How to completely reset the settings on Xiaomi devices: 5 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi devices to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a gadget, fixing system errors or preparing for firmware. However, the wrong actions can lead to blocking the Mi Account, loss of data or even “bricking” the device. In this guide, we will analyze all the current reset methods for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi 13/14) and TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV) based on MIUI 14/15 and Android TV 12/13.

Xiaomi devices are a feature of the Mi Account binding, which is maintained even after a reset. If you forget your password or buy a used gadget, a standard reset via the menu will not remove the binding. This will require additional steps, which we will describe below. Also in the article you will find unique codes for unlocking the bootloader through EDL-mode (working on models 2023-2026 years).

1. Reset via the settings menu (the safest way)

This method is suitable for working devices when you remember the password from Mi Account and just want to clear your personal data. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require technical skills.

Instructions for smartphones:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Resetting (onset) MIUI 15 Ways May Be Different: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 🔄 Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
• 🔐 Enter the password from Mi Account (if requested) and confirm the action.
• ⏳ Wait for the reboot (the device will turn on with the welcome screen).

For Xiaomi Mi TVs:

• 📺 Press the Settings button on the remote → Select All settings → The device → Data resetting.
• 🔄 Click Reset all settings and confirm PIN-code (by default 0000 or 1234).
• ⚠️ Attention: On Android TVs TV 12+ After reset, you may need to re-link to your Google account!

Backup to Mi Cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Cloud)

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Connect the charger (the battery must be charged >50%)

Delete SIM-card and memory card if not necessary)

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⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of Mi Account in the Settings menu → Accounts. → Mi Account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device!

2. Hard reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

This method is useful if the Xiaomi smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is blocked by a pattern lock. To enter Recovery, hardware buttons are used - the method works even with a discharged battery (if at least 5% of the charge remains).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the device (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Hold Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears (newer models may need to first clamp Volume up, then Power).
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) → Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm (some firmware requires input) PIN-lock-screen!).
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

🔧 Technical nuance: On devices with a locked bootloader, a reset via Recovery will not remove the Mi Account. Full cleanup will require unlocking through Fastboot or a service center.

3. Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your Xiaomi smartphone is stolen or lost, you can remotely erase all data through Find Device, a method that works only if:

• 📶 Device connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Settings function enabled → Mi Account → Find Device.
• 🔋 Battery level of charge >15%.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the lost device in the list.
3. Press Erase Data. → confirm SMS-code.
4. Wait for a notification of a successful reset (can take up to 30 minutes).

(1) Has the Mi Account password changed since the theft?

(2) Have mobile data been disabled on the device (manually or by the operator)?

(3) Has the phone been dropped via Recovery to your command?

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⚠️ Warning: Remote reset does not remove the Mi Account binding! The attacker will not be able to use the phone without your password, but you will not be able to activate the device after it is returned (you will need to unlock via Fastboot).

4. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is used if:

• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten after reset.
• 🛠️ You need to unlock the bootloader for the firmware.
• 🐢 The device is extremely slow even after a standard reset.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and the Mi Flash Tool ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\rom).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select a firmware folder → Press Refresh (to be determined) COM-port).
6. Select Clean All (Full Reset) at the bottom → Flash.

🔧 Important: Once reset via Fastboot, the device will be like new — no binding to the Mi Account, but with the bootloader locked:

1. Link the device to Mi Account in Settings → Additional → Unlock the bootloader.
2. Wait 7-15 days (depending on the model).
3. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.

5. Reset Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV)

Xiaomi Android TVs are reset differently than smartphones, a major feature of which is that after the reset, licenses for Netflix, Disney+ and other services may need to be re-activated.

Resetting methods:

Method 1. Through the settings menu (if TV is turned on):

1. On the remote, click Settings → Device → Data Reset.
2. Select Erase All Data → Enter PIN (by default 0000, 1234 or 3333).
3. Confirm the reset and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Method 2: Hardware reset (if the TV does not respond):

• 🔌 Turn off the TV from the socket.
• 🔘 Press the Power button on the case (not on the remote!) and connect the power cable.
• 🕒 Hold the button for 15-20 seconds until the Recovery menu appears.
• 🔄 Choose Wipe Data → Yes (managing volume buttons on the remote control).

Smartphone (Redmi/POCO/Xiaomi)|TV (Mi TV/Redmi TV)|Planchet (Mi Pad)|Mi Band)|Another gadget

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⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (model 2023+ You can lose access to YouTube and Google PlayFilms after reset:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Delete your old account and add a new one.
3. Reinstall apps from Google Play.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users face problems, and let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.

🛠️ Case in point: Redmi Note user 11 After resetting through Recovery, he got the error "Mi Account locked" even though he remembered the password. It turned out that the link was to another region (Mi Account was created in India, and the phone was bought in Russia). → Country/Region.

1) Try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com.

(2) If recovery is not possible, contact the Xiaomi service center with a check for purchase.

(3) Do not buy devices with root access or unlocked bootloader - they cannot be officially unlocked!

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FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions