How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: all ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. However, not all users are aware that an incorrect reset can lead to the loss of important data or even locking up important data. MI-In this article, we will take a detailed look at all available reset methods, from the standard menu to the Fastboot mode, and how to avoid typical errors and save personal files.

Features of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO It is a close integration with the ecosystem. MIUI, This is an additional limitation, for example, after a reset via Recovery, the device may require data input from the attached device. MI-We will explain how to avoid this and what to do if the phone is blocked, and you will also learn which models (for example, Xiaomi). 12T Redmi Note 11 has features when resetting via Fastboot, and how to properly prepare for the procedure.

If you've never done a reset before, don't worry: we broke it down into simple steps with illustrative examples, and for experienced users, we've prepared advanced instructions, including working with ADB and unlocking the bootloader, and let's start with the safest method, which is through the phone's settings.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you reset Xiaomi to factory settings, you need to perform a few critical actions. Ignoring this stage can lead to irreversible data loss or problems with activating the device after the reset.

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Backup tool in Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset or third-party services like Google Drive. Pay special attention to contacts, SMS Photos and photos – they are not automatically saved.
• 🔒 Untie. MI-Account (if you plan to sell your phone) Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → If you don't, the new owner won't be able to activate the device.
• 📶 Make sure the battery is stable. The charge level must be at least 50%, otherwise the reset may be interrupted, which will damage the system files and the device's "brick.
• 🔧 Check the bootloader unlock.If you've previously unlocked Bootloader, you may need to re-unblock after resetting via Fastboot.Clarify status via fastboot oem device-info command.

Special attention should be paid to applications with two-factor authentication (for example, Google Authenticator or Telegram), after reset, access to them will be lost if you do not transfer backup codes in advance. → Devices, and for Google Authenticator - exporting QR-code.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is linked to a corporate account (for example, via Microsoft Intune), resetting without first deleting the profile may block access to work data. IT-division.

2. Reset via the settings menu (the safest way)

This method is suitable for most situations where the phone is stable and you have access to the menu, the main advantage is the minimum risk of errors, since the process is controlled by the MIUI system. The instructions are relevant for all modern models, from Xiaomi 13 Pro to Redmi 10A.

To perform the discharge:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action with a password or pattern lock.
5. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After the reboot, you'll be asked to configure the device as new. MI-account that you did not untie in advance, use the unblocking instructions below.

The battery level is checked (minimum 50%)

Created a backup copy of important data

Untied. MI-Account (if the phone is sold)

Corporate Profiles Removed (if any)

All background applications closed-->

This method is not suitable if:

• 🚫 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo MI.
• 🔐 You forgot your pattern lock or password.
• 🛠️ Removal required MIUI (For example, for the installation of custom firmware).

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

If Xiaomi’s smartphone doesn’t respond to taps or reboots cyclically, you’ll have to use Recovery Mode, a riskier option because it requires manual control, but it’s the only one available in case of serious crashes.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F3/F4: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi 12/13 series: Volume up + Volume down + Power (hold 5 seconds).

MI

In the Recovery menu, the volume (move) and power (select) buttons are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese version).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
2. Connect the device to your computer and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
4. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache.
5. If you need to reflash the device, use: fastboot flash all [name firmware].zip
6. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K50) Before you run through Fastboot, you need to unlock Bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool, otherwise the device will turn into a brick".

1. Reinstall ADB drivers via Universal ADB Driver.

2. Use another USB-port USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).

3. Disable driver signatures in Windows (to do this, type in the command line on behalf of the administrator: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on).-->

5. How to Unlock Xiaomi After Reset (solving the problem with the Reset) MI-account)

One of the most common problems after reset is requesting data. MI-This is due to the Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature, which links the device to the account to protect against theft. If you forget your password or can't log in, there are several ways to solve this problem:

Method 1: Restoring access to the MI-account

1. Go to the Mi Account website and select Forgot your password.
2. Please specify the email or phone number associated with your account.
3. Confirm the recovery via SMS or backup email.
4. After restoring access, enter the data on the phone.

Method 2: Bypass locking (only for unlocked bootloader)

If the bootloader is unlocked, you can delete the account binding via Fastboot:

fastboot erase frp

This command removes Factory Reset Protection, but doesn't work on all models.For the Xiaomi 12/13 series, additional firmware of the persist module may be required.

Method 3: Officially Unblocking through Service Center

If none of the methods worked, contact the official service center Xiaomi with documents confirming the purchase. Unlocking takes up to 7 days and can be paid (from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model).

💡

If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, always check if it’s untied. MI-To do this, go to Settings. → Xiaomi account and try to log out. If the system requires a password, the device is tied to someone else's account.

6. Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is data loss. SIM-This happens if the sync with your Google account was not disabled before the reset:

• 📱 B Settings → Accounts. → Google is now syncing your contacts.
• 📧 B Settings → Annexes → Messages activated if backup is activated SMS.

7. Alternative methods of discharge (for specific cases)

In some situations, standard discharge methods don't work, so let's look at alternatives that can help in difficult cases.

Reset via ADB (if the pattern lock is forgotten)

If you have forgotten your pattern lock or password, USB-Debugging was enabled earlier, you can reset the lock through ADB:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and open the command line.
2. Enter commands: Adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
3. Reboot the device: adb reboot

After the reboot, the screen lock will be reset, but the data will remain intact.

Reset via EDL and TestPoint modes (for “bricks”)

If the phone is not fully turned on (the “brick”), you may need to use EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode.

• 💻 Special cable. EDL (or closing the TestPoint contacts on the board).
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn format (for example, for Qualcomm chips).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

The process is complex and risky - if you make a mistake, you can permanently damage the device.

Reset via TWRP (for custom firmware)

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP recovery installed, the reset is done as follows:

1. Boot in TWRP (usually Volume Up + Power).
2. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
3. Check out the Dalvik, Cache, Data, System sections.
4. Swipe to Wipe (Swipe to Wipe)

After reset, you can install a new firmware through Install.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions