Xiaomi reset to factory button settings: the full guide

Resetting Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings through physical buttons is the only way to return the device to work if it is locked, not turned on or “hung” on the logo. Unlike software reset via menus, this method works even when a damaged firmware, forgotten pattern lock, or crashes. MIUI. However, the wrong actions can turn the phone into a brick — especially on models with a locked bootloader (bootloader).

In this article, we've got step-by-step instructions for all scenarios, from classic Recovery resets to forced Fastboot flashing, POCO How to get around the error of "This" MIUI version cannot be installed on this device, and what to do if the phone does not respond to combinations, and a unique table of compatibility of reset methods for popular Xiaomi models 2018-2026.

When you need hardware reset buttons

Hard reset over buttons is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in 5 main cases:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-The phone requires unlocking, but you don't remember the combination, and the Mi Account is unbound or blocked.
• 🤖 System failures: The device is constantly restarting, it gives an error "Android system has stopped" or it hangs on the screensaver. MIUI.
• 📱 After a failed update, the phone will not turn on or work with artifacts (for example, does not respond to the sensor).
• 🚫 Viruses or malware: If the smartphone has become “glut” after installing suspicious applications, and the antivirus does not help.
• 🔄 Pre-sale: A quick way to erase all data, including accounts, photos and messages, if the phone is still working.

⚠️ Warning: Hardware reset will remove all data from internal memory, including:

• Contacts, SMS Call logs (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• Photos, videos and documents in folders DCIM, Downloads, etc.
• Application settings, saved games and Wi-Fi passwords.

If the phone is still on, try saving data via Mi first. PC Suite or Connect to a Computer in Mode MTP. On locked devices, this is impossible to do – only reset remains.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow 3 critical steps:

1. Check the battery power. The level must be at least 50%. If the phone runs out during the process, it can lead to loss of power. IMEI or».
2. Discover the phone model. Reset methods are different for Mi Recovery (most Xiaomi) and Fastboot (e.g., Mi Recovery) devices, POCO F1 You can see the model on the box, under the battery (if removable) or via the command ##4636## (if the phone turns on).
3. Download the firmware (if required). Some models will need to reflash the device after reset. MIUI Please download only from en.miui.com.

🔧 Tools that may be needed:

• 🔌 Charger (to connect the phone to the network during reset).
• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed (if you need a Fastboot).
• 📁 Firmware archive (for models with locked bootloader).
• 🔨 Paperclip or needle (to remove the tray) SIM-cards, if necessary).

💡

If you have a Xiaomi model with a Qualcomm processor (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the Apple Apple Apple). POCO X3), Before reset, check if the bootloader is unlocked. To do this, turn off the phone, press Volume down. + Power and look at the screen: if you have "Unlocked" on the bottom, the bootloader is unlocked. If "Locked" on the back, you may need to log in through Mi Account.

Method 1: Reset via Recovery Mode (for most models)

This method works for 90% Xiaomi smartphones including Redmi Note 9/10/11, Mi 11/12, POCO X3/X4 The instructions are suitable for devices with standard Recovery (not for the same purpose). TWRP!).

Step-by-step action:

1. Turn off your phone. If it's frozen, press the Power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For some older devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X): Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

Choose a language

Nutrition

Go to the "Wipe Data" menu

Recovery

Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data

Confirm the reset

yes

confirm

Nutrition

Wait for completion

Reboot → Reboot to System

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires data input from Mi Account and you do not remember it, the device will be locked (FRP), which works on models with MIUI 12 and later: the solution is to restore access to the account or contact the service center.

Method 2: Fastboot reset (for blocked or “bricks”)

If the phone doesn't load into Recovery or if it's a reset error, you'll have to use Fastboot mode, which is more complicated, but it saves you when you:

• 🔄 The device got stuck on the logo MIUI or Fastboot.
• 🔒 Recovery asks for a password you don’t know.
• 📱 The phone does not respond to button combinations.

What you need:

• Windows computer (Fastboot drivers work better on this OS).
• The Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website)
• Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model.
• USB Type-C cable (preferably original)

Instructions:

1. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn the device off. Press Volume down. + Food and hold for 5-10 seconds until the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo).

Connect the phone to the computer

Mi Flash Tool

Choose firmware.

• Press Select and indicate the path to the unpacked firmware.
• At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset) mode. + loader-lock).
• Start the firmware. Press Flash and wait for completion (5-15 minutes).
• Reboot the phone. Once it's done, it'll turn on in factory condition.

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool is not a load device, check it:

• Are there any Xiaomi drivers installed (you can download here).
• Whether you use the original cable (low-quality cables may not be transmitting data to Fastboot).
• Whether the bootloader is unlocked (if not, you will need official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool).

Table: Reset methods for popular Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are dropped the same way, and the following are the latest data for the 2018-2026 models:

💡 Tip: If your model isn't in the table, try the standard Volume Up combination. + If the phone vibrates but doesn't turn on, it's the wrong combination.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When you reset through the buttons, users face 5 typical problems.

1.The phone does not respond to the button combination

Reasons:

• 🔋 Battery discharged (even if the phone showed 30%, when turned off, the charge could drop to 0%).
• 🛠️ Damaged buttons (especially relevant for Redmi after falls).
• 📱 Firmware hanging (phone "does not see" presses).

Decision:

• Connect the charge for 10-15 minutes, then try again.
• Try to press the buttons with force or at different angles.
• If the phone vibrates but doesn’t turn on, try the Volume Down combination. + Power (possibly downloaded to Fastboot).

2. Mistake "This" MIUI version cannot be installed on this device»

This error appears if you are trying to reset your phone with a locked bootloader and unofficial firmware.

Decision:

• Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
• Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
• If the bootloader is locked, unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (you will need a tied Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).

3.After reset, the phone asks for Mi Account

It's the defense that works. FRP (Factory Reset Protection. It appears if:

• The phone had a Mi Account tied on it.
• The device was working on MIUI 12 or newer.
• The bootloader is locked.

Decision:

• Enter the data from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
• If you don’t remember your password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com.
• If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is purchased from hand), contact the previous owner or service center with a check.

💡

If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, always check if the Mi Account is untied! → Xiaomi account, try to log out. If the system asks for a password, the phone is tied to someone else's account.

4.The phone got stuck on the logo MIUI post-discharge

Reasons:

• 📥 Incorrect firmware (for example, Global was stitched) ROM Chinese-style).
• 🔧 Damaged memory (often after interrupted update).
• 🔒 Locked loader.

Decision:

• Swipe your phone through Fastboot with the official firmware.
• If the firmware doesn’t help, try a test file (e.g., fastboot erase userdata in the command line).
• In extreme cases, contact the service (eMMC memory may be damaged).

5.The sensor doesn't work on the Recovery menu

On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi 8A) The sensor in Recovery might not be responding:

• Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.
• If the buttons don’t work either, plug your phone into charging and try again (sometimes it helps).
• On some firmware, the sensor is turned on after connecting to the PC through ADB (Adb shell input tap x y).

Reset on a locked phone: bypass the pattern lock

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, and Mi Account is not tied, resetting through buttons is the only way to unlock Xiaomi:

For models with MIUI 11 and older:

1. Reset through Recovery (as described in Method 1).
2. After the reboot, the phone will require input from Mi Account, and if the account is not tied, the device will unlock automatically.

For models with MIUI 12+ and locked loader:

1. Reset your phone via Fastboot (see Method 2).
2. If you have a Mi Account request and you don’t remember it, you will need an official unlock through the service center (cost) ~1500–3000 ₽).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) Anti-Rollback protection may work after reset, which means that the phone will refuse to boot if the firmware is older than the one installed earlier. MIUI.

💡

If you often forget passwords, turn on the option “Reserve” in Xiaomi settings. PIN-code" (Settings) → Screen locking → Standby PIN). This will help unlock the phone without resetting.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions