How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to fix 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 smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are three official reset methods – through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot – each of which is suitable for different situations.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to take into account the features of MIUI firmware (including the global and Chinese versions), explain how to bypass the Mi Account lock after resetting if you forget your password, and warn against typical errors that can turn a smartphone into a “brick.”

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Neglecting preparation can lead to the loss of important data or even locking the device, starting with the most obvious: backup.

Create a backup through the built-in MIUI tools: Settings → About Phone → Backup. Alternatively, use Xiaomi Cloud (requires authorization to Mi Account) or third-party services like Google Drive. Please note that some data (such as WhatsApp messages) is not automatically saved – it needs to be exported manually.

• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 50% – interruption of the process due to battery discharge can damage the firmware.
• 📱 Make sure you know the username and password from the Mi Account attached to the device.
• 🔑 Write or take a picture. IMEI This will help you to restore access to the mobile network if something goes wrong.
• 📡 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network – after reset, you will need to download updates and restore applications.

⚠️ Note: If the Find Device function is enabled on the smartphone, the Mi Cloud factory lock may work after the reset. → Mi Account → Find Device.

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, you have access to the menu, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Instructions for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

After the reboot, the device will be as new.

Backup checked | Battery charge >50% | Find Device function disabled | Mi Account-->

On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset. If you don’t find an item, search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).

⚠️ Note: HyperOS devices may need to re-link Mi Account after a reset, even if you have correctly entered the data.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is blocked, Recovery mode will help. This method works even without access to the main system, but requires accuracy - errors can damage the firmware.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see a menu in English or Chinese.

To navigate, use volume buttons (up/down for selection, power for confirmation).

From the Recovery menu, select: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.

Once the process is complete, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical and requires a computer connection, and it's used if:

• 🔄 The smartphone does not load even in Recovery.
• 🔓 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader).
• 📦 Refuse the device to a clean version MIUI/HyperOS.

The work will require:

• Computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed (you can download from the official Android website).
• USB Type-C cable (preferably original)
• Firmware file for your model (download only from the official Xiaomi resource).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect the device to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is recognized, reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

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If the smartphone does not turn on after the fastboot reboot command, try flashing clean firmware with the fastboot flash all [name file].zip. Make sure the firmware file matches the device model!

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset via Fastboot can result in a complete lock (requiring Mi Account authorization even after a reset). Check the bootloader status with the command: fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: False, unlock it in advance through the official Xiaomi tool.

How to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset

One of the most common problems after a reset is requesting authorization to the Mi Account, even if you enter the correct password, which is due to the device being linked to the account for security reasons, and the decisions depend on the status of the bootloader and the version of MIUI:

If the loader is unlocked:

• 📱 Fastboot your device using custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).
• 🔧 Use the Mi Account Unlock Tool (unofficial solution, requires caution).

If the loader is locked:

• 📧 Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box, IMEI).
• 🕒 Wait 72 hours – sometimes the lock is automatically removed (relevant for HyperOS).

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The only legal way to unlock is the official Mi Unlock tool, and all other methods (including “bypassing testpoints”) can damage the device or violate the warranty.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

If the device does not turn on after reset, try:

• 🔌 Connect to charging for 30-60 minutes (sometimes helps with a discharged battery).
• 🔄 Hold the Loud down + Power for 20-30 seconds for forced reboot.
• 📡 Fastboot is a free download using the Mi Flash Tool.

Xiaomi reset with HyperOS: what has changed

In 2026, Xiaomi began the transition to a new operating system HyperOS, which replaced MIUI. the Reset procedure in it retained the logic, but there were key differences:

Changes to HyperOS:

• 🔒 Additional check for Mi Account even when resetting via the settings menu.
• 📱 New Recovery interface with touch control support (on models 2023-2026).
• ⚡ Accelerated reset process (by optimizing the file system).
• 🔄 Automatic recovery of some system applications after first running.

For HyperOS reset:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Reset and Recovery.
2. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
3. After the reboot, follow the instructions of the setup wizard, including authorization to the Mi Account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions