How to reset your settings on Android to factory: detailed instructions for Xiaomi smartphones

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, helping to fix software failures, remove viruses, prepare the device for sale or simply return a “clean” system without unnecessary files. However, an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, locking your Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this guide, we will discuss all the ways to reset – from the standard menu to Recovery and Fastboot modes, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It’s important to understand that the reset deletes all user data — photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and settings. Even if you previously synced your Google or Mi Cloud account, some data (such as game saves or local files) cannot be restored.

In the article you will find:

• 🔹 3 Resetting Methods – Settings, Recovery and Fastboot (including when the phone is not turned on).
• 🔹 Step-by-step instructions with pictures and explanations for beginners.
• 🔹 Checklist preparation - what to do before reset, so as not to lose important.
• 🔹 Error Discovery – What to do if the reset is frozen, requires a password or is not completed.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary.

• 🐢 The smartphone slows down a lot, even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary applications, often due to memory fragmentation or software conflicts.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware – if the antivirus fails and the phone spontaneously installs apps or displays ads.
• 🔄 Preparing for sale or transfer – to prevent the new owner from gaining access to your data.
• 🔧 Failures after update MIUI — If after the update, the sound is lost, the sensors do not work or the phone is constantly rebooted.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code – in some cases, reset helps unlock the device (but not always!).

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

• 🚫 Hardware malfunctions – if the screen is not working, the battery is not charging or the connector is broken, the reset is useless.
• 🚫 Blocking Mi Account – if the phone is tied to the Xiaomi account and requires entering a login / password after reset, it will be difficult to unlock it without data from the account.

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting your phone because of a forgotten password, note that on Xiaomi models with a new phone. MIUI 12 and later, after the reset, you may need to enter data from the attached Mi Account. Without them, the phone will turn into a brick».

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start?

Before you click Reset, take a few critical steps to keep you from losing data and unexpected problems.

1. Create a backup copy

Even if you sync your contacts with Google, it doesn't guarantee that all the data is safe.

• 📸 Photos and videos – transfer to your computer, Google Photos or the Mi Cloud.
• 📞 Contacts and Messages – Export via Contacts or Mi Mover.
• 🎮 Game Save – If games support cloud-based saves (e.g., through Google Play Games), sync them.
• 📝 Notes and documents – copy files from Download folders, Documents, and apps like WPS Office.

For convenience, use the built-in Mi Mover app (available on most Xiaomi models):

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save (contacts, messages, applications, etc.).
3. Click on “Create a backup” and wait until it is completed.

2. Make sure you know the information from the Mi Account

On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 12+ After the reset, you may need to confirm your Mi Account if:

• The phone was tied to the account.
• Find Device (Device Search) is enabled.
• The reset was done via Recovery or Fastboot.

If you don’t remember the password, restore it on Xiaomi’s official website before resetting. Otherwise, the phone may lock!

3. Check the battery charge

The reset process takes between 5 and 30 minutes (depending on the model and method) and if the battery runs out during the procedure, it can result in:

• 🔋 Incomplete reset and “bricking” of the phone.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot.
• 🚨 Loss of access to Recovery.

The recommended charge level is at least 50%. If the phone doesn't turn on, plug it into charging for 15 to 20 minutes before resetting via Recovery.

Created a backup copy of important data|I remember the username and password from Mi Account.|Battery charge > 50%|I have disabled my Google Account (if I plan to sell my phone)|Out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you can log in. It's the simplest and the least risky.

Step-by-step instruction

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (on some models – Additional) → Recovery and discharge).
3. Click Backup and Reset (or Reset Settings).
4. Select Reset (sometimes called Reset All Settings or Delete All Data).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code, pattern lock or password (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything or Reset the phone.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which can take 5 to 15 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

What to do if the Reset button is inactive?

Sometimes the reset option may be blocked. Causes and solutions:

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after resetting through the settings, you may still be linked to Mi Account. If you sell a phone, it is better to use the method through Recovery with disabling the account in advance.

💡

Resetting via the settings menu is the safest way, but requires a working system and access to the phone. If the button is inactive, check the Mi Account binding or use alternative methods.

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

If the smartphone does not load, stuck on the logo MI Recovery is a method that works on 90% of Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO mi.

How do I log into Recovery Mode?

The combination of buttons depends on the model of the phone:

• 📱 For most modern models (2019–2026): Press the Power Button + Volume up 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
• 📱 For older models (until 2018): Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down.
• 📱 If the screen is not working: connect your phone to your PC and use the adb reboot recovery command (requires enabled debugging on the PC). USB).

If the combination does not work, try:

1. Connect the phone to charge for 5 minutes.
2. Press the buttons on the phone turned off (not on reboot!).
3. Hold the buttons until a vibration or logo appears.

Instructions for resetting in Recovery

After you log in to Recovery, you will see menus in English or Chinese, controlled by volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection).

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (sometimes you need to enter Yes manually).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe successful).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after the reset, the phone requires data input from Mi Account, and you do not remember them, use the recovery service or contact Xiaomi support.

The difference between Wipe Data and Wipe Cache

There are two similar items on the Recovery menu:

• 🧹 Wipe Data – complete factory reset (deletes all data).
• 🗑️ Wipe Cache – Cache cleanup (does not delete personal files, but can fix minor crashes).

If your goal is to fix bugs or bugs after the update, try Wipe Cache first. If the problem is more serious (viruses, locks), choose Wipe Data.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after resetting via Recovery, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds to force a reboot. Sometimes the system freezes during the first setup stage.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or respond to Recovery.
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).
• 📱 Refresh your phone after a failed update.

⚠️ Warning: Reset via Fastboot requires a PC connection and drivers installed.The wrong commands can permanently bring the phone down!

What do you need?

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Fastboot utility (part of Android) SDK Or Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (for some commands).

Step-by-step instruction

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number appears), reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

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

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase data




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase system will remove the firmware, and the phone won't turn on until you've stitched it back through the Mi Flash Tool. Use only if you're confident in what you're doing.

Frequent mistakes when working with Fastboot

💡

Fastboot is a powerful tool, but it's dangerous. If you're not sure about the teams, you better go to a service center. IMEI or locking up the phone.

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the phone will return to the "out of the box" state.

1. 🌍 Choose a language and region.
2. 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
3. 🔑 Sign in to a Google account (required if previously linked).
4. 📱 Restore data from backup (if created).

Data recovery

If you have made a backup through Mi Cloud or Google:

1. When you first set up, select Restore from backup.
2. Sign in to your Google or Xiaomi account.
3. Choose the most recent copy and wait for the restoration to be completed.

For local backup (created via Mi Mover):

1. Copy the backup file (usually in a folder) MIUI/backup/AllBackup) phone-on.
2. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
3. Select the file and click Restore.

Checking the phone after reset

Make sure everything works correctly:

• 📞 Check the calls and mobile internet.
• 📶 Make sure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on.
• 🔊 Check the sound (speakers and microphone).
• 📷 Launch the camera and take a test shot.

If something's not working, it's possible that the reset went wrong.

• Repeat the reset via Recovery.
• Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone → System update.
• If the problem persists, use the Mi Flash Tool to search the phone.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the right reset, there can be problems. Let's look at the most common ones.

1.The phone requires data from Mi Account after reset

This is a protection against theft that works if:

• The phone was linked to a Xiaomi account.
• Find Device is enabled.
• The reset was done via Recovery or Fastboot.

Decisions:

• 🔑 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
• 📧 If you forget your password, restore it on the official website.
• 🛠️ If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner or Xiaomi support team with proof of purchase.

⚠️ Attention: Forums often advise bypassing Mi Account locks through firmware or special programs, most of which are fraud or lead to phone breakdown. Officially, you can only bypass the protection through Xiaomi support.

2.Reset stuck on the logo MI

If the phone is frozen during the booting phase for more than 20 minutes:

• 🔋 Connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes (the battery may have run out).
• 🔄 Forced reboot by pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds.
• 🛠️ If it doesn’t work, repeat the reset via Recovery.

3.After reset, there is no network or Wi-Fi is not working

Possible causes and solutions:

4.The telephone shall not be switched on after discharge

If the screen is black or only the charging indicator is lit:

• 🔌 Connect to charging for 30 minutes - it is possible that the battery is completely discharged.
• 🔄 Try to log in to Fastboot (Food). + Volume down) and flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, contact the service center - the motherboard may be damaged.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions