How to Reset Xiaomi Phone to Factory Settings Without Losing Data: The Complete Guide

Resetting Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings is a standard procedure that is required when selling a device, fixing system errors or preparing for an update MIUI. However, most users fear this operation because of the risk of losing personal data: photos, correspondence, contacts and applications.In fact, it is possible to save information during a reset - if you properly prepare and use the built-in tools of Xiaomi.

In this article, we will discuss 5 ways to reset with saving data, including backup via Mi Cloud, local saving on PC, and recovery after reset. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different models - from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14, where the process may differ due to the version. MIUI. You will also learn what data cannot be restored even after a backup (for example, setting up some system applications) and how to avoid it.

Why Factory Resets Don’t Always Mean Data Loss

Many users mistakenly believe that a Hard Reset erases everything, and Xiaomi actually offers two types of reset:

• 🔄 Soft reset (via settings) – only deletes user data and applications, but leaves the option of recovery from backup.
• ⚠️ Hard reset (via Recovery) – completely clears the partition /data, In this case, without prior backup, the data will be lost.

The key difference is that in the first case, the system retains a connection to the Mi Account, which allows you to automatically restore contacts, notes and even some settings after authorization. In the second, the phone becomes "clean" as after purchase, we will focus on the first option, because it is safer and easier for beginners.

It's important to understand that even with a soft reset, not all data will be saved automatically.

From the table, you can see that critical data (photos, documents, Wi-Fi passwords) require separate backups.

Method 1: Backup via Mi Cloud (the most reliable method)

Mi Cloud – official cloud storage from Xiaomi, which is integrated into the firmware MIUI. It allows you to automatically save contacts, messages, notes, system settings, and even some application data, the main advantage of which is a one-click recovery after reset.

To take advantage of this method:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account and log in (if you haven’t already done so).
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Backup to Mi Cloud.
3. Select data categories to save (we recommend that you mark everything except System Settings if you don’t want to carry old bugs).
4. Click Start Backup and wait until it is completed (can take up to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data).

Once the backup is complete, you can start resetting.

1. Back to Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Please select Save your Mi Cloud data (if available in your version) MIUI).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After resetting the first time you turn on your phone, the system will prompt you to restore data from the Mi Cloud. Just log in to the same account and select the latest backup.

Contacts with Mi Cloud are synchronized|Is there enough space in the cloud (minimum 5GB for a full backup)|Is the phone connected to Wi-Fi (a backup on a mobile network can take up a lot of traffic)|Is the phone at least 50 times charged%-->

Method 2: Local backup to PC or memory card

If you don't trust cloud services or have slow internet, you can backup your computer or external drive. Xiaomi provides a built-in tool for this, but it has limitations:

• 📁 Not all data is saved (for example, Wi-Fi passwords and some application settings are not portable).
• 🔌 Requires a PC connection or a memory card (on some models, such as Redmi 10, a hybrid card slot).
• ⏳ The process takes longer than a cloud backup.

Instructions for local backup:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode in the Notification Curtain).
2. On your phone, open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
3. Click Create a Backup and select a folder to save (for example, on a memory card or in PC memory).
4. Wait until the process is complete. The backup file will have the.mbk extension.

For recovery after discharge:

1. Copy the.mbk file back to your phone (to the root directory of internal memory).
2. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
3. Select the backup file and click Restore.

⚠️ Note: Local backup does not store data from some system applications (e.g. Mi Fit or Mi Home) and will have to be reconfigured or used by individual export functions of these applications.

If you don't have a memory card, you can save the backup right on your PC.

1. Connect the phone to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
2. In Windows Explorer, go to the Internal Storage folder. → MIUI → backup → AllBackup.
3. Copy the contents of this folder to the hard drive of the PC.

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If you have a Xiaomi model without a memory card slot (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T), use OTG-You can save the backup right on it.

Method 3: Using a Google Account to sync

If you prefer the Google ecosystem, you can sync critical data through your Google Account.

• 📇 Contacts (automatic synchronization with Google Contacts).
• 📅 Calendar and reminders.
• 📎 Some application data (such as Google Keep or Gmail).
• 📱 List of installed applications (but not their data!).

To enable synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your Google account (or add a new one).
3. Activate the switches opposite the categories you want to sync (required: Contacts, Calendar, Application Data).
4. Press Sync now.

Once reset, you just need to log into the same Google account and the data will be automatically downloaded.

• ❌ Photos and videos are not synced through Google Account (you need Google Photos for this).
• ❌ Communications SMS not saved (use Mi Cloud or specialized applications such as: SMS Backup & Restore).
• ❌ Wi-Fi settings are not portable.

For a full backup, we recommend combining Google Account and Mi Cloud.

Method 4: Manually copying important files (photos, videos, documents)

Even if you have backed up via the cloud or locally, critical files (photos, videos, documents) are better saved separately.

• 🔍 Recovery from the backup can take a long time.
• ⚠️ Not all files are properly restored (e.g.,.mov videos sometimes lose sound).
• 📁 Local backup can be damaged when the process is interrupted.

To manually copy files:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
2. Open the Internal Storage folder → DCIM (Here are stored photos and video from the camera).
3. Copy Camera, Screenshots and Downloads folders to your PC hard drive.
4. Check the Documents folder – there may be important ones. PDF, Excel or Word files.

For convenience, you can use the file manager on your phone (for example, Mi File Manager):

1. Open the Files app.
2. Go to the Category section → Images (or Videos, Documents).
3. Select the files you need, click More → Archive and save the archive to a memory card or cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos for automatic backup, make sure all media files are uploaded to the cloud. → Settings → Backup and sync and check the status of the last sync.

Method 5: Reset with saving data via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for those who are familiar with tools like Fastboot and ADB. It allows you to make a "clean" reset, but at the same time save the section. /data (However, this does not guarantee the safety of all data, as some system files may be corrupted.

This method will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Unlocked loader (on some models).

Instructions:

1. Turn on the developer mode on the phone (go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
4. Run the command to go to Fastboot: adb reboot bootloader
5. Next, run the command to reset with saving data: fastboot erase userdata Note: This command only erases user settings, but leaves files in the user's hands. /data/media (where photos, videos and documents are stored).
6. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

After the reboot, your files will remain in place, but all apps and settings will be reset.This method is not recommended for beginners, as the wrong commands in Fastboot can lead to a device "brick."

What to do after a reset: data recovery and phone setup

After a successful reset, you will have to:

1. Sign in to your accounts (Mi Account and Google) to automatically restore contacts and applications.
2. Recover data from the backup (if you made a local or cloud copy).
3. Install the missing apps from Google Play.
4. Reconfigure system settings (Wi-Fi, fingerprint, autorotating screen, etc.).

More on each step:

1. Account Log in and Recovery from the Cloud

When you first turn on after reset, the system will prompt you to log in to Mi Account.

• 📱 Contacts, messages and notes (if synchronized).
• 📁 List of installed applications (they will start to install automatically).
• ⚙️ Some system settings (such as wallpaper or sound circuits).

If you used a Google Account, log in to it too – this will restore data from Google Contacts, Gmail and Google Calendar.

2. Local backup restoration

If you have made a backup to a memory card or PC:

1. Copy the.mbk file back to your phone (to the root directory).
2. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
3. Select the backup file and click Restore.

It can take 10 to 20 minutes. Don't interrupt it or turn off the phone.

3. Manual setting of the phone

Some parameters will have to be reconfigured:

• 🔐 Security: Fingerprint, pattern lock, PIN-code.
• 📶 Network: Wi-Fi connection, mobile Internet setting (APN).
• 🔔 Notifications: Application permissions, sound schemes.
• 🎵 Multimedia: Equalizer, camera settings, wallpaper.

Tip: Take a picture of the phone’s basic settings before reset (such as a screen with Wi-Fi settings or a phone with a screen that has a scalable reset). APN). This will save time when re-configuring.

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After reset, be sure to check the Settings section → Annexes → Permissions: Many applications (e.g. instant messengers or banking services) require re-access to contacts, cameras or microphones.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with careful preparation, users often face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (must be at least 30%).
• 📶 Internet connection stability (for cloud recovery).
• 📱 Version compatibility MIUI with your model (on some older phones, for example, Redmi) 4X, There may be problems with recovery).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions