Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that every user will sooner or later face. The reasons can be different from the banal slowdown of the system to prepare the device for sale or eliminate critical errors after a failed update. However, not everyone knows that there are 5 official ways to reset on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices at once - and each of them works in different scenarios.
In this article, we will examine not only standard resetting through settings, but also methods for locked phones (including those that do not respond to the power button), as well as a unique algorithm for devices with an unlocked bootloader that allows you to restore functionality even after a soft brick.
1. When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi
Before we get to the instructions, it's important to understand when a reset is really necessary and when a problem can be solved with less radical methods.-7 Reasons for which the reset is justified:
- 🐢 Phone slows down, apps crash, and less than 10% of free memory is left, even after cleaning the cache.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI Glitches appeared: spontaneous reboots, errors of system applications (com.android.phone, miui.home).
- 📱 The device is ready to be sold or transferred to another user – a reset will delete all personal data.
- 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-Unlock code (but the username / password from Mi Account is known).
- 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
- 🔧 Failed firmware via Fastboot or Recovery, leading to a “soft brick” (the phone is turned on but does not load beyond the logo).
- 📵 Network problems: The phone does not catch mobile internet or Wi-Fi, although SIM-map and router are good.
However, resetting will not help if:
- 🔋 Battery is swollen or does not hold charge (repair is needed).
- 💧 Phone dropped into water or was physically exposed (diagnosis required).
- 🔐 Device blocked via Find My Device without access to Mi Account.
⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of Mi Account in the settings (Accounts) → Mi Account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device - it will be blocked by the Xiaomi protection system.
Preparation for resetting: how to save data
Resetting completely removes all data from internal memory, including:
- 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
- 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
- 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
- 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents.
To avoid losing important information, follow the following steps:
- Synchronize data with the cloud: 🖥️ Mi Cloud: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Synchronization (include all items). 🤖 Google: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of the account.
- Copy files to your PC or external drive: Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer Mode). Copy DCIM (photo), Download (download), WhatsApp/Media (media from instant messengers).
Export SMS and call log:
- Use apps like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.
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If the reset menu does not include the item “Erase all data”, try the path: Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Reset to factory settings.
| Xiaomi model | The path to reset in MIUI 14 | The Way to MIUI 12/13 |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings | Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset |
| POCO F4/X4 | Settings → System → Reset | Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset |
| Mi 11/12/13 | Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings | Settings → About the phone → Recovery and reset |
⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially global ones) may have a "This device is locked" error after a reset, which means that the phone is linked to Mi Account. To unlock, enter the username and password from the account that was tied before the reset.
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If your smartphone doesn’t respond to touch, is stuck on the Xiaomi logo or is cyclically rebooted, use Recovery Mode, which works even on locked devices (if you know the Mi Account password).
- Turn off the phone: If it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
- Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power button. For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume down + Power button. Hold until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
- Select language: Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation.
- Reset: Go to Wipe Data (or Clear Data). Select Wipe All Data. Confirm.
Reboot the phone:
- After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
If after the reboot the phone requires a password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, use the recovery form. In extreme cases, you may need to unlock through Fastboot (more about this in the next section).
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)
This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or in cases where Recovery Mode is not available (for example, after a failed firmware). ADB/Fastboot and USB-TypeC cable.
Warning: The wrong commands in Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions!
- Install drivers and tools: Download Google’s Platform Tools. Unpack the archive into the C:\platform-tools folder. Install Xiaomi drivers (you can use the Mi Flash Tool).
Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode:
- Turn off the device.
- Press Volume Down + Power button before the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot Mode) appears.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
If after the reboot the phone requires a password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, you will have to use the official unlock tool (Mi Unlock Tool).
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Fastboot reset only erases user data, but does not delete the firmware. If the phone does not turn on due to corrupted software, you will need a complete firmware reflash through the Mi Flash Tool.
6. Method 4: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")
If your Xiaomi has turned into a brick (it doesn’t turn on, doesn’t respond to buttons, it doesn’t detect Fastboot), the only way out is to completely flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.
- 🔧 Phone locked after failed update.
- 📱 The screen is not working (but the device is determined by the computer).
- 🔄 Firmware damaged (cyclical boot, bootloop errors).
Important: This method requires an unlocked bootloader. If it is locked, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (see previous section).
- Download firmware: Official firmware for Xiaomi is available on the website MIUI Downloads. Choose your model and version (Global/China/EEA). Download a file with the.tgz or.zip extension (for example, tucana_global_images_V14.0.2.0.TKFMIXM_20231010.0000.00_12.0_global_100f54900d.tgz).
- Install Mi Flash Tool: Download the utility from the official website. Unpack and launch MiFlash.exe.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power. Connect to a PC.
Squeeze the device:
- In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
- Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) mode.
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-15 minutes).
If problems remain, the NVRAM module may be damaged. In this case, only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock tick will help (but this will block the bootloader!).