Xiaomi reset to factory settings via Recovery: the full guide

Introduction: when you need a reset through the Recovery and how it differs from the standard

Factory reset via Xiaomi’s settings menu is a simple procedure, but not always accessible. If the phone freezes on the logo, does not respond to touches, or is locked after a failed update, the only way to bring it back to life is to use Recovery Mode, a method that bypasses the main system, allowing you to reset data even on a broken device.

Unlike standard Settings → About Phone → Reset, Recovery requires specific commands and accuracy. An error here can result in complete data loss without recovery if a backup is not created. Moreover, some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3) stock recovery is limited in functionality – in such cases, a custom TWRP may be needed.

This article will suit the owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI (including versions 12-14) or HyperOS. We will analyze both options: reset through standard and custom recavers, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors.

Preparation for the dump: what to do before entering the recaveri

Before you jump to reset, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Neglecting preparation can result in loss of photos, contacts, or even locking the device (for example, if Xiaomi’s Find My Device feature is activated).

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can damage system files.
• 📱 Extract. SIM-In some cases, the recaveri formats the external drive.
• 🔐 Make sure you know your Mi Account details. After the reset, you will need authorization if you previously linked your account.
• 💾 Back up (if your phone is still responding). Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup or third-party utilities like Mi PC Suite.

Pay special attention to the item with the Mi Account. If you forget the password, restore it in advance. On models with MIUI 13+, after reset, you may need to enter account data even for basic access to the system.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, a reset over the recovery will not remove the binding.

How to enter Recovery mode on Xiaomi: all ways

Login to the recavator on Xiaomi devices depends on the model and firmware version. Below are the proven keyboard combinations that work on 90% of the brand's devices. If none of these methods worked, check if Fastboot is disabled in the developer settings.

• 🔘 Method 1 (classic): Turn off the phone → Hold the volume up + Power for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
• 🔘 Method 2 (for new models): Turn off the phone → Hold the volume up + Loudness down + Eating at the same time.
• 🔘 Method 3 (through ADB): Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and type in: adb reboot recovery

A menu with the Xiaomi logo and the Recovery Mode (or TWRP if custom recovery is installed) should appear on the screen.If the phone loads into Fastboot instead, try again by holding the buttons longer.

Resetting settings through standard Xiaomi recavator

Xiaomi's stock Recovery has limited functionality, but enough for a basic reset. The interface here is text, the control is done with volume and power buttons. Importantly, some firmware (HyperOS) may have menus in Chinese — focus on the location of the items.

Select Wipe Data (or Chinese) | Confirm action with Wipe All Data| Wait for process completion (2-5 minutes) | Select Reboot to reboot-->

Step-by-step:

1. In the Recovery menu, use the volume button down to select Wipe Data (or ). Press the power button to confirm.
2. On the next screen, select Wipe All Data (or ). This will trigger a full reset.
3. Wait until the process is complete. The screen will show the words Data wipe complete or.
4. Return to the main menu and select Reboot (or ) to reboot.

The first download after the reset can take up to 10 minutes — that's OK. If the phone hangs on the logo for longer than 15 minutes, repeat the procedure or try flashing the device through Fastboot.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS after reset may require an Internet connection to verify your Mi Account. If the phone is not connected to Wi-Fi, use mobile data (insert the mobile data). SIM-post-reset).

Resetting through custom TWRP recavaries: advanced features

If your Xiaomi has TWRP installed, the reset process is more flexible: you can choose which partitions to clean (for example, save internal memory), or even install a new firmware immediately after reset. However, TWRP requires an unlocked bootloader, which will void the warranty on new devices.

Instructions for TWRP:

1. Sign in to TWRP (the key combination is the same as for stock Recovery).
2. On the main screen, tap the Wipe.
3. Select Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik/ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (optional if you want to clear the memory)

Swipe your finger across the screen to confirm (Swipe to Wipe).

After completion, press Reboot System.

The advantage of TWRP is that you can back up before you reset, and that will save your data if something goes wrong, but remember, TWRP backups take up a lot of space and are not compatible with stock recavers.

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If the phone doesn't boot after resetting via TWRP, try flashing the kernel (boot.img) from the official firmware, often solving the problem of hanging on the logo.

Typical mistakes when dumping over the Recovery and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common errors and their solutions.

• 🚫 "Command error" or "E:unknown command" appears in the drain Recovery on some firmware. TWRP Or run the device through Fastboot.
• 🔄 The phone fixes itself on the logo after it's reset, which could be a damaged firmware. MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 Requires a password after reset, although it was not – it is activation FRP (Factory Reset Protection Solution: Enter the Mi Account details associated with the device.
• 📱 Resistance to the buttons in the recavator -- physical buttons may be faulty. Solution: connect the phone to the PC and control through ADB.

If the phone requests Mi Account after the reset, but you don't remember the data, try to restore access through the official website. On devices with HyperOS, you may need an Internet connection for verification.

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If the reset over the receptacles didn't solve the problem (for example, the phone still doesn't turn on), it's likely that the firmware or hardware is damaged.

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will boot into the "out of the box" state, and you will have to go through the initial setup, which includes:

1. Choice of language and region (we recommend Russia for the correct operation of services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
3. Authorization in the Mi Account (required if previously there was an binding).
4. Fingerprint/Face setting (optional).

To recover data:

• 📲 Contacts and messages: If you have previously enabled sync with Google or Mi Cloud, the data will be restored automatically after you log in to your account.
• 📷 Photos and Videos: Use a backup from Google Photos or Mi Cloud, or connect your phone to your PC and copy files manually.
• 🎮 Apps: Reinstall them from Google Play or GetApps (for Chinese firmware).

If you backed up through TWRP, restore it to the same menu (Restore). Note that restoring system data may cause errors to occur again if they were caused by firmware.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Xiaomi dumping through the Recovery