How to reset the settings on Xiaomi to factory: all the ways and nuances

Resetting to factory settings on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that can solve many problems, from slowing down to fixing errors after updating MIUI. However, the wrong approach to this process can lead to the loss of important data or even turning the phone into a “brick”. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for modern models of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and others), as well as how to prepare for the procedure and what to do after it is completed.

It’s important to understand that factory resets are not just about removing apps; they erase all user data (photos, contacts, messages), return system settings to the original ones, and delete accounts (including Mi Account), while some hardware issues (such as a faulty battery or broken screen) can’t be fixed in this way. If your Xiaomi doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo, additional measures will be required – these will also be discussed below.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Don't rush to drop your phone when you have the first problem, and in some cases, less radical measures are enough:

• 🐢 Slow down. Before reset, try clearing the cache in Settings. → Memory. → Cleaning or disabling background activity of applications.
• 🔄 Errors after the update MIUI. Sometimes it helps to reboot or reset the settings of a particular application (for example, Settings). → Annexes → Application management → [name] → Warehouse → Clear the data).
• 📱 Pre-sale. Reset is mandatory, but before you do, remember to log out of Mi Account and untie your device from Google services.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN. If you can’t unlock the screen, resetting via Recovery may be the only way out.

Here are the cases in which the reset is really necessary:

• 🦠 Viruses or suspicious activity that cannot be eliminated by antivirus.
• 📉 Critical performance drop after long use (especially relevant for low-end models Redmi with a high-end performance 3/32 GB memory).
• 🔧 Unremovable system errors, such as constant reboots or inability to connect to the network.
• 📦 Preparation for custom firmware installation (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is tied to your Mi Account and you have forgotten your password, a Recovery reset may block your phone! in which case you will need to enter your account details after the reboot. Make sure you remember your username and password or untie your device in advance.

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

First rule: a reset without a backup is a risk of losing everything. Even if you think there's nothing important on your phone, check:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and saved stories from messengers).
• 📞 Contacts (if not synced to Google or Mi Cloud).
• 💬 Communications from SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram (messaging apps have built-in chat export functions).
• 🎵 Music and documents downloaded manually (they are not automatically synced).

Methods of backup:

Important: If you are using Mi Cloud, make sure that the backup is created no later than 24 hours before the reset, otherwise the system may not recover the data after the reboot.

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Before reset, check if Google contacts are synced: go to Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Sync. If the option is active, contacts will be restored automatically after you log in.

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you remember the lock password, and it's the simplest and least risky.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI – More → About the device).
3. Select Backup and Reset (or Reset in newer versions).
4. Tap Reset (may be called Reset All Settings or Delete All Data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a lock screen password (if it is installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Remove All or Reset.

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

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Create a backup copy of important data|Remember the username and password from Mi Account|Disable protection with a pattern lock (if forgotten)|Log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks)-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after resetting via the menu, you may need to re-activate Mi Account to unlock the bootloader.If you do not remember your account details, use alternative reset methods (see below).

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch, or you forgot your lock password, resetting through Recovery Mode will help.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9A, POCO F3 and flagship series.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO M3, Redmi 8/9: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Yes

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• The first point is reboot (Reboot).
• The second or third is the data reset (Wipe Data).
• The last one is Exit.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.

• 🔧 Recovery Menu Unavailable or Damaged.
• 📱 The phone does not respond to buttons, but is determined by the PC.
• 🔒 You need to unlock the bootloader before the firmware.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Click Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds The screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt in the folder with platform-tools (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is recognized, you will see its serial number.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

When you reboot, the phone will look like new. If you want to unlock the bootloader, use the command:

fastboot oem unlock

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) 10T or POCO F2 Pro) unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot can result in a reset of all data without recovery, even if you did not enter the erase userdata command!

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will launch with a welcome screen.

1. Choose the language and region (important for Google services to work properly).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi – without the Internet, you will not be able to log into accounts and recover data.
3. Sign in to Google Account (if you used sync, contacts and some applications will be restored automatically).
4. Sign in to Mi Account (if you have linked your phone to your Xiaomi account) without it, some features (such as Mi Cloud or Find Device) will not work.
5. Restore data from backup: For Mi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore. For Google: when you set up your phone, the system will suggest you restore data. For local copy, connect your phone to your PC and transfer files manually.

If the phone is slower than it used to be after the reset, it may not have been the software part of the problem.

• 🔋 Battery status (C Settings) → Battery → Battery status: If the capacity is below 80%, it's time to think about replacing it.
• 📉 Occupied storage. Even after a reset, the system can reserve space for cache. → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Version MIUI. If the phone has been updated for a long time, install fresh firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

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After reset, take your time to restore all the applications at once. Install the essentials first and watch the phone work for 1-2 days. If problems come back, the cause may be a specific software.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right reset, there can be problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, it may be a hardware problem, in which case, contact the Xiaomi service center (addresses can be found on mi.com).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions