How to Reset Xiaomi Phone to Factory Settings: The Complete 2026 Guide

Why you might need to reset Xiaomi to factory settings

Resetting a Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems. Most often, users resort to this procedure in three cases: when the device starts to brake after long use, if you forget the pattern lock or password, or when preparing the phone for sale. Unlike a normal reboot, hard reset completely erases all user data, returning the firmware to its original state, as if you just unpacked the box.

It is important to understand that resetting is not always a panacea. For example, if a Xiaomi phone does not turn on due to hardware malfunctions (damaged motherboard or battery), software reset will not help here, but it effectively solves problems with “hang” on the Mi logo, cyclical reboot or errors in the work of MIUI. Statistics of service centers show that up to 40% of calls with “default” Xiaomi smartphones are solved by a complete reset, without the need for repair.

Another nuance is the difference between soft and hard resets: the first (through settings) saves some system files, and the second (via Recovery or Fastboot) deletes everything, including firmware updates, which is critical for models with a locked bootloader, where an incorrect reset can lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device, so before starting the procedure, you should clearly determine what type of reset you need.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few mandatory steps that will save you from losing important data and unexpected problems in the process.

First, back up all critical data. Even if you plan to reset through file-saving settings, you better be safe. Use the built-in Mi Cloud (free of charge) or third-party services like Google Drive.

• 📱 Contacts (export in.vcf format)
• 📸 Photo and video (transfer to PC or external drive)
• 🔑 Passwords from apps (write down or use password manager)
• 🎮 Game saves (many titles are linked to a Mi or Google Play account)

Second, check the battery level. The reset process can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the model, and if the phone turns off in the middle of the operation, it can damage system files. The optimal level is at least 70%. For models with removable batteries (for example, Redmi). 4A or Redmi Note 4X) Connect the charger directly, bypassing USB-hub.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone before selling, remember to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to log in to their profile due to being linked to your device.

Finally, prepare the tools for emergency reset (if the basic method doesn't work):

• 🔧 USB-TypeC Cable (Original, Undamaged)
• 💻 Computer with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed (for Fastboot reset)
• 📄 Recovery Mode login instructions for your model (button combinations differ)

Make sure you have a battery charge >70% | Backup data | Record the username/password from your Mi Account | Prepare a USB and PC cable | Check the phone model for the correct button combination-->

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (soft reset)

This is the easiest and most secure method, and is suitable for most situations where the phone turns on and responds to touch.It saves the latest firmware updates, but deletes all user data and settings.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Reset settings (you may need to enter a password or pattern lock).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Delete Everything.

For models with MIUI 11 and older, the path is slightly different:

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

It takes 3 to 10 minutes, and the phone will reboot several times, and then you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you bought it, and if you've had a "failed to reset" error at this point, it could mean:

• 🔒 Device is linked to Mi Account (requires login/password entry after resetting)
• 🛠️ The file system is damaged (try resetting via Recovery)
• 🔋 Insufficient battery charge (plug in charge and try again)

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If after resetting the phone asks for an old Wi-Fi password you don’t remember, connect to the network via mobile data or other Wi-Fi, then delete the network in the settings.

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

This method comes in handy if the phone doesn’t respond to touch, hangs on the Mi logo, or you forgot the unlock password. Recovery Mode is a service mode built into Xiaomi firmware that allows you to perform low-level operations without booting the main system.

The combinations of buttons for entering Recovery differ depending on the model:

Once you successfully log in to Recovery, you'll see menus in English or Chinese (depending on the firmware version), use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for confirmation of choice.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
2. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wiped successfully).
4. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models with a blocked bootloader (bootloader) after reset via Recovery may require re-authorization in the Mi Account. If you do not remember the login data, the phone will become a “brick” – it can be unlocked only through the official service.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most radical method that is used when the first two methods fail, which requires connecting the phone to the computer and working with the command line. Fastboot allows you to reflash the device completely, including the bootloader and the core of the system, so it is suitable for recovering "bricked" phones.

What you'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (or macOS/Linux fixed ADB)
• 🔌 Original USB-TypeC cable (importantly, cheap cables may not transmit data)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi)
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the site) MIUI Download)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power before the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
2. Connect the phone to the computer. Install the drivers if the system requests them.
3. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All (complete cleanup) or Save User Data (customer data is saved, but this does not guarantee performance).
6. Press Flash and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-15 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "This device is locked," it means that the bootloader is blocked on your phone.

1. Apply for unblocking via the Mi Unlock website (requires a linked Mi Account).
2. Wait 72-168 hours (wait time depends on Xiaomi policy).
3. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool utility to unlock.

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Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring back a Xiaomi phone that doesn’t turn on and respond to button combinations.However, it requires technical skills and can lead to a loss of warranty if the device was blocked by the manufacturer.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery Mode

• 🔋 Check the battery power – at a level below 5%, many models block the entry into service modes.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable or port – sometimes the problem is poor contact.
• 🕒 Hold the buttons at least 15-20 Seconds (in some models, the entry time is increased).

2.After reset, the phone asks for the old password from the Mi Account

This means that the device has activated the Find Device function.

• 📧 Enter the correct username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
• 🔓 If you forget your data, try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com.
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center with documents confirming the purchase.

3.Reset interrupted and phone not switched on

If the reset process has been interrupted (for example, the battery has gone down or the cable has been turned off), try:

• 🔄 Repeat the reset via Fastboot (Method 3).
• 🔋 Connect the phone to the charger on 1-2 for an hour, then try again.
• 💽 Reflash the device using the Mi Flash Tool (you will need a computer).

⚠️ If the phone fails to reset, it will give an error "This" MIUI version cannot be installed on this device, which means you're trying to install firmware not for your model. MIUI from the official website, checking the matching code model (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro has the code sweet, and Poco). X3 NFC — surya).

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, Xiaomi’s phone will launch in initial setup mode, just like after purchase.

1. Complete the activation process

• 🌍 Choose the language and region (for Russia – Russia, for other countries – the appropriate location).
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network (if any) SIM-map).
• 🔑 Set up the unlock (recommended to use) PIN-code).

2.Restore data from backup

• ☁️ If you have used Mi Cloud, log in to your account and select Restore from the Cloud.
• 💾 For local copy, connect your phone to your PC and transfer files manually.
• 📱 Install apps from Google Play or Mi App Store.

3. Optimize the system

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🚫 Disable unnecessary system applications (Settings) → Annexes → Application management).
• 🛡️ Set up permissions for applications (Settings) → Confidentiality).

For models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Poco) F5 Pro) it is recommended to activate the mode immediately DC Dimming (Settings) → Display. → Dimming mode) to reduce screen flicker at low brightness.

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If after resetting the phone began to discharge faster, perform battery calibration: completely discharge the device before turning off, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions