How to completely reset Xiaomi smartphone: from simple Hard Reset to flashing

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing critical crashes. However, not all users know that there are 5 different ways to perform a reset, and each of them is suitable for specific scenarios. For example, if the phone is getting stuck on the MIUI logo and does not respond to buttons, the method through the menu settings will not work – you will need Hard Reset or work with Fastboot.

In this article, we will look at all the reset methods that are relevant for 2026 for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including models with Snapdragon and Mediatek processors. Particular attention will be paid to restoring access to Mi Account after a reset is one of the most common problems that users face, and you will learn how to avoid data loss and what to do if the smartphone after a reset stops turning on.

1. Reset via the settings menu (Soft Reset)

The safest and most recommended way is to reset directly from the operating system, which is good if the phone turns on, but you want to delete all data before selling or eliminate software lags. Importantly, this method does not remove firmware updates, but only returns settings to factory settings.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon).
• 🔧 Go to the About Phone section. → General settings → Resetting settings (on new versions) MIUI 14/15 The path may be different: Settings → Memory. → Resetting settings).
• 🔄 Choose to Erase All Data (sometimes called Delete All Data and Reset Settings).
• 🔐 Enter a password or pattern lock if it is set.
• ✅ Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and after the reboot, you'll be asked to set the phone up as new, and if you're planning to sell the device, don't sign in to Mi, leave it in the initial setup state.

Make a backup copy of photos and contacts|Remember the username/password from the Mi Account|Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Turn off Google Find My Device (if used)-->

2. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (buttons)

If the smartphone is not turned on, got stuck on the screensaver or locked, hardware reset through recovery mode (Recovery Mode), this method works on all Xiaomi devices, including older models like the Redmi Note 4X and the new flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. 🔋 Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. 🔘 Press the power button at the same time. + Loudness up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. 📱 Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue inscriptions in English or Chinese).

Further action:

• 🌐 Use volume buttons to navigate the menu, power button to select.
• 🔄 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware).
• ✅ Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data → Confirm.
• 🔙 After completion, select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter the Mi Account data associated with the device. If you do not remember the password, use the unlock instructions below.

3. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The method through Fastboot is useful if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged;
• 📱 The phone does not respond to buttons, but is determined by the computer;
• 🔄 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

This method will require a computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot original USB-Instructions:

1. 💻 Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
2. 🔌 Connect the phone off to the PC, keeping Volume down + Food (should appear screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared header - Fastboot logo).
3. 🖥️ Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

(Your device serial number should be displayed. If not, check the driver.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands will completely clear user data and cache. For a complete reset with flashing, use the Mi Flash Tool (instructions in the next section).

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery (buttons) | Through Fastboot | Never reset |Another way-->

4. Complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool

If the smartphone has turned into a “brick” (it does not turn on, does not respond to charging, hovers on the Fastboot), the only way out is complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool. This method is also used to downgrade the version of MIUI or remove custom firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery version!).
2. 💾 Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\firmware).
3. 🖥️ Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
4. 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in the previous section).
5. 🔍 In Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. 🔄 Select firmware mode: 🔹 Clean All - Complete cleaning + Firmware (recommended for "bricks»); 🔹 Clean All and Lock – the same, but with bootloader lock (only for official firmware!); 🔹 Save User Data - firmware without data loss (not always working).

Flash

⚠️ Note: Firmware for unofficial or modified versions MIUI This may result in a loss or loss of your Mi Account. IMEI. Always use firmware from the official website or trusted sources (for example, Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

5 Unblocking Mi Account After Resetting

Once reset via Recovery or Fastboot, Xiaomi smartphones often require you to enter data from a Mi Account that was previously linked to the device, which is a measure of protection against theft, but it also becomes a problem if you forget your password or bought a used phone with a tied account.

The official method (if you remember the account data):

• 📧 Go to account.xiaomi.com and restore access via email or phone.
• 🔑 If two-factor authentication is enabled, use backup codes or the Mi Authenticator app.
• 📱 After restoring access, enter the login / password on the smartphone lock screen.

If your account is not yours (buying a used phone):

• 📄 Ask the seller: 📧 Login (email or phone) from the account; 🔐 Password; 📎 Check or Proof of Purchase (for appealing for support).
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase, they can remove the link remotely (consideration period - up to 7 days).

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If the seller refuses to provide account details, demand a refund – the phone with the Mi Account tied is considered defective and is subject to exchange/refund under consumer protection law.

Unofficial methods (at your own risk):

• 🛠️ Use of the EDL Mode (emergency mode) and firmware via Mi Flash Pro (requires an authorized developer account).
• 🔧 Bypassing Test Point (physical circuit of contacts on the board) - suitable only for experienced users.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial unlocking methods can lead to loss of warranty or device breakdown.In addition, since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened protection: after unauthorized bypass of the account, the phone can be locked forever (Device Locked status).

6. Data recovery after reset

If you didn’t back up before resetting, the chances of returning the data depend on the type of reset:

If the reset was done via Soft Reset or Recovery, try the following steps:

1. 💾 Connect your phone to your PC and install drivers ADB.
2. 🔍 Use DiskDigger (Android) to scan internal memory: adb shell su dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0 of=/sdcard/recovery.img (Root rights that may not be available after resetting.)
3. 📁 EaseUS MobiSaver or Recuva are the most effective for restoring photos and videos (scan the memory card if it was inserted).

⚠️ Warning: Do not install new apps or copy files to your phone after a reset if you plan to recover data! New files can overwrite old ones, reducing the chances of success.

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The only reliable way to save data is to back up your data via Settings → Memory → Backup or Mi Cloud. After a reset, recovery is only possible in 30% of cases.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you do the reset properly, you can have problems.

• 🚫 Error: "This device is locked" (Mi Account) 🔹 Solution: Restore access to your Mi Account or contact support with proof of purchase.
• 🔄 The phone is stuck on the logo. MIUI post-discharge 🔹 Solution: Repeat Hard Reset or run the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

If none of the methods worked, contact the Xiaomi service center. In 2026, official SCs provide a service to unlock the Mi Account based on proof of purchase (costs are from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions