Resetting settings on Xiaomi through buttons: full instructions for smartphones and TV

When you need a hardware reset and what it gives

Resetting the settings through physical buttons on Xiaomi devices is the last chance to bring the gadget back to life when the software methods do not work, this method is useful if the smartphone or TV is stuck on the logo, does not respond to the sensor, is locked after a failed update, or you forgot the pattern lock. Unlike a standard reset through the menu, the hardware method bypasses the locking system and works even when the firmware is damaged.

The main difference is that it doesn't require access to the device interface, just know the right button combination and sequence of actions, but there is a downside to this method: all user data (photos, contacts, applications) will be permanently deleted from internal memory. If the device was enabled synchronization with Mi Account, some data (for example, contacts) can be restored after authorization.

In this article, we will discuss:

  • πŸ“± How to Reset Xiaomi Smartphone (Redmi, POCO, Black Shark via buttons
  • πŸ“Ί Hardware reset for Xiaomi Mi TVs TV Mi Box
  • ⚠️ Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
  • πŸ”§ What to do if the reset does not help

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start a hardware reset, follow a few critical steps to avoid additional problems and save at least some of the data.

Charge the device to at least 50%|Extract. SIM-card and memory card (if any)|Prepare the data for entering the Mi Account|Check the device model (to choose the right combination)-->

Pay special attention to the battery level. If the device turns off during reset, it can lead to a breeze (complete failure). For smartphones, 30-50% is enough, but for TVs and Mi Box consoles, it is better to connect the power supply to the network.

If the device has Mi Account Protection enabled, you will need to enter your login and password after the reset. Without this data, you will not be able to unlock your smartphone! Make sure you remember the data or have access to a backup email.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO F1) After a hardware reset, you may need to enter a bootloader unlock code. If you haven't officially unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool, the device will remain locked.

Reset Xiaomi smartphone through the buttons: step-by-step instructions

Most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones use a generic button combination. However, some models (especially older or custom firmware) may have different sequences. Below are the current ways for 2018-2026 devices.

Universal method (90% of models)

  1. Turn off the smartphone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
  3. Hold on for 8-12 seconds until the Mi logo or Recovery Mode menu appears.
  4. In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
  5. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data or similar.
  6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Alternative combinations for specific models

Model of the deviceButton combinationNotes
Redmi Note 5/6/7, Mi A1/A2Food + Volume upMenu in English, item Wipe data
POCO F1/F2/F3, Black SharkFood + Volume DownWait for the vibration, then let go
Mi 10/11/12, Redmi K30/K40Food + Volume up + Volume downHold until the Fastboot menu appears, then select Recovery.
Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12Food + Volume up (15 seconds)New models may require a PC connection to unlock

If you hold the buttons and you have a Fastboot menu, you're in bootloader mode.

  1. Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds.
  2. Without letting go of power, briefly press Volume up.
  3. Release both buttons and the Recovery menu should open.

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If your smartphone doesn’t respond to the combinations, try plugging it into a 10- to 15-minute charge, sometimes a battery that’s dead blocks access to recovery.

Reset the Xiaomi Mi TV through the buttons

On Xiaomi Mi TVs (Mi TV 4/4S/4A/5 series) and Mi Box S/4K consoles, the hardware reset is performed differently than on smartphones. There are no physical volume buttons, so other combinations are used.

For Mi TVs (with or without remote control)

If the TV is getting stuck or not responding to the remote:

  1. Find the physical power button on the back (usually under the Mi logo).
  2. Hold it for 15-20 seconds until the TV turns off and turns on again.
  3. If this doesn’t work, disconnect the TV from the network for 1 minute, then turn it on again.

For a complete reset of settings:

  1. Turn on the TV.
  2. On the remote, simultaneously press the Volume Down + Home button for 5-7 seconds.
  3. In the menu that appears, select Wipe data/factory reset (use volume buttons for navigation).
  4. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

For the Mi Box S/Mi Box 4K

On Android-based consoles Xiaomi reset is performed as follows:

  1. Turn the console off the power.
  2. Press the OK button on the remote (or the physical button on the case if the remote is not working).
  3. Without releasing the button, connect the power.
  4. Hold on to OK for 10-15 seconds until the recovery menu appears.
  5. Select Wipe data and confirm the reset.

⚠️ Note: Mi Box consoles may require resetting Wi-Fi and logging into your Google account after resetting.

Smartphone |TV | Mi Box| Smartwatch/bracelet | Never reset-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

  • πŸ”‹ The device does not turn on after discharge β†’ Maybe the battery ran out during the process.
  • πŸ”’ Requires a Mi Account password after resetting β†’ If you don't remember the data, try to restore access through the official website.
  • πŸ“± Recovery menu not opening β†’ Check if you hold the buttons correctly. on newer models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) You may need to connect to a PC to unlock the bootloader.
  • πŸ”„ Reset does not delete user data β†’ You've picked the wrong menu item. You've got to choose Wipe All Data, not Wipe Cache.

Another common problem is cyclical reboot after reset, which occurs if the firmware is damaged or incompatible with the device, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (for smartphones) or recovering via USB (for TVs) will help.

What to do if after resetting the smartphone asks for an old password?
This means that the device has enabled Factory Reset Protection (FRP). To unlock the smartphone, you need to enter data from the last Google account associated. If you do not remember the password, try: 1. Restore access through Google Account Recovery. 2. Use official unlock services (for example, Mi Unlock Tool for devices with an unlocked bootloader). 3. Contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

What to do if the reset does not help

If the hardware reset didn't solve the problem (the device still doesn't turn on, it's stuck on the logo, or it's got errors), then the reason goes deeper.

  • πŸ› οΈ Damaged firmware. β†’ Requires flashing via Fastboot or EDL-mode (for smartphones).
  • πŸ”§ Hardware malfunction β†’ For example, a flash memory or a power controller fails, and we need a diagnostic at a service center.
  • πŸ”Œ Nutrition problems β†’ Check the cable, the power supply and the charging socket. TV frequent cause - a faulty power supply unit.

For Xiaomi smartphones with broken firmware, you can try flashing the device manually:

  1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Miui Download website.
  2. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
  3. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (keep Power + Volume down when turned on).
  4. Connect the device to the PC and follow the program instructions.

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi.

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Hardware reset is a last resort. If the device turns on and responds to commands, first try resetting through the menu: Settings β†’ About phone β†’ Reset settings.

Additional tips for different Xiaomi devices

In addition to smartphones and TVs, hardware resets may be required for other Xiaomi gadgets, with the following brief instructions for popular devices:

Smart watches and bracelets (Mi Band, Mi Watch)

On wearables, the reset is done via the Mi Fitness or Zepp app. However, if the gadget isn't synced, try:

  1. Get the charger on.
  2. Find a small hole on the case with the inscription Reset.
  3. Insert a paper clip into it and hold it for 5-10 seconds.

Routers (Mi Router, AX3600)

For router reset:

  1. Find the Reset button on the back (usually in the recess).
  2. Press it with a paper clip for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
  3. After the reboot, reset the router via miwifi.com.

Electric Scooter (Mi Electric Scooter)

On scooters, the reset is performed via the Mi Home app or a combination of buttons:

  1. Turn off the scooter.
  2. Press the power button for 5 seconds.
  3. Without letting go, press the brake button 3 times.
  4. Release the power button - the scooter will reboot.

For smart speakers (Mi Smart Speaker) and other Xiaomi appliances, the reset instructions are usually listed in the user manual or on the official website.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you reset Xiaomi without losing data?
No, a hardware reset via buttons always removes all user data from internal memory. If the device is turned on, try first copying important files to your PC or cloud, and then resetting through the settings menu (Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Reset).
Why does a smartphone ask for a password from an old Google account?
This is Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which is activated if a Google account is linked to your device, and to unlock your smartphone, you need to enter the username and password from the last account you used, and if you don't remember the data, restore it through Google.
How to Reset Xiaomi if the Volume buttons Are Not Working?
If physical buttons are damaged, try the following options: For smartphones: Connect the device to your PC and use ADB-Reset commands: adb reboot recovery Then select Wipe Data from the recovery menu. For TVs: Use the original remote - it has a combination for reset (usually Home) + Volume down.If nothing helps, contact the service center for button repair or firmware through Test Point.
Will the hardware reset version of MIUI to the factory?
Yes, a hardware reset returns the firmware to the state it was when it was last officially updated, but if you installed custom firmware (for example, via TWRP), the reset can lead to errors, in which case you will need to re-rout the firmware.
Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
No, once the reset is confirmed in the Recovery menu, the process cannot be interrupted. Interruption (for example, battery extraction or power outage) can lead to a device blink. If the reset is delayed (more than 30 minutes), wait for completion or contact the service.