Resetting a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, which may be necessary when selling a device, after a virus attack, when a critical system failure occurs, or if the phone starts to “brake” for no apparent reason, but a complete reset removes all data from internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications and even some system settings.
Many users are afraid to reset because of the risk of bricking a device or losing important files. In fact, if you follow the proven instructions and take into account the nuances of a particular model, the procedure is safe. In this article, we will discuss three official methods of resetting (through settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), explain how to prepare for the procedure, and warn against typical errors.
Before you get to the instructions, remember: the reset does not delete data from the memory card (if it is installed), but erases everything from the internal drive. If you forget the password from the Mi Account account associated with the phone, after the reset, the device can lock, more about this in the section about the Xiaomi account.
Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start
Despite its apparent simplicity, factory resets require prior action, and ignoring this step can lead to the loss of important data or even locking the device.
1. Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings → About Phone → Backup) or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud.
- 📸 Photos and videos (you can copy them to your PC or cloud)
- 📞 Contact (synchronize with Google Account)
- 📱 Messages (annexes such as: SMS Backup & Restore Helps to Keep History)
- 🎮 Save Games (if the game supports cloud backup, activate it)
2. Make sure the phone is charged. The reset process can take 5 to 30 minutes depending on the model. If the battery is below 30%, the risk of interruption due to discharge increases dramatically - this can lead to a software failure.
3. Find out the MIUI version and the phone model. This will be useful if you need to reflash the device after a failed reset. Find information in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and Device Model.
⚠️ Note: If the phone has Find Device enabled, you may need to enter your Mi Account password after reset, even if you have untied it. → Mi Account → Find Device.
Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)
This is a method that works if the phone turns on, responds to touch, and you remember the unlock password. It's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
- Choose Resetting (or Resetting and Resetting).
- Slip on Reset all settings (sometimes called Delete all data).
- The system will prompt you to enter a password/pattern lock (if it is installed).
- Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings or Delete Everything.
The phone will restart and start the cleaning process. An animation labeled Erasing... or Resetting... Don’t interrupt the process, it could damage system files.
Make sure your phone is charged (>50%)
Backup of important data
Disable Find Device in your Mi Account
Remember the password from your Google and Mi Account (if linked)
Remove the memory card (optional)
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Once the reset is complete, the phone will turn on in its initial setup mode, as after purchase, and you will need to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and go through the activation process.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) After a reset, you may be asked to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you untie it, this is due to the Mi Cloud Activation Lock function. If you do not remember the password, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com.
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches, or is locked with a pattern lock you forgot, a reset via Recovery Mode will help.This mode is available on all Xiaomi devices, but the interface may differ depending on the version of MIUI.
How to log in to Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the button combination: 🔄 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition 🔄 For POCO F1, Mi 8: Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition
Mi
Recovery
In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection). The interface can be in Chinese or English - focus on the icons.
Resetting instructions:
- Select the Wipe Data option (or in Chinese).
- Then, you can use Wipe All Data (or ).
- Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (or ).
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).
- Choose Reboot or to reboot.
If the Recovery menu doesn't have Wipe Data, it might have custom firmware installed, in which case try the method via Fastboot (described below).
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
| Xiaomi model | Combination for entering Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 | Volume up + Nutrition | Menu in English, support for sensory control |
| Mi 11/12/13, Mi Mix 4 | Volume up + Nutrition | You can request a Mi Account password after resetting |
| POCO F1, Mi 8 | Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition | Old Recovery Menu without touch controls |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Volume up + Nutrition | The menu is in Chinese, but the icons are intuitive |
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
If the first two methods fail (e.g., the phone doesn't boot even to Recovery), it's reset via Fastboot, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. It is suitable for advanced users, as incorrect actions can lead to a complete loss of the device’s performance.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set)
- 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website)
- 🔋 Charging the phone > 50%
Step-by-step:
- Install ADB/Fastboot on your computer and unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ drive (e.g., C:\platform-tools\).
- Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds. The screen will show a hare in a hat-out (Fastboot logo).
Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
Win + R
cmd
Enter
ADB
cd C:\platform-tools\fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number in response, you can continue.
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot rebootThe phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, and if it's stuck on the logo again after the reboot, you may need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.
⚠️ Note: The fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase cache commands delete all user data and cache, but do not affect system files. If the problem was in a damaged firmware, this method will not help - you need a full flash through the Mi Flash Tool.
1. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers (download on the official website).
2. Use another USB-cable.
3. Run the command line on behalf of the administrator.
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What to do if your phone requires a Mi Account after resetting
One of the most common problems after a reset is blocking Mi Account Activation Lock, which occurs if the phone was tied to a Xiaomi account and the Find Device function was not disabled before reset, in which case, after the reboot, the system will request the username and password from Mi Account.
How to unlock your phone:
- 🔑 If you remember your account information, just enter it. Once you have successfully logged in, the lock will be removed.
- 🔄 If you have forgotten your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com (you will need access to an email or phone associated with your account).
- 📧 If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is bought by hand), contact the previous owner.
- ⚠️ Do not use “gray” ways to bypass the lock (such as firmware through the lock). EDL or "disconnection" services. This could lead to loss of IMEI or a breakdown of the communication module.
How to avoid blocking in the future:
- Before resetting, untie your Mi Account in Settings → Mi Account → Sign out.
- Turn off Find Device in Settings → Mi Account → Find Device.
- If you are selling a phone, make a reset in the presence of the buyer so that he can immediately link his account.
💡
Mi Account locking is not a bug, it's a theft protection feature, and it activates automatically if the phone has Find Device enabled and a Xiaomi account is tied, and the only official way to unlock it is to enter the correct account details.
Typical post-reset problems and their solutions
Even if the reset is successful, there are some problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
1.The phone is stuck on the Mi logo after being reset.
- 🔄 Try to log into Recovery Mode and repeat the reset (Wipe Data).
- 🔌 If it doesn’t work, try to use the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are available on the forums). 4PDA or XDA Developers).
- 🛠️ In extreme cases, contact the service center - it is possible that the device memory is damaged.
2.The sensor or buttons are not working after reset.
- 🔄 Make another reset through Recovery.
- 📱 Check if the screen plume is damaged (relevant if the phone falls).
- 🔧 If the sensor is partially working, try calibrating it through the engineering menu (#6484### on some models).
3. No net or no catch SIM-map.
- 📶 Restart the phone and check if it is inserted correctly. SIM.
- 🔄 Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
- 📡 If the problem persists, the communication module may be damaged (diagnosis required).
4.The battery goes down quickly after being discharged.
- 🔋 Give the phone a 2-3 full charge/discharge cycle to calibrate the battery.
- 📊 Check which apps are using up charge in Settings → Battery.
- 🔄 If the problem persists, reset your battery settings via Recovery (Wipe Battery Stats if any).