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

Why Xiaomi reset could be a lifesaver for your smartphone

Xiaomi's factory reset is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get the device back on track. Whether your Redmi Note 12 started lagging after the MIUI update, or POCO X5, is infected with viruses that are not removed by the antivirus, a full reset helps 90% of the time, but many users fear this procedure for fear of losing photos, contacts or settings. In fact, with proper preparation, the risks are minimal.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods: phone settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot. Each method is suitable for different situations, from simple system acceleration to recovery from a failed firmware, and you will learn how to bypass Mi Account lock after a reset if you forget the data from your Xiaomi account.

Important: the procedure deletes all user data, including apps, accounts and files in internal memory; microSD cards (if installed as portable storage) and files in the Mi Cloud remain intact; if you sell a phone, a reset is mandatory, otherwise the new owner will have access to your data.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you dump Xiaomi, follow these steps to avoid losing important information:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup. Save the file to your computer or cloud.
• ☁️ Sync data with Mi Cloud: contacts, notes, SMS and photos (if you have Autoboot enabled) Check if there is enough space in the cloud (free 5GB).
• 🔌 Charge your phone at least 50 percent. If the reset is interrupted by battery discharge, the device can turn into a brick».
• 📡 Make sure you have a stable Internet (if you plan to reset via Recovery or Fastboot) download the files you need in advance (for example, Mi Flash Tool for PC).

If you reset your phone before selling, log out of all accounts:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Remove Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account (if any) and other associated services.
3. Turn off Device Protection in Settings → Lock and Protection → Device Protection.

💡

If you have forgotten your Mi Account password, try to restore it through account.xiaomi.com before resetting. After the procedure, unlocking your phone without your account information will be extremely difficult!

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, reacts to touch and you have access to the menu, it takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action with a password / pattern lock.
5. Wait for the reboot (the phone may be on longer than usual).

Once reset, you will be asked to set up your phone as new. If you previously had a Mi Account tied, the system can request data to unlock (this is normal).

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Shut it down. SIM-Memory cards and cards (optional)

Memorize data from Mi Account and Google

Take a screenshot of important settings (for example, APN mobile-internet)-->

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires a combination of buttons.

Steps to Enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see a menu in English or Chinese.

In the Recovery menu, you can control the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data → Confirm.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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If you don't have Wipe Data in the Recovery menu, you have custom firmware installed (e.g. TWRP). In this case, select Advanced Wipe → tick Dalvik, Cache, Data, System → swipe for confirmation.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter Mi Account data, even if the phone has not been locked before.If you do not remember the password, use the recovery form.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable method, but it requires a computer and knowledge of commands.

• 🔧 Phone is not included in Recovery.
• 📱 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 You need to unlock the bootloader (Bootloader).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (file with.tgz or.zip extension).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers on your PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and select the downloaded firmware.
5. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool is making an error, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 🔌 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 📥 Download firmware for another regional version (e.g. Global instead of China).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot reset deletes all information without recovery, including data in the Internal Storage section. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center - incorrect commands can damage the bootloader.

Through the settings menu

Through Recovery Mode

Through Fastboot.

Never dropped it.-->

How to Unlock Xiaomi After Resetting If You Require Mi Account

After resetting many Xiaomi models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi) 10T, POCO X3 They request data from Mi Account even if the phone has not been blocked before (FRP).

If you remember the password:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi or insert SIM-mobile-internet.
2. Enter your email/phone and password from your Mi Account.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

If you forgot your password:

• 📧 Try to restore access through the recovery page. You will need access to an email or phone associated with the account.
• 📞 If the recovery is not working, contact Xiaomi support via the official website.Prepare a check or box from your phone to confirm ownership.
• 🔧 In extreme cases, contact the service center - some workshops can remove the link to the account through special equipment (cost) ~1000–2000 ₽).

Important: Attempts to bypass Mi Account locking with left-handed software (such as the Mi Account Unlock Tool) often result in complete data loss or the phone becoming a brick, and Xiaomi actively blocks such methods at the server level.

Frequent Mistakes When Resetting Xiaomi and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If the phone is running slower than before:

• 🧹 Clean the cache manually: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📉 Turn off animation: in Settings → About the phone, press 5 times on the version MIUI, Then in the Developer Settings, select Windows Animation = Off.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi reset