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

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks.The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state. However, an improper reset can lead to the Mi Account lock, loss of access to the account or even “bricking” of the device – especially on models with an unlocked bootloader.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via the settings menu, Recovery Mode and Mi Unlock Tool), explain how to avoid blocking Xiaomi account, and give a checklist to save important data. We will separately focus on the nuances for devices with MIUI 14/15 and older models (Redmi Note 4X, Mi 5), where the procedure may be different. If you plan to sell a phone, here you will find instructions for completely removing the binding to Mi Account without risk to the buyer.

1.Reset preparation: What to do before cleaning your phone

Resetting to factory settings erases all information from the device’s internal memory, including:

• 📱 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including screenshots and downloads)
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, apps and banking services
• 🎮 Save in games (unless linked to an account)
• 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents

Even if you plan to restore data from a backup, some files (for example, the data is not available, OTA-Update packs or app cache can be lost forever, so the first step is to create a backup.

Sync contacts with Google/Mi Cloud| Copy photo/video on PC or cloud |Export SMS via application (e.g. SMS Backup & Restore)| Record phone IMEI (dial *#06#)|Untie cards and accounts in banking applications | Sign out of Mi Account (if the phone is sold)

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Xiaomi offers a built-in backup solution — Local Backup in Settings → About Phone → Backup. However, it has limitations:

Importantly, if you're selling a phone, don't restore a backup on a new device, which can pass personal data to the customer. Instead, transfer the files manually.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This method is suitable for working devices when the phone is turned on and you can log in.It is the simplest and minimizes the risk of Mi Account locking.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14/15:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Reset (on some models – Reset all settings).
4. Tap Delete all data and enter PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by pressing Ready or Reset.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes depending on the model, and the Mi logo and progress bar will appear on the screen.

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If the phone asks you to enter a password from your previous Mi Account after reset, it means that the device is tied to the account, and to unlock it, you either need to enter your account details or wait 72 hours (on some models) to automatically unlock it.

On older versions of MIUI (up to 11), the path may be different:

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Xiaomi is not loading, stuck on the logo or locked, hardware resetting through Recovery Mode will help, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to blocking the bootloader.

Instructions for most models (Redmi, POCO, Mi):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔧 Power button + Loudness up (for most models) 🔧 Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down (for) POCO F1, Mi 8)

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Reboot to System

On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese.

• 📛 First paragraph - (Reboot)
• 🧹 The second item is (Wipe Data)
• 🔄 The third item is MIAssistant (Connect with MiAssistant)

Warning: If the phone requires you to enter the Mi Account password after resetting via Recovery and you don’t remember it, the device will be locked, in which case only official unlocking through the Xiaomi website will help (proof of ownership will be required).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Unlock Tool (for locked devices)

If the phone is locked due to activation of Mi Account protection (for example, after buying a used device), a standard reset will not help - you will need official unlock via your PC. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or associated with your account.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (version for Windows).
2. Install Xiaomi drivers (unless they are installed automatically).
3. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip the power button + volume down
4. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account (should match your phone account!).
6. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Once unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi limits the number of unlocks for one account.If you previously unlocked another device, you may need to wait up to 30 days. Also, this method does not work on devices with a locked bootloader (pre-unlocking through official permission is required).

5. Features of reset on different Xiaomi models

The reset procedure may vary depending on the phone model and MIUI version. Below are the key nuances for popular devices:

For custom firmware devices (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), a reset may result in the loss of the bootloader.

• 🔄 Return to the stock firmware via Fastboot.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader in advance (if you plan a custom firmware).
• 📥 Keep a copy of the section EFS (contain IMEI and serial numbers).

6.How to avoid blocking Mi Account after resetting

The main problem with Xiaomi resetting is the Mi Account lock, which requires the previous owner to enter their login and password, which is protection against theft, but it also makes life difficult when buying used phones, to avoid blocking:

Sign out in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account| Delete the device from the list on account.xiaomi.com|Reset the phone before deleting the account (on some models)|Do not use Recovery reset if the phone is linked to the account

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If your phone is already locked, you have a few options:

1. Official unlock: Contact the previous owner and ask to untie the device through your personal account.
2. Waiting: Some models automatically remove the lock after 72 hours (requires an Internet connection).
3. FRP bypass: You can exploit vulnerabilities for Android 8-10 devices (for example, through TalkBack), but this violates Xiaomi’s rules.

Critical information: Xiaomi has tightened security policy since 2023, and new models (such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+) cannot bypass Mi Account without official permission, which can lead to permanent blocking of IMEI.

7 Frequent Resetting Errors and How to Fix Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset or if it gives a No command error in Recovery, try:

• 🔌 Connect to charging for 30 minutes (possibly battery dead).
• 🔄 Repeat the Recovery login with 15-20 seconds button retention.
• 💻 Fastboot (instructions below).

8. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset