How to completely reset data on Xiaomi: 4 proven ways

Introduction: why you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Resetting Xiaomi's device to factory settings is a radical but effective way to solve most software problems. Did you notice that the smartphone has become slow, spontaneously reboot or "hang" on the MIUI logo? Perhaps because of accumulated cache, conflicting applications or corrupted system files, in which cases a full reset is often the only solution without going to the service center.

But the procedure has its nuances: Mistakes can lead to loss of important data, blocking of Mi Account or even “bricking” of the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of resetting – from the standard through the menu to forced through Fastboot – and also tell you how to prepare for the procedure and avoid typical errors.

We will focus on models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), where resetting via Recovery may require additional steps.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Without backing up your data, it will be impossible to recover deleted files after resetting, even with specialized programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver.

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

Create a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup

Copy photos/videos to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)

Write down the username / password from Mi Account (required to unlock)

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Delete your Google account if you plan to sell your device-->

It is especially important to save data from applications that do not sync automatically to the cloud.

• 📱 Messages and Call History (use) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🎮 Game Save (check if the game supports cloud sync via Google Play)
• 🔑 Passwords from the browser or manager (export them to the file)
• 📅 Notes and Calendar Data (Sync with Mi Cloud or Google)

If you reset your device before selling, remember to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account if you used to) and untie the cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay. Otherwise, the new owner can access your data.

💡

If you are using Xiaomi.eu or custom firmware, check before reset whether the bootloader is locked.In some cases, a reset via Recovery can lead to a Mi Account authorization requirement even after the procedure.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a standard method that works for most situations where a smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch, requires no additional tools and is minimally risky.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Delete all data (you may need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Reset settings.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and the device will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new. SIM-card or memory card to avoid interruption.

This method works on all models, including:

• 📱 Redmi Note 11/12 Series
• 📱 POCO F4/F5
• 📱 Xiaomi 13/14 Series
• 📱 Black Shark 5/6 (taking into account the features of the game interface)

Once a year to clean up the system

Just before the sale.

Never dropped it.

Only when the device starts to brake-->

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, you will have to use Recovery Mode. This mode allows you to reset the settings without fully loading the system.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power + Volume up For POCO M3/M4: Power + Volume up + Volume down For Black Shark: Power + Volume down

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Factory Reset

Yes

Reboot

Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 13+) may require authorization via Mi Account after resetting via Recovery. If you forget your account details, restore them in advance!

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Recovery does not delete data from a memory card (microSD), but it does erase everything from the internal drive, including photos, apps, and settings.

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

If the device still doesn't turn on or freezes after reset, it may be the problem with the damaged firmware, in which case you'll need to flash it through Fastboot (see next section).

Method 3: Forced Fastboot reset (for power users)

This method is used when:

• 🔄 Smartphone does not respond to reset via Recovery
• 🔒 Device locked via Find My Device or Mi Account
• 🛠️ Refuse the device after a failed update

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the Android Studio website)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality)
• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (for some models)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked boot loader (Redmi Note) 10S, POCO X3 NFC The fastboot erase userdata command may not work, in which case you will first need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting on new accounts).

If the device still requires Mi Account authorization after the instructions are executed, try an alternative method:

fastboot erase frp

This command resets Factory Reset Protection, but it doesn’t work on all models.

Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If you lose your smartphone or it has been stolen, you can remotely reset it via Xiaomi’s Find My Device service.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the lost device in the list.
3. Click Delete Data (or Erase Device in English).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Please note that:

• 🔄 The device must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 The battery level should be at least 15%.
• 🔒 After the reset, the device will be locked until the Mi Account data associated with it is entered.

This method is also useful if you want to reset your settings on a device that is in another city or country, for example, if you sent your smartphone to relatives but forgot to untie your accounts.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems when resetting Xiaomi, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

If the device is running slower after the reset than before the procedure, check:

• 🔄 Is the interface animation included (Settings) → Special facilities → Remove animations)
• 📱 Are there no “heavy” launchers or widgets installed?
• 🔋 Is the battery not discharged (at a charge level below 20%, the system can artificially limit performance)

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ After reset, battery optimization can automatically turn on, which limits the background activity of applications. → Battery → Optimize the battery if you notice delays in notifications.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions