Xiaomi reset to factory settings: 3 working ways (including locked phones)

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting Xiaomi to a factory state is a radical, but sometimes the only solution to fix software problems, which removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to a “clean” state, as after purchase.

First, if the device slowed to an unacceptable level, even after cleaning the cache and optimizing. This is typical for low-end Redmi models (for example, Redmi 9A or Redmi Note 8) after 2-3 years of use, when accumulated data and fragmented memory slow down the system. Second, reset helps with critical failures: constant reboots, freezes on the Mi logo, or when the phone does not respond to touch (especially true after unsuccessful MIUI updates).

However, there are nuances: resetting will not solve problems caused by hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen or a ballooning battery), and will not help if the phone is locked through Find My Device without knowing your Mi Account.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for working phones)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in reset function in MIUI. It is suitable if the phone is turned on, reacts to touch, and you remember the unlock password. Important: before you start, make sure to back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud. Photos, contacts and messages after the reset will not be recoverable.

Step instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Choose Resetting (or Resetting and Resetting).
4. Tap Reset all settings (not to be confused with Network Reset!).
5. Confirm the action by entering the password / pattern lock.
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

On some models (e.g. POCO F3 or Xiaomi 12), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Memory → Data Reset. If the option Resets all settings is inactive (grey), then the device has Mi Account protection enabled – it must be disabled in advance in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Remember the Mi Account details|Connect the charger (battery) > 50%)|Delete your Google account (if you plan to sell)|Disable screen lock (optional)-->

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the phone doesn’t turn on, hangs on the Mi logo, or you forgot the pattern lock, the Recovery Mode (Recovery Mode) will help.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 and Mi 11, but requires care – improper actions can lead to a blink (completely inoperable) of the device.

Recovery login and reset algorithm:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔧 For POCO F1/F2/F3: Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition. ⚡ For Xiaomi. 12/13 Series: Volume up + Food (hold until vibration).

Mi

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

Attention! Some firmware (especially global versions of MIUI) may require a reset via Recovery to enter data from Mi Account, which was linked to the phone. If you don't remember the username/password, the device will become a "brick". To avoid this, unset your account in Settings → Xiaomi Account before resetting.

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If after resetting via Recovery, the phone asks for a Mi Account password, and you do not remember it, try to restore access through the account.xiaomi.com website. In extreme cases, you will need official unlocking (paid, ~1-3 thousand rubles).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical and technically complex, and it's used when:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked after reset.
• 🛠️ Reflash the phone (for example, from Chinese firmware to global).

This method will require a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility (you can download on the official website).Important: reset via Fastboot completely erases all memory parts, including data about the associated Mi Account, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, it must first be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting on new models).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the screensaver Fastboot (robot with open stomach) appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode.
5. Download the official firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 here).
6. Press Refresh, then Flash and wait for completion (10-20 minutes).

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Fastboot resets all data without recovery, including information about your associated Mi Account. Use this method only if other methods have not helped!

If the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo after the procedure, the wrong firmware may have been chosen, in which case repeat the process with the correct version of MIUI (note the region: Global, China, EEA).

Table: Comparison of Xiaomi reset methods

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔋 "Phone doesn't turn on after reset": Most often it's due to a discharged battery. Connect the charger and wait 30 to 60 minutes before trying again. If the charging indicator doesn't burn, check the cable and port USB.
• 🔒 "Requires Mi Account Password after Recovery": This means that Find My Device protection has been activated on the device.If you do not remember your account details, try to restore access through the recovery form or contact the service.
• 📱 "Touch does not work with Recovery: On some models, for example, POCO X3 NFC) Sensor in recovery mode may not respond. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.
• ⚠️ "The 'Cannot receive hello packet' error in Fastboot: Indicates driver or driver problems USB-Reinstall Xiaomi drivers through the official installer and try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

Attention! If, after a Fastboot reset, the phone loads into Recovery with a "No command" error, don't panic. This is normal behavior -- just restart the device manually, holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds. If the error repeats, repeat the firmware procedure with another version of MIUI.

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will start as new, and you will have to go through the initial setup:

1. Choose a language (Russian or English is recommended).
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (required to download updates).
3. At the stage of logging in, select Skip (unless you plan to use Xiaomi services).
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created via Mi Cloud or Google).
5. Update MIUI to the latest version in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

If you're selling a phone, don't restore the data, just complete the setup and hand it over to the customer. If you have the phone, it's recommended that you:

• 🔄 Install applications again (do not restore from backup – this can transfer old errors).
• 🛡️ Enable Find My Device in Settings → Xiaomi account → Security.
• 📱 Disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Annexes → Application management (this will save battery power).

After resetting on some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A2/A3 With Android One firmware, you may need to re-activate licenses for apps (such as Netflix or Google Pay). → Google → Google Play Services → Settings → Reset the certificates.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset