How to reset Xiaomi phone to factory settings: 3 working ways

Resetting Xiaomi phone to factory settings is a procedure that can be necessary in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. However, not all users know that an improper reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of resetting for Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones, including hidden nuances that are not written in the standard instructions.

It's important to understand that resets are not the universal solution to all problems, for example, if a phone is slowing down because of overloaded memory, sometimes it's enough to clear the app cache or roll back the update, but if you get a virus infection or fail to firmware, hard reset is the only way out, and we'll tell you how to do the procedure as safely as possible, what data you can save, and what to do if the device requires an old Mi Account after the reset.

When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Before you start resetting, assess whether it is actually necessary. Here are typical scenarios in which the procedure is justified:

• 📱 Preparing for sale or transfer – deletion of all personal information (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🔄 System failures: constant reboots, getting stuck on the Mi logo, errors such as "com. android.phone stopped".
• 🦠 Viruses or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock/password (unless unlocked via Mi Account is triggered).
• 📉 Critical slowdown after update MIUI (This is especially true for older models like the Redmi Note 4 or Mi. A1).

In some cases, the reset will not help:

• ⚠️ Hardware malfunctions (camera does not work, battery is not charged, broken screen).
• ⚠️ Network problems if they are related to damage to the antenna module.
• ⚠️ Lockdown IMEI (Refrigeration or repairs are required in the service).

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (most modern Xiaomi), resetting via Fastboot without unlocking will lead to an anti-rollback error and turn the phone into a "brick". → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times on the line "Core").

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The safest method, which doesn't require any additional tools, is if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. All data will be deleted, but you can back up in advance.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5 times on the MIUI version line to activate the developer mode (optional, but useful for debugging).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset (on some models – Erase all data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password from the Mi Account (if tied) or a pattern lock.
6. Confirm the action with the button to erase everything.

The process will take 5-15 minutes. After the restart, you will be asked to configure the phone as new, at which point you can restore data from the backup (if it was created through Settings → System → Backup).

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Delete SD-map SIM (optionally)|Untie the device from the Google account (Settings) → Accounts)

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⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone with the bootloader unlocked and installed TWRP, After the procedure, a re-shoot may be required. MIUI Otherwise, the device will be stuck on the logo.

Method 2: Hard Recovery (hard reset)

This method will come in handy if the phone is not turning on, stuck on the logo or not responding to touch. Physical buttons are used to enter Recovery mode. The instruction is universal for most Xiaomi models, but on some devices (for example, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) the combinations may differ.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold it together: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 Nana POCO X3, Redmi Note 10: Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down (hold 10 seconds).

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — data-cleaning.
• 🔄 — restart.

On models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12 and later), after resetting via Recovery, an error This device is locked may appear.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Log in to the Mi Account that was tied to the phone before the reset.
3. Confirm the unlock via SMS or email.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The most radical method that's used when other methods don't work, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. Suitable only for unlocked devices or if you are willing to lose all data forever.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📥 Google's Platform Tools utility.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, reset will lead to an error).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the platform-tools in a folder on your computer.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and the inscription Fastboot).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

On models with Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) After resetting via Fastboot, you may need to flash through EDL-The mode if the loader has been blocked.

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool drivers (download from [the official Xiaomi website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index)).

2. Use another USB-port USB 2.0).

3. disable driver signatures in Windows (to do this, type in the command line on behalf of the administrator: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on).

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What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will start as new.

1. Choose a language and region.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (required to activate Mi Account)
3. Sign in to the Mi Account that was linked before the reset (if you forgot the data, restore it via [mi.com](https://account.xiaomi.com)).
4. Set up a fingerprint/face (optional).
5. Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

If the phone after reset:

• 🔴 Requires an old Mi Account you don't remember → Use the [official unblocking form](https://i.mi.com/unlock) (will require a purchase check or IMEI).
• 🔴 Not included or stuck on the logo → Try to flash through the Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL.
• 🔴 Not catching the net. → check the settings APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).

How to avoid mistakes when resetting Xiaomi

Even experienced users sometimes face problems after a reset, and here are the key rules to help minimize the risks:

• 🔋 The battery must be at least 50% charged, and interruption of the process due to discharge can cause damage to system files.
• 📱 Untie your Google account before resetting (especially if the phone was bought used). FRP-Factory Reset Protection (Factory Reset Protection).
• 🔐 Remember the Mi Account data, and it's going to be really hard to unlock your phone after a reset.
• 📡 Use a stable Wi-Fi connection when you first turn on. A weak signal may have an activation failure.

If you drop your phone before selling:

• ✅ Delete everything. SIM-memory-cards.
• ✅ Log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks).
• ✅ Reset twice – some data may remain after the first reset.

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On Android 12+ (MIUI 13/14) models, you may need to confirm via SMS or email after a reset even with the correct password from Mi Account.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset