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

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, helping to fix software failures, prepare the device for sale or remove traces of personal data before transferring to another user. However, an incorrect reset can lead to the loss of important files, locking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will examine all the current ways of reset for Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, from the standard menu to forced hard reset via Recovery Mode.

Xiaomi’s smartphone features include a MIUI shell that imposes additional restrictions, such as a reset that may require you to enter data from Mi Account if you previously activated Find Device. We’ll explain in detail how to get around these nuances and what to do if the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo. You’ll also learn which data can be recovered after a reset and which is lost forever.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Xiaomi to factory settings, follow the mandatory steps. this will save you from losing important information and problems with activating the device after the procedure.

One is to back up, and even if you're planning to reset because of a system failure, at least keep your contacts, photos and documents.

• 📱 Built-in Mi Cloud – syncs contacts, notes, photos (available in Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud).
• 💾 Local backup – in Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup.

Two, unplug your accounts. If you're selling a phone, delete all the linked accounts.

• 📧 Mi Account (in Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete the account).
• 🔑 Google Account (in Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account).
• 💳 Banking apps and Google Pay (to avoid card blocking).

⚠️ Warning: If you don't delete your Mi Account before resetting, after rebooting, your phone will require you to enter your username and password. This is a measure to protect Xiaomi from theft. If you forget the data, restore it on the official website.

Third, check the battery power, make sure it's at least 50 percent, and if the phone runs out during the reset, it can damage the system files.

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

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the operating system, which is suitable if the phone is switched on, does not freeze and you have access to the menu.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (or additionally on some models).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip Settings Reset.
5. Choose Delete all data (or Erase everything in new versions).
6. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.

The process will take 5-15 minutes depending on the model, and once completed, the phone will automatically restart and prompt it to be set up as new.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Create a backup copy of important data

Unlock Mi Account and Google Account

Remember the username/password from Mi Account (if you do not delete your account)

Delete SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi Note 10 Pro) may be reset with a "This device is locked" error, which means that the bootloader's factory unlocker was previously activated.

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

If a Xiaomi smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked, forced reset via Recovery will help, which works even on dead devices, but requires care.

Steps to Enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold the combination: 📱 For most models: Power button + Loudness up. 🔧 For POCO: Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down (on some versions).

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
2. Confirm Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the end (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Select Reboot to reboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., a firmware is damaged), you can reset via Fastboot.This method requires a computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools from Google.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and type: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

This method completely erases the partition with user data, but saves system files. If you need to reflash your phone from scratch, use the Mi Flash Tool with official firmware.

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot reboot recovery

(file recovery.img You can download from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website).-->

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, Xiaomi will launch as a new phone.

• 🌍 Choose a language and region.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account (if not deleted before resetting).
• 📱 Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

If you're selling a phone, don't restore your accounts, leave it clean. If you're resetting to fix the crashes, check:

• 🔄 The work of the sensor, speakers, camera.
• 📶 Network stability (Wi-Fi, mobile Internet).
• 🔋 Battery life (sometimes reset helps to return the original capacity).

To recover data:

• 📁 Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive if you have backed up.
• 💾 Connect your phone to your PC and copy files manually (photos, videos, documents).
• 📱 Install apps from Google Play or Mi App Store.

⚠️ Warning: If after reset, the phone requires Mi Account but you don't remember the data, do not try to bypass the lock through third-party programs. IMEI. Contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you do the reset properly, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them.

If the phone does not determine after the reset SIM-map, check it out:

• 📶 Correct installation of the tray (sometimes after resetting the module settings are lost).
• 🔧 Network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 📱 Update firmware (sometimes bugs with the network are fixed in new versions) MIUI).

💡

If the reset didn’t fix the problem (for example, the phone still brakes or overheats), the cause could be a hardware malfunction — a worn-out battery, a damaged motherboard, or a faulty memory chip, in which case a diagnosis is required at the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset