How to Reset Android on Xiaomi to Factory Settings: 3 Proven Ways

Why Xiaomi’s factory reset could be a lifesaver for your smartphone

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line, POCO Black Shark is famous for its performance and flexibility, but even they are not immune to software failures. System freezes, viruses, overflowing memory or preparation for sale are just some of the reasons why users decide to return the device to a factory state. However, resetting the settings MIUI It has nuances that many people do not know.

Unlike Android, Xiaomi’s firmware is integrated with Mi Account services, which adds to the complexity of resetting your Mi Account after Recovery, for example, you may be blocked by Mi, a protection mechanism against theft, and if you forget your account details, your phone risks becoming a brick. This article will help you avoid typical errors and conduct a reset without losing access to the device.

We will discuss three official methods: Settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot (for advanced users), you will also learn how to prepare your phone for reset, what to do with a blocked Mi Account, and why sometimes after a reset disappears. IMEI. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi models based on the MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS (2023–2026.).

Ready to Reset: 5 Steps to Avoid Losing Important Data

Before you click Reset, make sure you don't lose valuable information. MIUI stores data in multiple partitions, and not all of it can be recovered after reset. Here's what you need to do in advance:

• 📱 Sync contacts and notes with Mi Cloud or Google Account. Go to Settings → Xiaomi accounts → Mi Cloud and check if sync is enabled for contacts, SMS note-book.
• 📁 Copy files to a PC or cloud. Use Explorer MIUI Or connect the phone to the computer. USB (File transfer mode. Pay special attention to folders DCIM (Photo/video), Download and MIUI (themes, stickers).
• 🔑 Write down your account details. After the reset, you will need a username/password from Mi Account, Google, and access codes for banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff).
• 📡 Untie the device from the services. → Memory. → Devices remove your phone from the trusted list in Google Smart Lock. If you use Mi Band or Xiaomi Home, disable them in the relevant apps.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Recovery reset can take up to 20 minutes, and if the phone turns off in the process, the risk of "bricking" increases.

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, remember to log out of all accounts (Settings → Accounts) and disable Find your device in Mi Cloud. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the smartphone without your data.

⚠️ Note: If your phone has Device Protection enabled (in some regions), you will need to enter the password from the last Google account associated with the device after the reset, which applies even if you logged out before the reset!

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

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The main advantage — MIUI Preliminary checks the binding to the Mi Account and warns about possible blockings.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in MIUI 14, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
4. The system will offer you to choose: Reset (removes only user data) or Erase everything (complete reset).
5. Enter the password/pattern lock for confirmation.
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Once you reboot, the phone will start with the initial setup wizard, like after you buy it. If you see a request for Mi Account data on the screen, use the account that was tied to the phone before the reset.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) after resetting the Internal Storage section in the menu may disappear TWRP. This is not critical, but it will make it harder to install custom firmware in the future. To avoid the problem, format the Data partition in the data section in the future before resetting. TWRP (if it is installed).

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If after resetting the phone asks for an old Wi-Fi password you don't remember, connect to the network via mobile data or another Wi-Fi.The system requests a password from the last network used, but it can be skipped.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked with a pattern lock, Recovery Mode, the built-in recovery mode, will help.

• 🔐 On phones with a locked bootloader, a reset via Recovery can lead to a Fastboot Mode requiring authorization for Mi Account.
• 📱 On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) Recovery replaced by MIUI Recovery with touch control, and on the old (Redmi) 4X) — volume buttons only.
• ⚡ If the battery is under 20%, the reset may be interrupted and the phone will not turn on.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2: Volume down + Power. For Black Shark: Shark button (game) + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Yes

Reboot

If after the reboot the phone requires Mi Account data and you do not remember them, use the unlock instructions below.

* On Xiaomi flagships 2022-2026, Fastboot can open instead of Recovery. In this case, use Method 3.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader. It is useful if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 📦 You need to reflash your phone after a failed update.
• 🔒 Phone is blocked by Mi Account and you know your account details.

The work will require:

• A computer with Windows or Linux.
• USB Type-C cable (original, undamaged)
• The Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website)
• Firmware for your model (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot Mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 5-7 seconds. The screen will show a hare in a hat-eared (Mi Bunny) and the words Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Install Xiaomi drivers (if Windows doesn’t find them automatically, download Xiaomi Driver Installer).
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Save User Data (save data, but this does not guarantee performance).
6. Press Flash and wait for completion (10-20 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is locked, the Mi Flash Tool will give an anti-rollback or flash not allowed error.In this case, first unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (it will require a tied Mi Account and a wait of 7-15 days).

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Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring the brick back to life after a failed firmware, but it requires an unlocked bootloader. Without it, the phone will remain in Fastboot mode.

How to Unlock Xiaomi After Resetting If You Forgot Mi Account

One of the most common problems after a reset is blocking your Mi Account. The phone requires you to enter the account information that was tied to the device before the reset, and if you forget your password or email, there are several ways to address it:

The official method (if you remember the email)

1. Go to the Mi Account website.
2. Click Forgot Password? and enter an email or phone number.
3. Follow the recovery instructions (confirmation code will be sent to the mail or SMS).
4. After changing the password, enter new data on the phone.

Unofficial methods (if you don’t remember email)

These methods do not work on all models and may violate the warranty:

• 📧 Link to Xiaomi support.Submit a purchase check, IMEI phone and passport scan. Support can unblock within 3-7 days.
• 🔧 Passage EDL Mode. It requires special equipment (EDL cable) and firmware via Mi Flash Pro. Suitable for models up to 2021 (Redmi Note 9, POCO X3).
• 💻 Use exploits. For some firmware (MIUI 12.5) There are vulnerabilities that allow you to reset your Mi Account through ADB. For example, a script mi_account_remove (search the forums 4PDA or XDA).

If the phone is bought by hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, contact him. Without his data, it is officially impossible to unlock the device.

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Before buying a used Xiaomi, always check the status of Mi Account through the Settings menu → About Phone → Mi Account status. If someone else’s email is listed there, ask the seller to untie the device.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the phone will start from the initial setup wizard.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't log into Mi Account or Google.
2. Sign in: First, Mi Account (if your phone requests it) then Google Account to access the Play Market.

Recover the data.

• Contacts, SMS and notes will return automatically if sync with Mi Cloud is enabled.
• Copy your photos and files back from your PC or cloud.
• Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install the latest security patches.
• Set your fingerprint/face to Settings → Passwords and security.

If you have problems after resetting, check:

• 📶 IMEI. Enter the dialer *#06#. If instead IMEI display zeros, restore it through Engineer Mode (instructions are on the 4PDA).
• 🔊 Sound. If the speakers are not working, check the settings in Settings. → Sound or reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• 🔋 Battery. Once reset, calibration may be lost. Fully discharge and charge the phone to 100% to restore the accuracy of the indicator.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset