How to Reset Xiaomi Phone 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 removes all user data, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state, but if performed improperly can lead to a blink (completely inoperable) of the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current reset methods for modern Redmi, POCO and Mi models – from the standard menu to forced recovery via Fastboot.

Xiaomi phones have two types of reset: soft (via settings) and hard (via Recovery or Fastboot); the first stores data in the Mi Account (such as contacts and notes); the second completely clears internal memory, including hidden partitions. The choice of method depends on the reason for the reset: if the phone is locked or not turned on, you will need a Hard Reset with physical buttons.

Important: After resetting on some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5), you may need to re-authorize in Mi Account to unlock the bootloader. If you forget your account information, restore it before the procedure begins, otherwise you risk getting a brick.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do necessarily

Even if you plan to reset due to critical errors, take 10 minutes to prepare — it will save hours to recover data later.

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: sync with Google Account or export through Settings → Google → Backup.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC via cable or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud (check that the place is not over!).
• 🔑 Passwords and logins: export from Mi Browser or Google Password Manager.
• 🎮 Game data: link accounts to Google Play Games or social networks.

Delete. SD-card (if any) – some Xiaomi models format it with internal memory. Check battery power: it takes at least 30% to reset via Recovery, otherwise the process will stop in the middle. If the phone does not turn on, connect it to charging for 15-20 minutes before the manipulation begins.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14+ (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60) After reset, you may need to enter your old Mi Account password, even if you have disabled the binding.This is a measure of protection against theft. If you do not remember the password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com before resetting.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The safest method for working phones is if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock./PIN-code.
• 🚀 You need to eliminate software lags without complete cleaning.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Resetting (on some firmwares - Recovery and Reset).
3. Tap to erase all data (or reset to factory settings).
4. Enter the password/pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new, and it's important that you don't connect to Wi-Fi at this point if you're planning to sell the device, or you'll automatically sync with Mi Account.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Shut down. SD-card (if any)

Synchronize your contacts with Google

Download backup photos on PC

Remember the data from the Mi Account-->

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

This method is necessary if the phone:

• 🔒 Blocked and does not respond to password entry.
• 🐢 Hanging on the logo. MIUI or cyclically reboot.
• 🦠 Infected with a virus that blocks access to settings.

To log in to Recovery, use the physical buttons:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Keep Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Let go of Meals, but keep Volume up until the Recovery menu appears.

From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese) select:

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm


(or Chinese: → → )

Once confirmed, the phone will begin the cleanup process. On models with MIUI 13+, after a hard reset, you may need to re-authorize to Mi Account even when the link was previously disabled. If you do not remember the account information, restore it in advance!

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires a PC and is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
• 📦 You need to reflash your phone after a failed update.
• 🔒 Phone locked and Mi Account not tied.

Procedure:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and type: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) after fastboot erase commands, you may need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool. Without this, the phone will not boot! Download the official firmware for your model from the site MIUI Downloads.

5 Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider typical scenarios and solutions:

• 🔄 "The phone is stuck on the logo. MI after reset": This means damage to system files.The solution is to flash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of the Clean All option.
• 🔒 "Requires old Mi Account password after reset: Restore your account on Xiaomi or contact support with proof of device ownership (check, box).
• 📵 "Not activated after Fastboot reset: Check if the firmware process has interrupted. Try repeating commands or scrolling through the full fastboot image.
• 🛑 "Cannot receive hello packet' error in Fastboot: Update Xiaomi drivers on PC or use another one USB-cable (original!).

If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-map, check network settings in Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks, sometimes manual operator selection or reboot helps.

💡

Before selling your phone after a reset, do an additional cleaning: go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup and select Deep Cleanup. This will delete residual application data that may have been saved after the reset.

6.How to recover data after reset

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on the type of reset:

• 📱 After soft reset: Part of the data (photos, documents) can remain in the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup. Use programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver to scan your internal memory.
• 🔧 Hard reset: Recovery is only possible if the internal memory has not been overwritten. MTP and scan with Recuva or 7-Data Recovery.
• ☁️ Cloud Copies: Check Mi Cloud (if sync was enabled) or Google Drive (for contacts and photos).

To recover SMS messages and call history, use applications like SMS Backup & Restore if a local copy was created before the reset. Important: don't write new data to your phone before you try to recover it, which reduces your chances of success.

💡

If the phone after reset requires the Mi Account password, and you do not remember it, DO NOT try to guess - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

7. Alternative methods of discharge for specific cases

Sometimes the standard methods don't work. Let's look at the non-obvious solutions.

• 🔄 Find Device Reset: If your phone is lost or stolen but is tied to Mi Account, go to i.mi.com, select your device and click Erase Data.

Phones with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70) may need to reset the Mi Account after resetting, even when the binding is disabled, a security measure that cannot be circumvented legally.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset