How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 5 working ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of a failed upgrade.The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are several ways to reset, from simple through the menu to complex using the Fastboot mode for “bricks”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including models with a locked bootloader, phones after a failed firmware and devices with a damaged screen. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden nuances that are not written in the standard instructions: how to circumvent the request for a Mi Account after a reset, what to do if the phone does not leave Recovery mode, and why sometimes resetting through settings does not clean up internal memory completely.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

Before you start a procedure, it's important to understand whether it's really necessary. Reset is not a panacea: in some cases, it can even make problems worse. Here are the valid reasons for performing the reset:

• 🔄 The phone began to brake, often overheats or spontaneously reboots after the update. MIUI.
• 📱 Before selling or transferring the device to another person (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).
• 🔓 The device is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-code, and other methods of unlocking do not help.
• 🛠️ After a failed firmware through Fastboot or TWRP, If the phone is loading but is not working properly.
• 📡 Network problems: constant communication interruptions, inability to connect to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet.

On the other hand, resetting will not help if:

• 🚫 The phone does not turn on at all (you need to flash through the flashing device). EDL repair).
• 🚫 Iron problems: broken screen, broken power button, damaged motherboard.
• 🚫 Device in a hard brick state (does not respond to PC connection).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) Recovery reset could lead to loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save a backup copy via the engineering menu (#3646633##).

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Unprepared resets can result in loss of important data or unexpected problems.

Backup photos and videos (via Mi Cloud or Google Photos)

Export contacts to a VCF file or sync with a Google account

Save SMS (SMS Backup & Restore)

Record account data (logins, passwords, two-factor authentication)

Make sure your phone has enough charge (at least 50%)

Untie your device from your Mi Account (if you plan to sell)

-->

Pay special attention to your Mi Account. If your phone is linked to your account, after a reset, the system can request a login and password to activate, which is anti-theft protection, but it also creates problems when you buy used devices, to avoid blocking:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
2. Click Delete your account (you will need to enter a password).
3. After removing, restart the phone.

If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social media) and turn off Find the device in the security settings. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device.

💡

If you forget your Mi Account password, but remember the attached email, restore access in advance. Once you reset your account without detachment, your phone will turn into a brick requesting authorization.

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest)

This is the standard method that works on all Xiaomi devices running MIUI. Suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. The system will prompt you to enter a password from the Mi Account or a pattern lock.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, the phone will restart and suggest that you set it up as new.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note) 8 Pro, POCO F1) After resetting through the menu, garbage may remain in the section /data. For complete cleaning, use the method through Recovery.

Method 2: Recovery reset (for locked phones)

If you forget the pattern lock or the phone doesn't load beyond the MI logo, resetting through Recovery mode will help.This method works even on locked devices, but requires physical access to the buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2 Pro: Volume down + Power. For Redmi Note 7/8: Hold the buttons until the Mi logo appears, then release Power, but keep Volume.

From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).

Move around the menu with volume buttons, confirm the choice with the power button.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If after reset, the phone asks you to enter a password from your Mi Account, and you do not remember it, you will have to use the official Mi Unlock Tool (it takes 7-30 days to unlock the bootloader).

💡

Recovery does not remove files from the memory card (if installed), but completely clears internal memory, including DCIM, Download, and WhatsApp folders.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔧 The phone does not load in Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to bypass the locking of the Mi Account (only for the unlocked bootloader!).
• 🔧 Complete reflashing is required with cleaning of all sections.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or fastboot from Android SDK.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the eardress cap.
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and execute the commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a complete flash reset, download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi’s website and thread it through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked boot loader (Redmi Note) 9S, Mi 10T) Quickboot erase commands won’t work without first unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 4: Reset via engineering menu (for older models)

Xiaomi devices until 2018 (for example, Redmi 4X, Mi A1) have a hidden engineering menu that allows you to reset without logging in.

Instructions:

1. On the phone turned off, dial the combination: ##7378423## (this is the code for the service menu).
2. In the menu, select Wipe Data or Factory Reset.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

If the code doesn’t work, try alternatives:

• #3646633## (MediaTek Engineering Menu)
• #4636## (Android test menu)

On newer models (MIUI 12 and above), the engineering menu is usually blocked, and this method will not work.

7. Method 5: Reset via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the phone has previously been enabled debugging over USB, you can reset via computer using ADB. The method is useful when the screen does not respond to touch, but the phone is determined by the PC.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the ADB folder.
2. Check the connection: Adb devices (the device name should be displayed).
3. Reset command: Adb shell recovery --wipe_data New Android versions: Adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR

If the commands don’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell


su




--mount-master




--mount-system




--mount-data




exit




exit




adb reboot recovery

After rebooting in Recovery, reset in the standard way (see Method 2).

8.Frequent post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, users face unexpected challenges, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If the phone is slower than before the procedure, the problem is probably with the wrong firmware or damaged memory, in which case only a complete flashing with formatting all partitions will help.

💡

After the reset, take your time to restore data from the backup.First check the phone's "clean" state - it may have been caused by a particular application or setting.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions