How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

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

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the smartphone back to work, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to a “out of the box” state, most often in three cases:

First, if the phone starts to brake or overheat for no apparent reason. Over time, the MIUI operating system gets clogged with cache, residual files of deleted applications and fragmented data. Even regular cleaning through Settings → Memory does not always solve the problem. Second, a reset is necessary before selling or transferring the device to another person - this ensures that your personal data (photos, passwords, messages) does not fall into the wrong hands. Third, the procedure helps to eliminate critical errors, such as when the smartphone constantly reboots or does not respond to touch.

But it's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea, and if the problem is hardware malfunctions (like a damaged motherboard or a charging connector), going back to factory settings isn't going to help. SD-maps (if installed) and does not reset the settings of Google Account linked to the device via Find My Device.

Before you start, answer yourself the question, "Have I tried more gentle methods?" For example, cleaning the cache for individual applications (Settings → Applications → Select an application → Storage → Clear cache) or updating MIUI to the latest version. If so, it's time to move to reset.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Resetting to factory settings is an irreversible process, and if you don't save important data in advance, you risk losing:

• 📷 Photos and videos from the gallery (including screenshots and downloads from instant messengers)
• 📱 Contacts if they are not synced with Google Account or Mi Cloud
• 📝 Notes, calendar entries and other application data
• 🎮 Game saving (unless linked to a developer account)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords saved in network settings

To avoid losses, follow the following steps:

1. Sync your data with the 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 - 5GB is provided for free, but a full backup may require more.
2. Copy files onto a computer. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) manually transfer important folders (DCIM, Downloads, Documents).
3. Export SMS and call logs, and you can use apps like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
4. Write down IMEI. Type *#06# on your keyboard to display a unique device identifier, which will be useful if you need to prove that the phone belongs to you after the reset (for example, when unlocking through Mi Account).

Pay special attention to the associated accounts. If you forget the username or password from the Mi Account, it will be difficult to reset it after the procedure - Xiaomi requires confirmation of the original owner. The same applies to Google Account: after a reset, the device can request the data of the last synchronized account (FRP protection).

I made a backup of photos and videos.|Synchronized contacts with Google/Mi Cloud|Copyed important files on PC|It's written. IMEI device|I remember the information from the Mi Account.-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

If your Xiaomi is switched on and responsive to touch, the safest way to reset is through the standard menu, a method that works for most models including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and older devices on MIUI 12/13/14.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to About Phone (some versions of MIUI call it Device Information).
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (or Reset in new versions).
4. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone (or similar button).

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and the device will reboot several times, after which the original screen will be displayed (Welcome Screen), at which point you can restore data from the backup or configure the phone as new.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No additional tools (cables, PCs).
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.
• ✅ Maintains the integrity of system files.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It does not work if the phone is locked or not turned on.
• ❌ Some custom firmware may not have a reset option.

💡

Resetting via the settings menu is the safest way, but it is only available if the device is fully operational.

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to the screen, is stuck on the MI logo or is locked with a pattern lock, you’ll have to use Recovery Mode, a method that works even on bricks, but it requires care — wrong actions can lead to loss of access to the phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. If it freezes, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For older devices (e.g. Redmi 4X): Power button + Volume up + Volume down.

Hold the buttons until the Mi Recovery logo appears (a robot with an exclamation mark or menu in Chinese/English).

Choose a language

English

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm the action.

yes

Confirm

Wait for completion

20 minutes.

Reboot

Note: if after a reset, the phone requires you to enter the Mi Account data that was previously linked and you forgot it, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device, in which case you will need to contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.

💡

If the volume buttons don't work, plug your phone into charging before entering Recovery. Sometimes a discharged battery blocks access to the menu.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You can’t log in to Recovery Mode (for example, because of a damaged screen).
• 🔄 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 Phone is blocked by Mi Account and you know the username/password.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB-Type C cable (or Micro-USB for older models).

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (the official tool from Google).
2. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), execute the reset command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands will delete user data and cache, after which the device will restart to its original state.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t use the fastboot erase system command – it will remove the firmware and the phone will stop turning on! For a complete reset with flashing, additional commands and a firmware file (.tgz or.zip) are needed).

If after the execution of commands the phone does not restart, enter:

fastboot reboot recovery

This will load the device into Recovery Mode, where you can complete the reset via the menu.

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

After a successful reset, Xiaomi will launch with a Welcome Screen, where it is important to properly perform the initial setup to avoid problems in the future:

1. Choose a language and region. It is best for Russia to specify Russian and Russia to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. This is necessary to download updates and recover data from the cloud.
3. Sign in to Mi Account or Google Account. If you have backed up through Mi Cloud, the system will prompt you to restore your data at this stage.
4. Set up the lock screen. We recommend using it. PIN-code or pattern lock – fingerprint or facial recognition can be added later.
5. Recover data: From Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore. From Google Drive: Settings → System → Backup → Restore. Manual: connect your phone to your PC and copy the files back.

If some apps are not working properly after recovery, update them via Google Play or reinstall them. Also check the settings for the slots (Settings → Apps → Permissions), as after a reset, access to contacts, camera or microphone may be blocked.

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone asks you to enter a password from a Mi Account you don't remember, don't try to guess it repeatedly - the device can lock for 72 hours.

Common Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, try:

• 🔍 Finding a solution in forums (4PDA, XDA Developers).
• 📞 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (especially if the warranty is still valid).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi resetting before factory settings