Xiaomi hardware reset via buttons: when you need it and how to do it right

Forgot the Xiaomi password? Does the device hang on the logo or work with constant errors? In such cases, hardware reset through buttons becomes the only way to bring the gadget back to life. This method (also called Hard Reset) erases all data from internal memory, returning the settings to factory. But how to do it correctly, so as not to turn a smartphone or TV into a brick?

In this article, we provide detailed instructions for different types of Xiaomi devices (smartphones, tablets and TV), including nuances for popular models like the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi TV A2. We will analyze which buttons are responsible for what, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the reset does not help. Importantly, on devices with a locked bootloader (Bootloader) after a reset, you may need to log in to Mi Account without it, the phone will not activate.

Before you start, check the battery power — it should be at least 30%. And remember: hardware reset deletes all data, including photos, contacts and installed applications. If the device still responds to commands, try first to save important information through Settings → About Phone → Backup.

1. When you need to reset through buttons - and when not

Hardware drops are "heavy artillery" that should only be resorted to in extreme cases, and here are typical scenarios where it is really needed:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code – the device is locked, and the function “Forgot password?” is not or it does not work.
• 🐢 System lags and freezes - the smartphone brakes even after a restart, applications spontaneously close.
• 🚨 Cyclical reboot – device turns on, shows logo Mi/Redmi/POCO, Then it turns off and repeats the cycle.
• 📱 Firmware errors – a failed software update led to “bricking” (the device does not respond to buttons or does not load).
• 📺 Problems with TV - Mi TV hangs on the screensaver, does not respond to the remote or shows artifacts.

Now, when you don’t need to do a button reset:

• 📲 If the device is just slow but stable, try clearing the cache in Settings first. → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔋 If the problem is in a discharged battery, plug in the charge for 15-20 minutes, then try to turn on the device.
• 🔄 If the smartphone overheats - let it cool, then check the work without a case.

⚠️ Note: On Mi Account devices (especially on models for the Chinese market) Factory Reset Protection may work after a reset (FRP). Without the username and password of the account associated with the phone, you will not be able to activate it. If you do not remember the data, first try to restore access through the official website.

2.What buttons are used to reset on Xiaomi

Depending on the type of device, the combination of buttons to enter recovery mode (Recovery Mode) differ, and below are the universal schemes for most Xiaomi gadgets.

On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi K60), instead of the standard Recovery, Fastboot Mode can open, which is normal.

1. Connect the device to the PC.
2. Download the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the Clean All option for a full reset.

⚠️ Warning: If the device vibrates after holding the buttons, but does not turn on, the power button or charging connector may be faulty. In this case, the reset through the buttons will not work, you will need repairs.

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On smartphones with a non-removable battery (for example, Xiaomi 13) hold the buttons for at least 20 seconds - sometimes the device "wakes up" only after a long press.

3. Step-by-step instruction: reset Xiaomi smartphone through buttons

Consider the process on the example of popular models like Redmi Note 11 or POCO X4 Pro. Instructions are suitable for other Xiaomi smartphones released after 2019.

Charge the device to a minimum of 30%|Keep important data (if possible)|Prepare. SIM-Card (if Mi Account is tied)|Make sure the power and volume buttons are working-->

1. Turn off your smartphone. If it freezes, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Press the button combination. For most models, it's Power + Volume up. Hold until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
3. Select a language. On the Recovery menu, use volume arrows to move around, with the power button, confirm the choice. Choose English or Russian (if available).
4. Go to "Wipe Data." Find Wipe Data and confirm your choice.
5. Confirm the reset. The system will ask you to confirm the action — choose Yes or Yes. The process will take 1-3 minutes.
6. Reboot the device. Once complete, select Reboot or Reboot. The first turn on after reset can take up to 10 minutes.

If after reset, the device requires you to enter Mi Account data, but you do not remember them:

• 📧 Try to restore access through a recovery form.
• 📞 If you have a phone number attached, ask for a confirmation code.
• 🔧 In extreme cases, contact the service center with proof of purchase.

4. Features of the reset of Mi TVs

With Xiaomi TVs, the situation is simpler — you don’t need to remember account passwords, but there are nuances. The main difference is that the reset is done through the service menu, not through Recovery, as on smartphones.

The manual is suitable for models Mi TV A2, Mi TV P1, Mi TV Q1 and others released after 2020:

1. Turn off the TV. Pull the power cord out of the socket for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
2. Press the buttons on the body and remote. On the back of the TV, find a physical power button (usually under the Mi logo). Hold it together with the Volume button down on the remote.
3. Wait for the menu to appear. In 5-7 seconds, the service menu (usually in English) will appear on the screen.
4. Select "Factory Reset." With the volume buttons on the remote, navigate the menu, OK, confirm the reset.
5. Confirm the action. The TV will restart and start the reset process (2-5 minutes).

After resetting the Mi TV, you will need to reconfigure:

• 📡 Wi-Fi connection.
• 🔍 Search for channels (if you use an antenna).
• 🎮 Remote tether (if it doesn't respond, press Menu) + Home for 5 seconds to synchronize).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs, you can only reset the settings through the buttons if the device is turned on somehow. If the screen remains black (no backlight), the problem may be in the power supply - only repairs will help here.

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

A few more nuances:

• 🔌 Don't turn off the power during the reset! This can damage the firmware. If the device is hanging for a long time at one stage (more than 10 minutes), then there was a failure - try repeating the procedure.
• 📱 On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) after reset can be observed flickering screen – this is normal, after 1-2 charging cycles will pass.
• 🔄 If the reset did not help (the device still brakes or does not turn on), perhaps the problem is in the hardware — contact the service.

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On devices with an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader) after reset, you can install custom firmware via TWRP. But this cancels the warranty and requires technical skills.

6. Alternative reset methods (if the buttons do not work)

If physical buttons are damaged or unresponsive, there are a few other ways to return the device to factory settings:

Method 1: Mi Flash Tool (for smartphones)

You will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool program.

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website (choose the version of Fastboot).
2. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down).
3. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Clean All.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

Method 2: ADB (for experienced users)

If the device is switched on but does not respond to the sensor, you can reset via the command line:

adb shell


recovery --wipe_data

For this:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
2. Connect the device to the PC and confirm trust.
3. Enter commands above in the terminal.

Method 3: Through the service menu (for TVs)

If the buttons on the Mi TV body don’t work, try:

1. Turn on the TV.
2. On the remote, quickly press sequentially: Menu → Up → Up → Down → Down → Left → Right → Right → Right → OK.
3. A service menu will open where you can select Factory Reset.

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If you POCO-smartphone, before reset via Mi Flash Tool, disable the option "Anti Rollback" in the bootloader settings (if any.

7.What to do after reset: initial setup

Once reset successfully, the device will be like new, with all the consequences that come with it.

For smartphones:

• 📱 Activate Mi Account (if required) – without it, some features (such as cloud backup) will not be available.
• 🔄 Update the software - go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔒 Set up unlocking - add a fingerprint or PIN-code (but remember it!).
• ☁️ Recover data – if you made a backup to Mi Cloud before the reset, log in to your account and restore contacts, photos and notes.

For TVs:

• 📡 Connect to Wi-Fi – without the Internet will not work Google Play and streaming services.
• 🎮 Update the remote – if it doesn’t sync, remove the batteries for 10 seconds, then insert back in.
• 📺 Configure signal sources – if you use cable TV or console, select the desired input to the menu Source.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi smartphones may be reset to Safe Mode mode. To turn it off, just restart the device. If the mode is turned on again, you have damaged files left in the system, and it is worth repeating the reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions