How to Reset Your Xiaomi Phone: 3 Ways to Work (2026)

Resetting your Xiaomi smartphone is a radical but effective way to get your device back on track. Whether you’ve experienced constant freezes, viruses, bugs after a MIUI update, or just want to sell your phone, a full reset solves most software problems. However, the wrong actions can lead to data loss or even locking your Mi Account, if you don’t take into account the key nuances.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones (including models from 2023-2026), explain how to prepare for the procedure, and warn against typical errors.

When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Factory reset is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way out.

• 🔄 The phone is severely braked or overheated after the update MIUI (This is especially true for transitions between versions, such as MIUI 13 on MIUI 14).
• 📱 The device is infected with a virus or adware that is not removed by standard methods.
• 🔒 You forgot your pattern lock or password and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
• 📦 Before selling or transferring a phone to another user (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).
• 🛠️ After a failed rooting or firmware through Fastboot.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Physical failure (such as a broken screen or a faulty battery).
• 📡 Hardware defects of modules (camera, speaker, microphone).
• 🔌 Damage to the charging connector or motherboard.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 4G or POCO M5) Recovery resets can cause a "No command" error, in which case use the method via Mi Account.

Preparing for resetting: how to save data

Resetting to factory settings removes everything: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, even files in internal memory.

1. Sync with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for: 📇 Contacts 📝 Notes (Mi Notes) 📷 Photos (Mi Gallery) 🎵 Call records (if supported by the model) Please note: the free Mi Cloud account only provides 5GB – if more data, buy additional space or use alternative services.
2. Local backup: In the Settings menu → The phone. → Backup, select "Reserve in memory" and the file will be saved in the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup It's on an internal drive, and you can copy it to a PC or a flash drive. 💡If the phone is not visible when connecting to the PC, turn on the file transfer mode (MTP) notice-curtain.
3. Manual file transfer: Connect your phone to your computer and copy it manually: 📁 folder DCIM (photo) 📁 Downloads folder (downloads) 📁 folder WhatsApp/Media (if you use a messenger)

⚠️ Note: If you use encrypted storage (optional in Settings) → Security, copy the data before reset – it will be impossible to decrypt the files after the procedure!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. Suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions About Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Delete all data (a password or pattern lock may be required).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Reset the phone.

It takes 3-10 minutes, and when it's done, the phone will restart and suggest that you set it up as new.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Keeping important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Payment cards (Google Pay, Mi Pay)|Sign out of accounts in applications (WhatsApp, Telegram)-->

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked, use Recovery mode, which is universal for all Xiaomi devices, but requires care.

Instructions for phones with physical buttons (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold it together: 🔘 Power button + Increase volume (for most models). 🔘 On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T) — power-up + volume-reducing.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Reboot to System

For phones without physical buttons (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra):

• 🔌 Connect the device to charging.
• 🔘 Press the power button. + Virtual Volume Up button (appears after holding the physical button).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. custom or global beta versions) MIUI) The Wipe Data point can be called Factory Reset or Format Data. Choose an option that offers a complete cleanup.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you forget your pattern lock or password, but your phone is tied to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely, and this method works even on locked devices, but requires:

• 📧 Access to email or phone number linked to Mi Account.
• 🔗 A stable Internet connection on your phone (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔒 No blockages on the basis of IMEI (If the phone is blacklisted, the method won't work).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. Select Find Device from the account menu.
3. Click on the locked phone in the list of devices.
4. Select the Erase Device option.
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

The process can take up to 30 minutes, and after the reset, the phone will restart and prompt you to log in to Mi again.

💡

Mi Account reset is the only official way to unlock a Xiaomi phone without losing functionality. Alternative methods (such as through ADB or Fastboot) can result in account lock or loss of IMEI.

What to do after resetting settings

After a successful reset, the phone will return to factory status.

• 🔧 Language and region setting: Choose Russian (or other language you want) and Russia (or your country) region, which is important for the proper operation of Google and Mi services.
• 📋 Log in: Log in to Mi Account and Google Account to restore contacts, apps and backups. If you forget your Mi Account password, restore it through the recovery page.
• 🔄 Data recovery: If you were backing up through Mi Cloud, select Restore from backup during the initial setup. For manual copies, transfer files back to your phone.
• 🔒 Security setting: Install a new one PIN-code or pattern lock, and enable Find Device in your Mi Account settings (in case of future loss).

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 📵 No Network: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks and set up APN manually (options can be requested from the operator).
• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: Give the phone a 2-3 full charge/discharge cycle to calibrate the battery.
• 📱 Lags and brakes: Update the firmware to the latest version in Settings → Updating the system.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple procedure, users often make mistakes that lead to data loss or phone lockdown, and here are the most common ones:

Pay particular attention to FRP (Factory Reset Protection) models, which is a reset protection that works if:

• 🔒 Google Account was enabled on the phone.
• 📱 The device is tied to the Mi Account.

Once reset, the phone will require you to enter the data from the last account you used. If you forget your password, restore it before the procedure!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset