Reset Xiaomi to factory settings via buttons: the full guide

When hardware reset is required and how it differs from software reset

Resetting Xiaomi’s device to factory settings via physical buttons is an extreme measure when standard methods are not available through menus, a method called hard reset that completely erases all data, including installed apps, accounts and files in memory. Unlike software resets via Settings → About Phone → Reset, the hardware method works even when:

- locked screen (forgot the pattern lock or PIN);

- cyclic reboot (the device "hangs" on the Mi logo);

- damage to system files after an unsuccessful update;

Complete irresponsibility of the sensor or buttons.

It is important to understand that hard reset is not a panacea for all problems, for example, if the smartphone does not turn on due to hardware malfunctions (battery damaged, motherboard burned), reset buttons will not help. Nor does this method bypass the protection of Mi Account - after a reset, you may need to enter a username and password from a Xiaomi account if it was tied to the device.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start a hard reset, follow a few critical steps that minimize the risk of losing important data and make it easier to set up the device after the procedure.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Reset through the buttons takes 5-15 minutes, and if the battery runs out in the process, the device can turn into a "brick" (will not turn on even after connecting to charging).
• 📱 Extract. SIM-Although the data on them are not erased, it is better to be safe - in rare cases, the file system of external drives is damaged.
• 🔐 Make sure to remember the data from Mi Account. If the device has activated Find Device protection, after the reset will require authorization.
• 💾 Create a backup (if the device responds to commands in any way). To do this, connect your smartphone to your PC via ADB Or use Mi Cloud Cloud Storage.

If you reset your device before selling, make sure you delete all Google and Xiaomi accounts manually through the settings, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the smartphone due to FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, button reset may result in loss of ability to flash custom recovery (e.g, TWRP). If you plan to modify the system further, use alternative fastboot reset methods.

How to reset the Xiaomi smartphone through the buttons: universal instruction

The hardware reset procedure on most Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO, Mi series) is the same, but may be slightly different for older models (such as the Redmi 3S or Mi 5).

1. Turn off the device. If it's stuck, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until forced shutdown.
2. Press the button combination: 🔄 Power button + Loudness up for most models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11 and others.). 🔄 Power button + Loudness down – for some older devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X).

Hold the buttons until the Mi logo appears and vibrations (usually 5-10 seconds).

Release the buttons.

Recovery Mode

Use the volume buttons.

power-up

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Confirm the reset

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Wait for completion

Data wipe complete

Reset the device

Reboot

Reboot to System

The first boot after reset can take up to 10 minutes, which is normal. Do not interrupt the process, even if the device seems to be "hanging" on the logo. If after 20 minutes the screen does not respond, repeat the procedure or check the battery.

Features of reset for Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV)

Xiaomi Mi TVs (A2, S, Q1, ES, etc.) also support button reset, but the algorithm is different from smartphones. The main difference is the lack of physical volume buttons, so you use a combination with the Menu button on the remote or the control panel on the case.

Xiaomi TVs often reset Wi-Fi settings and accounts (such as Netflix or YouTube) after resetting through buttons, to avoid problems, before the procedure:

• 📡 Write down the password from your Wi-Fi network.
• 🎮 Unplug the game controllers (if you used Google Stadia or GeForce) NOW).
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the login/password from your Google account linked to your TV.

⚠️ Attention: On Android TVs TV 11+ (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023) resetting via buttons may result in the loss of licenses for installed apps (e.g. Disney)+ Apple TV+). They'll have to buy them again.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when the procedure seems simple, users often make mistakes that lead to additional problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

1. The wrong button combination. For example, on POCO F3, some users mistakenly try to use Power + Volume down, although the right combination is Power + Volume up. Always check the instructions for your model.
2. If you release the buttons too early (before the Recovery menu comes along) or pull the battery out during a reset, the device may stop turning on, in which case you will need to run the firmware through fastboot.
3. Ignoring Mi Account: Devices with a Xiaomi account tied up will be asked to enter your username/password after reset, and if you forget your data, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
4. Reset with a discharged battery: If the charge is below 20%, the device may shut down in the process, causing damage to system files, charge it to at least 30-40%.

On devices with a MediaTek chip (such as Redmi 9A or POCO C31) after a failed reset may need to flash through the SP Flash Tool – the standard Recovery menu on them often works incorrectly.

💡

If the device doesn't turn on after reset, try plugging it into a 30-60-minute charge and then repeat the procedure. Sometimes the power controller blocks the start because of the low voltage.

Alternative Reset Methods If the Buttons Don't Work

If physical buttons are damaged or the device does not respond to combinations, alternative methods can be used:

• 🖥️ Using fastboot (for advanced users), you will need a computer with drivers installed. ADB Fastboot: fastboot devices fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot This method works even on locked devices, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
• 🌐 Using Mi Cloud, if the Find Device feature is enabled on the device, you can reset it via the i.mi.com web interface. To do this, log in to your Xiaomi account. Select the device in the list. Click Erase Device. The disadvantage of the method – the device must be connected to the Internet.