootloader, but will keep the warranty.

How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi before resetting

If you plan to reset via Fastboot or install custom firmware, the bootloader must be unlocked. Xiaomi officially allows this, but with restrictions:

• ⏳ Waiting 7-15 days: after linking the account to the device, you need to wait (the period depends on the model).
• 🔗 Mi Account Link: The phone must be linked to the account from which the unlock request will be sent.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection: the process requires a network connection.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (Windows only).
2. Enable OEM Unlock in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Additional → Developers → Unlock OEM).
3. Link the phone to Mi Account in Settings → Mi Account.
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the instructions.
5. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (Power buttons + Volume down).
6. Press Unlock and wait until the end (the phone will reboot).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12S Ultra, Redmi K50 Unlocking the bootloader may result in loss of Widevine features L1 (no HD Netflix, Disney.+). It's irredeemable!

For the POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13, these models use a new anti-Rollback protection mechanism. Once you unlock the bootloader, you will not be able to return to the old version of MIUI, which will lead to locking the device.

Features of reset on popular Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi phones behave the same when reset, and we've collected some nuances for the most common models:

Important for Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi K60: these models use the new HyperOS protection system. Reset via Recovery can lead to a Mi Account request even if the phone was not tied before.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset