Reset Xiaomi to factory settings: all ways and nuances

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, which may be required when selling a device, fixing software failures, or after a failed upgrade. However, the procedure has its pitfalls, from data loss to potentially blocking a Mi Account. In this article, we will examine all the current ways of resetting, including hidden nuances for different versions of MIUI.

Many users mistakenly believe that resetting via menu and Recovery is the same thing. In fact, these methods are fundamentally different in depth and consequences. For example, when resetting via Recovery on some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require additional unlocking of the bootloader. And MIUI 14 has a new data protection mechanism that few people know about.

When you really need to reset to factory settings

Before you click on the Reset button, assess whether it is really necessary. 60% of Xiaomi problems are solved by less radical methods:

• 🔄 Hangings and lags: try clearing the cache in Settings → Memory. → Clean or roll back the update through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system
• 📱 Fast battery discharge: check the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization
• 🚫 Viruses and Malware: Use Built-in Security to scan the system
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock: try unlocking via Mi Account (if tied)

Absolute readings for discharge:

• 📲 Preparation for sale or transfer of the device
• 🔧 Critical failures after firmware (bootloop, constant reboot)
• 🛡️ Delete all data when your device is lost (via Find Device)
• 🔄 Switching to custom firmware (a clean system is required)

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, Poco C31) Recovery reset could lead to loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save a backup copy via Engineer Mode (code #3646633##).

Preparing for the dump: what to do

A nasty surprise for many users is the loss of photos, contacts and messages after a reset. Xiaomi offers several backup tools, but most of them work selectively.

1. Sync with Mi Cloud: Check that sync contacts, notes and calendar entries are enabled in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud. Note: Free account provides only 5 GB, and photos in original quality are not saved.
2. Local backup: Use the built-in Backup app, which creates a file with the.mbk extension that can be recovered after a reset. Minus: some applications (like WhatsApp) don't save data.
3. Manual file copying: Connect your phone to your PC via MTP (in the developer settings, enable USB debugging) and copy the DCIM, Downloads, and WhatsApp folders (if used).
4. Export SMS and call logs: Use third-party apps like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).

Pay special attention to applications with two-factor authentication (2FA). If you use Google Authenticator or Mi Authenticator, be sure to untie them from the device or export the keys before reset. Otherwise, you will lose access to accounts!

Synchronize data with Mi Cloud

Create a local backup (.mbk)

Copy photos and videos on PC

Export SMS and call logs

Untie. 2FA-attachment or keys

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

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

This is the standard method recommended by Xiaomi for most users, which works on all models (from Redmi 4X to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and requires no additional knowledge. The main advantage is to keep the binding to Mi Account, which makes it easier to recover data after a reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in MIUI 14 it can be called About Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset (or Reset in newer versions).
4. Reset your settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter your password/pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 3-10 minutes depending on the model, and the device will restart and start setting up as it did after purchase, and at that point, you can recover the data from the backup.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi) K40) After resetting the menu, you may be asked to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you haven't used it. This is due to the Find Device function. If you forget your password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (for power users)

This is a method used when the phone is not turning on, it's stuck on the MI logo, or if the unlock password is forgotten. Recovery Mode is a service mode that works independently of the main system, but it has serious limitations:

• 🔧 Does not work on a locked bootloader (unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool is required)
• 📱 On some models (Poco) F3, Xiaomi 12T) Reset via Recovery erases data about unlocking the bootloader
• 🔒 After the reset, you may need to re-authorize in the Mi Account.

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

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 Redmi Note 8/9/10: Volume up + Volume down + Power For Xiaomi Mi 11/12/13: Volume up + Power (hold 15+ seconds)

MI

Next on the Recovery menu:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (some firmware may call Factory Reset).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm or Yes.
4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 and Snapdragon processor (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra Reset via Recovery May Block Widevine L1 (watcher HD-content from Netflix, Disney+). Recovery will require reflashing via Fastboot.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after resetting via Recovery (black screen, logo flashes), try clamping Volume Down + Power for 30 seconds for a forced reboot. If that doesn't help, you'll need firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 3: Reset via Find Device (remote)

If you lose your phone or it has been stolen, Xiaomi provides remote reset via Find Device, which only works if you meet three conditions:

1. The device is on and connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
2. Find Device is enabled in the settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Find Device).
3. You remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your device in the list (if there are several).
3. Click on Erase Data (Erase Data).
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).

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Remote reset via Find Device is the only official way to clean up the data on a stolen phone, but it doesn’t guarantee that an attacker will lock the device if they drop Mi Account via Fastboot.

What to do after resetting: recovery and adjustment

Once the reset is successful, the device will start in its initial setup mode, where many users face unexpected problems.

1. Network Connection: Choose Wi-Fi or Plug In SIM-Without the Internet, you can't recover data from the Mi Cloud.
2. Mi Account Authorization: If your phone asks you to enter your account details, use the same email/phone you were tied to before the reset. If you get the error "Device locked," contact Xiaomi for support.
3. Restore from backup: Local copy (.mbk): connect your phone to your PC, copy the file to the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder and restore via the Backup. Cloud copy app: during the setup process, select Restore from Mi Cloud and log in.

IMEI verification

*#06#

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Engineer Mode

Pay special attention to the security settings:

• 🔐 Enable Find Device (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Find Device).
• 🛡️ Activate Google Find My Device (Settings) → Google → Security).
• 📱 Set a strong password or pattern lock (avoid simple combinations like “1234").

Xiaomi models with MIUI 14 and later automatically activate the Anti-Rollback function after reset, which means that you can’t flash the device to an older version of MIUI without the risk of a “brick” (complete failure).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with all the instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the device is running slower than before, check:

• 📊 Memory usage: too much unnecessary data may have been recovered.Clear cache in Settings → Memory.
• 🔋 Battery condition: Resetting does not restore battery capacity. If the battery is worn out, only replacing it will help.
• 📱 Background processes: in MIUI By default, you have optimised for games, which can slow down the system. → Special facilities → Optimization for gaming.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions