Resetting Xiaomi’s device to factory settings is a procedure that every user will sooner or later face, and may be necessary when selling a gadget, fixing software glitches, or preparing to upgrade a firmware, but the wrong approach to resetting can turn a simple operation into a real headache: data loss, locking an account, or even “bricking” the device.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset for Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and smart devices, from the standard menu to the Fastboot mode and hidden MIUI functions. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that are not written in the official instructions: how to bypass the lock Mi Account, what to do when the process freezes, and how to recover data after a reset. If you are looking for a reliable way to return your Redmi, POCO or Mi original state, you are at the right place.
When do I need to reset to factory settings?
Resetting is not always a universal solution, but in some cases it is really necessary:
- 📱 Selling or transferring a device – deletion of personal data, accounts and files.
- 🔄 System failures – constant freezes, application errors or “departures" MIUI.
- 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock/password – if other unlocking methods have not helped.
- 📉 Slowing down – when cleaning the cache and optimizing don’t work.
- 🔄 Preparation for firmware updates – especially important when switching to a new version MIUI.
However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (for example, a damaged motherboard or battery), in such cases, diagnostics are required at the service center, and you should not reset the settings for the sake of experimenting, this can lead to irreversible data loss if a backup was not created.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps:
- Back up – use the built-in MIUI Backup tool (Settings → About Phone → Backup) or third-party services like Google Drive.
- Remember the data of the Mi Account - after resetting, the device may require entering a login and password to unlock.
- Delete your Google account (if you plan to sell your device) and it will save the new owner from FRP (Factory Reset Protection) problems.
Pay special attention to backup SMS, contacts and media files. The built-in MIUI doesn't always store multimedia messages and notes. Use a combination of cloud storage and local copy on your computer for reliability.
☑️ Checklist before reset
⚠️ Note: If you forget the Mi Account password, resetting to factory settings can block the device.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)
This is the standard method that is suitable for most Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and Mi 11/12/13. The main advantage is simplicity and minimal error risk.
Instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to About Phone (or About Tablet for Xiaomi Pad).
- Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
- Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a password / pattern lock.
- Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).
The device will automatically restart and prompt you to configure it as new. If you request Mi Account data after the reset, enter the attached email and password.
What to do if the reset menu is not available?
Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (for locked devices)
If the smartphone is not turned on, got stuck on the MI logo or locked with a graphical key, resetting through Recovery mode will help, which works on all Xiaomi devices, including older models like the Redmi 4X or Mi A1.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the device (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi Pad 5/6: Volume up + Volume down + Power.
Mi Recovery
Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Confirm
Reboot
Reboot to System
If Recovery requires you to enter a password and you don’t remember it, try connecting your device to the Mi Flash Tool via Fastboot (see next section).
| Model of the device | Combination for entering Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8/9/10/11 | Volume up + Nutrition | Some firmware requires confirmation through Mi Account. |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | Loudness down + Nutrition | In Recovery, Russian may not be available. |
| Mi 11/12/13 | Volume up + Nutrition | Supports touch control in Recovery. |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6 | Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition | Requires connection to charge at low battery level. |
⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in data loss on internal memory, including photos and documents in the folder. DCIM!
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method is suitable for devices that do not respond to standard reset methods, or if you need to completely clean all partitions (including cache and data). ADB/Fastboot and the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Instructions:
For devices with an unlocked bootloader, you can try the following steps:
- Install TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery)
- Connect the device to your PC and use the adb pull /data utility to extract file residues.
- Use specialized tools like Dr.Fone (paid, but with high efficiency).
Importantly, the fewer operations you perform on your device after a reset, the better the chances of recovery. Do not install new applications or copy files to internal memory!