How to Reset Xiaomi Phone to Factory Settings: The Complete 2026 Guide

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks.The procedure removes all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, many users face difficulties, from the lack of a reset point in the menu to errors in Recovery mode, which can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reset – through MIUI settings, Recovery mode and the Mi Flash Tool (for advanced users), focusing on models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 2023-2026), where standard methods may not work, and learn how to save important data before reset and what to do if the phone does not turn on or hangs on the Mi logo.

Reset Preparation: What to Do Before Hard Reset

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Data loss after hard reset is irreversible — even service centers can't recover it without a backup.

• 📱 Sync your contacts and notes with your Google or Mi Account account. Go to Settings → Accounts. → Synchronize and verify that all data is uploaded to the cloud.
• 📁 Copy files to a PC or external drive. Use Windows Explorer (in mode) MTP) Applications like Xiaomi File Manager for transferring photos, videos and documents.
• 🔐 Remember passwords from Wi-Fi, banking apps and social networks. After reset, you will have to log in again. For convenience, export passwords from Google Smart Lock (if you use them).
• 📋 Take pictures of the screen settings, the sound and the gestures, which will save time when you re-tube them, and it's especially relevant for users. MIUI 14/15, customizable.

If your Xiaomi is not running smoothly (e.g., spontaneously reboots or doesn’t respond to touch), plug it into charging and wait for 100% charge before reset. On Redmi K60 models and a newer reset at a battery level below 30% can lead to E:Failed to mount/data error in Recovery mode.

⚠️ Note: If you have used the Application Protection function (c Settings) → Annexes → Protection, after reset, some programs (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) may require re-authentication via the Internet. SMS, Even if the data is synchronized.

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (the safest method)

This method is suitable for working devices where you can log in, it is the simplest and least risky, since it is controlled by MIUI. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on MIUI 12-15 (including global and Chinese versions of firmware).

Steps for discharge:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on some models).
3. Slip on Reset (may be called Reset and Reset).
4. Select "Erase all data" (Factory data reset in English).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (or Delete All).

It takes 5-15 minutes depending on the model, the phone will reboot and start setting up as new, at which point you can connect to Wi-Fi and recover data from the backup (if it was created through the Mi Cloud).

Battery charge > 50%|Synchronized contacts and notes|Copyed files on PC|Account passwords are stored|Lockdown disabled. SIM-map (PIN)-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) After reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account due to the Mi Account Lock function. If you forget your login / password, restore access to account.xiaomi.com in advance.

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

If Xiaomi does not load beyond the logo, freezes or is blocked, you will have to use Recovery mode, which works even on bricks, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to the loss of IMEI or other critical errors.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F5, Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
2. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data (could be called Factory Reset).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot to reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out of a hat will appear).
2. Connect the device to a PC. Install Mi Phone Manager drivers (if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone).
3. Unpack the archive with Fastboot firmware ROM in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi_Flash\).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G Before you use Fastboot, you must unlock Bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool application. Without this, the Mi Flash Tool will give an anti-rollback error.

1. to run the program on behalf of the administrator.

2. disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).

3. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).-->

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the official instructions, users are facing problems. Let's look at the most common errors and their solutions:

• 🔄 Phone hangs on Mi logo after reset: Reason: damaged firmware or conflict with custom Recovery (e.g., custom Recovery, TWRP). Solution: Fastboot the device with the official firmware (see Method 3).

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a damaged memory chip) in which case, contact Xiaomi’s service center.

💡

On Xiaomi models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 processor (like the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), resetting via Recovery can take up to 30 minutes.

How to recover data after reset (if you did not make a backup)

If you forgot to save important files, the chances of recovering them depend on what type of reset was performed:

• 📱 Reset via settings MIUI: Data is deleted software and can be tried to recover using DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver (success). ~30–50%).

For recovery:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode (if it is turned on).
2. Install EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone.
3. Select the type of files to scan (photos, messages, contacts).
4. Wait for the analysis to be completed and save the files found on the PC.

Important: Do not write new data to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions