How to reset Xiaomi phone to factory settings: 4 working ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, helping to fix software failures, prepare the device for sale or remove traces of the previous owner. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lock the phone or erase important data without recovery. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways — from the standard menu to the Fastboot mode — and also tell you how to prepare for the procedure and what you can not do.

Xiaomi regularly updates the MIUI interface, so instructions from old manuals may not work. We tested all methods on the latest firmware versions (including MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS) and took into account the features of popular models — from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Pro. If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or requires unlocking after buying from hand — here you will find a solution.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way out.

• 📱 The phone is severely slowing down, apps spontaneously close, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 You bought Xiaomi with your hands and want to delete the previous owner’s data (including the tied Mi Account).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Critical bugs (for example, camera or Wi-Fi is not working).
• 📦 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another person.
• 🚨 Phone locked due to too many failed password attempts.
• 🛠️ Errors caused by manual changes to system files (e.g., after rooting) must be fixed).

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Physical breakdown of the battery or motherboard.
• 📡 Hardware defects of the communication module (for example, Wi-Fi antennas or Bluetooth).
• 💧 Getting liquid under the screen or on the board.

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting your phone due to viruses, first try scanning it through Security in Settings.Some malware (like Triada or FakeApp) can survive reset if it is embedded in system partitions.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance?

Before reset, be sure to follow these steps, otherwise you risk losing important data or locking your device:

1. Backup. Use the built-in Backup in Settings → About Phone or Third Party Services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud). It is especially important to save:

Mi Account

Mi Cloud Activation Lock

Charge the battery at least 50%.

"briku"

Remove the memory card and the SIM.

Xiaomi

If you reset a phone with a Mi Account tied, but don’t remember the password, first untie the device through account.xiaomi.com (Devices → Delete section), otherwise, after the reset, the phone will require the entry of credentials of the previous owner.

Make a backup copy|Check the battery charge (>50%)|Make sure you have access to your Mi Account|Extract SIM and SD-map|Remember the password from the lock screen-->

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

This is a standard method that works on all Xiaomi models with MIUI or HyperOS. Suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in HyperOS – About Device).
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (or Reset in new versions).
4. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
5. If requested, enter PIN-code, pattern lock or password from the lock screen.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Data (or Delete Everything).

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process. It can take 5 to 20 minutes -- don't interrupt it! -- when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A POCO X3) After a reset, you may still be linked to your Mi Account, and if you sell a phone, use the Recovery method (described below).

💡

Resetting through the settings menu is the safest way, but it doesn’t always remove the binding to the Mi Account. Use Recovery for full “cleanup.”

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is blocked, Recovery mode will help, which works even without access to the main system.

1. Turn off your phone. If it doesn't respond, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Redmi Note 8/9 and Poco X2: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and menu appear in English/Chinese.

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Clear All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If you request a password in Recovery, it means that the Mi Account lock was enabled on the phone, in which case you will need to enter the account information that was associated with the device.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi) K40) After resetting via Recovery, an error may appear "This device is locked" which means that the phone is tied to Mi Account, and you will need to enter a login / password to unlock it.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).
• 🛠️ Refuse the device after a failed update.

This method will require a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot commands.

1. Download Mi Phone Manager from Xiaomi’s official website or use the universal ADB/Fastboot drivers.
2. Upload the phone to Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power before the screensaver with a rabbit in a hat-eared.

Connect your phone to your PC

Open the command line.

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), run the command to reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For a complete reset (including system partitions), use:

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase data




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Important: The last command will remove the firmware and the phone won't boot! It's only used before flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

1. Reconnect. USB-cable.

2. disable driver signatures in Windows (via Run → bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on).

3. Use a data-enabled cable (not all charging cables are suitable for Fastboot).-->

Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, you can use the Remote Reset feature via Mi Cloud.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in with your Xiaomi account.
2. In the Devices section, select the desired phone.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: After a remote reset, the phone will be locked through Mi Account Activation Lock. You can only unlock it by entering the username and password from the account that was tied to the reset.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:

If the phone requires a password from an old Google account (not Mi Account!) after resetting, it means that FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection has been enabled to bypass it:

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi on the settings screen.
2. Go back and enter any email/password 5 times until the Forgot Password button appears.
3. Follow the instructions to reset your Google password (access to the mail that was tied will be required).

💡

If the phone after reset asks for a password from Mi Account, and you do not know it – officially unlock the device can only be through Xiaomi support (you will need checks or a box).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions