Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from slowdowns and errors to the inability to update the system. However, the wrong approach can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even βbrickingβ the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for the Redmi, POCO and Mi models based on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, including hidden nuances that are not written in the official instructions.
Itβs important to understand the difference between reset types: Soft Reset doesnβt affect user data, and Hard Reset returns the phone to factory settings, erasing everything, including photos and apps. Weβll also look at how to bypass Mi Account lock after reset (if you forgot your password) and what to do if the phone doesnβt turn on or hovers on the Xiaomi logo.
1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure begins
Before resetting your settings, follow the mandatory steps β this will save you from losing important data and unexpected problems:
- π± Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) β The phone. β Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, especially important to keep:
- π Charge the phone to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage system files.
- π Make sure to remember the Mi Account. After Hard Reset, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from the Xiaomi account associated with the device. Without them, unlocking is possible only through support calls.
- πΆ Turn off Google. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: If Google protection has been enabled on your phone (e.g. via Settings). β Google β Security, after reset, you will need to enter the data of the last synchronized account.
If you drop your phone before selling, additionally:
- π² Delete everything. SIM-microSD cards and memory cards.
- π Log out of all accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks).
- π« Turn off the Find the Device function (Settings) β Mi Account β Find the device).
β οΈ Warning: On phones with HyperOS (new Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 models), resetting through Settings can take up to 30 minutes - do not interrupt the process even if the screen is out. MIUI.
Make a backup copy of the data|Charge the phone. >50%|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Turn off Google FRP (if included)|Delete SIM microSD (on sale)-->
2. Method 1: Soft Reset β when it helps and how to do it right
Soft Reset is a forced reboot of the phone that doesn't affect user data. It helps in cases where:
- π’ The phone is slowing down or "laying down"
- π± Applications are closed spontaneously
- π The sensor or buttons are not working.
- πΆ Problems with connection to Wi-Fi/mobile
How to run Soft Reset on Xiaomi:
- Press the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the phone starts to reboot.
- If the power button does not respond, use the combination Power + Volume increase (hold 20-30 seconds).
- On some models (for example, POCO F5), the combination Power + Volume Reduction may work.
If the phone is stuck on the MI or POCO logo after the reboot, wait 5-10 minutes.
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On phones with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 13T) after Soft Reset, a system check notification may appear β this is normal.
3. Method 2: Hard Reset via MIUI settings (without data loss)
This is a good method if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and allows you to reset to factory settings, but with the ability to save media files (photos, videos, music), but all applications, accounts and system settings will be deleted.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Settings. β The phone.
- Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to unlock the developer menu (optional, but useful for some models).
- Return to Settings β Additional β Recovery and Reset.
- Select Settings Reset.
- Check the box to clear internal memory if you want to delete all data, or remove it to save media files (not working on all models!).
- Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password.
It takes 5 to 20 minutes, and the phone will reboot several times, which is normal, and when you're done, you'll be asked to configure the device as new.
| Xiaomi model | Does saving media files support resetting? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13 | Yes. | Photos and videos will be saved if you do not mark the Cleanup of internal memory. |
| POCO X5/F5 | Partially. | Only files are saved in the DCIM and Downloads folder |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | No. | HyperOS is always completely reset |
| Redmi 10A/10C | Yes. | It only works on MIUI 13 and below. |
β οΈ Note: On phones with the bootloader unlocked (for example, after installing custom firmware), resetting through settings can result in Mi Account blocking, even if you remember the password.In this case, use method 4 (via Fastboot).
4. Method 3: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If Xiaomi doesnβt respond to buttons, freezes on the logo, or reboots in a cyclical fashion, youβll have to use Recovery Mode, which erases all data without the ability to recover.
Instructions for most models (Redmi, POCO, Mi):
- Turn off the phone (if it doesnβt respond, wait until the battery is completely discharged).
- Press the button combination: For most models: Power + Volume Up For POCO M3/M4: Power + Volume Down For Xiaomi 12/13 with HyperOS: Power + Volume Up + Volume Down (hold 10 seconds)
Mi Recovery
Nutrition
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Confirm
Reboot
Reboot to System
If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, try:
- π Restore your password through account.xiaomi.com (requires access to an email or phone associated with your account).
- π§ Contact Xiaomi with a check to buy (if the phone is officially purchased).
- π οΈ Use service utilities like Mi Flash Unlock (requires an unlocked bootloader).
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
5. Method 4: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)
This method requires a computer and is used if:
- π§ You need to reset the phone with an unlocked bootloader.
- π± Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
- π Refresh your phone after a failed update.
The work will require:
- π» Computer with Windows/Linux.
- π USB Type C C Cable (original).
- π¦ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
- π Firmware for your model (for example, fastboot-rom for Redmi Note 11).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds The screen should appear the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared (Fastboot Mode).
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).
β οΈ Note: On phones with a locked bootloader (most new models), trying to flash through Fastboot without unlocking will lead to an error and possible loss IMEI. Before using this method, check the bootloader status with the command: fastboot oem device-info If in the answer Device unlocked: false, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.
Through settings MIUI|Through Recovery Mode|Through Fastboot.|Never dropped it.|Another way.-->
6. Frequent errors after reset and how to fix them
Even after a successful reset, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone requires a password from Mi Account, but you donβt remember it | Xiaomi account tied to device | Restore your password on account.xiaomi.com or contact support with a check |
| After the reset, there is no net (no catch). SIM-map) | IMEI or modem settings are lost | Check the IMEI with *#06#. If it is missing, restore it via Engineer Mode or firmware. |
| The phone is cyclically rebooted | Damaged firmware or module conflict | Flick your phone through Fastboot (method 4) or install a stable version of MIUI via Recovery. |
| The sensor does not work after resetting | Calibration or driver error | Reset again or run the phone with Clean All and Lock |
If the phone is slower than before, the reason may be:
- π Background Processes: Turn off autoloading apps in Settings β Annexes β Auto-start.
- ποΈ Residual files: Use the Files by Google app to clean up your cache.
- π Unoptimized firmware: update MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings β Updating the system.
π‘
If the phone doesn't turn on after the reset or shows a No Command error, it means damage to the Recovery partition.The solution is to flash the phone through Fastboot using official firmware.
7.How to reset settings on Xiaomi without losing data (alternative methods)
If you need to fix system errors but save all the data, try these methods:
- π Network Settings Reset: Removes all stored Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile settings, but does not affect files and applications. β Connections and sharing β Resetting network settings.
- π± Cleaning the app cache: Go to Settings β Apps, select the problem app and click Clear cache. System applications (like Launcher) may need to unlock developer rights.
- π οΈ Recovery via Safe Mode: Press the Power button, then hold your finger to Turn off until you are prompted to switch to Safe Mode. This mode disables all third-party apps - convenient for diagnosis.
- π§ Reset availability settings: If interface-related issues (e.g. gestures donβt work), reset settings to Settings β Special facilities β Resetting availability settings.
For models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14) diagnostic mode is available:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume Up for 5 seconds, then release Power, continuing to hold Volume Up.
- In the diagnostic menu, select Test Mode β Clear Data (does not erase media files).