How to completely reset the operating system on Xiaomi: 4 working ways

Resetting the operating system on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to eliminating critical errors after a failed update. However, many users face problems: the phone does not reset through the standard menu, there are errors in Recovery Mode, or after a reset, the device requires a Mi Account, which is long forgotten. This article covers all the current methods of resetting MIUI - from the simplest to advanced solutions for "bricked" devices.

It’s important to understand that a full reset not only deletes user data (photos, messages, apps), but can also affect some system functions, such as fingerprints or facial unlock. We’ll discuss not only how to perform a reset, but also how to bypass the lock Xiaomi account after a reset if you do not remember the login data. All instructions are relevant for devices from 2020 to 2026 based on MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, do some critical things that you can do, and neglecting them can cause you to lose data or not be able to restore your phone to work.

Saving data is the first step. Even if you're planning a reset due to system errors, copy:

• 📸 Photos and Videos – Use Google Photos, Mi Cloud or a physical PC connection.
• 📱 Contacts – sync with Google Account or export to file VCF.
• 🔑 Passwords and Tokens – Check the saved logins in your browser or password manager.
• 🎮 Game saves – many games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile is linked to an account, but some local saves may disappear.

If you don't remember the username/password from the Mi Account attached to your phone, a Recovery or Fastboot reset will lock your device, you'll need to enter your account details.

• 🔒 Remember the email and password from Mi Account.
• 📱 Find Device is disabled on your phone (if you plan to sell the device).
• 🔄 You have access to a backup email or phone number for recovery.

Battery charge: Minimum level should be 50%. If the reset is interrupted due to discharge, this can lead to a brick. For devices with a removable battery (for example, Redmi 4A), connect the charge for the duration of the procedure.

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If you drop your phone before selling, delete everything. SIM-Some Xiaomi models retain data from memory cards and memory cards. SD-cards even after being dumped.

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

This method is suitable for working devices when the system is booted, but requires a clearing of user data. It does not require unlocking the bootloader and does not affect the warranty.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Resetting (the HyperOS path may differ: Settings → Memory → Resetting settings).
2. Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Reset – these are different options!).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
4. Confirm the action with the button to erase the data.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and after you reboot, you'll be asked to set your phone up as new, and if you're requesting Mi Account at this point, you've already activated Find Device.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Synchronize your contacts with Google

Copy photos/videos to PC or cloud

Remember the data from Mi Account (if tied)

Disable Find Device in your account settings-->

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It won’t help if the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo.
• ❌ Does not remove system updates (if you need a "clean" firmware).
• ❌ It does not reset the bootloader or modem settings.

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (for non-working phones)

If your smartphone doesn’t load beyond the MI logo, freezes in a reboot cycle, or is locked with a pattern lock, use Restore Mode, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3, and Mi 11.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see a menu with a minimalist interface (in English or Chinese).

Further action:

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on older versions) using volume buttons.
2. Confirm the choice of the power button.
3. Select Wipe All Data (complete cleanup).
4. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter a password if it was previously set).
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Possible problems and solutions:

• 🔄 Phone doesn’t come out of Recovery – try selecting Reboot to Bootloader, then boot back into the system.
• 🔒 Mi Account – If you don’t remember the data, you’ll need to use Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool (see next section).
• ⚠️ The "Can't mount" error /data" — Solution: Firmware via Fastboot.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

If a standard reset doesn’t work or your phone turns into a brick after a failed firmware, Fastboot mode is your last chance to bring the device back to life without a service center. ADB/Fastboot.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or Platform Tools (for Fastboot commands).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you plan to stitch custom software).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue.
4. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For complete flashing (if you need to restore the system):

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select a firmware folder and press Refresh – the program must identify the phone.
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

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A reset via Fastboot deletes all data without the possibility of recovery.If the phone has been encrypted (for example, using the help of a computer). PIN-code, after reset, you may need to enter a password to mount the partition /data.

Common mistakes and decisions:

5. Method 4: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")

If the phone doesn't respond to buttons, doesn't load into Recovery or Fastboot, and even the PC can't see it, it's called a "hard brick." In 90% of cases, it's caused by a failed firmware or an interrupted update.

• 🔧 Testpoint (for some models, for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro).
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (version 2023)+).
• 📄 Firmware for EDL-Mode (special file.tgz).
• 🔌 Cable USB grounded (important for stable connection).

Attention! This method requires hardware skills and can lead to permanent failures if you're not sure, go to the service center.

Instructions:

1. Download firmware for EDL (for example, from the 4PDA forum or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone in EDL mode: For most models: Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power and plug in the cable. Redmi Note 8 Pro/Mi 9T: you will need to close the testpoint (contacts on the motherboard).

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL drop off IMEI, MAC-address and other unique identifiers, which may need to be manually restored after recovery (e.g., through the use of a SN Writer Tool).

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A) for EDL-The regime requires an authorized Mi Account with developer rights, and without it, the firmware will be blocked.

6.How to bypass Mi Account lock after reset

One of the most common problems after a reset is requesting data from Mi Account, especially if the phone was linked to an account with Find Device enabled. If you don't remember the login/password, there are several ways to bypass:

The official method (if you remember the data):

1. On the lock screen, select Forgot password.
2. Enter the linked email or phone number.
3. Follow the instructions to restore access.

On newer versions of MIUI, even a soft reset can result in the deletion of some data.