How to reset your settings on Android Xiaomi: all ways in 2026

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from freezes and errors to viruses and conflicts after updates. However, the wrong approach can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of reset (including hidden ones), explain when to use, and advise you how to prepare yourself so as not to lose important information.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi uses modified MIUI firmware, where the reset process is different from pure Android. For example, on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5), you may need to re-authorize Mi Account after a hard reset, even if you have previously disabled it. And on devices with a bootloader, reset via Fastboot works differently than on locked ones.

When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi?

Don't rush to drop your smartphone at the first problem, here are the specific cases where it's justified:

• 📱 System lags and freezes – if the phone brakes even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary apps.
• 🔄 Errors after the update MIUI — For example, sensors do not work, sound disappears or “artifacts” appear on the screen.
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses – when the antivirus finds threats but cannot remove them (especially for rooted devices).
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN — If you can’t unlock the screen, Find My Device doesn’t help.
• 📦 Preparation for sale – to delete all personal data without the possibility of recovery.

And here's when the dumping won't help:

• 🔋 Hardware malfunctions – if the speaker, camera or battery is not charged, the “iron” is to blame, not the software.
• 📶 Network problems when you don’t catch SIM-card or Wi-Fi, first check the settings of the operator or router.
• 💥 Damaged screen – reset will not restore a broken display or ripped plumes.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ And newer versions after reset may require you to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you haven't tied it!

Preparing for resetting: how to save data?

Resetting to factory settings permanently removes all data from internal memory (photos, messages, contacts, applications).

1. Sync with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for contacts, notes, SMS and photos. Make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free 5GB).
2. Local copy on PC: Connect your phone to your computer via USB (in File Transfer mode) and copy the DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp/Media (media from instant messengers).
3. App Export: Use Google Drive or Titanium Backup (for rooted devices) to save game and program data. Regular backup via Settings → System → Backup will restore only system settings, not saved games.

What cannot be saved by standard methods:

• 🎮 Progress in games without being linked to a Google Play account or social media.
• 📱 Settings for some apps (for example, Viber or Telegram do not save your cloud chat history by default).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords – You’ll Have to Re-enter Them.

Make backup photos and videos|Synchronize contacts with Mi Cloud|Copy important files on the PC|Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The safest method that's suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on New Versions).
3. Slip on Resetting (may be called Reset and Reset).
4. Choose to erase all data (or Reset settings).
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if required.
6. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes, and when you reboot, you're going to be asked to set up your phone as new, and if you have a request to enter your Mi Account, you're going to type it in, which is normal for a device with a linked account.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO X5 Pro) discharge protection may be activated after discharge (FRP). If you forget your Mi Account, your phone will become a brick! → Xiaomi Account.

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If after resetting, the phone asks for an old Wi-Fi password you don't remember, just skip this step at the setup stage. connect to the network later via the Wi-Fi menu.

Method 2: Hard reset with Recovery Mode

This method is needed if:

• 🔐 You forgot the screen unlock password.
• 📵 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo MI.
• 🤖 You need to bypass errors in the system when the settings menu is not available.

Instructions for Recovery drain (without custom firmware):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: Volume up + Power button Hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on some models).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

On new devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the Recovery menu can be in Chinese.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for advanced)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to reset the device with the unlocked loader.
• 📱 Recovery is damaged or missing.
• 🔄 Refresh your phone after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware file for your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode by holding: Volume down + Power button
2. Connect the device to the PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the device.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a complete reflash, use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]

Attention:

whole

internal storage

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring a device with a damaged firmware back to life, but it requires command line skills. If you're not sure, go to a service center.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

If the phone doesn’t turn on or gets stuck on the boot after reset, try:

1. Go to Recovery and make Wipe Cache.
2. Switch your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
3. Check the battery (sometimes power problems simulate software failures).

Reset on blocked Xiaomi (if you forgot the password)

If you have forgotten your pattern lock, PIN or password, but remember the data from Mi Account, use the official unlock service:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. Select Find Device (Find the Device).
3. Press Unlock Device (Unlock Device).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

If Mi Account is not linked or you have forgotten your data:

• 🔧 Use Fastboot to reset (see Method 3), but be prepared for the phone to require account data after rebooting.
• 📱 On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) You can bypass the lock through EDL Mode, but it requires special equipment.
• 🔑 Contact the Xiaomi service center with documents on the phone - they can remove the lock on the phone. IMEI.

⚠️ Warning: Buying blockbusters on AliExpress or other sites often results in permanent data loss or the phone becoming a brick!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions