Resetting Xiaomi phone to factory settings via Recovery: Safe Algorithm 2026

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings via recavator mode is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get the device back on track, a method that comes in handy if the phone is stuck on the logo, unresponsive to the sensor, locked with a pattern lock, or infected with viruses that aren’t removed by standard methods. Unlike resetting through the settings menu, hard reset from recovery mode bypasses system locks and even works on “bricks” — devices with corrupted software.

But the procedure has nuances: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a useless “brick”, and some Xiaomi models (for example, with MediaTek processors) require additional steps to unlock the bootloader. In this article, the current 2026 manual with the peculiarities of MIUI 14/15, as well as the compatibility table for popular models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14. We will understand how to avoid typical errors, save important data (if the phone is still reacting), and what to do if the reset did not help.

When you need to dump through the Recovery, and when you can do with standard methods

Before you start taking any drastic measures, consider the situation: Resetting through recovery mode is justified in three cases:

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or hangs on the screensaver MIUI/Xiaomi logo (so-called bootloop").
• 🔒 The device is locked with a pattern lock, PIN-Mi Account code or account and unlock data is lost.
• 🦠 The smartphone is infected with a virus that blocks access to settings or interferes with work (for example, advertising software that is not removed by antiviruses).

In all other cases, try more gentle methods:

• ⚙️ Reset via Settings: Settings → The phone. → Resetting (works if the phone turns on and responds to touches).
• 🔄 Recovery via Mi Cloud: If sync has been enabled, you can try restoring backup on another device.
• 🛠️ Delete your Mi Account through the official website: account.xiaomi.com (if linked) email/phone).

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, a reset over the recovery will not remove the binding. Unlocking will require contacting the previous owner or Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Even if your phone doesn't respond to touch, try to save important data.

1. Extract. SIM-card and memory card (if any) Most Xiaomi models slot SIM located on the side of the face - use a clip or a special key.
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB. If the device is defined as a drive, copy photos, contacts, and other files.

Charge your phone to at least 50%

irreversible damage to firmware

If the phone doesn’t respond to the buttons completely but is charging (the indicator is on fire), let it lie on a charge for 1-2 hours before reset. Some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO X3 or Redmi 9) may not turn on at low charge levels even after connecting to the network.

Battery charge ≥50%|Extracted. SIM and SD-map|Important data is stored (if possible)|Original at hand USB-cable (in case of problems)|Phone model tested (to select the right recovery)

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How to enter the Recovery mode on Xiaomi: a universal way and exceptions

For most Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO, Mi), the login to recovery mode is the same:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 Power button + Volume up (for the 90% model). 🔘 On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi). A1/A2 with pure Android) - Power + Loudness down.

Mi Recovery

If the combination doesn’t work, check the phone model in the table below:

If after holding the buttons the phone vibrates and reboots to normal mode, try:

• 🔌 Connect the charger before pressing the buttons.
• 🕒 Hold the combination longer (up to 15-20 seconds).
• 🔄 Try an alternative combination (e.g., food). + Loudness up + Loudness down for some older models).

Step-by-step: how to reset Xiaomi through the Recovery

When you're successfully logged in to MI Recovery, you'll see a menu in English or Chinese (depending on the firmware), use volume buttons for navigation and power to confirm your choice.

1. Select a language (if available). On newer MIUI 14/15 firmware, the language is usually automatically determined.
2. Go to the "Wipe Data" menu. In some versions of the recavery, the path may look like this: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm
3. The system may ask you to enter a code (usually yes or confirm), or simply select "Confirm".
4. Wait until it's done. It takes 2 to 10 minutes, and the progress bar will be displayed on the screen.
5. Reboot your phone. After a successful reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

A warning may appear on the screen that all data will be deleted, an irreversible process – once confirmed, it will be impossible to restore photos, messages or applications (unless there was a backup).

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If the phone again requires you to enter the password from the Mi Account after the reset, this means that the device was tied to the account. To unlock, you will need to enter the username and password from this account or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

What to do if the dumping over the Recovery does not help

In 10 to 15 percent of cases, a recovery mode reset doesn't solve the problem, and here are the possible causes and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 The phone is hanging on the logo again. → Maybe the firmware is damaged. Try flashing the device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 Requires a password from Mi Account → The device is linked to an account. Try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com or contact the previous owner.
• 📱 The screen doesn't respond to touch. → Maybe the display or the plume is damaged, and then the reset won't help, so you need to change the screen.
• 🦠 The viruses are still there. → Some malware is embedded in system partitions. Try flashing clean firmware through Fastboot.

If the phone does not turn on after the reset at all (no vibration, no indicator lights), two scenarios are possible:

1. The battery ran out during the process. Connect the charger and wait 30 to 60 minutes, then try turning it on.
2. The firmware is damaged due to an interrupted reset, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool or contacting the service center will help.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) After a failed reset, you may need to unlock the bootloader through the official tool Xiaomi Unlock Tool.

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If the reset over the Recovery didn't work, the next step is the firmware through the Fastboot, USB-cable and official firmware for your model.

Xiaomi models with reset features: what you need to know

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when dumped through the Recovery.

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi A1/A2/A3 (Android One: Google’s stock recovery, not Google’s MIUI Recovery.Menu in English, path to reset: Wipe data/factory reset → Yes.

For models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 10A, POCO M4), it is recommended to:

1. Make sure the bootloader is unlocked (if not, use the Xiaomi Unlock Tool).
2. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Download website.
3. Have a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when dumping over the Recovery.

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, try taking a picture of your phone screen and looking for a solution by the error code (e.g. E:unknown command or Failed to mount /data). Often these errors are associated with damaged memory parts, and can only be fixed by flashing.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions