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

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for firmware. However, the wrong actions can lead to Mi Account locking, data loss or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of resetting, including hidden nuances for models with MIUI 14/15 and older versions.

It is important to understand that resetting does not always solve hardware problems (such as a draining battery or a broken speaker), but effectively eliminates system freezes, application errors and conflicts after updates. We will look at both standard reset via settings and alternative methods for locked or faulty devices.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, follow the mandatory steps – this will save you from losing important data and problems with your Xiaomi account.

The main risks of resetting: deletion of photos, contacts, messages and applications; possible locking of the device if previously activated Find Device or Mi Account. On models of Redmi Note 10/11 and later after reset, you may need to enter a password from the previously associated account.

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or use Mi Cloud (Xiaomi account required).
• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50% – interruption of the process due to battery discharge can damage system files.
• 🔑 Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account and PIN-code SIM-Cards (required to be activated again).
• 📡 Turn off Find Device in Settings → Mi Account → Find Device, otherwise, after reset, the phone may be blocked.

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If you are selling a phone, be sure to log out of Mi Account at Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sign out. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device without your data.

On Xiaomi models with a Snapdragon processor (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro or POCO F4), it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader after resetting via Recovery – this process erases all data without the possibility of recovery.

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

This method is suitable for working phones without critical failures, it preserves the integrity of system files and minimizes risks.

The following is the case for MIUI 12/13/14/15:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone → Reset (on some models, path: Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset).
3. Select Reset settings (not to be confused with Reset Network settings!).
4. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code-key.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Make sure the phone is charged|Make a backup copy|Turn off Find Device|Remember the data from the Mi Account|Check availability SIM-PIN-->

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, use the instructions from the FAQ.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the phone doesn’t turn on, hangs on the MI logo, or is locked with a graphical key, resetting through recovery mode will help.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO X3/X4: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi 11T/12: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

⚠️ Note: On phones with a bootloader unlocked, a reset via Recovery may result in re-locking, in which case you will need to re-unblock via the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This method is used if the phone does not respond to other methods or requires a complete firmware reflash, suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the eardress cap.
4. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
5. In Mi Flash Tool, press Select, specify the path to the downloaded firmware.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait until the process is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial firmware or an incorrectly selected version may result in loss of IMEI or modules (camera, sensors) are inoperable. Always check the firmware compatibility with your model through the Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

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Mi Flash Tool erases all data without recovery, including files in internal memory, and is recommended only in extreme cases when other methods do not work.

5 Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and let's look at common mistakes and their solutions.

• 🔄 "The phone hangs on the logo. MI After reset, it could be a damaged firmware solution: Re-reset with Recovery or run your phone through Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 "Requires a password from Mi Account after reset, which is protection against theft. Solution: enter data from a previously linked account or use the access recovery service.
• 📱 "The sensor doesn't work after the reset is a typical consequence of the incorrect firmware. Solution: reflash the phone with the Clean All and Lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔋 "Phone dies during reset - if the process is interrupted, plug in the charger and try again. If the phone doesn't turn on, use Test Point to force charging.

Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+ may have a "This device is locked" error after reset, which means that the bootloader is locked.

1. Go to the Mi Unlock website.
2. Download Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your account.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

6.How to recover data after reset

If you have backed up via Mi Cloud or locally, you can recover your data in a few steps:

For recovery from Mi Cloud:

1. After the first setup of the phone, log in to your Mi Account.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Restore and Reset → Restore from backup.
3. Select the latest backup and confirm the recovery.

For local backup:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and copy the backup file (usually with the.mbk extension) to the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on your phone.
2. In the phone settings, select Recovery and Reset → Local Backup.
3. Please enter the file and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: Recovering data from a backup can return old system errors if they were related to settings or applications, in which case selective recovery (e.g. only contacts and photos) is recommended).

If you don't have a backup, try recovering photos and files with programs like DiskDigger or Recuva, but the chances of success are minimal - resetting to factory settings completely clears the internal memory.

7. Reset on phones with custom firmware (TWRP, LineageOS)

If your Xiaomi has unofficial firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard reset methods may not work. TWRP Recovery.

Instructions for TWRP:

1. Turn off your phone and pinch the combination to log in to Recovery (usually Volume Up + Power).
2. From the TWRP menu, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
3. Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (if you need to erase everything)

Swipe to Wipe

Reboot → System

If the phone doesn't boot after the reset, the firmware may be damaged.

1. Download the right firmware (for example, with XDA Developers).
2. In TWRP, select Install and specify the path to the firmware file.
3. Wait for the installation to be completed and restart.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions