How to completely reset the settings on the Xiaomi smartphone: 5 working ways

Resetting on Xiaomi 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 phone to the “out of the box” state, but if performed improperly can lead to locking Mi Account or loss of access to the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Redmi, POCO, Black Shark and classic Mi lines, including bypassing typical errors and saving important information.

It is important to understand that resetting does not always solve hardware problems (for example, a broken screen or a faulty battery), but is effective in software failures: constant reboots, interface lags, MIUI update errors or conflicts after rooting. We will consider both standard methods through the settings menu, and advanced methods through Recovery Mode and Fastboot, which will come in handy if the phone does not turn on or is locked. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of working with Xiaomi protection, which may require login and password entry even after a reset.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before deleting data

Before you start resetting, make sure you don't lose critical information: Today's Xiaomi smartphones store data in multiple places, and not all of them sync automatically.

First, check your cloud backups. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup. This should show the latest copies of contacts, messages, notes and photos. If the backup is missing or outdated, create it manually. Note: a free Mi Cloud account only provides 5 GB of space, so a full copy may require cleaning or buying additional volume.

Create a backup in Mi Cloud|Copy photos/video on PC or Google Photos|Export contacts to file VCF|Write down usernames/passwords from apps (especially banking)|Save files from the Download folder and internal memory-->

Second, don’t forget about local data that isn’t synchronized with the cloud.

• 📁 folder DCIM — Photos and videos taken by the camera (even if you enable autoload in Google Photos, some files may not sync).
• 🎵 Music and downloads – files from the Music and Download folders.
• 📱 Application settings – for example, saves in games or messenger data (Telegram, WhatsApp).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords – you will have to re-enter them after resetting.

The third important thing is that you have a Xiaomi account, so if you forget your Mi Account login or password, a reset can block your phone from requiring you to log in, make sure you have access to your linked email or phone number, or use the password recovery function on account.xiaomi.com.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didn’t untie your Mi Account, a reset can lead to a hard lock (FRP). In this case, you can unlock the device only through the official Xiaomi service with proof of ownership.

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you have access to the settings menu, and it's the simplest and least risky method, because it goes through the regular MIUI interface.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14 (relevant to all modern models, including Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T):

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About the Phone (or About the Device in some firmware).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Delete all data (or Delete all data).
5. When you request, enter PIN-lock-screen code or pattern lock.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (or OK).

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and the phone will reboot and start setting up as a new device.

• 📱 Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account (if it was tied before reset).
• 🔄 Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

💡

If after a reset, the phone asks you to enter a password from your previous Xiaomi account and you don’t know it, try contacting the previous owner. If this is not possible, contact the Xiaomi service center with documents confirming the purchase.

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

If Xiaomi’s smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, you will have to use Recovery Mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care – incorrect actions can lead to loss of access to internal memory (data partition formatting).

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older devices (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation) and the power button (Select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or Confirm).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wiped successfully).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: In some firmware (especially Chinese), the Wipe Data item may be called differently, such as (format data.

If after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter the Mi Account password, and you do not remember it, this means that the device was tied to the account, in this case, only official unlocking through the service center or using tools like Mi Flash Unlock (more about this in the section about Fastboot) will help.

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset |Another way-->

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

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

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even boot in Recovery Mode.
• 🔒 Device locked in Mi Account after reset.
• 🛠️ You need to reflash your phone (for example, after a failed update).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or ADB/Fastboot (discharged).

Step-by-step instructions for resetting via Fastboot:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and type: fastboot devices If the device is identified (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. Run the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

These commands will completely clear the user data partition (userdata) and cache, but will not affect system files. If you need to reflash your phone (for example, after an update crash), use the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware for your model.

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands permanently delete data. If you plan to sell a phone, pre-execute fastboot oem lock to block the bootloader and prevent unauthorized firmware from being used by the new owner.

5. Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If your Xiaomi phone is lost or stolen, you can remotely reset it to factory settings via Find Device.This method only works if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 Find Device is enabled on the device (in Mi Account settings).
• 📱 Xiaomi account tied to phone.

Remote discharge instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab (or Find the Device).
3. The map will show the location of the phone (if it is turned on).
4. Click on the phone icon and select Erase Data (or Erase Data).
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

Remote reset has limitations:

• ❌ It does not work if the phone is off or without the internet.
• ❌ Does not delete data from the memory card (if installed).
• ❌ After reset, the phone can remain locked Mi Account (if Find Device was enabled).

Method 5: Reset via service code (hidden menu)

Some Xiaomi models (especially older ones like the Redmi 3S or Mi 5) have an engineering menu reset that is less reliable than standard methods, but can help if other options are not available.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##7780### This is a soft reset (will remove settings and apps, but save media files).
3. Enter the full reset: *2767*3855# ⚠️ Note: This code formats internal memory, including folders DCIM download!

List of supported codes for different models:

If the codes don't work, your model doesn't support them, so use the other ways in this article.

7.Typical post-reset errors and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, you may encounter problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Problem 1: Phone asks you to enter a password from your previous Mi Account

This means that the device was tied to a Xiaomi account and now requires proof of ownership.

• 🔑 If you are the owner, enter the login and password from your account.
• 📧 If the phone is purchased by hand, contact the previous owner and ask them to untie the device via account.xiaomi.com.
• 🛠️ If you cannot contact the service center with a check or box (required) IMEI).

Problem 2: After reset, the phone won’t turn on or hovers on the logo

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharged – connect the charger and wait 15-20 minutes.
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware - run your phone through Fastboot with official firmware (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).
• 🔌 Iron problems – if the phone doesn’t respond to charging or buttons, contact the service.

Problem 3: Sensor or buttons fail after reset

This could be due to a malfunctioning firmware or hardware malfunction.

1. Reset again through Recovery Mode.
2. Swipe your phone with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
3. If the problem persists, it is a hardware defect (for example, a detached screen plume).

💡

If the phone requires a Mi Account password after reset and you don’t know it, DO NOT try random combinations. After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

8 How to avoid problems when resetting: tips from experts

To make the reset go smoothly, follow these recommendations:

1. Check the MIUI version before resetting

On some firmware (especially Chinese) the reset may not work properly. Make sure you have a stable global version installed. Check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

2 Untie Google and Xiaomi accounts in advance

If you are selling a phone, delete all accounts:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Delete your Google Account and Mi Account.
3. Do the reset – this will prevent FRP (Factory Reset Protection) from blocking.

3.Use the original cable for Fastboot

Poor quality. USB-The cables can interrupt the connection during firmware, which will lead to the "bricking" of the phone. If you do not have the original cable, check the reliability of the connection before starting the process.

4.Do not interrupt the discharge process

If the phone is long in the reset phase (more than 30 minutes), do not remove the battery and do not force it to turn it off. This can damage the system files.

5.Verify the IMEI after reset

In rare cases, IMEI may be erased after a Fastboot reset (especially on MediaTek models). You can check the IMEI by typing *#06#. If it is missing, restore it through the engineering menu or contact the service.

Yes, the phone is locked Mi Account|Yes, there were errors in the system.|Yeah, it didn't turn on after the reset.|No, it went smoothly.|I haven't yet.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset