How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: all ways (2026)

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems, from freezes and errors to getting the device ready for sale.The procedure removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, an incorrect reset can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account, loss of important files or even “bricking” the device if the process is interrupted.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting for Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO (including models 2023–2026 yearly, taking into account the specifics of MIUI 14/15 and new firmware based on Android 13/14. You will learn how to prepare for a reset, what data can be restored after it, and what to do if the phone does not turn on or requires a password from the Mi Account. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden functions of the Recovery menu, which allow you to bypass the lock without losing IMEI — This is critical for carrier-based devices (e.g., Redmi Note). 12 5G from MegaFon).

When you need to reset Xiaomi to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only solution:

• 🔄 System lags and freezes: MIUI started to brake after updating or installing applications, and cleaning the cache did not help.
• 📱 Preparation for sale / transfer: you must delete all personal information (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🔒 Screen locking: Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code, and unlocking through Find Device is not possible.
• 🐛 Critical errors: Constant reboots, com.android.phone error or “Settings stopped app".
• 📦 Failed update: after firmware is installed via Fastboot or OTA The phone does not load (stuck on the Mi logo).

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Hardware malfunctions: a broken screen, a broken camera or a charging connector.
• 📡 Problems with IMEI: no network after firmware (requires recovery through QCN ore-menu).
• 🔌 Damaged battery: the phone turns off at 30-40% charge.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, a reset via Fastboot or unofficial Recovery can lead to a hard brick - complete inoperability. Check the lock status by command: fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: False, use only official resetting methods.

Preparing for reset: how to save data and avoid blocking

Before resetting, be sure to perform 3 key actions:

1. Create a backup copy: 📱 Through Settings. → The phone. → Backup (saves contacts, SMS, wifi settings). ☁️ In Mi Cloud: Enable sync for photos, notes and calls (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud). 💾 Locally: Use Xiaomi Backup (the app is pre-installed in the app) MIUI) Titanium Backup (requires root).

Make sure you know the username/password of your Mi Account.

Once reset, the device will require you to enter the account data associated with the phone (Mi Account Lock function).

Charge the battery by at least 50%

Interrupting the reset process due to discharge can cause system files to be damaged.

Backup important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Charge the phone. ≥50%|Turn off Google FRP (if)|Get out. SIM and a memory card (optional)-->

If you are selling a phone, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account before resetting:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security → Delete your account.
2. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
3. Perform a reset – now the new owner will be able to activate the device without your data.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ and MIUI 13+ After reset, you may need to confirm your old Wi-Fi password if your phone is connected to the network. This is a measure of protection against theft. Write down your password in advance or turn off all networks in Settings. → Wi-Fi.

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

This method works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, and it retains the binding to the Mi Account, but deletes all user data.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
3. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

💡

If the reset menu does not include the Delete Everything option, try disabling FRP protection first: go to Settings → Google Accounts → Delete your account (for Android 9 and older).

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery, which works even when the screen is locked, but requires physical access to the device’s buttons.

1. Turn off the phone: Press the power button for 10-15 seconds. If it doesn't respond, wait until the battery is completely discharged.
2. Go to Recovery: Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power (hold 5-7 seconds). For POCO F4/F5: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi 12T/13: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Choose a language

Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation.

Perform the reset.

Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some firmware – Factory Reset).

Confirm the action.

Select Confirm and wait until it is completed (it can take up to 15 minutes).

Reboot.

Go back to the main Recovery menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it:

• 🔓 Try to recover your password via account.xiaomi.com (you will need access to email or phone).
• 📧 If recovery is not possible, contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, box).
• ⚠️ Do not use bypass programs (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool) – they often contain viruses or damage. IMEI.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable for unlocked bootloaders or devices that don’t boot even in Recovery.Requires a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB Type-C cable (original!).

Warning: The wrong commands in Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick.

• 🔓 You have unlocked Bootloader (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info).
• 💻 You are sure of the correct firmware for your model (for example, tissot for Redmi Note 7).
• 🔋 Battery is 100% charged (process can take up to 30 minutes).

1. Install drivers: Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the C:\platform-tools drive root.
2. Start Fastboot: Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power (for most models). Connect to a PC.
3. Check Connection: In the command line (on behalf of the administrator), type: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Enter fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a complete reset (including the system partition), use the command:

fastboot -w

But keep in mind that this will remove all the firmware – you will need to re-install it via fastboot flash.

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot boot recovery.img

Where recovery.img — Official Recovery file for your model (downloaded from the site) MIUI Downloads).-->

Method 4: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for "brick" devices)

If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to any button combinations and isn’t defined in Fastboot, the last chance is to run firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, which removes everything, including firmware, and installs a clean MIUI.

Requirements:

• 💻 Windows PC with Administrator Rights.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (do not use extension cords!).
• 📁.tgz or.zip firmware for your model (download only from the official website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you are flashing custom firmware).

1. Download Mi Flash Tool: Official version: link (select MiFlash2020+ for new models).
2. Install drivers: In the archive with Mi Flash there is a Driver folder - run install.bat on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect your phone in EDL mode: To do this: Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Volume down + Power (for Xiaomi 11/12/13). Connect to a PC - should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Switch the device.

In the Mi Flash Tool:

• Press Select and select the folder with unpacked firmware.
• Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) mode.
• Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

If there are problems after the discharge:

💡

If the NFC function is lost after reset or the wireless headphones are not working, go to Settings → Connections → NFC and turn it on manually. On some models (for example, the POCO X5 Pro), NFC turns off by default after reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset