How to reset your Xiaomi phone settings to factory: 3 proven ways

Resetting a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of viruses.The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that an improper reset can lead to a device locking through the Mi Account, loss of access to photos or even “bricking” the phone if the process is interrupted.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), explain how to avoid typical errors, and give a checklist for safe preparation. And answer questions: what to do if after a reset the phone requires an old Xiaomi account, how to bypass FRP lock (on Android 10+), and whether you can restore data after a hard reset.

1. When you need a reset to factory settings

Reset is not a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary. Here are 5 signals that it is time to return the phone to its original state:

• 🔄 The phone slows, "lays down" or spontaneously restarts after the update. MIUI.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus: pop-up ads, unknown apps, fast battery discharge.
• 🔒 Forgot your pattern lock or password, and unlocking through Mi Account doesn’t work.
• 📦 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another user.
• 🛠️ After a failed rooting (root) or firmware through Fastboot.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions: a broken screen, a broken power button or a bloated battery, in which cases repairs are required at the service center.

2.Reset preparation: what to do before data deletion

Without a backup, you'll lose all your photos, contacts, messages and files from your internal memory. Even if you restore your Google account, not all your data will be synced.

1. Save photos and videos to your computer, Google Photos, or Mi Cloud (unless it is blocked).
2. Export contacts to.vcf via Contacts → Contact Management → Import/Export.
3. Download the list of installed apps using App Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
4. Write down logins and passwords from accounts associated with the device (especially Mi Account!).

I made a backup of the photos.|Save the contacts in the file.|Recorded data from Mi Account|Delete. SIM-map SD-card (if any)|Charged the phone at least 50%-->

If you are resetting your phone due to a sale, be sure to log out of all accounts:

• 📱 Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out.
• 🔑 Google: Settings → Google accounts → Delete the account.
• 💳 Payment services: Google Pay, Mi Pay, banking applications.

⚠️ Note: If you do not log out of the Mi Account before the reset, the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your login / password! POCO on MIUI.

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, you remember the unlock password and you can go to the settings. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 on all models, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, etc.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. If required, enter the password from the lock screen.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The process will take 5-15 minutes, and when it is finished, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to set it up as new.

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If the menu does not have the option “Reset settings”, try the alternative path: Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the smartphone is stuck on the MI logo, does not respond to clicks or is locked with a password, Recovery will help.This method works on all Xiaomi devices, but requires care - wrong actions can lead to blocking.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu doesn't have Wipe All Data, your device can use the old version of Recovery.

• Choose Wipe & Reset.
• Next up is Wipe All Data.
• Confirm by pressing Yes.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After resetting through Recovery, you may be asked to enter your Mi Account data even if you've logged out. This is anti-theft protection. If you don't remember the password, you'll have to unlock the device through Xiaomi's official service.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to reset the device with the unlocked loader.
• 🛡️ Standard Recovery is not working or damaged.
• 📱 Complete “cleaning” is required before installing custom software.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and an original USB Type-C cable (not contactless!).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot.
4. Enter the command to completely reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you need to erase all partitions (including system partitions), use:

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

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Reset via Fastboot deletes everything, including system files, and may require a flashing of the phone via the Mi Flash Tool.

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Even after a successful reset, problems can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all after reset (black screen, no button response), there may have been an error when cleaning the boot or system partition, in which case only flashing through EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and an EDL cable) will help.

7.How to Unblock Mi Account After Resetting

If you drop your phone without leaving your Mi Account, you'll see a login/password request when you first turn on, which is a theft protection, and it's officially impossible to get around.

• 🔑 Remember account details: Try to restore the password through the official website (you will need access to an email or phone associated with the account).
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi: By providing a purchase check, you can confirm ownership and remove the lock.
• 🛠️ Dumping through EDL: It only works for devices with unlocked bootloader and requires special equipment (not recommended for beginners).

⚠️ Attention: Sites and services that offer “Mi Account bypass in 5 minutes” are often fraudulent, and the risk of losing money or permanently locking your phone is extremely high!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset