How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings and completely untie from the account MI: step-by-step guide 2026

Resetting a Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that every user sooner or later encounters, and the reasons can be different from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. But if a regular reset through the settings menu does not cause difficulties, then decoupling from the account MI It's often a real headache, especially when it comes to used devices with a previous owner's profile attached.

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy: now, to unbundle an account after a reset, you need confirmation via SMS or backup mail, even if you know the password.

It is important to understand the difference between the two procedures: factory reset – deletes all data from the device, but does not cancel the binding to the Mi Account. Unlink from the account – completely removes the connection of the device with the Xiaomi profile, which is critical when selling or transferring the phone to another user.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the procedure

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps that will save you from losing important data and make it easier to restore the device after the procedure.

Backup is a must, and even if you plan to sell your phone, save a copy of your contacts, photos and documents to an external drive or to the cloud.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup
2. Select Local Backup or Google Drive
3. Make sure the copy is created successfully (check the date in the backup list)

If you are resetting your phone due to software failures, record or take a photo of:

• 🔑 Version MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI)
• 📱 Model of the device (written under the battery or in Settings) → The phone. → Model)
• 🔄 Account details MI (login and associated phone number/mail)

Without this data, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to the device after a reset, especially if the device protection function is enabled.

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If you are buying used Xiaomi, be sure to check if the previous owner’s account is untied before payment. ask the seller to make a reset with you and make sure that the phone does not require input of other people’s data after rebooting.

2. Standard reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

The easiest way to return the device to factory settings is to use the built-in feature in the menu, which is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the screen unlock password.
• 👤 You have access to the account. MI, device-bound

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (cog icon on the main screen)
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Reset and Reset)
4. Tap to erase all data
5. Enter your Mi Account password (if requested)
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings

It takes 5-15 minutes depending on the model, and then you'll be asked to set the phone up as new once you've restarted.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires the entry of account data MI, It's not yours, it's still tied to the previous owner. Standard reset doesn't cancel that binding!

3. Hard reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

When the device is unresponsive, stuck on the logo or locked, a Recovery Mode reset will help, which works on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds)
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power for older devices (until 2018): Volume up + Volume down + Power

Mi

In the recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
2. Confirm Wipe All Data
3. After completion, select Reboot to restart.

If Recovery requests a password from the account MI — This means that the device has activated the Mi Cloud Lock protection, in which case the standard reset will not help: additional actions will be required (see section 5).

4.Out of account MI: formalities

If you sell a phone or transfer it to another user, it's not enough to just reset the settings, you have to completely unplug the device from your Xiaomi account, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the device.

Official detachment methods (only work if you have access to your account):

• 📱 Through phone settings: Open Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account Tap to your profile and select Exit Confirm deletion of your account from your device
• 🌐 Through Xiaomi website: Go to account.xiaomi.com Sign in to your account In Devices section, find your phone and click Delete

After unbundling through the site, wait for sync (can take up to 24 hours) and make sure the device disappears from the list in the Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you are selling a phone, do not delete your account. MI Deleting your profile completely will result in loss of access to all Xiaomi services (cloud, shopping, forums).

5.Blocking Mi Account: What to do if access is lost

The situation when the phone is tied to someone else’s Mi Account and you can’t contact the previous owner is one of the most difficult. Xiaomi does not provide official ways to circumvent this protection, but there are several working methods (at your own risk).

Method 1: Unlock through Mi Unlock Tool (for unlocked bootloader)

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website
2. Sign in under your account MI (You have to tie your phone to it)
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power)
4. Launch the utility and follow the instructions on the screen

This method only works if the bootloader is already unlocked.

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked.

Method 2: Discharge through EDL-Regime (requires an authorized account)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device bypassing the lock, but requires:

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi account (for developers or service centers)
• 💻 Specialized software (Mi Flash Tool, QFil)
• 📄 Original Firmware for Your Model

Without Xiaomi authorization, the firmware through EDL will lock the device permanently (hard brick).

⚠️ Note: Using informal methods to bypass the lock (for example, through Dongle devices or paid services) may lead to the use of a secure device: 🚫 Loss of warranty (Xiaomi blocks) IMEI burglary) 🔒 Permanent locking (if you are wrong with the firmware) 💸 Additional costs (recovery in the service center will cost 3-5 thousand rubles.) You should risk only if the phone is not valuable (for example, Redmi). 4X or Mi A1 over 5 years old).

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The only legal way to unlock a phone with someone else’s Mi Account is to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase documents, even if that is the case, the chances of success are no more than 30%.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes when resetting and unsetting Xiaomi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Mistake 1: Resetting without detachment of account MI

Many people think that a factory reset automatically removes the profile binding. In fact, it's not: once reset, the phone may require the previous owner to enter the data. Always untie the device in advance via account.xiaomi.com.

Mistake 2: Using unofficial firmware

Firmware custom ROMs (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) on a locked device will result in a permanent lock bootloader. Xiaomi does not provide ways to unlock in this case.

Mistake 3: Interrupting the discharge process

If you take out the battery or turn off the power during a reset (especially in Recovery Mode), the phone may stop turning on. EDL or service.

Mistake 4: Buying a phone with a linked account

Never buy Xiaomi as new after a reset if the seller can’t confirm the account’s untidy.

• Ask the seller to make a reset with you.
• After restarting, try to go through the initial setup.
• If the phone does not require input of other people’s data – the account is untied

7. Alternative methods: when nothing helps

If the official methods have not worked, and you do not want to risk informal methods, there are several alternatives:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

Official SCs can help if you have:

• 📄 Check or guarantee card
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity)
• 📱 Serial number of the device (on the box or under the battery)

Cost of service: from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the model.

2. Sale of phone for spare parts

If the device is locked and not unlockable, it can be sold as a component donor.

• 📲 Screen: 30-70% of the cost of a new phone
• 🔋 Battery: 10-20%
• 📷 Camera: 15-40%

3. Use of the telephone in limited mode

Some features remain available even without an account detachment:

• 📞 Calls and SMS (if the blockage is not activated SIM)
• 🎵 Music and video (via file manager)
• 🎮 Games (established through APK)

To do this, you need to log in to Safe Mode (hold the power button → “Reboot in Safe Mode”).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions