How to reset your settings on Android Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why Xiaomi Reset Could Be a Salvage (or a Problem)

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is like a surgical operation for your device: in some cases it saves you from viruses and brakes, in others it can lead to the loss of important data. Statistics from service centers show that 37% of Redmi and POCO problems are solved by a complete reset. But why does this method not always work the same way?

Xiaomi uses a modified MIUI firmware, where the reset affects not only system settings, but also deeply integrated services like the Mi Cloud, Security App and even camera settings. For example, after resetting on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, users often complain about the lost AR settings in the camera – they have to be reconfigured through a hidden menu of engineering modes.

In this article, we will not only discuss standard reset methods (via menu and Recovery), but also little-known methods – for example, how to bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock on devices with MIUI 14+, or what to do if the phone after a reset requires an old password from Mi Account, which you no longer remember.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before

Before you click Reset, be honest: where are your photos stored over the past 3 years? If the answer is "on the phone" - the reset will turn into a digital disaster. Xiaomi by default does not sync media files with the Mi Cloud (unlike contacts or notes), so they will have to be saved manually.

Here is a checklist of critical actions:

Pay special attention to the Mi Account item. After resetting to Xiaomi with MIUI 12 and later, the device will require you to enter the account data that was tied before the reset. If you don't remember it, the phone will turn into a "brick" that says "This device is locked." This is not a bug, but a feature: this is how Xiaomi fights theft.

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If you are selling a phone, don’t just drop it, untie your Mi Account in advance through Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete your account. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, you remember the pattern lock/PIN-code, and you want to save data on the memory card (if you have one), the instructions are relevant for all models from Redmi Note 10 Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Steps:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Remove all data and confirm the action.

It takes 3-10 minutes. The phone will reboot and show the screen of the initial setup, as after purchase. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (for example, Xiaomi 13T), the reset can last up to 15 minutes - this is normal, do not pull out the battery!

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to charging or is blocked after a failed update, only Recovery Mode will help. This mode works even with damaged firmware, as it boots from a separate partition of memory.

Instructions for all models (including the POCO F5 and Redmi K60):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. You'll see the menu in English or Chinese (depending on the version of Recovery).
4. With volume buttons, select Wipe Data (or ), confirm the choice with the power button.
5. Select Wipe All Data and confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) Recovery menu is hidden behind additional authentication. If you select Wipe Data, you will have a password request, enter it. PIN-code or pattern lock that was installed before resetting.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ On devices with a bootloader, a reset via Recovery can result in data loss on internal memory, even if you choose to save media files".
• ⚠️ If the phone is under 20%, Recovery Mode can interrupt the reset process. Charge the device to at least 30% before starting.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

Situation: you reset your phone, but after the reboot it requires you to enter the Mi Account data that was previously tied. If you don't remember the password, don't panic. Xiaomi provides an official way to unlock through account.xiaomi.com.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to a PC or other phone at account.xiaomi.com.
2. Sign in to your account (if you do not remember the password – restore it via email or phone).
3. Go to Devices → find a locked phone.
4. Click Delete Device (or Unbind).
5. Connect the blocked Xiaomi to Wi-Fi, enter the account data again – the lock will be removed.

If this method didn’t work (for example, the device doesn’t appear in the list), try an alternative method:

Method 4: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to reset the settings on the device with custom firmware.
• 🔧 Need to get around FRP-locking on older models (up to the previous model) MIUI 11).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Phone with a charge of at least 50%.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.


2.Plug Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.




3. Connect the phone to the PC.




4. Open the command line and type:




fastboot oem edl




(Some models may require fastboot flashing unlock)




5. wait until the process is completed and enter:




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




6.Reboot the phone with the command:




fastboot reboot

Attention! On new models (Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12), the fastboot oem edl command may not work due to the manufacturer’s lock, in which case you will need an authorized Xiaomi account to unlock the bootloader.

Method 5: Reset via engineering menu (hidden function)

Few people know, but Xiaomi has a hidden engineering menu through which you can make a soft reset without losing some data (such as photos), this method works on MIUI 13/14 and is suitable for the POCO X5, Redmi Note 11 and later.

How to open it:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##4636###.
3. Select Testing → Data resetting.
4. Enter your phone password (if you request it).
5. Select Reset Settings (not to be confused with Erase All Data!).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Do not delete photos and videos from internal memory.
• ✅ Save some network settings (Wi-Fi passwords).
• ✅ It works even if access to the main settings is blocked.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Does not reset your Mi Account and Google Account settings.
• ❌ Some firmware may not work (e.g., Xiaomi) EU ROM).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After resetting, Xiaomi will not just return to the factory state – it will need the correct initial setup, otherwise you risk encountering bugs like spontaneous reboots or no network.

Follow this algorithm:

1. Don’t connect to Wi-Fi right away! skip the welcome screen first and go to Settings → System → Software Update. Install all available updates (this will fix any bugs after reset).
2. Restore data from the backup selectively. Don't restore App Settings, it can bring back old glitch.
3. Reinstall banking apps (SberPay, Google Pay) and re-assign the cards – old security tokens will reset.
4. Check the IMEI: dial *#06# and compare it to the number on the box. If the IMEI resets by 0, you'll need to restore it through Engineering Mode.

Pay special attention to battery settings. After reset, Xiaomi defaults to aggressive optimization for all applications.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization.
2. Select All applications and install for instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and mail without restrictions.

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If the phone starts to run out faster after reset, turn off Adaptive Charging in Settings → Battery → Battery settings. It limits the charge to 80%, but sometimes it gets knocked off after reset.

Table: Comparison of Xiaomi reset methods

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset