How to Reset Xiaomi Phone to Factory Data Saving Settings: The Complete Guide

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a standard procedure that helps solve most software problems, from slowdowns and errors to viral attacks. However, the classic hard reset erases all user data, making it unacceptable if you haven’t made a backup. Fortunately, Xiaomi has hidden features to perform a soft reset while saving photos, contacts and even some apps.

In this article, we will discuss the 3 official methods of resetting Xiaomi without losing data, including little-known options in MIUI, and also tell you how to prepare the device to minimize risks. Importantly, not all models support such features – we will specify the limitations for each series (Redmi, POCO, Mi).

Why does a simple reset erase data and a soft reset doesn’t?

The traditional hard reset (via Recovery or the settings menu) formats the /data partition, where user files, settings and app cache are stored. This is equivalent to a complete reinstallation of MIUI. Unlike it, soft reset works differently:

• 📁 Save the section /sdcard (internal memory where photos, videos and downloads are located.
• 🔄 Restores only system settings (settings.db) and cache without affecting user data.
• 🔒 Does not delete your linked Mi Account (unlike a full reset via Fastboot).

This is possible thanks to the MIUI architecture, where system and user data are stored in different sections, but not all models support this feature: for example, on the POCO F1 or the old Redmi Note 4, soft reset may not be available. Check compatibility can be in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version – if the version is newer than 12.5, the chances are high.

Preparing your phone before resetting: what to do

Even if you plan to save data, advance preparation will reduce the risk of losing it.

Synchronize your contacts with Google/Mi Account

Copy photos and videos to PC or cloud

Write down Wi-Fi passwords (in Settings → Wi-Fi → Save Networks)

Disable the factory lock (if any)

Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)-->

Pay special attention to synchronization: even if the reset is successful, some data (for example, messages on Telegram or WhatsApp) may not recover.

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account and enable sync for contacts, notes and calendar.
2. For Google services, repeat the step in Settings → Accounts → Google.
3. Use Mi Cloud to back up SMS and call logs (not available on all models).

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If you have Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, check the OEM Unlock status in Settings → For Developers before reset. After reset, it may reset and you will have to wait 7 days to re-unlock.

Method 1: Soft reset via Settings (without file loss)

The easiest way to do this is to use the built-in Reset feature in MIUI, which is available on most devices with MIUI 11 and later, and it's important that it doesn't delete photos, videos, and documents, but it resets application settings and network settings.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Reset” (not to be confused with “Delete all data”!).
3. Enter the lock password (if installed).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 2-5 minutes).

After the reboot, you will see a clean system, but all files in the DCIM, Downloads and Documents folders will remain in place.

Method 2: Safe Mode Reset (to eliminate viruses)

If the phone is infected with viruses or is bugged by third-party apps, Safe Mode will help you reset without the risk of re-infection, in which all user programs are disabled, but the system files remain available for change.

How to log in to Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
2. Press and hold the “Switch Off” option (or “Reboot” on some models).
3. Confirm the transition to Safe Mode (the screen will appear watermark).

Next:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Remove suspicious programs (they will be marked as “Disabled” in Safe Mode).
3. Do a soft reset (as in Method 1).
4. Reset the phone to normal mode.

⚠️ Note: Some functions are not working in Safe Mode MIUI, For example, Second Space or Dual Apps, if you used them, data from the second space may disappear.

Method 3: Reset via Mi PC Suite (for older models)

If your Xiaomi is released before 2019 (like the Redmi 5 or Mi A1), the built-in reset options may not be available, in which case the official Mi PC Suite utility, which allows you to perform a selective reset without formatting internal memory, will help.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Connect your phone via USB (enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers).
3. In the program, select “Backup” and create a backup (optional).
4. Go to "Restore the System» → «Resetting settings».
5. Select the option “Save User Data” (if available) and confirm.

Mi PC Suite doesn’t work with all models – check the compatibility in the table below:

⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware PC Suite can only offer a full reset. In this case, opt out and use Method 1 or create a full backup through adb backup (requires skills to work with the new system). ADB).

What if the reset did not help or the data was lost?

If there are problems after a soft reset (for example, the phone still brakes or overheats), it may be a hardware malfunction or a deep corruption of the system files.

• 🔧 Check the battery health in Settings → Battery → Battery condition: If the capacity is below 80%, resetting won't help, we need a replacement.
• 🛠️ Install firmware manually via Fastboot (instructions at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 📱 Recover data with DiskDigger (for photos) or Mi Cloud (for contacts).

If you lose photos or videos, don't write new files to your phone, which will reduce your chances of recovery. Use programs like Recuva (for PC) or Dumpster (for Android), but remember: the more time has passed since the reset, the lower the probability of success.

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Soft reset doesn't fix hardware problems! If the phone turns off when it's loaded, overheats or doesn't hold a charge, take it to a service center. Reset is useless here.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi resetting with data retention