How to completely reset data on Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to TV boxes

Resetting Xiaomi devices to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the gadget for sale to fixing critical system failures. However, not all users know that there are several ways to reset, each of which is suitable for specific scenarios. For example, a soft reset via the settings menu is radically different from a hard reset via Recovery Mode, and recovery through Mi Account is available only under certain conditions.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Redmi smartphones, POCO, Mi, as well as Xiaomi TVs and TV boxes (including models from 2023-2026), special attention will be paid to the hidden nuances that are not written in the official instructions: how to bypass the lock after reset, what to do if the device does not turn on, and how to save important data before cleaning. If you’re looking for a way to get your device back to a clean state without losing functionality, you’re on the right track.

1.When you need a data dump on Xiaomi: 5 good reasons

Many users resort to resetting settings in extreme cases, but sometimes it's the only way to solve the problem.-5 situations where the procedure is justified:

• 📱 Preparation for sale or transfer – deletion of personal data (photos, messages, passwords) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔄 System lags and freezes - if the smartphone brakes even after cleaning the cache and updating the software.
• 🚫 Viral Infection – Some malware is embedded so deeply that it cannot be removed by standard methods.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN — Recovery reset is often the only way to unlock a device.
• 📺 Failures in operation MIUI/TV-firmware – for example, after a failed update or experiments with custom firmware.

It is important to understand that resetting is not a panacea; if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (such as a broken screen or a failed motherboard), software cleaning will not help, and you should not reset the device for the sake of experiment: after the procedure, you will have to reconfigure all parameters, including accounts and application permissions.

⚠️ Attention: On bootloader devices, resetting can result in loss of ability to flash custom software without re-unlocking. POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and others with anti-Rollback protection.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand

Before you start cleaning the device, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which can lead to irretrievable loss of data or locking the gadget.

Data backup

Even if you plan to reset because of the sale of the device, keep copies of important files. MIUI There's a built-in tool for that:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data for saving (contacts, SMS, Notes, Wi-Fi settings).
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed (the file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder).

For media files (photos, videos), it is better to use cloud services:

• 🖼️ Google Photos – Automatic synchronization with the ability to restore on a new device.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud – 5GB free of charge, integration with MIUI (It is slower than Google).
• 💾 Local copying on PC - through MTP (Put your phone on like a flash drive).

Account unbundling

If you use Mi Account, Google Account or other services (such as Xiaomi Home for smart devices), they must be disabled before reset (FRP), and the device will require entering a login / password from the previous account.

Instructions for Mi Account:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Click on the profile icon → Exit.
3. Confirm the action with a password.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G) After resetting without detachment Mi Account device is locked for 72 hours, unlocked only through the official service Xiaomi with the provision of a check purchase.

Backup of important data|Unlock Mi Account and Google Account|Charge the device to at least 50%|Ensure the stability of the Internet connection (for cloud resetting)|Write it down. IMEI (in case of network problems after resetting)-->

Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu (for working devices)

This is the easiest and safest way to do this, and it's suitable for devices that turn on and respond to touch, and it doesn't require any additional tools, and it takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (or About TV Boxing Device)
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Erase all data (on some firmware - Reset to factory settings).
5. Enter. PIN/password/pattern lock to confirm.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Next → Ready.

The device will restart and start the cleaning process, and when it's done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you bought it.

Features for different devices:

If the device freezes on the logo or reboots cyclically after reset, this may indicate damage to system files, in which case you will need firmware through Fastboot (see section 6).

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If you reset the device before selling, after cleaning, load it into Fastboot mode (volume button down). + Power) and check the status of Locked in the Device State bar.If Unlocked status, return the lock via the fastboot flashing lock command so that the new owner does not encounter problems.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode reset (for locked devices)

If a Xiaomi smartphone or TV doesn’t turn on, hangs on the screensaver or is locked with a pattern lock, a Recovery Mode reset will help, which works on all devices, including models without root access.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

The method depends on the model of the device:

• 📱 Smartphones with Bixby button (old models): Press the power + Loudness up + Bixby.
• 📱 Smartphones without Bixby (Redmi Note 10 and later): Squeeze the power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds.
• 📺 Mi TVs TV: On the remote, pinch the Menu. + Volume down and plug in power.
• 📦 TV Boxes: Insert toothpick in Reset button on case and hold 10 seconds.

Resetting instructions:

1. After logging in to Recovery, select the language (usually English by default).
2. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset on older versions).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, this may mean:

• 🔧 Device with custom recovery (for example, TWRP). Choose Advanced Wipe for this purpose. → Mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System → Swipe to Wipe.
• 🚫 Recovery section damaged. Fastboot firmware required.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later after reset via Recovery, you may need to confirm through Mi Account, even if the account was previously untied.This is a measure of protection against theft. If you do not remember the login details, restore access to account.xiaomi.com.

5. Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote cleanup)

If your device is lost or stolen, and if physical access is not possible, you can reset remotely via Xiaomi services, which only works if two conditions are met:

1. The device is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
2. It's authorized by your Mi Account.

Instructions for smartphones and tablets:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select the desired gadget.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Instructions for smart devices (Mi Band, smart lamps, etc.):

For gadgets from the Xiaomi Smart Home ecosystem, the reset is performed through the Mi Home app:

1. Open Mi Home and go to the device section.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Device settings.
3. Select Remove the device or Reset to factory settings.

Remote reset has limitations:

• ⏳ Delayed execution – the command can be processed for up to 24 hours.
• 📶 Internet is required – if the device is offline, the reset will not work.
• 🔒 Does not work on locked devices (if Find Device and gadget are included in the blacklist).

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Remote reset via Mi Account does not delete data from the memory card (microSD). If it stored sensitive information, extract the card or format it separately.

6. Method 4: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

If a soft and hard reset didn’t help (for example, the device doesn’t turn on, hangs on the logo or has a damaged firmware), the last measure is firmware through Fastboot mode, USB-Cable and Minimum Command Line Skills.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 Linux.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot (included in Android) SDK).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or set up ADB/Fastboot on Linux/Mac.
2. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\firmware).
3. Turn off the device and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the Volume button down + 10 seconds power.
4. Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended for critical failures). Clean All and Lock - cleaning + Save User Data - firmware without data loss (risky in case of system errors).

Flash

Once the firmware is up, the device will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes -- that's normal.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot resets all data without recovery, including the contents of internal memory, and can result in a loss of warranty if the device was blocked by the manufacturer (for example, due to unofficial firmware).

7. Solving problems after discharge

Even after a successful reset, users often face unexpected problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

7.1 Device Requires Old Mi Account After Reset

This is a manifestation of Factory Reset Protection (FRP). Decisions:

• 🔑 If you remember your account data, enter them on the lock screen.
• 📧 If you don’t remember, restore access via account.xiaomi.com (you’ll need a linked email or phone).
• 🛠️ If your account is not yours (the device is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner or service center with a check.

No net after discharge (IMEI throw off)

If it's gone after the dump. IMEI (display Null/Unknown), It might have something to do with it:

• Damage to section NVRAM (It is important for MediaTek chips).
• Wrong firmware through Fastboot.

Decisions:

1. Try to manually restore IMEI via Engineer Mode (type in dial ##4636## → Phone information).
2. Swipe the device with the official firmware through Fastboot with the choice of Clean All and Lock option.
3. If nothing helps, contact the service center (self-editing). NVRAM This can lead to total loss of the network).

The device shall not be switched on after discharge

Possible causes and solutions:

1. Completely discharge the gadget before turning it off.

2 Charge to 100% without interruption.

3. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

This will help to reset the errors of the power controller.-->

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)