Reset Xiaomi to factory settings via Recovery: a complete guide with nuances

Resetting Xiaomi's smartphone to factory settings via recavatories is a radical but effective way to bring the device back to work, a method that comes in handy if the phone is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to touch, or you've forgotten the pattern lock. Unlike resetting through the settings menu, the recavator mod allows you to bypass the lock and return the device to a "clean" state even without access to the main interface.

But there are pitfalls: wrong actions can lead to a device being knocked out (total inoperability) or critical data lost. In this article, we will look at all the steps from preparation to completion of the reset, and how to avoid typical errors. We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices on MIUI HyperOS is different because the algorithms are different.

If you're looking for a way to bring the Redmi Note 12 or the POCO X5 back to life after a failed upgrade, or just want to sell a phone without personal data, this guide is for you. But remember, a reset over the receptacle removes everything, including photos, contacts and installed apps. So first check to see if you can do more gentle methods.

When you need to dump through the river, and when you can do without it

Not all problems require a hard reset, sometimes just reboot the device or reset the settings through the menu, and the Recavery mode should only be used in critical cases:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock, PIN or password and can not unlock the screen.
• 🐢 The phone is stuck on the logo. MI or POCO and no longer load.
• 🤖 The system is cyclically restarted (bootloop) after updating or installing custom firmware.
• 🦠 Suspected infection with a virus that blocks access to settings.
• 📱 Want to clean your phone completely before selling, including hidden data.

If the device is simply slowing down or glitching, try first:

1. Clear the cache in the Settings menu → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Remove unnecessary applications through Settings → Apps.
3. Perform a soft reset via Settings → About Phone → Reset settings (without deleting data).

Important! Resetting over the recovery does not remove the binding of the Mi Account (if it was activated).After the procedure, you may need to enter a username and password from Xiaomi Account, even if you have not used it before.

💡

If you are selling a phone, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account before the reset. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps that ignore can lead to data loss or even firmware damage.

1. Create a backup (if the phone is still running):

• 📱 Use the settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• ☁️ Or sync your data with Mi Cloud (unless your account is blocked).
• 💻 Connect your phone to your PC and copy files manually (photos, videos, documents).

2. Check the battery power. Make sure the charge level is at least 50%. If the phone runs out during reset, it can cause permanent damage to the system.

3. Find out the model and the firmware version. This will help if you need to reflash the device after the reset.

• Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (or hyperos).
• On the box of the device or under the battery (for older models).

4. Prepare the tools:

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better than the one that came with the kit).
• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (in case the reset goes wrong).

Battery charge > 50%|Backup created|Mi Cloud data synchronized|USB-cable and PC ready|Phone model recorded-->

How to enter the Recovery mode on Xiaomi: 3 working ways

Entering a recavery fashion on Xiaomi is different from other brands, here are proven methods for different situations:

Method 1: Classic button combination (for most models)

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode menu (usually in English or Chinese).

Method 2: Through ADB (if the phone turns on but doesn't respond to touch)

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to activate the developer mode).
2. In the PC command line, type: adb reboot recovery

Method 3: For devices with a locked bootloader (if the first two methods do not work)

• Use Fastboot Mode: Press Power + Volume down when the phone is off.
• In the Fastboot menu, select Recovery Mode using volume buttons and confirm with the power button.

Important! On some models (e.g. POCO F5 or Redmi K60) it may be necessary to unlock the loader to enter the Recovery, and if the phone simply restarts after pressing the buttons, the bootloader is locked.

Step-by-step: how to reset Xiaomi through the Recovery

When you’re successfully logged into Recovery Mode, follow this instruction. The menu’s appearance may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the principle remains the same.

Step 1: Choosing a language

• Use the up/down buttons for navigation.
• Select English (or another clear language) and confirm the power button.

Step 2: Cleaning up the data (Wipe Data)

• Go to Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
• Select Wipe All Data (sometimes called Factory Reset).
• Confirm the action – usually you need to enter Yes or select a tick.

Step 3: Reboot

• After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.
• The phone will restart and start setting up as new.

If the phone hangs on the logo again after the reset, it could mean:

• Firmware damage (reflashing via Fastboot is required).
• Activated Anti-Rollback (you need firmware of the same or newer version).

💡

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter a password from your Mi Account, and you do not remember it, restore access through account.xiaomi.com before rebooting the device.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when dumping over the Recovery, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

Warning №1:

⚠️ If your Xiaomi was bought hand-held and tied to someone else’s Mi Account, a reset via the recavator will not help bypass the lock, in which case you will need official unlocking through the previous owner or service center.

Warning №2:

⚠️ On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) If you're not sure about the item, don't confirm the action, find the instructions specifically for your model.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will look like new.

1.Initial setting

• 🌍 Select a language, region and connect to Wi-Fi.
• 🔑 If required, enter the information from the Mi Account (if you forgot the password, restore it before this step!).
• 📱 Skip the offer to restore data from a backup (if it was created before the reset and contains viruses or errors).

Data recovery

• ☁️ If you sync with Mi Cloud, your contact and note data will be automatically restored.
• 💾 Connect your phone to your PC and transfer previously saved files (photos, music, documents).
• 📲 Install apps from Google Play or App Gallery.

3. Checking of performance

• 🔍 Make sure all sensors (gyroscope, camera, speakers) are working correctly.
• 📶 Check your connection to mobile network and Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Charging should be stable (if before the reset there were problems with the battery, they can remain).

4. System optimization

• 🚀 Disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Annexes.
• 🛡️ Install a reliable antivirus (for example, Dr.Web or Kaspersky).
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

💡

After reset, it is recommended to format the memory card (if it has been installed). To do this, go to Settings → Memory → SD card → Format.

Alternative Removal Methods If Recovery Does Not Work

If you can’t enter the Recovery or dumping through it didn’t help, try alternative methods:

1.Reset via Fastboot (PC required)

• Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
• In the command line, type: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

2. reset via Mi Flash Tool (full flashing)

• Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com.
• Use the Mi Flash Tool to install firmware in Clean All mode.

3. Contact the service center

• If the phone is warranty, do not try to sew it yourself - this will void the warranty.
• In the service center Xiaomi can restore the device even with damaged firmware.

Important! Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool is a last resort, and it's only for power users, because doing the wrong thing can permanently put the phone down.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions