How to reset all settings on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of failed firmware experiments. However, many users fear this procedure for the risk of losing important data or turning the phone into a “brick.” In fact, with the right approach, a complete reset is no more dangerous than a conventional update – if you know the key nuances.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to reset settings on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including the 2023-2026 models), explain the difference between soft reset (via menu) and hard reset (via Recovery), and tell you how to save important data before the procedure.

We warn you right away: the instructions below are suitable for all modern Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, but may not work on devices older than 2018 (for example, Redmi Note 5 or Mi A1).

1. When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Complete reset is not a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary. Here are typical scenarios where the procedure is justified:

• 📱 The phone is slowing down after the update. MIUI or installing applications, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code and Mi Account unlocking is not possible (e.g. no access to the linked number).
• 🛠️ Preparing for sale or transfer – a reset deletes all personal data, including accounts and files.
• 🐛 Critical system errors: constant reboots, application crashes or a “black screen” after firmware.
• 📦 Cleaning up viruses or malware if the antivirus fails.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen or a broken speaker).
• 📶 Network problems caused by blocking IMEI (separate repairs are required).
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot due to damaged bootloader (you need to reflash through Fastboot).

⚠️ Note: If you reset your settings before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Mi Account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the phone due to the link to your profile!

Preparation for resetting: how to save data

A complete reset deletes all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (except for those in the gallery) SD-map).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call logs (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
• 📁 Uploaded files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents.

To avoid losing something important, follow the following steps:

Backup via Mi Cloud (Settings → About Phone → Backup)

Copy photos/videos to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive)

Export contacts to VCF file (Contacts → Settings → Export)

Record logins/passwords from accounts (unless you use a password manager)

Make sure your phone has enough charge (at least 50%)

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For backups via Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Click Backup and select the data to save (contacts, SMS, apps, etc.).
3. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data).

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos to back up your media files, make sure sync is enabled (Settings) → Google → Backup: Once reset, photos will be automatically restored when you log in to the same account.

Important: Mi Cloud backups are only stored for 30 days from the last backup, and if you don't restore the data within that timeframe, they will be deleted without a return option.

3. Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu

This is the easiest and safest method that works if the phone turns on and responds to touch.Suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section About the phone (in) MIUI 14 and HyperOS may be called About the Device).
3. Select Reset (or Reset and Reset on older versions).
4. Tap to erase all data (may require input) PIN-code-key).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 5-15 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box of settings - the system will show a direct link to the desired section.

4. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo, or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which works even on locked devices, but requires care.

Instructions for Xiaomi with MIUI Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down (for) POCO F4 GT, Black Shark 5).

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 the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🧹 The second point is Wipe Data (data cleanup).
• 🔄 Third item – Connect with MIAssistant (for firmware via PC).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) after reset via Recovery, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account. If you forget the login details, the phone will become unusable!

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is damaged or missing.
• 📦 You need to reset the settings on the device with the bootloader locked (for example, after a failed firmware).
• 🔄 Complete cleaning is required before installing custom firmware.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (official page).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Platform Tools (download from Android site).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the drivers.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For complete cleaning (including system partitions), use:

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase boot




fastboot erase recovery

Warning:

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Fastboot resets all data without recovery, and only use this method if other methods have failed or you are preparing your device for firmware.

Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can reset it remotely via Xiaomi’s Find Device service.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Select the lost device in the list (if it is linked to the account).
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.

Consider the limitations:

• 📶 The phone must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 The device must be turned on (if it is turned off, the command will be executed the next time you connect to the network).
• 🔒 Once reset, the phone will be unlocked, but will remain tied to your Mi Account (the new owner will not be able to use it without your password).

If you are selling a phone and want to untie it remotely, do so before reset: i.mi.com → Device → Delete the device.

7.Frequent post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, problems can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone is slower than before, check:

• 📱 The firmware version: possibly after reset rolled back to the factory (check in Settings) → The phone).
• 🔄 Background Processes: Turn off autoloading unnecessary apps in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 🗑️ Garbage in cache: clean it through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.

8.Reset on older Xiaomi models (until 2018)

MIUI 9-10-based devices (e.g., Redmi Note 4X, Mi 5, Mi A1) have a different reset interface.

• 📱 Path to reset: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings.
• 🔧 Recovery Mode may not have Wipe All Data, but instead, choose Wipe & Reset.
• 🔒 Some models (such as the Mi Max 2) require you to enter a password from the Mi Account after reset, even if it was not previously linked.

For older devices, problems with:

• 📶 Loss. IMEI after reset (solved by flashing the modem part).
• 🔋 Quick discharge due to downed battery calibrations (calibrated via Engineer Mode).

If you have Xiaomi on Android One (e.g. Mi A2, Mi A3), reset is done via the standard Android Recovery menu:

1. Enter Recovery (Power button + Volume up).
2. Select Wipe data/factory reset.
3. Confirm the action and restart.

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On older Xiaomi models, after reset, you may need to re-activate license keys for Netflix, Widevine and other services.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions