Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is standard procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing to upgrade MIUI. However, most users fear this operation because of the risk of losing personal data: photos, correspondence, saved passwords and application settings. Fortunately, there are legal ways to perform a soft reset without formatting internal memory.
In this article, we will discuss three official methods that allow Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO to return to its original state while saving user files. Importantly, not all models support such options, it depends on the version of MIUI and the type of reset. For example, on devices with MIUI 14+, an advanced Settings Reset mode is available, and on older firmware (MIUI 12 and below), you will have to use workarounds.
Before you start, make sure your Xiaomi has enough battery life (at least 50%) and also check for backup in the Mi Cloud — even if you plan to save data, unforeseen failures have not been canceled. Now let’s get to the details.
1. Reset via the Settings menu (official method)
The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in reset feature in the Settings menu.This method works on most Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13) with MIUI 12 firmware and later. The main advantage is that you do not need to connect to a PC or use third-party utilities.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
- 🔍 Go to the About Phone section. → Resetting (on some models, the path may be different: Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting and remediation).
- 🔄 Select Resetting (NOT Resetting All Data!).
- ⚙️ In the window that appears, activate the option Save my data (or similar wording).
- 🔐 Confirm the action with a password / pattern lock and wait for the reboot.
It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of internal memory you have, and when you reboot it, you get a clean system with the saved ones.
- 📷 Photos and video in the gallery (DCIM, Pictures).
- 📞 Contacts (if synchronized with Mi Account).
- 📥 Uploaded files in the Download folder.
- 🎵 Music and documents in user folders.
⚠️ Note: This method does not save installed applications, their data (for example, progress in games) and system settings (wallpaper, sound circuits.
☑️ What to check before resetting through settings
Partial reset via Recovery mode (for power users)
If your Xiaomi doesn’t offer the option of saving data in the settings menu (for example, on devices with MIUI 11 or custom firmware), you can use Recovery mode. This method is more risky, but allows you to choose which parts of memory will be cleared.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the button combination: 🔘 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔘 For POCO F1/F2/F3: Loudness down + Nutrition.
From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
Wipe & Reset
Wipe All Data
Critical step:
Internal Storage
System
Cache
Confirm
Once the process is complete, the device will restart with the user files saved but the system settings reset, a method that is suitable for resolving errors such as "System UI is stopped" or "Mi Account is not responding."
⚠️ Warning: Misuse of Recovery can result in complete data loss or a device blink.If you are not sure about your actions, use the first method or contact the service center.
What happens if the Recovery does not open?
3. Reset with saving data via Fastboot (for advanced)
The method is for users who are willing to work with the command line and the Fastboot utility. It is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and allows you to perform a selective reset without affecting user data. Warning: wrong commands can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.
Tools required:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original......>
- 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool or ADB/Fastboot.
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, a data reset is inevitable).
Instructions:
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
- Open the command prompt (CMD) and check the connection: fastboot devices must show a serial number of the device.
- Run the command to reset only the system partition: fastboot erase system fastboot flash system.img fastboot reboot Note: the system.img file must be downloaded in advance from the official Xiaomi website for your model.
Critical: This method requires a precise match between the firmware version (MIUI) and the device model, and an error in selecting a system.img file will cause the phone to fail.
4.What happens to data in different types of discharge
Not all types of resets affect user files in the same way, and the table below compares the effects for each method:
| Type of discharge | Are files saved? | Are the applications still in place? | Are the settings still in place? | Is a PC required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings (with the option "Save data") | ✅ Yes (photos, videos, documents) | ❌ No (removed) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Recovery (without Internal Storage formatting) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Through Fastboot (selective reset) | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially (depends on teams) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Recovery (Wipe All Data) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
The only way to save files is to use the first three methods, and a full reset wipes all internal memory, including DCIM, Download and WhatsApp folders.
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Before reset, check hidden folders! Some apps (like Telegram or Viber) store media files in folders like /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/org.telegram.messenger/. These data will NOT be saved when reset via Settings, even with the option "Save my data".
5. How to recover data after reset (if something went wrong)
Even with careful execution of instructions, there is always a risk of data loss. If after reset you find that important files have disappeared, try the following steps:
Recovery methods:
- ☁️ Cloud backups: Check Mi Cloud (Gallery tab, Contacts, Notes) Restore data from Google Drive (if sync was enabled).
- 💾 Local backups: Connect your smartphone to your PC and check the folder MIUI/Backup/AllBackup. Use tools like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver to scan your internal memory.
- 🔧 Specialized programs: DiskDigger - for photo and video recovery. GT Recovery – to retrieve messages and contacts (requires root rights).
If files were deleted as a result of a complete reset (Internal Storage formatting), the chances of recovery are minimal - the new data could overwrite the old ones, in which case only professional equipment (for example, Chip-Off analysis in the service center) will help.
⚠️ Note: Data recovery programs often require root access, which voids Xiaomi's warranty. In addition, poor-quality software may contain viruses or spyware. Use only proven utilities from official sites.
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users make mistakes when resetting Xiaomi, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:
- 🔋 Battery discharge during reset: If the charge drops below 10% in the process, the device may shut down and not turn back on.Always charge the smartphone to at least 50% before starting.
- 🔒 Mi Account Forgotten Password: After reset, the system may require you to enter a username / password from your Xiaomi account (Mi Cloud Lock function). Without this data, the phone will become a "brick". Make sure you remember the login details!
- 📱 Version inconsistency MIUI: If you use the Fastboot method, the firmware should fit the model and region (e.g. Mi 11 Global). ≠ Mi 11 China download files only from the official website.
- 🗑️ Delete system files: In manual mode (via Recovery or Fastboot), never format modem, boot, or recovery partitions, which will result in network loss or inability to download.
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The most common mistake is ignoring backups, and even if you choose to reset "without loss of data," sync important files to Mi Cloud or copy them to your PC, which will take 10 minutes, but save you days of recovery.