How to reset Xiaomi phone to factory settings buttons: full instruction

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings through hardware buttons is the only way to bring a device back to life if it doesn't respond to the screen, is locked with a password or is stuck on the logo. Unlike software reset via menus, this method works even when the firmware is damaged or the touchscreen is broken. However, the wrong actions can turn the phone into a "brick" - so it's important to follow the algorithm clearly.

In this article you will find:

• 🔹 Step-by-step instructions for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including old and new devices).
• 🔹 The difference between Hard Reset and Fastboot is which method to choose in your situation.
• 🔹 Methods for recovering data after a reset (if the phone is still being called back).
• 🔹 Frequent errors and how to avoid them so as not to damage the device.

We warn you right away: the reset erases all data — photos, contacts, messages and apps. If the phone turns on at all, try saving information first through the Mi Cloud or your PC connection. If not, read on.

1. When you need to reset through the buttons - and when you can do without it

Hard Reset is a last resort, and in most cases, the problem can be solved more easily:

Hard Reset is mandatory if:

• 📱 The phone does not respond to charging and shows no signs of life (other than vibration).
• 🔒 The device is locked after a failed update or region change.
• 🤖 The system is fixated on the MI logo or download animation.
• 🚫 Mi Account is not confirmed and you have forgotten your password.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was bought hand-held and tied to someone else's Mi Account, a reset won't help - it will require official unlocking through Xiaomi. Otherwise, the device will remain locked even after Hard Reset.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow these steps – they will save time and nerves:

Why it matters:

• 🔋 Charging below 30% can interrupt the reset process, which can damage the firmware.
• 📱 SIM- card and flash drive can interfere with reset (especially on older Redmi 3/4X models).
• 🔌 The original cable is for Fastboot — cheap analogues are often not recognized by PCs.
• 🔍 IMEI will be useful if the network is lost after the reset (solved by recovery via Engineer Mode).

If the phone is still on, try saving the data:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and sync Contacts, Notes and Photos via Mi Cloud.
2. Copy files to your PC via MTP (turns on in the notification curtain).
3. Use ADB for backup (if USB debugging is enabled).

3. Recovery Mode Reset (for all Xiaomi models)

This is the main reset method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 8/9/10, POCO X3/F3, Mi 11/12 and older models. The instruction is universal, but there are nuances for individual lines (see table below).

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Turn off the phone (press the Power for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power + Volume Up (hold 10-20 seconds). For Redmi 5A/6A and old Mi A1/A2: Power + Volume Up + Volume Down.

Wait for the vibration and the Mi logo

Recovery

Choose a language

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Wait for completion

Reboot

⚠️ Warning: On models with a locked bootloader (e.g., Xiaomi 12T or POCO F4), after a reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account tied to the device. If you don't remember the password, the phone becomes a brick.

💡

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for icons: the "junk bucket" or "reset" icon is Wipe Data. Use Volume Up/Down buttons for navigation and Power for confirmation.

4.Reset via Fastboot (if Recovery doesn't work)

If the phone doesn't load Recovery or "hang" on the Mi logo, try resetting via Fastboot.This method requires a connection to a PC and installed Xiaomi drivers.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with Windows (or Mac/Linux with ADB Tools).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or Platform Tools (for commands).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds - the device will go to Fastboot mode (a hare will appear in a hat-eared).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open Command Prompt in the Platform Tools folder and type: fastboot devices If the phone is identified (its serial number appears), continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the commands don’t work, try the full flashing through the Mi Flash Tool:

• 📁 Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
• 🖱️ In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode.
• 🔄 Connect your phone to Fastboot and press Flash.

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Resetting via Fastboot erases data deeper than through Recovery, and often helps with soft bricks (for example, after a failed update).

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often make mistakes that lead to data loss or damage to the phone.

• ❌ Interrupting (removing the battery, disconnecting from the PC) is guaranteed to turn the phone into a brick — recovery is possible only through the service center.
• ❌ Using unofficial firmware (especially on newer Xiaomi models 13/14) This blocks Mi Account and IMEI.
• ❌ Google account reset without detachment (on Android One Mi A3 models).
• ❌ Ignoring battery power. If the phone runs out during reset, the chances of recovery are 50/50.

How to avoid problems:

• ✅ Before reset, check IMEI (dial #06#). If it disappears after reset, restore it via Engineer Mode (code #4636##*).
• ✅ On models with a bootloader lock (e.g., POCO F5), first unlock it through the official Xiaomi website.
• ✅ If the phone doesn't turn on after reset, try clamping the Power + Volume Up for 30 seconds (sometimes helps with soft bricks).

6. Data recovery after reset

If you haven’t saved the data before the reset, the chances of recovering it depend on the reset method and the phone model:

• 🔍 After Hard Reset via Recovery: 📸 Photo/video: You can try to recover via DiskDigger or Recuva (if the phone is defined as a drive). 📞 Contacts/messages: You can't recover (unless you've synced with Mi Cloud).
• 🔧 After reset via Fastboot: ❌ Data is deleted irrevocably - recovery is impossible.

Recovery programs (if the phone is turned on):

• 🖥️ Dr.Fone (paid but effective for Xiaomi)
• 🖥️ EaseUS MobiSaver (free version recovers limited data).
• 🖥️ 7-Data Recovery (works with damaged partitions of memory)

⚠️ Warning: Don't install recovery software on the phone itself, it will overwrite deleted data. Connect the phone's memory to the PC in mode. MTP or through the card reader (if there is a slot for the SD).

Alternative way (for advanced users):

1. Remove the back cover of your phone and connect to eMMC contacts via UFI Box or EasyJTAG.
2. Count the memory dump and recover the data through the Hex editor.

This technique requires skills and equipment, but sometimes saves unique photos or documents.

7. Features of reset for different Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi devices have unique “chips” that affect the reset process.

For POCO owners, if the phone is "lagging" after the reset, turn off MIUI Optimization in the developer settings.

For Xiaomi Pad (tablets): The button combination is the same, but you need to hold them longer (up to 25 seconds), as tablets are slower to respond to hardware commands.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions