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

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to eliminating critical failures. However, an improperly executed hard reset can lead to the loss of important data or even lock the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Redmi, POCO and Mi models (including new devices from 2023-2026), and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It's important to understand that resetting is not a universal solution to all problems. For example, if a phone hangs on a logo after a failed MIUI update, you may need to flash through Fastboot rather than a standard reset. We'll go into detail on each method, its advantages and limitations, so you can choose the best option for your situation.

When you need to reset Xiaomi to factory settings

Before you start the procedure, assess whether it is really necessary. Here are the most common cases where the reset is justified:

• 🔄 Preparing for sale or transfer – Deletion of all personal data, accounts and settings.
• 🐢 Slowdown – if the phone started to brake for no apparent reason (after cleaning the cache and optimizing).
• 🔧 System failures – persistent reboots, application errors, or broken features (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
• 🔒 Removing viruses – if the antivirus detects malware that is not removed by standard methods.
• 📱 Resetting passwords – if you forget the pattern lock or PIN-code (but there are nuances with reference to Mi Account).

On the other hand, resetting will not help if:

• ❌ The problem is hardware breakdown (for example, the display or speaker is not working).
• ❌ The phone does not turn on at all (you need firmware through the PC).
• ❌ Failure caused by damage to system files after manual editing (partition re-marking is needed).

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via the menu may result in data loss in the section /data, But it won't affect custom firmware like LineageOS, and you'll need to use it to reset completely. TWRP.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

The safest and most recommended method is to use the built-in MIUI menu.

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember the unlock password (or it is not set).
• 📶 The device is not locked through the Mi Cloud.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset (on new versions of MIUI 14/15, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will tell you which data to clear: 📁 Annexes and their data 📞 Network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) 🔑 Google and Mi accounts

Confirm the action by entering a password (if required).

Wait for the reboot (usually takes 3-7 minutes).

Once completed, the phone will turn on with the screen of the initial settings, as after purchase. All data (photos, messages, applications) will be deleted, but the files on the phone will be deleted. SD-The map (if it is installed) will remain intact.

Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Connect the charger (battery) > 50%)|Delete SIM-map SD-map (optional)|Check the availability of the Internet (for activation after resetting)

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⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12 and later, a re-attachment to the Mi Account may be required if the Factory Reset Protection mechanism has been previously activated (FRP). Without account data, the phone will not be able to configure!

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn’t turn on, freezes on the logo or doesn’t respond to touch, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 13, but requires carefulness.

Instructions for phones with physical buttons:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 Power button + Loudness down (for older devices, such as Redmi) 4X).

Hold on until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

Select the language (usually English or Chinese) from the menu.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Reboot to System

On newer models (such as Xiaomi 14), the Recovery interface may look different, with touch controls.

• 👆 Scroll down to Erase All Data.
• 🔐 Enter the password from Mi Account if the system requests it.
• 🔄 Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your phone is stolen or stolen and you want to erase it, you can use the Remote Reset feature via Mi Cloud, which is also suitable if you forget your unlock password, but at the same time:

• 🔗 The device is tied to your Mi Account.
• 📶 The phone has the Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi) on it).
• 🔋 Battery level of charge > 20%.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your phone.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

After the remote reset, the phone will restart and be ready for a new setup.

• ⚠️ If the device is activated protection FRP, After the reset, you will need to enter data from the Mi Account to which it was linked.
• ⚠️ Remote reset does not work if the phone is off or not connected to the network.

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If you are selling a phone, be sure to untie it from the Mi Account before the reset. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Devices and remove the device from the list. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate it!

What to do after Xiaomi reset

After a successful reset, the phone will return to the "out of the box" state.

1. 🌍 Choose a language and region.
2. 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (it is recommended to use the same network as before the reset if the router settings are saved).
3. 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account (if you were tied in).
4. 📱 Recover data from a backup (if it was created via Mi Cloud or Google Drive).
5. 🔄 Update the system to the latest version (check in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

A few important nuances:

• 🔒 If you’ve been resetting your phone due to viruses, don’t restore data from an old backup – it may contain malware.
• 📱 On new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) After reset, it may be necessary to re-activate the bootloader if it has been unlocked.
• 🔋 The first charge after reset is recommended to carry out up to 100% - this will help calibrate the battery.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone asks to enter the password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, you can restore access through the official website. FRP It may lead to a blockage. IMEI!

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After reset, be sure to check the basic functions: the camera, speakers, sensors and communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS).If something is not working, it may be hardware rather than software.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience problems when resetting Xiaomi due to ignorance of the key points.

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after resetting on custom firmware devices, and if the IMEI is missing (checked by *#06#), you can restore it:

• 📱 Through the engineering menu (enter ##4636## → Phone information).
• 💻 With help. QCN-file QPST (skillful).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset