How to reset Android settings on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways from simple to complex

Resetting your Xiaomi smartphone is a radical but sometimes necessary step to fix system problems, prepare your device for sale, or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks. The procedure returns the phone to a factory state by removing all user data, apps, and personal settings. However, not everyone knows that there are several ways to reset, from the standard through the settings menu to forced through Fastboot or Mi Account.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for modern Xiaomi models (2020-2026), including the nuances for devices with lock bootloader and MIUI different versions. You will learn how to avoid common errors, what to do if the phone does not respond to commands, and how to recover data after a reset.

1.When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi?

Factory resets are not a panacea, but in some cases, they are the only effective way to bring a smartphone back to life. Here are typical scenarios where the procedure is justified:

• 🐢 Slowing down: The phone slows down even after cleaning the cache, overheats or spontaneously reboots, often due to a buildup of garbage in the system or application conflicts.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or password: If you can’t unlock the screen and Find My Device doesn’t help, resetting via Recovery or Mi Account can be a lifesaver.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware: some Trojans are embedded so deeply into the system that they cannot be removed by standard means.
• 📦 Preparing for sale or transfer: To prevent the new owner from gaining access to your data, you must perform a complete reset with the formatting of internal memory.
• 🔄 Failed update MIUI: If after upgrading the system, the phone is stuck on the logo or works unstable, reset often helps restore performance.

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even exacerbate the problem:

• 🚫 Hardware malfunctions (broken screen, broken power button, battery problems).
• 🚫 Damaged firmware at the bootloader level (in this case, you need to reflash through Fastboot or EDL).
• 🚫 Blocking Mi Account after resetting on devices with a linked account (you will need to enter a login / password).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, Poco C31) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to log in to Mi Account, even if you didn't have one before!

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps that will save you from data loss and unexpected problems:

Backup important data (photos, contacts, messages)

Record the username and password from Mi Account (if linked)

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Delete your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone)

Remove Factory Reset Protection (FRP) safety-setting-->

Pay special attention to backup. Even if you plan to reset through the settings menu, errors happen. Here's what you should keep:

• 📸 Photos and Videos: Use Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Physical Portability to PC.
• 📞 Contacts: sync with your Google account or export to a file VCF.
• 💬 Messages: applications like SMS Backup & Restore Helps to Keep History SMS.
• 🎮 Game Savings: Many games (e.g. Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile) is linked to accounts, but some data is stored locally.

If you are using Mi Cloud, check that you have recently created a backup. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Device Backup. Note: the free Mi Cloud tariff only provides 5 GB – this may not be enough for a full copy.

Once a week.

Once a month

Only before resetting/updating

Never do.

I don't know how to do that.-->

Another important aspect is Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which is reset protection, which requires you to enter your Google account after the procedure, to avoid blocking:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Delete your Google account (unless your phone is tied to your Mi Account).
3. Turn off Settings → Additional → Privacy → Device Protection (on some firmware).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 After deleting your Google account, you may need to wait. 72 the hour before the discharge, otherwise FRP It's still activated. It's a security measure against theft.

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

If the phone turns on and responds to commands, the easiest way is to reset via the standard menu, a method that is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including the Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO X5, etc.).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About the Phone (or About the Device on some firmware).
3. Select Resetting (may be called Reset and Reset).
4. Tap to erase all data (or Reset settings).
5. Enter. PIN-code/password/pattern lock, if required.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Erase Everything or Delete Everything.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and when it's finished, the phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new.

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, and you do not remember them, use the unlock instructions through the account below.

💡

Resetting via the settings menu is the only method that does not require unlocking the bootloader and retains the manufacturer’s warranty.

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 touches or is locked with a pattern lock, a reset via Recovery Mode will help.This mode is available on all Xiaomi devices, but the login process varies depending on the model.

General instructions for most devices:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Power button + Loudness up. 📱 For Redmi. 9/9A/9C: Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down. 📱 For POCO X3/X3 Pro: Power button + Volume up, then release power by holding the volume.

Mi

Recovery

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

On the new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), the Recovery menu can be in Chinese.

• 🇨🇳 → Clear the data
• 🇨🇳 → Confirm
• 🇨🇳 → Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, a reset via Recovery can lead to a hard lock (requiring you to enter Mi Account data even after a reset.

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

If standard methods do not work (for example, the firmware is damaged or the Recovery menu is not available), you can reset via Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press the Power Button + Volume down for 10-15 seconds. The screen will show a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo).

Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).

platform-tools

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the Xiaomi USB Drivers.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For a complete reset (including system partitions), use:

fastboot format userdata


fastboot format cache




fastboot reboot

This method deletes all data without recovery, but does not affect the firmware. If the problem was in the system files, you will need to flash it.

1. Use another. USB-cable (preferably original).

2. Connect to the back. USB-PC port (on laptops, front ports sometimes don't provide enough power).

3. Enable debugging mode on USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times according to version, then return to additional → For developers).-->

6. Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you forget your pattern lock or password, but remember your Mi Account, you can reset your settings remotely via Xiaomi’s website, which only works if you:

• 🔗 Phone tied to Mi Account.
• 📶 The device is enabled mobile Internet or Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Battery level above 20%.

Instructions:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab (or Device Management in the Russian version).
3. Find the locked phone in the list and click Erase Device.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will restart and prompt you to set it up as new. Note: this method does not work if:

• 🚫 Device turned off or discharged.
• 🚫 Mobile data is disabled/Wi-Fi.
• 🚫 The phone is not tied to the Mi Account.
• 🚫 Anti-Theft is enabled in the security settings.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi) K40) After a remote reset via Mi Account, you may need to re-authorize the first time you turn on. If you do not remember the password, restore it in advance on the Xiaomi website.

7.What to do after resetting: setting up and recovering data

After a successful reset, the phone will start as new, and you will have to go through the initial setup, but there are a few nuances that will help to avoid problems:

Step 1: Initial settings

• 🌍 Choose a language and region. Xiaomi is better to specify Russia or Global to avoid problems with Google services.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (required to download updates and restore data).
• 🔑 If required, log in to Mi Account (use the same data as before the reset!).
• 🤖 Skip the offer to restore data from the backup (if it is outdated or you are not sure of its purity).

Step 2: Data recovery

• 📸 Photos/Video: Restore from Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
• 📞 Contacts: sync through Google account.
• 🎮 Applications: Install from Google Play or through Settings → Annexes → Restore (if there was a backup copy).

Step 3: System inspection

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) and scan your device.
• 🔋 Check the battery: settings → Battery → Battery status.

If there are problems after the reset (e.g., the camera or mobile network is not working), this may indicate:

• 🔧 Damaged drivers – reflashing is required.
• 📡 Problems with IMEI — Check in *#06#.
• 🔌 Hardware malfunctions – contact the service center.

💡

After the reset, take your time to restore all data at once. First, make sure that the phone is stable - this will help avoid repeated crashes.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you do the reset properly, you can have problems, and we'll look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, it may be the hardware (for example, damaged flash memory), in which case we recommend contacting an authorized service center Xiaomi.

You can use a hidden test menu to diagnose hardware problems.

1. Enter the dialer code: ##4636##.
2. Choose Testing or Phone Information.
3. Check the status of all modules (camera, sensors, network).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions