Reset Xiaomi to factory settings through buttons – if you forgot the password

Forgot the password from Xiaomi and can not unlock the phone? Don't rush to carry it to the service center. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by hard reset through hardware buttons - a method that works even on locked devices. This method is suitable for all models of Redmi, POCO, Mi (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and older versions).

The procedure takes no more than 10 minutes, but has nuances: after the reset, all data (photos, contacts, applications) will be deleted, and some models will require you to enter a Mi Account to activate. In this article, detailed instructions with photos, model compatibility tables and solutions for typical errors.

When to reset via buttons (and when not)

Hardware reset is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in three cases:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock, PIN Password or phone lock, and other unlocking methods (via Mi Account or Find Device) don’t work.
• 🤖 System failure – the device hovers on the Xiaomi logo, does not respond to touches or cyclically reboots.
• 📱 Preparation for sale – you need to completely clear the phone of personal data.

❌ Do not use this method if:

• 🔄 You just want to speed up your phone (resetting through settings is enough).
• 📂 You need to delete individual files (use File Manager or PC connection).
• 🔧 Problem is related to iron (broken screen, faulty battery).

⚠️ Note: On models with a chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) after reset, you may need to enter a username / password from Mi Account associated with the device, if you do not remember it, the phone will turn into a brick».

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow these steps:

🔋 The battery should be at least 50% charged. If the phone runs out during reset, it can damage the firmware and need to refashion the device through the PC.

📋 IMEI — Your phone's unique ID will remain the same after the reset, but if you plan to sell the device, write it down in advance. IMEI possible:

• On the phone box (under the barcode).
• *#06# (if the phone is not locked)
• In settings: About the phone → General information → Status.

🌐 You'll need the Internet after the reset to activate your Mi Account (if the phone was tied). SIM-card with mobile Internet or pre-set up Wi-Fi (network data will be saved after resetting only on some models).

Step-by-step: how to reset Xiaomi through the buttons

The procedure varies depending on the model and version of MIUI. Below is a universal method that works on 95% of Xiaomi devices (including new ones).

Step 1: Turn off your phone

If the device is locked but is enabled:

• Press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
• If the phone is frozen, remove and insert the battery (on models with a removable battery) or wait until it is discharged.

Step 2: Enter Recovery Mode

The combination of buttons depends on the model:

📌 After successful login, you will see the Recovery Mode menu (usually in Chinese or English). Use volume buttons for navigation and power to choose from.

Step 3: Select the "Wipe Data" option

On the Recovery menu, find:

• 🧹 Wipe Data (or in Chinese).
• 🔄 Wipe All Data (complete reset).

On some firmware, the path may look like this: Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.

⚠️ Do not select Wipe Cache or Reboot, they will not reset your password!

Step 4: Confirm the reset

The system will ask you to confirm the action. Select Confirm (or Chinese) and wait for the process to be completed. This can take anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes.

Step 5: Reboot your phone

After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System. The phone will reboot and prompt you to configure it as new.

💡

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it – the only way out: firmware through Mi Flash with authorization in the account.

What to do if the reset does not work

Sometimes the process ends in error or the phone doesn't turn on after the reset, so let's look at the typical problems and their solutions.

🔴 Error: "No command" or a recumbent robot

If you click the buttons and see a recumbent robot with an exclamation mark or the inscription No command:

1. Press and hold the power button + volume upwards of 10-15 seconds.
2. Release the buttons and try to log in to Recovery again.
3. If it doesn’t work, connect your phone to charge and try again.

🔄 phone is stuck on startup logo after reset

That means the firmware is damaged.

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and run through the Mi Flash Tool (instruction below).
• 🔋 Try charging your phone for 30 to 60 minutes – sometimes it helps.
• 📱 If the screen reacts to touch, try re-entering Recovery and resetting.

🔒 After reset, requires a Mi Account

This is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which is activated if the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account.

• 📧 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 💻 If you don’t remember the data, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
• 🔧 If the account is not restored, you will need firmware through Mi Flash with authorization (you need a PC and an original cable).

Firmware via Mi Flash (if reset did not help)

If the hardware reset doesn't work or the phone requires Mi Account, the last option is the firmware via the PC.

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (not cheap charging!).
• 📂 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (download here).

📌 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Install Qualcomm drivers (come with Mi Flash).
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\firmware).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start Mi Flash.
5. In the program, click Select, specify the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the finish (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) Before firmware, you need to unlock Bootloader through the official tool. This will take 7-14 days (you need to link the account and wait for permission).

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven't backed up, the chances of getting your data back are minimal, but there are.

📱 Recovery through Google Account

If the phone has been enabled automatic backup in Google Drive:

1. After resetting, select Restore Data when setting up.
2. Enter the username and password from Google to which the phone was linked.
3. Select the latest backup (see the date of creation in Google Drive).

⚠️ Only a portion of the data will be restored: contacts, SMS, Some app settings. Photos and videos - only if they're synced with Google Photos.

💾 Recovery software (if the phone is not blocked)

If the phone is unlocked but the data is erased, try the following programs:

• 🔍 DiskDigger (restores photos and videos).
• 📄 EaseUS MobiSaver (Contacts, Messages, Notes).
• 📱 Dr.Fone (paid but free trial).

📌 Important: Do not write new data to your phone before recovery – this reduces the chances of success.

💡

If you regularly lose passwords, set up a Smart Lock in Android: it will automatically unlock the phone in trusted places (such as at home) or when connected to a trusted device (smart watches, Bluetooth headphones).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset