Reset Xiaomi to factory settings via buttons: the full guide

Why do you need a hardware reset and when it is the only way out

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings through physical buttons is an emergency procedure that comes in handy in situations where the smartphone has stopped responding to touch, forgotten the pattern lock or password, or the device has hung on the logo after a failed update. Unlike software reset via menus, this method works at the firmware level and does not require unlocking the screen or access to the system.

The main scenarios when you can not do without hardware reset:

• 🔒 Forgot your password/pattern lock and can’t unlock your Mi Account
• 🐢 The smartphone is slowing down or constantly restarting (bootloop")
• 📱 The screen does not respond to touch (the touchscreen does not work)
• 🔄 After firmware, the device does not load beyond the logo MIUI
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus infection blocking access to settings

It is important to understand that hard reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Unless previously Mi Cloud sync or backup was enabled, it will not be possible to recover information after the reset, this method should be used only as a last resort.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps to avoid additional problems:

1. Check the battery level. Make sure it is at least 50%. If the smartphone runs out during the procedure, it can damage the system files and "brick" the device.
2. Extract. SIM-Although the reset does not affect external drives, it is better to be safe - sometimes the procedure can cause reading errors.
3. Prepare the data to log into the Mi Account. After the reset, you will need to confirm ownership of the device through the Xiaomi account associated with the phone.

If you have access to another device, download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Download in advance, which will come in handy if you need to manually reflash your phone after the reset.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, you may need to re-unblock after reset. Make sure you have a backup of the unlock data if you have previously done so.

How to determine the Xiaomi model for the correct reset

The button reset procedure is nuanced depending on the model and year of the device. For example, older smartphones (Redmi Note 3, Mi 4) use a combination with the Menu button, which is not available on new devices. To make no mistake, first define the model precisely:

• 📄 Look at the box from the device (the sticker shows the full name)
• 🔍 There is usually a model on the back of the smartphone (for example, M2003J15SC For the Redmi Note 9 Pro)
• 💻 If the phone is turned on, check the settings → The phone. → Model

For convenience, we have collected the main models in a table indicating the year of release and the type of buttons:

If your model is not listed in the table, use the universal method for new devices (see next section). Older devices (Redmi 1S, Mi 3) may need to connect to a PC via Fastboot.

Step-by-step: reset via buttons (universal method)

This method works on 90% of Xiaomi models released after 2018.If your device is older, skip this section and go to alternative methods.

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – press the power button for 10-15 seconds before turning off).
2. Press the button combination: Volume Up + Power button Hold them simultaneously for 8-12 seconds until the Mi logo or Fastboot menu appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode. Some models will require you to select a language (use volume buttons for navigation and power for confirmation).
4. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data, Factory Reset) - the name depends on the version of MIUI Recovery.
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Confirm or Yes. The process will take 30-90 seconds.
6. Reboot the device by selecting Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, use the linked account. Without it, you will not be able to unlock the device (this is a measure of protection against theft).

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If the Recovery menu doesn't appear, try holding the buttons for longer (up to 20 seconds) or checking if one of the keys is stuck. On some models (like the Poco F3), you first need to clamp the Volume Up, and then the Power button.

Alternative Reset Methods for Old and Problem Devices

If the universal method didn’t work, try one of these options:

1. For devices with the Menu button (Redmi Note 3, Mi 4, etc.)

Hold it at the same time:

Volume button up + Power button + Menu button

Hold until the Recovery menu appears (usually 10-15 seconds).

2. via Fastboot (if Recovery is not available)

You will need a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed:

1. Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC, holding Volume Down + Power.
2. Open the command line and execute: fastboot oem edl or for a full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

3. reset via Mi Flash Tool (for "brick" devices)

If the smartphone does not include even in Fastboot, it remains to flash it through EDL-This method requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account and is only suitable for experienced users.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, trying to flash informal firmware through Fastboot can result in a complete lock (Mi Account authorization is required to unlock).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, you will have to initially set up the device. Follow these steps to avoid errors:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't activate Mi Account and download updates.
2. Log in to the Xiaomi account that was linked to the device before the reset. If you forget the data, restore access through the official website.
3. Skip recovery from backup if you are not sure about its security (may contain viruses or errors that caused the device to be reset).
4. Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

If you sync with Mi Cloud before reset, your contacts, notes and some applications will be automatically restored, and photos and files stored only in the device memory will be lost irretrievably.

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After reset, be sure to check your security settings: Enable data encryption, set up screen lock and two-factor authentication for Mi Account. This will protect your device in the future.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If none of the methods worked, contact Xiaomi Service Center.In some cases (for example, if the EFS partition is damaged), professional equipment is required for recovery.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions