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

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks. The procedure removes all user data, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state, but if performed improperly, can lead to locking the Mi Account or losing access to the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current reset methods for Redmi, POCO and Mi models 2018-2026, including the nuances of working with MIUI 14/15 and bypassing typical errors.

It is important to understand that even if your Xiaomi “hangs on the logo”, does not respond to touch or shows a “No Command” error in Recovery mode, reset is possible. The main thing is to choose the right method depending on the condition of the device. We have tested all the instructions described below on the Redmi Note 12 Pro +, POCO X5 Pro and Mi 11 Ultra, so we guarantee their performance for modern firmware. If your model is older than 2018 (for example, Redmi 5 Plus or Mi A1), pay attention to the section on outdated devices.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure begins

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. On devices with a linked Mi Account, a no-decouple reset can result in a FRP if you forget your login/password. This is true even for models without official Google Mobile Services support (e.g., the Chinese versions of Mi 13).

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Unplug your Mi Account (if you plan to sell your phone)|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Delete SD-map SIM (if)-->

• 📱 Backup: Use the settings → The phone. → Backups or third-party tools like Mi Mover. Note that some data (such as saving in-game) may not be copied, but will have to be manually synced through Google or developer accounts.
• 🔑 Mi Account Uncoupling: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → If the phone is already locked, skip this step, you have to unlock it after you reset it through the official website.
• 🔋 Battery charge: Minimum threshold is 30%, but better than 50%.When reset via Recovery, the device can discharge faster due to the active work of the processor.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi was bought hand-held and tied to someone else's Mi Account, a no-detachment reset will make it a "brick." Check the binding status in Settings → Xiaomi account → If you have other people's information, contact the seller for remote unlocking.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for a working phone)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the MIUI interface, which is suitable if the phone is turned on, reacts to touch and you have access to the settings menu, the procedure takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action by entering the pattern lock/PIN-code.
5. Wait for the reboot. The Mi logo will appear on the screen, and then the initial setup wizard will appear.

On some models (e.g., the POCO F4 GT), the path can: Settings → System → Additional → Reset options. If you don't find the right item, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

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If, after reset, the phone asks you to enter a password from your previous Mi Account and you don't remember it, don't try to guess! Three wrong attempts will lock the device for 24 hours. Instead, use the password recovery form on Xiaomi's website.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, you will have to use Recovery mode. This method works even with damaged firmware, but requires accurate execution of instructions - an error in the selection stage of the menu item can lead to the removal of the partition with the firmware.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For POCO M3/M4: Power button + Volume up + Loudness down (hold 10 seconds).

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The following is dependent on the Recovery version:

• 📱 Standard Recovery (MIUI): Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm the choice. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for confirmation.
• 🛠️ TWRP (Custom Recovery: Press the Wipe → Format Data → Please enter yes to confirm. Note: this method removes ALL, including internal memory, and may require re-routing.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) 10T, Redmi K40) After resetting via Recovery, the error "This device is locked" may appear, which means that the bootloader is locked, and further operation will require unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires you to connect your phone to your computer, and it's used if you:

• 🔄 Recovery is unavailable or damaged;
• 🔒 Device blocked by Mi Account after failed reset;
• 📉 You need to reflash the phone from scratch (for example, after a failed update).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website);
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original);
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or fastboot from Android SDK.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
2. Connect the phone to your computer and check the device recognition command: fastboot devices If the response is visible serial number – drivers installed correctly.
3. For a full reset, run fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

If you need to reflash the device, download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website and use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.

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Fastboot resets ALL data, including files in the DCIM folder. If the phone is recognized by the computer, try copying important files first using ADB pull /sdcard/.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-map, check network settings in Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks, sometimes manual operator selection or reboot helps.

6.Reset on obsolete models (until 2018)

Xiaomi smartphones 2016-2018 (Redmi 3/4, Mi 5/6) have a slightly different reset algorithm:

• 📵 Absent. FRP-Lock: These models do not have a reset tied to a Mi Account, so they can be reset without the risk of being blocked.
• 🔧 Recovery menu can be called Wipe & Reset instead of Wipe Data.
• 📡 Wi-Fi problems after reset: On some devices (for example, Mi Max 2) after reset, the Wi-Fi module disappears.

For models older than 2016 (e.g. Redmi 2 or Mi 4), the firmware via the Mi Flash Tool is relevant with the Clean All and Lock option to avoid bootloader problems.

7.How to recover data after reset

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on the type of reset:

• 📁 Reset via Settings: Data is deleted software and can be recovered using DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver or 7-Data Recovery. Success depends on whether files have been overwritten with new data.
• 🧹 Dumping through Recovery/Fastboot: Recovery is almost impossible as low-level formatting is performed.

For recovery:

1. Connect your phone to your computer in MTP mode (if it is turned on).
2. Use Recuva or PhotoRec to scan internal memory. Pay attention to the folders: /data/media/0/DCIM for photos and videos; /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony for SMS and call history.

contacts.google.com

⚠️ Warning: Do not install data recovery software on your phone, this will overwrite deleted files and make them impossible to recover.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset