Reset Xiaomi to factory settings via buttons: the full guide

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings through hardware buttons is a versatile way to bring the device back to its original state when standard methods are not available. This is necessary if you forget the pattern lock, the phone is getting stuck on the MIUI logo, or the screen does not respond to touch. Unlike software reset via menus, this method works even on completely broken devices – the main thing is that the smartphone turns on and responds to physical buttons.

The procedure does not require special skills, but has nuances depending on the Xiaomi model (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro and the POCO X3 Pro use different combinations of buttons). In this article, we will discuss all the steps from preparation to completion of the reset, and also describe how to avoid typical errors that can turn a recovery into a brick.

In what cases do you need to reset through buttons?

Hardware reset is the last resort that is used when other methods fail, and here are the most common scenarios:

• 🔒 Forgotten password or pattern lock: If you have entered the wrong code several times, the system has locked the device, and the Find My Device feature is disabled.
• 📱 Hanging on the logo MIUI The phone is turned on but does not load beyond the screensaver (often after a failed update).
• 🦠 Viral infection: If malware has blocked access to settings or interferes with the system.

It is important to understand that resetting through buttons erases all data on internal memory, including photos, contacts and installed applications. If the phone was enabled sync with Mi Cloud or Google Account, some of the data (contacts, notes) can be restored after authorization, otherwise the information will be lost irretrievably.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (most devices purchased officially) may require a login and password from Mi Account, which was tied to the phone, to be reset after reset. If you do not remember the account data, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device - you will need to contact Xiaomi support with a confirmation of purchase.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few mandatory steps to minimize the risks:

1. Check the battery. Make sure it's at least 30 percent charge, and if the phone runs out during the procedure, it could cause software failures.
2. Extract. SIM-Although the reset does not affect external drives, it is better to be safe - sometimes the system mistakenly formats. SD-map.
3. Refine the phone model. The button combinations for logging into Recovery Mode are different from old and new Xiaomi devices.
4. Prepare the login details. Write down the username and password from Mi Account if the phone was linked to the account.

If your phone still has any response, try backing up your important data.

• 📲 Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB and copy files manually (if the computer defines the device as a drive).
• ☁️ Enable sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive if your phone allows you to log in to settings.

If you are not sure if the phone was tied to Mi Account, check the serial number at account.xiaomi.com. To do this, enter the device IMEI (specified on the box or under the battery) in the Device Management section.

Combinations of buttons for login to Recovery Mode

How to log into the Recovery Mode menu depends on Xiaomi model and year of release, and below is the current list of combinations for popular devices:

If your model is not in the table, try the universal combination: Power + Volume up. Hold the buttons for at least 10 seconds until the screen goes out and the Recovery menu appears. On some devices (for example, Mi 11 Ultra), you may need to first pinch Volume up, and then press Power without letting it go.

⚠️ Warning: If after pressing the combination, the phone vibrates but the menu does not appear, try holding the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds (MIUI 13+) Retention time extended to protect against accidental discharge.

Step-by-step: how to reset Xiaomi through Recovery

When you are successfully logged in to Recovery Mode, a menu in Chinese or English will appear on the screen (depending on the firmware version).

1. Language selection (if available) In newer versions of MIUI Recovery, you can switch to English by pressing the Language button (usually in the upper right corner).
2. Select Wipe Data. Use volume buttons to navigate the menu and power buttons to confirm your choice. On some devices, the item may be called Wipe All Data or Factory Reset.
3. Reset confirmation. The system will request confirmation — choose Yes or Confirm. The formatting process will appear on the screen (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
4. Reboot. Once you have finished resetting, select Reboot or Reboot to System, and the phone will restart and start the initial setup, just like after you bought it.

If the phone is stuck on the logo again after the reboot, re-enter Recovery Mode and select Wipe Cache Partition (not to be confused with Wipe Data!) this will clear the system cache without deleting user data and often solves loading problems.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 The phone is not included in Recovery.The reason: wrong combination of buttons or too short retention.Solution: try alternative combinations (see table above) or hold the buttons longer (15-20 seconds).
• 🔒 You need to log in to Mi Account, because you have a blocked bootloader, so you can type in the account that your phone was linked to, and if you don't remember the password, restore it through Xiaomi.
• ⚠️ The reset stopped in the middle, because the battery ran out or the power button was pressed. Solution: charge the phone to 50% and repeat the procedure.
• 📱 The phone doesn't turn on after the reset, and the reason is that the firmware is damaged, solution: run the device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

If you see a message saying "This device is locked" or "Mi Account verification required," it means that the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account, and without the correct username and password, you can't continue to work with the device.

1. Try to restore access to your account via email or phone number.
2. If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner.
3. In extreme cases, contact the support Xiaomi with a check about the purchase.

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If the phone doesn't respond to buttons, try plugging it into the charger for 10-15 minutes, and sometimes a dead battery blocks access to Recovery Mode, even if the indicator shows residual charge.

Alternative Resetting Methods If the Buttons Don’t Work

If the hardware buttons are damaged or unresponsive, you can reset Xiaomi to factory settings in other ways:

• 💻 Fastboot and computer. USB-cable, PC with installed drivers ADB It's also a Mi Flash Tool, and it's a method that's suitable for advanced users.
• 🔍 Find My Device, if you have Find My Device enabled on your phone and it's connected to the Internet, you can remotely reset your settings via Google's website.
• 📱 Safe Mode. Some models can boot in Safe Mode (holding power) + Volume down) and reset settings via the menu.

To reset via Fastboot, follow the following steps:

1. Install on PC ADB and Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down when turned on).
3. Open the command line and type in: fastboot flashing unlock fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery.In addition, some Xiaomi models may require a re-unlock of the bootloader after this procedure, which takes up to 72 hours (according to Xiaomi rules).

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial setup mode, just like after purchase.

1. Sign in to Mi Account or Google Account. If the phone was linked to the account, the system will request authorization.
2. Restore data from a backup (if it was created previously through Mi Cloud or Google Drive).

If you sell or transfer a phone to another user, don’t restore your accounts — just skip the authorization step, which will allow the new owner to link the device to their Mi Account without any problems.

After setting up, check the main functions:

• 📞 Calls and mobile Internet.
• 📶 Connection to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• 🔋 Charging the battery.
• 🎵 Sound and microphone.

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If the phone is slower than before after reset, optimize in the Settings menu → About Phone → Optimization. This will clear the background processes and speed up the system.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions