How to completely reset your Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s phone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, and you may face this task when selling a device, after a virus infection, when critical system failures or if you forget the pattern lock, but not all reset methods are equally safe: some retain the ability to recover data, others completely erase information without the possibility of rollback.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (including the models from 2023-2026), pay attention to the nuances of unlocking after reset and recovering important files. Particular attention will be paid to the risks: why a Fastboot reset can turn a phone into a brick, how to bypass the binding to the Mi Account and what to do if the device does not turn on after reset.

1.When do you need a Xiaomi phone reset?

Factory reset is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only solution. Here are typical scenarios where the procedure is justified:

• 🔄 Selling or transferring a phone. Even if you delete files manually, personal data (logins, passwords, message history) can remain in the device's memory.
• 🐛 Critical system failures: constant reboots, hanging on the logo MIUI, errors in the installation of applications.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-If you don't remember the unlock data, resetting is the only way to get access back.
• 🦠 Viral Infection: Some malware is embedded in system files and not removed by antiviruses.
• 📉 Over time, the system becomes clogged with cache and temporary files, leading to brakes.

However, resetting is not always advisable. For example, if the phone just gets slower, first try clearing the cache through Settings → Memory → Cleanup or roll back the MIUI update to the previous version. Also, do not reset the device if the problem is due to hardware malfunctions (for example, the speaker or camera is not working) – only repairs will help.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 4G, POCO M5) Reset via Recovery can result in bootloader locking.Pre-proceed the processor model in Settings → The phone. → Full specification.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

The unpleasant truth: a factory reset removes all data from the phone’s internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and camera footage)
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications
• 📁 Uploaded files (documents, music, APK)

To minimize losses, follow these steps before resetting:

1. Synchronize data with the cloud: 📱 Contact: Settings → Google accounts → Synchronization 📸 Photo: Use Google Photos or Mi Cloud (enable autoload in gallery settings). 🔑 Passwords: Export them from your browser or password manager.

Create a backup copy

• 📱 Through MIUI: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• 🖥️ Through Mi. PC Suite: Connect your phone to your computer and select “Backup».
• Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account. Once reset, the phone may require you to enter Xiaomi account details to unlock.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5 to 15 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Disable protection via fingerprint/face

Synchronize important data with the cloud

Remember the username/password from Mi Account-->

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require computer or special knowledge.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error (process controlled by system).
• ✅ It is possible to unlock through Mi Account.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It will not help if the pattern lock is forgotten or the phone is not turned on.
• ❌ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) requires additional confirmation through SMS.
• Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
• Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
• Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
• Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
• After cleaning, select Reboot to reboot.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 📛 The third item on top is Wipe Data.
• 🔄 The Last Item: Reboot.

Important nuances:

• 🔧 Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A3) Recovery can be blocked. In this case, you will need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🔒 Once reset via Recovery, the phone can request the Mi Account data that was previously tied, without which it will be impossible to unlock the device (more in section 6).
• ⚡ If the battery is under 20%, the reset may be interrupted. Charge the phone to at least 30% before the procedure.

⚠️ Note: On models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) reset via Recovery may result in an error “Invalid” IMEI". In this case, restoration will be required. IMEI through MTK Engineering Mode.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical and risky method, and it's used if:

• 🔧 You need to bypass the blocking of Mi Account (illegal and violates the terms of use).
• 📱 The phone does not respond to other resetting methods.
• 🔄 Refuse the device (e.g. install Global) ROM China ROM).

This method will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 Google’s Mi Flash Tool or Platform Tools.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the screen with the rabbit in the header (Fastboot Mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, continue. If not, install the drivers.
6. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once reset via Fastboot, the phone may require authorization to the Mi Account, even if the account was not previously tied, due to Xiaomi's anti-device theft policy.

Risks of the method:

• 💥 The ability to turn your phone into a brick with the wrong commands.
• 🔒 Blocking your Mi Account with frequent reset attempts.
• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (unless the device is officially unlocked).

1. reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably 2.0).

2. disable driver signatures in Windows (to do this, use bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on in cmd on behalf of the administrator).

3. Install drivers manually through Device Manager.-->

6.How to Unlock Xiaomi After Reset (Mi Account bypass)

One of the most common problems after a reset is a Mi Account request, which is anti-theft protection, but it often annoys legitimate owners who have forgotten their linked account.

Official method (if you remember the account data)

If you remember the email and password from Mi Account, just enter them on the lock screen. Once you have successfully logged in, the phone will unlock.

Unofficial methods (if you do not remember the data)

⚠️ These methods may violate Xiaomi’s user agreement and result in account locking.

• 📧 Restore access to Mi Account: Go to account.xiaomi.com. Click Forgot Password? and follow the instructions. If your phone number is tied, ask for it. SMS coded.

Passage EDL-regime

• It requires a special cable (EDL cable) or short circuit test points on the board.
• It allows you to flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool without checking your account.
• Risk: A high chance of damaging your phone if you do something wrong.

Appeal for Xiaomi support

• Provide a check for purchase, a box from the phone and a passport.
• It is only suitable for devices purchased officially.

On Xiaomi models with a Qualcomm processor (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4) sometimes helps reset through Test Point – closing contacts on the motherboard to put the phone in EDL mode. However, this requires disassembly of the device and soldering skills.

⚠️ Note: Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy. on new models (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Bypassing Mi Account without an official unlocker is virtually impossible. If you bought your phone with your hands and can't unlock it, the only legal way out is to contact the previous owner for your account details.

7.Recovery of data after reset: what can be returned

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on how the reset was performed:

• 📱 Reset via settings: data is deleted software and can be tried to recover using special utilities (e.g. Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver.
• 🔧 Dumping through Recovery/Fastboot: data is deleted at a low level, and their recovery is unlikely (especially if the phone was actively used after resetting).

What can be restored:

• 📸 Photos and videos (unless overwritten).
• 📞 Call log and SMS (provided that the telephone was not used after the reset).
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel).

What can't be restored:

• 🔑 Passwords and application data (e.g. saving games).
• 📱 System settings and accounts.
• 🎵 Music and audio files (unless synced to the cloud).

To improve the chances of recovery:

• 🛑 Do not install new apps or copy files to your phone after a reset.
• 🔌 Use the original cable to connect to your PC.
• ⏱️ Start recovery as soon as possible (preferably in the first hours after resetting).

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you do the reset properly, you can have problems.

If the phone is not detected by the computer after reset, try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🖥️ Install the driver manually (download Mi) PC Suite from the official website).
• 🔄 Restart your computer and phone.