How to reset Xiaomi firmware to factory: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or HyperOS, are complex software packages that over time can accumulate system debris. The accumulation of temporary files, conflicts after updating applications or errors in the work of system services often lead to a decrease in the performance of the device, in such situations, users are looking for a way to return the gadget to its original speed and stability.

Factory reset, or Hard Reset, is a radical but often the only effective solution to software failures, a process that completely clears the device’s internal memory of user data, returning the software to the “out of the box” state. It’s important to understand that this operation is irreversible without a pre-built backup, so it needs to be approached with full responsibility.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for returning to factory settings. You will learn how to reset through the settings menu, how to use Recovery mode for an unlocked screen and what to do if the device does not boot. We will also discuss the nuances of working with a Google account and Mi Account so that after the reboot you do not encounter an activation lock.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before any manipulation of system files begins, a number of preparatory steps must be taken, and ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of important photos, contacts and documents that cannot be recovered.

You can create a backup in several ways: using the Mi Cloud cloud service, synchronizing with Google Drive or transferring files to your computer through a computer. USB-Make sure that the contacts have numbers, and the gallery has no uncopied images, and export the history of correspondence from messengers, if they are stored locally.

The critical point is battery charge.The flashing or reset process can take 10 to 30 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage the system partition. Charge the smartphone to at least 60-70% to have power.

⚠️ Warning: If your device has two-factor authentication or account protection enabled, be sure to remember or write down your login and password.

Another nuance concerns SIM-Although modern systems allow you to reset the settings with the installed SIM, some experts recommend removing it before the procedure, this will eliminate the accidental loss of contacts stored on the card chip, and prevent possible conflicts when rebooting the network.

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Take a picture of the screen with the current network and APN settings before resetting, and once you get back to the factory settings, you'll have to re-enter them to make the mobile Internet work.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (standard method)

The safest and easiest way to get Xiaomi back to factory is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system. This method is suitable for devices that are turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you can get into the main menu. The algorithm of actions can vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.

To start, go to the settings section, which is usually a gear icon on your desktop or notification curtain, and look for the "About Phone" item, which is often located at the top of the list or in the "General" category, and that's where the basic management tools are hidden.

Inside the About Phone menu, find the string with the firmware version. On some versions of the shell, you need to click on this line 7-10 times to activate the hidden developer menu or the additional reset menu. However, in current versions of MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS, the reset button is removed separately.

Look for Erase all data, and the system will alert you that all data will be deleted, and once confirmed, you will need to enter the screen unlock password, which is a security measure that prevents malicious attackers from remotely resetting someone else's phone.

The process takes a few minutes. The phone will reboot and you'll see the Xiaomi logo, followed by a language selection welcome window.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the screen is not working)

If the touch screen has stopped responding or the system has got stuck so much that it is impossible to get into the settings, Recovery Mode is used, which works at the bootloader level and does not require the functionality of the operating system.

To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume.

You'll be taken to the Main Menu menu, and you'll be able to navigate with volume buttons (up/down), and you'll select a power button, and you'll need to find the Wipe Data item and select it.

In the next menu, select Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The system will start the cleanup process, progress will be displayed as a percentage. Upon completion, click Back to Main Menu and select Reboot -> Reboot to System.

Method 3: Using Fastboot and PC (for advanced)

Fastboot mode is designed to provide low-level interaction with the device via a computer, a method often used when the phone is “buried” or a standard reset doesn’t help. It will require a Xiaomi USB Driver installed on the PC and the Mi Flash Tool utility or access to ADB.

To switch to Fastboot mode, turn off your phone and press the Volume Down and Power button at the same time, and the image of a hare repairing an android will appear on the screen, labeled FASTBOOT.

Connect the device to your computer with a cable. If the drivers are installed correctly, the Android Bootloader Interface will appear in Windows Device Manager. You can send a reset command through the ADB console:

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache

Using the command line requires caution. A syntax error or choosing the wrong partition to erase can cause the device to fail completely, a method only recommended for advanced users who understand the structure of Android partitions.

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase command deletes data without recovery. Make sure you are working with the right device if multiple gadgets are connected to the PC.

The alternative to manual commands is the Mi Flash Tool, which allows you not only to clean the data, but also to completely reinstall the firmware. In the program interface, you need to select the Clean all option, which ensures that all user data is deleted and a clean system is installed.

The problem of blocking Mi Account and Google FRP

Xiaomi’s current smartphones are heavily protected from theft, and once reset to factory settings, the security system requires authorization from an account that was previously linked to the device, both for Mi and Google (FRP).

If you forget your account password, the phone becomes a brick for the average user, and the system requires you to enter your password when you first set it up, and you can't get around it with standard methods, so that the thief who stole the phone can't just dump it and sell it.

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Always untie accounts before selling or resetting your phone. Deleting your account from settings before reset prevents activation from being blocked.

To successfully activate after reset, you will need:

• 📱 Login and password from the Mi Account used on this device.
• 📧 Login and password from Google account synced to phone.
• 📶 Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network) to verify data by the server.

If the device was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account, it will not be legally possible to unlock it, you will need to contact the seller or provide purchase checks to the service center for proof of ownership.

Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them

The reset process doesn't always go smoothly, users can experience a variety of errors, from hanging on the logo to cyclical reboot, and understanding the causes of these problems will help avoid panic and unnecessary actions.

One of the common problems is Bootloop, which is that the phone turns on, shows the logo, then goes out and turns on again, often when you interrupt the reset process or if the system file is damaged, and then you re-enter Recovery and try to reset again.

Another error is the message "Update error" or "Can't verify update." This can happen if you try to reset a phone that has a modified firmware installed or an unlocked bootloader, but the file integrity system is broken, and in such cases, a complete firmware reflash through the computer is often required.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to reset your phone during automatic system updates. Wait until the update is installed, otherwise there is a high risk of damage to the system partition of the bootloader.

If the phone warms up and discharges quickly after reset, give it 1-2 hours at rest. The system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background. If the problem persists for more than a day, a damaged copy of the firmware may be installed.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions