How to Reset Settings on Xiaomi Smartphone: A Complete Guide with Warnings

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from slowdowns and errors to the inability to boot the system. However, not all users know that there are three fundamentally different methods of resetting, each of which has its own nuances and consequences. For example, resetting through Settings saves files in the device’s memory, and hard reset via Fastboot deletes everything, including data on the internal drive.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including the 2020-2026 models), pay attention to the hidden MIUI options that can lock the device after a reset, and explain how to avoid typical errors.

Preparation for resetting: what to do necessarily

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Even if your Xiaomi is not running smoothly, take time to prepare – it will save you nerves and data.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Recovery or Fastboot reset can take up to 10-15 minutes, and if the phone turns off in the process, the risk of "bricking" increases significantly.
• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → Google → Backup or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root:
• 🔐 Make sure you know your Mi Account details after resetting on some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi) 12T and newer) you will need to enter a username and password from Mi Account, even if the account was not previously linked.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device!

Battery charge ≥50%|Backup copy of data created|Mi Account data recorded|The device is not connected to the PC (for reset via the menu)|All off. SIM-cards (optional)-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The simplest and most secure method, which works 90% of the time, saves files in the device's memory (photos, music, documents), but deletes:

• 📱 Installed applications and their data
• 🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi, sound, fingerprints)
• 📋 Accounts (except for the main Mi Account)

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Reset (on MIUI 14, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recover and Reset).
2. Select Reset (not to be confused with Erase all data – this is a hard reset!).
3. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

Once you reboot, you'll be asked to set your phone up as new, and if you want to return your data, restore it from a Google backup or Mi Cloud.

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If after reset, the phone asks for a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - use the official recovery service: account.xiaomi.com. Do not try to bypass the lock through third-party programs: this violates the terms of use and can lead to a complete blocking of IMEI.

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

This method is used when the phone is not loading or the settings menu is not available. Unlike soft reset, it completely clears internal memory, including photos, videos and documents. Suitable for Xiaomi models based on Qualcomm and Mediatek (for example, Redmi 9A, POCO X3 Pro).

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see a menu in English or Chinese.

Further action:

• 📛 Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
• 🔍 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (some firmware may call Factory Reset).
• ✅ Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
• ⏳ Wait until it is completed (may take up to 10 minutes).
• 🔄 Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System for Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On devices with locked bootloader (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) Resetting via Recovery may result in a requirement to unlock Bootloader.If you haven't done this before, prepare for additional steps (see section below).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The most radical method used is if:

• 📵 The phone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo.
• 🔒 Recovery is not available or requires a password.
• 📦 You need to reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (don’t use cheap cables – they can interrupt the process!).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the driver.
5. Run the command to completely reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the phone is rebooted, it will look like new. If you need firmware, download the official ROM for your model from Xiaomi and run through the Mi Flash Tool.

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery | Through Fastboot |Never reset |Another way-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems after a reset, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If the phone is slower than before the procedure, it is likely to be a hardware problem (drive wear, processor overheating) in which case the reset will not help, and it is worth considering repairing or replacing the device.

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If you are resetting your phone for sale, be sure to check Mi Account status through Settings → Xiaomi Account → Device Status. If it says “Device is tied,” the new owner will not be able to activate it!

Resetting on a locked phone: risks and consequences

Many users try to reset the settings on a stolen or found Xiaomi phone, hoping to unlock it.

• 🔒 Blocking Mi Account.Even after a full Fastboot reset, the phone will require you to enter your original account details.
• 📍 Find Device: Remote control remains active, and the original owner can block the device remotely.
• 🚨 IMEI If the phone is listed as stolen, the carriers can block it from the Internet. IMEI.

The only legal way to get around the block is to provide proof of purchase (check, warranty card) and contact Xiaomi via the form: mi.com/support.

⚠️ Note: Using services like “Mi Account Unlock” or lock-bypass firmware violates Xiaomi’s user agreement and may result in a full lockdown. IMEI (The phone will become a brick, and it's also illegal in most countries.

Alternatives to dumping: when it is possible to do without radical measures

Before you drop your phone, check if one of these procedures will help:

• 🧹 Cache cleanup. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This will delete temporary files without losing data.
• 🔄 Update MIUI. Sometimes bugs are fixed in new firmware versions: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Reset individual settings, for example, you can only reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• 📦 Remove problematic applications. If your phone brakes after installing a specific software, delete it in Settings → Annexes.

If the problem is related to autonomy (fast battery discharge), try calibrating the battery:

1. Discharge the phone before automatically shutting down.
2. Charge to 100% without interruption (use the original RAM).
3. Disconnect from charging and reset via Recovery (without deleting data).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions