How to completely reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks.The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are three official reset methods, each of which is suitable for different situations, from the regular menu to the Fastboot mode for “bricks”.

In this article, we will analyze not only step-by-step instructions for Redmi models, POCO Mi (including the new Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13 series), but also reveal the nuances that are not mentioned in standard manuals. For example, why you might need to unlock your Mi Account after a reset, how to bypass the “This device is locked” error in Fastboot, and what to do if your phone doesn’t turn on even after a hard reset. MIUI.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you start resetting, it is critical to follow a few steps to keep you from losing important data and unexpected problems. Even if your Xiaomi is unstable, take time to prepare.

First, back up. MIUI has a built-in tool for doing this: Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Alternatively, use Mi Cloud (if sync is enabled) or third-party services like Google Drive. Note: MIUI backup does not store data from some applications (like WhatsApp or banking programs) — they will have to be exported manually.

• 📱 Sync your contacts with your Google Account or Mi Cloud.
• 📷 Copy photos and videos to your PC or cloud (e.g. Google Photos).
• 🔑 Write down the usernames/passwords from the applications – after resetting, autocomplete will not work.
• 📡 Make sure the battery is stable (minimum 50%).

Second, check the Mi Account binding. If you forget the password from your Xiaomi account, the phone may lock after reset, requiring login. This is due to Find Device (like Find My iPhone). To avoid problems, untie the device in advance: Settings → Mi Account → Devices → Delete this device.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone from hand and don’t know the previous owner’s details, a reset via Fastboot or Recovery can result in permanent locking (requires official unlock through the service center).

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

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on and you can log in. It is the simplest and does not require additional tools. Instructions are relevant for all devices on MIUI 12/13/14, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13T.

Steps for discharge:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (in some versions – Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Tap Reset settings (or Reset to factory settings).
5. The system will suggest you choose which to delete, and we recommend that you mark all items (including "Clear internal memory").
6. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password (if installed).
7. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.If the phone requires Mi Account data input, use the linked account.

Ensure stable battery charge (minimum 30%)

Create a backup copy of important data

Remember/write down the password from Mi Account

Disable your Google Account (if you plan to sell your phone)

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT) After the reset, the section for the second part may disappear. SIM-It's a firmware thing, and to get it back, you'll have to flash it over again through the Fastboot.

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

If Xiaomi’s smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, resetting through Recovery will help, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires physical access to the device’s buttons.

Instructions for entry to Mi Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO M3/M4 and some Redmi: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset)
2. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the buttons Volume down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
2. Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder on the C:\ drive (the path without spaces!).
4. Launch the file. flash_all.bat (for complete discharge) or flash_all_except_storage.bat (If you need to store data in memory).
5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is locked, you will need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours of waiting (by Xiaomi rules). IMEI!

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If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run through Fastboot, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds. Sometimes the system falls asleep after a failed firmware, and a forced power outage helps you start it again.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even when you follow instructions, users face problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and their solutions.

1.The phone requires a password from Mi Account after resetting

This is Xiaomi's standard theft protection, and if you forget your account details,

• 🔄 Try to restore your password through the official website.
• 📧 Check the email linked to your account – there may be a backup email.
• 🛠️ If your device is yours but your account is not restored, contact Xiaomi Service Center with proof of purchase.

2. "Cannot receive Hello Packet" error in Fastboot

The reason is driver or cable problems.

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🖥️ Reinstall the drivers ADB via Android Studio.
• 🔄 Restart your PC and phone, then reconnect.

3.The phone is stuck on the logo after being dumped

Possible causes and actions:

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If the sound is lost after the reset, check the settings for Settings → Sound. Sometimes the reset resets the sound profile to "No Sound".

How to Reset Xiaomi Without Losing Data (Partial Reset)

If the goal is not to clean up completely, but only to eliminate software bugs, you can do a partial reset, which removes settings and cache, but saves photos, messages and applications.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Choose Resetting (not to be confused with Resetting to Factory!).
3. Check the boxes only: 📱 Network settings (resets Wi-Fi and mobile networks). 🔊 Sound settings. 🎯 Display settings.

Confirm the reset.

This approach helps if:

• 📶 Problems with connection to Wi-Fi/4G.
• 🔋 The battery is rapidly discharged due to background activity.
• 🖥️ Glutches the interface MIUI (hanging, lags).

Note that a partial reset does not remove viruses or malicious applications. This will require a complete reset or firmware.

Xiaomi reset before sale: full checklist

If you are planning to sell or transfer your Xiaomi, it is not enough to simply reset your settings.

Complete reset to factory settings (Method 1 or 2)

Delete all accounts (Mi Account, Google, social networks)

Untie the device from Mi Cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Devices)

Get out. SIM-microSD card and memory card

Check the performance after reset (camera, sensors, communication)

Take a picture of the serial number (in case of blocking)

Reset the counters (steps, use time) in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Privacy-->

Additional security measures:

• 🔐 Turn off Find Device: Settings → Mi Account → Find Device → Shut down.
• 📱 Reset your Google Account settings: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.

⚠️ Note: If you sell a phone with an unlocked bootloader, the new owner will be able to flash custom firmware, which will cancel the warranty. To return locked status, swipe the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions