Resetting a Xiaomi smartphone through a recovery mode is the only way to return the device to factory settings when it is not turned on, locked or malfunctioning.This method bypasses the standard settings menu and allows you to clean the system even when Android files are corrupted. But improper actions in the backpack can turn the phone into a “brick” – so it is important to understand what type of reset to choose and how to avoid losing critical data.
In this article, we will explore all the reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (including the new models from 2023-2026), explain the difference between Wipe Data and Factory Reset, and show how to recover data after a reset, and pay special attention to hidden features of MIUI Recovery that are not documented in official instructions – for example, how to reset only cache without losing files.
What is Xiaomi Recovery and When to Reset It
Recovery mode is a separate micro OS built into the smartphone, which runs before Android boots and allows you to manage critical functions of the device: reset settings, install firmware, clean cache. Xiaomi uses two types of recovery:
- 🔹 Stock Recovery - Standard Menu from the MIUI with basic options (set by default).
- 🔹 Custom Recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox) – Extended versions installed by the user for rooting or custom firmware.
Discharge over the rivers is required in the following cases:
- 📱 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo MI/Redmi.
- 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock/PIN-code and Mi Account is not tied.
- 🐢 The system is slowed down due to viruses or corrupted files.
- 🔄 You need to remove root rights or traces of custom firmware before selling.
- 📦 Errors after the update MIUI (For example, infinite loading).
⚠️ Note: Resetting via recavators deletes all data in internal memory (photos, messages, applications), but does not affect files on the data. SD-If the phone is recognized by the computer, first try to copy important data through the computer. MTP or ADB.
Preparation for the dump: what to do before entering the recaveri
Before you drop Xiaomi through the Recovery, follow the mandatory steps:
- Check the battery power, it should be at least 50%, and if it's low, the phone may shut down during the reset, causing damage to the system files.
- Extract. SIM-map SD-This will prevent the removable drive from being randomly formatted.
- Make sure you have access to a Mi Account linked to your phone. After the reset, you may need proof of ownership of the device (especially on models with Mi Cloud Lock).
- Prepare a USB cable – you’ll need it if you need to flash your phone through Fastboot after a failed reset.
If the phone is still on, back up via Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi PC Suite, otherwise the data will be lost forever.
Battery charge > 50%|Extracted. SIM and SD-map|Access to Mi Account is available|Cable ready. USB emergency|Backup (if the phone is turned on)-->
For Xiaomi 12/13 and newer models with Anti-Rollback feature, check the current version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone. Resetting to old firmware can lock the device!
How to enter the recavator on Xiaomi: all ways
There are three official methods to launch recovery on Xiaomi, depending on the condition of the phone:
| Condition of the telephone | Entry method | Button combination |
|---|---|---|
| Phone's on. | Through the menu | Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (stamp 7 times) → Additional → Reboot to Restore Mode |
| Phone's off. | Hardware buttons | Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds |
| The phone is stuck on the logo. | Forced entry | Press Power + Volume up 20+ seconds before vibration |
| No response to the buttons | Through ADB | adb reboot recovery |
On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), the button combination may differ, for example, on some devices you first need to pin the Volume up + Power, and after the appearance of the MI logo, release Power, holding the Volume up.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone vibrates after pressing the buttons but does not load the Recovery, the recovery section may be damaged.
What to do if the button combination does not work?
Step-by-step: how to reset Xiaomi through the Recovery
After successfully entering the recovery mode, you will see a menu in English or Chinese (depending on the version of MIUI).
- Select a language (if available). On newer versions of MIUI Recovery, you can change the language in the upper right corner.
- Go to the Wipe Data section (on some models – Factory Reset).
- Confirm reset: On Stock Recovery: select Wipe All Data → Confirm. On TWRP: swipe the Swipe to Factory Reset slider.
Wait for completion
The screen will show a progress bar labeled Erasing... or Formatting data. Don't interrupt the process, which can cause damage to the /data partition and the need for a complete flashing.
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If the phone needs a password again after reset, connect it to Wi-Fi and log in via Mi Account. On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3), after reset, protection against theft is activated, and without a linked account, it will be impossible to unlock the device.
For models with data encryption (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Mi 11 Ultra may need to be reset after resetting PIN-If you forget it, the only way out is to run the Fastboot firmware and delete all the data.
What to do if the reset did not help: alternative methods
If the phone still doesn’t work after resetting through the recovery (hangs on the logo, reboots cyclically, or gives out errors), try the following solutions:
- 🔄 Cache reset (does not delete data): In the Recaveri, select Wipe Cache. Confirm action. Reset the phone.
- 📥 Fastboot Firmware: Download the official firmware for your model from the site MIUI Download. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode. + Power. Select a firmware file and press Flash.
Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP)
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Run TWRP through Fastboot.
- In TWRP, select Advanced Wipe → Tag Dalvik, Cache, Data, Internal Storage → Swipe to Wipe.
On models with Anti-Rollback (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50), rollback to the old version of MIUI via Fastboot will lock the device.
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If the phone requires a previous owner’s account (Mi Cloud Lock) after the reset, contact him to unlock or provide proof of purchase to the Xiaomi service center.
How to recover data after resetting through the Recovery
If you didn’t back up before the reset, the chances of returning the data depend on the type of cleanup:
- 📂 Photo/Video: Use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (scan internal memory through the device). ADB or after connection as a removable disk).
- 💬 Messages/Contacts: Restore your Google Account (if synced) or Mi Cloud (if your Mi Account was linked).
- 🎮 Check if the game supports cloud-based saves (for example, through Google Play Games).