How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: all ways 2026

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks.The procedure deletes all user data, returning the smartphone to its original state, as after the purchase. However, many users are afraid to perform the reset due to the risk of losing important files or not knowing the nuances of the process.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current methods of resetting for Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO (And we'll include models from 2023 to 2026, and we'll explain how to prepare for the procedure, and we'll warn you against common errors, and we'll focus on situations where the phone doesn't respond to commands or is locked. MIUI 14 and HyperOS.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it remains the only effective solution:

• 🔄 Slowdown: if the smartphone began to brake for no apparent reason, and cleaning the cache and disabling background processes do not help.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware: when antivirus utilities cannot remove the threat and the system behaves suspiciously (self-reboots, pop-up ads).
• 🔓 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN: If you don’t remember the unlock password and your Mi Account is not tied.
• 📦 Preparation for sale/transfer: to delete all personal information (photos, messages, accounts) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🛠️ Failures after the update: if after installing the new version MIUI or HyperOS has experienced critical errors (e.g., persistent reboots).

It is important to understand that resetting will not help in cases of hardware breakdowns (for example, a faulty battery or a broken screen), as well as if the problem is associated with a bootloop due to a damaged bootloader.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is locked through Find Device, the reset will not remove the lock. Unlocking will require entering the Mi Account data associated with the phone.

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

The discharge procedure irrevocably removes:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and images in messengers).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS/MMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Game and application data (progress, settings, cache).
• 📝 Notes, calendars, reminders (if not stored in the cloud).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords saved in the browser logins.

To avoid losses, follow the following steps:

1. Sync with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for all the right categories (contacts, notes, photos). Make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free 5GB is provided).
2. Local Copy on PC: Connect your phone to your computer via USB (in File Transfer mode) and manually copy the DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads), Pictures and Documents folders.
3. Export SMS and logs: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play) to save messages to a.xml file.
4. Backup via ADB (for advanced users): If you have access to debugging over USB, you can create a full backup command: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

Make a backup of photos|Synchronize contacts with Google/Mi Cloud|Record passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts|Check the battery charge (minimum) 50%)|Delete SD-card (if any)-->

Once reset, all internal memory data will be erased without the ability to be restored by standard means, and even specialized programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver can’t guarantee 100% recovery after a complete reset.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in HyperOS – About Device).
3. Select Reset (or Reset and Reset in older versions).
4. Smash all the data.
5. Enter a password/pattern lock if the system requests it.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset settings (some models will need to enter) PIN from SIM-map).

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-15 minutes, and when you complete it, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after you purchase it.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO F5) The path to reset may be different: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Reset settings. If you can't find a item, search by settings (loop icon at the top).

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If your smartphone is slowing down when you try to open the settings, try starting the reset in Safe Mode. To do this, hold the power button, then choose Shutdown Power → Safe Mode with a long tap.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked, use Recovery Mode, a method that works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13 and POCO X5 Pro.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older devices (e.g. Redmi 4X): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Hold on until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese) using volume buttons, confirm with the power button.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 🔹 The third item on top is Wipe Data.
• 🔹 The first item in the submenu is Wipe All Data.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is not available (e.g. damaged recovery partition).
• 🔄 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 Phone is blocked by Mi Account, but you know your account details.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware file for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, including files on internal memory.This method can also lock the bootloader if it was previously unlocked.

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Fastboot reset is an extreme method, only use it if other methods don’t work, as it requires technical skills and can lead to a device blinking when errors occur.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial setup mode.

1. Language and Region Choice: Please indicate Russian and Russia (or your region) to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Connect immediately to sync data from Mi Cloud or Google.
3. Data recovery: In the Data Copy phase, select a backup from the cloud or connect to a PC to manually transfer files.
4. Security setting: Install a new one PIN-code or pattern lock, and link your Mi Account (this will protect your device from theft).
5. System Update: Go to Settings → System Update and install the latest security patches.

If you are selling a phone, don’t restore data – just do the basic setup and hand over the device to the new owner.

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After reset, it is recommended to disable automatic synchronization of unnecessary data (such as call history or SMS) in Settings → Accounts to save space on the device.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:

If the phone is running slower than before the procedure, check:

• 🔋 Battery Charge: Low Charge Levels Can Brake Your System.
• 📱 Background Processes: Open Settings → Annexes → Auto-start and disable unnecessary programs.
• 🔄 Updates: Install the latest patches in Settings → Updating the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset