How to completely reset the Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: all ways

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical solution that puts the phone back in a boxy state.All user data, apps, settings, and even system updates (in some cases) will be removed, a move justified in several scenarios:

First, if the device started to slow down for no reason: lags when opening applications, a long boot system or sudden reboots. Often this is due to cache accumulation, conflicting updates or viruses. Second, the reset is necessary before selling or transferring the phone to another person – to prevent leakage of personal data (photos, passwords, messages). Finally, it is the only way to return the smartphone to work after a failed update when the screen is getting stuck on the Mi logo or the system is cyclically rebooted.

But it's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea, because if the problem is caused by a hardware malfunction (such as memory or motherboard damage), it won't help, and it's pointless to drop your phone when you bootloop that's caused by a bootloader damage, and you'll need to flash it through Fastboot.

Before you start, check if the malfunction is related to a particular application. For example, if the phone is only slowing down when you start Instagram or TikTok, try clearing the cache of these programs in Settings → Apps. If the problem is systemic, read on.

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

This is a standard method that works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12 series, POCO X5, Mi 13 and Black Shark 5. The main advantage is the simplicity and minimal risk of “bricking” the phone.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings (cog icon on the main screen).
• 🔧 Go to the About Phone section (in older versions) MIUI — Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 🔄 Slip on Resetting (or Resetting All Settings).
• 🔒 Enter the password from your Mi Account if it is linked to your device.
• ⚠️ Confirm the action by selecting Delete Everything (some models will require input) PIN-lock-screen).

It takes 5-15 minutes to complete, and when it is finished, the phone will automatically reboot and prompt it to be configured as new. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the first run after a reset can last up to 20 minutes — that’s fine.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Mi Account password, resetting through the settings menu will lock your phone.

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Write it down. IMEI phone (on a box or under a battery)|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell your phone)-->

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 doesn’t respond to touch, Recovery Mode will help.This method works even without access to the system, but requires physical access to the phone’s buttons. Suitable for all models, including the Redmi 9A, POCO F3 and Mi 10T.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. 🔋 Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. 🔘 Click the combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For older smartphones (until 2019): Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to confirm the selection.

• 🌐 Choose a language (usually English or English ).
• 🔄 Find the Wipe Data item (or in Chinese firmware).
• 🔒 Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
• ✅ After completion, select Reboot to restart.

If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, it means that you have custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS), in which case you will need to flash it through Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi) 9T) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-activate Mi Account. If you don't remember your account details, the phone will turn into a brick"!

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, you can use the Xiaomi Remote Reset feature, which only works if you meet three conditions:

• 📶 Device connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Synchronization with Mi Cloud enabled.
• 🔒 The phone is tied to your Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. 📱 In the Devices section, find your smartphone (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro).+ 5G).
3. 🔄 Click on three dots next to the device and select Find the device.
4. 🗑️ In the window that opens, click Erase the data and confirm the action.

The process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the speed of the Internet on the phone, and once reset, the device will return to factory settings, but the Mi Account lock will remain active (it can only be removed with the username / password).

If the phone is off or offline, remote reset won’t work, so you just have to wait for the device to re-enter the network, or use the methods in Method 2 (if you have the phone in your hand).

💡

Before you remotely reset, check if your phone is connected to your Google Account. After erasing the data through the Mi Cloud, FRP-blocking (Factory Reset Protection) may work, and you will need to enter the old password from Google to unlock.

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, Xiaomi will offer to go through the initial setup, as after purchase.

1. 🌍 Language and region choice: Please indicate Russia or Ukraine (if you are in these countries) to avoid problems with Google services.

Set-up lockdown

PIN-code

pattern lock

If you're selling a phone, don't restore the data, just complete the setup and transfer the device to the new owner. If the reset was done to fix the problem, check after the data is restored:

• 📱 Does the camera work (start the camera and take a test shot).
• 📞 Is there a connection (call another number).
• 🎵 Does the speaker work (turn on the music).

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14 and later after reset, you may need to re-assign Mi Account, even if the phone was unlocked earlier.This is a security measure - prepare your login and password in advance.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple process like resetting can go wrong, and here are some common mistakes Xiaomi users make and ways to prevent them:

1.Forgot to untie Google Account

If you have set up a Google Account and FRP-blocking (Factory Reset Protection) enabled on your phone, after reset, the device will require you to enter the username and password from the old account, this is a measure of protection against theft, to avoid the problem:

• Before reset, go to Settings → Accounts → Google and delete your account.
• If the phone is already reset and the password is forgotten, you will have to enter the data of the old account or contact the service center to unlock.

2.The battery was discharged during discharge

If the phone turns off during reset (especially through Recovery), there is a high probability of damage to system files. At best, the phone simply won't turn on, at worst, you will need to flash it through Fastboot. Always check that the battery is more than 50%.

3. Wrong button combination for Recovery

Different Xiaomi models have different ways of logging in to Recovery, such as:

• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12: Nutrition + Loudness up.
• 📱 POCO X3/X4: Nutrition + Volume up (hold up) 10+ seconds).
• 📱 Mi 11 Ultra: Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down (old scheme).

If the combination doesn’t work, try connecting your phone to charge and try again.

4.Reset did not solve the problem

If after reset the phone still brakes or does not turn on, the reason may be:

• 🔋 Failed battery (blown, low capacity).
• 🛠️ Damaged motherboard (after falling or getting moisture).
• 📲 Incompatible firmware (if installed custom software).

In such cases, a diagnosis is required at the service center.

💡

If the reset didn’t work, don’t repeat it many times, which could make the problem worse. Contact a service center with a description of your symptoms (e.g., “The phone warms and turns off after 5 minutes”).

Reset on a locked phone (if you forgot the pattern lock)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock, PIN-You can reset your settings, but there are nuances. MIUI 12 and newer is protected against bypassing the lock, so a simple reset via Recovery will not work - after a reboot, the phone will require you to enter the old password.

Here's what we can do:

Option 1: Reset via Mi Account (if the phone is connected to the Internet)

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com.
• 📱 Find your phone in the list of devices.
• 🔄 Select Find the device → Erase the data.

After resetting, the screen lock will be removed, but you will need to re-authorize in the Mi Account.

Option 2: Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the phone is not connected to the Internet, you can try to delete the password file via Fastboot.

1. 🖥️ Install Mi Flash Tool and Drivers ADB PC-only.
2. 📱 Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clamp power) + Loudness down).
3. 🔧 Run command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase locksettings
4. ✅ Reboot your phone with the fastboot reboot command.

This method does not work on all models and can lead to data loss. Xiaomi with a MediaTek chip (for example, Redmi 9C) will require a different approach - through the SP Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14 and Android 13+ Deleting locksettings via Fastboot can result in a complete loss of access to the device, in which case only flashing with authorization via Mi Account will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset