How to completely reset Xiaomi: from smartphone to TV

Whether you need to sell your device, fix software glitches, or prepare it for a new user, a proper reset ensures your personal data is erased and the system returns to its But not all resets are the same: the methods are different for smartphones Redmi/POCO, Mi Pad tablets, Mi TVs TV And even the Mi Band smartwatch.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of reset (including hidden functions for locked devices), explain how to avoid typical errors in hard reset, and provide a table of compatibility methods with different models. MIUI 14/15 HyperOS, new firmware where standard instructions often don’t work.

1.When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi?

Reset the device to a factory state is required in several cases:

• 📱 Selling or transferring a gadget – deletion of personal data (photos, messages, accounts).
• 🔄 System failures: constant reboots, application errors, crashes" MIUI.
• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN — If other unblocking methods have not worked.
• 📉 Slowdown: Device "brakes" after long use.
• 🆕 Preparation for firmware updates (recommended for clean installation).

However, resetting doesn’t always solve the problem, for example, if Xiaomi doesn’t turn on due to a hardware fault (a broken screen, a damaged motherboard), then software reset is useless, in which cases repairs are required at a service center.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand

Before you click the Reset button, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data:

1. Create a backup copy: 📁 For Contacts and Messages: Use Settings → Google → Backup. 📸 For photo/video: copy files to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). 🔑 For passwords: export them from Google Smart Lock or password manager.

Check the battery charge.

50%

Remember the Mi Account details

Untie the device from services

• 🔗 Find My Device (Google) – Settings → Security → Find My Device.
• 🔗 Mi Cloud - Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.

💡

If after resetting the Mi TV does not find Wi-Fi networks, try connecting via Ethernet cable and updating the firmware through Settings → Software Update.

What happens when you soft reset:

• ✅ All user data (photos, apps, settings) are deleted).
• ✅ Restore the standard settings MIUI/HyperOS.
• ❌ Not deleted: firmware, Mi Account data (if the device is tied), files on SD-map (if not formatted).
• Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Only works if Location Services and Remote Management are enabled on the device.
• ❌ It will not work if the device is turned off or not connected to the Internet.
• ❌ After the reset, there may be a binding to the Mi Account (data entry is required at the first turn on).

If a device is stolen, don’t reset remotely, allowing an attacker to use the device without you being tied to it, instead lock it via Find My Device (Google) or contact the police.

Method 4: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The device is locked, but USB-debugging was included earlier.
• 🔧 You only need to reset certain settings (for example, delete the pattern lock).
• 🔧 Standard methods do not work (for example, on custom firmware).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Platform Tools by Google.
• Reboot the device: adb reboot

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems.

• 🔴 "Device does not turn on after reset": Reason: interrupted reset process (for example, battery died). Solution: connect the charge and repeat the procedure. If it does not help, run the device through the Fastboot.
• 🔴 "Requires old password after reset": Reason: Mi Account is linked to the device. Solution: enter the account information that was linked before reset. If you forget the password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
• 🔴 "Recovery won't open": Reason: wrong button combination or hardware malfunction Solution: Try other combinations (see section 4) or use ADB.
• 🔴 "After reset, there is no network: The reason: the settings are lost IMEI Or a communications module. Solution: check it out. IMEI *#06#. If it is missing, restore it through SN Writer Tool (requires a backup copy).

⚠️ Note: If the screen reads “This device is locked” after the reset (even after the Mi Account data is entered), this means that the device was purchased by “gray” or previously blocked for violating Xiaomi rules. In this case, unlocking is possible only through the official service center with the provision of a check on purchase. 💡Before selling the device, be sure to untie it from Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi account → If none of the methods worked, contact the official Xiaomi service center. In some cases (for example, if the partition is damaged). EFS) You may need to reflash with specialized equipment. FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset Can Xiaomi be reset without data loss? No, a full reset always deletes user data. However, you can: Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup. Use it. ADB for selective removal (e.g., only a pattern lock). If you need to free up space, try clearing the cache in Settings → Warehouse → How to reset Xiaomi if you forgot your Mi Account password? If your device is locked because of a forgotten Mi Account password: Go to account.xiaomi.com and restore the password through email/If you lose access to your mail/phone, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box). MIUI 12+ may require waiting 72 Attention: Buying "unblocked" accounts on third-party sites is a fraud. Xiaomi can lock the device permanently? No, resetting the settings via menu or Recovery does not affect the warranty. However: Unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty. Installing custom firmware also results in a loss of warranty obligations. If the reset is made according to the manufacturer's instructions, the service center has no right to refuse warranty repairs. ADB? Yes, there are two options: through Mi. PC Suite: Download Mi PC Suite. Connect the device to USB. Select Backup → Recovery → Reset to factory.

Through Fastboot (for advanced):

• Install the Mi Flash Tool.
• Download the official firmware for your model.
• Swipe the device in Fastboot mode (fastboot erase userdata command).

Both methods require the bootloader to be pre-unlocked on new devices.