Xiaomi reset to factory settings: 3 proven ways + safety tips

Introduction: Why is reset needed and when to apply it

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, which returns the smartphone to its original state by removing all user data, applications and settings, most commonly used in three cases: before selling the device, to fix critical system failures, or after failed firmware experiments.

It is important to understand that hard reset is not a panacea. It will not help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen or a broken battery), but it will reset to default if Xiaomi slows down due to overloaded memory, viruses or software conflicts. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of reset – from the simplest to the most advanced, taking into account the nuances for different models (Redmi, POCO, Mi).

Before you start, answer two questions: are important data (photos, contacts, messages) saved and do you know the username / password from your Mi Account? Without this, after a reset, you risk losing access to the device forever - Xiaomi blocks phones with a tied account after a hard reset.

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on, responds to touch, and you have access to the menu, and it's the simplest and least risky method, because the data will be deleted, but the probability of the device building is zero.

The instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi models on MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter the Mi Account password (if requested) or the pattern lock.
6. Wait for the process to complete (5-15 minutes) and automatically restart.

Once reset, the phone will start as a new one, with a welcome setting screen, and if this is the stage where the error "This device is locked" appears, then the Mi Account was not detached to reset.

Backup to Mi Cloud or PC|Remember the username/password from the Mi Account|Connect the charger (the battery should be) >30%)|Delete your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After reset, re-activation may be required SIM-This is due to Xiaomi’s security policy – the operator can block the network if the device was tied to another owner.

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

If Xiaomi does not load beyond the logo, hangs on the screensaver or does not respond to the power button at all, resetting through Recovery mode will help. This method works even on “bricks”, but requires accuracy – improper actions can lead to loss of IMEI or other problems.

The algorithm for most models (except for the Xiaomi 12T and later, where Recovery is modified):

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most Redmi/POCO: Power + Volume up. For Mi 10/11: Power + Volume up + Volume down.

Mi

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If you see Chinese characters instead of the English menu, don't panic, the order of the items is always the same. The first item on the top is Wipe Data, the last one is Reboot. On TWRP Recovery models, the path will be different: Wipe → Format Data → enter yes.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in data loss in the section /data, But it won't affect custom firmware. If you installed Magisk or Xposed, you'll have to reinstall them.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This is the most radical method, and it requires you to connect your phone to your computer, and it's useful if you:

• 🔹 Recovery damaged or missing;
• 🔹 The phone does not respond to the buttons;
• 🔹 You need to refashion the device from scratch.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux;
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original;li>
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK;
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press the Power + Volume buttons down for 10-15 seconds. A hare in a hat-out hat (Fastboot logo) will appear on the screen.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and check for device recognition: fastboot devices If you see a serial number in response, the connection is established.
3. Download the firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery!). Unpack the archive into a folder.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then Refresh (the device should appear).
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once reset via Fastboot, the phone will be completely clean — without being tied to a Mi Account, but also without the ability to recover data, a technique often used to unlock devices bought from hands unless the previous owner untied the account.

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Before you run your Fastboot, disable the antivirus on your PC – it can block Xiaomi drivers as “suspicious.”

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, Xiaomi will offer to go through the initial setup, and there are a few key points:

1. Mi Account: If the phone was linked to an account, you will need to enter the same data. If you bought the device with your hands and do not know the username / password of the previous owner, the phone will be locked!
2. Data recovery: If you have backed up to Mi Cloud, select Restore from the cloud during the setup phase. Alternatively, transfer data from another Xiaomi via Mi Mover (the app is pre-installed on both devices).
3. Software Update: After reset, check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update. This will fix any bugs in the "bare" firmware.

If you dropped your phone before selling, remember:

• 📱 Log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks);
• 🔄 Disable Find the device in Google settings;
• 📡 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

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Once reset via Fastboot or Recovery, it can take up to 30 minutes for the first system to start up -- that's OK. Don't interrupt the process or force the phone to turn off.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems.

If the reset has lost sound, the camera is not working or the network is missing, most likely, critical system files have been deleted, in which case only flashing through Fastboot with official software will help.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (e.g, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12) reset via unofficial utilities (type) SP Flash Tool can lead to loss of IMEI. Use only the Mi Flash Tool!

How to Avoid Data Loss: Backup Before Reset

The main rule before resetting is to save everything important. Even if the phone barely works, find a way to copy the data.

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud: Automatic backup (included in Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup: Save contacts, messages, notes, system application settings.
• 📁 Local copy on PC: Connect the phone to USB, Select File Transfer Mode and copy folders DCIM (Photos, Downloads, WhatsApp (if necessary).
• 🔄 Backup apps: Swift Backup (requires root) – saves applications and their data; SMS Backup & Restore – for messages and call logs; Google Photos – for automatic upload of photos/video to the cloud.

If the phone is not turned on but is determined by a computer, try extracting data via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

1. Install Platform Tools from Google.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as described above).
3. Enter the command to extract data (for example, for photos): adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Backup\Photos

For devices with an unlocked bootloader, you can use TWRP Recovery to create a complete system backup (including applications and their data).

1. Download to TWRP (button combination depends on the model).
2. Select Backup → mark the Data, System, Boot sections.
3. Swipe for confirmation and wait for completion.
4. A copy can be saved to SD-map.

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If you experiment with firmware a lot, set up an automatic backup in TWRP on a schedule, which will save data if you fail to update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset