How to properly reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings before selling

Selling a Xiaomi smartphone requires careful preparation of the device so that the new owner gets a “clean” device without your data, accounts and potential activation problems. A simple reset through settings is only half the battle. If you miss key steps (such as leaving Mi Account or unbundling Google account), the phone can lock up after flashing or require the password of the previous owner. In this article, the only relevant instructions for 2026, taking into account all the nuances of resetting for models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

We will discuss three official reset methods (via menu, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), explain why you can not ignore the deletion of the Mi Account, and provide a checklist to check the device before transferring to the buyer. Particular attention will be paid to the pitfalls: what to do if the phone does not reset, how to get around the error "This device is locked" and why some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) require additional manipulation.

Why a regular reset through settings is not enough

Many users mistakenly believe that selecting the “Settings Reset” item on Xiaomi’s menu completely cleanses the device, leading to three critical problems in practice:

• 🔒 Mi Account Lock: If you do not log out of your Xiaomi account before reset, the new owner will see a request to enter the username / password of the previous user when you first set up»).
• 📱 Residual data: Files in folders DCIM, Downloads and cache of some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) can persist even after a reset.
• 🔄 Related Devices: The smartphone will remain tied to your Google account (unless you disable Factory Reset Protection), which blocks access to the Play Market after flashing it.

According to service center statistics, 37% of Xiaomi’s hand-held lock requests are due to non-compliance with the detachment procedure, such as the Redmi 10 and POCO X3 Pro models, which are particularly vulnerable to this problem due to the implementation of the Mi Cloud.

Preparing the phone for reset: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start resetting, follow these steps to avoid device lock and personal data leakage:

1. Delete everything. SIM-memory cards and memory cards. Formatting internal memory does not affect SD-card, but some models (Redmi Note 11) may request a password to the flash drive after resetting.
2. Turn off sync in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sync. This will prevent you from restoring your contacts and notes to your customer’s device.
3. Delete all accounts: 📌 Mi Account: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete the account. 📌 Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account. 📌 Social media: Facebook, VK, Twitter (through the settings of the respective applications).
4. Untie the device from services: 🔗 Find Device: Settings → Mi Account → Find Device → Shut down. 🔗 Google Find My Device: Disable remotely via the web version.

Make a backup copy.

Mi Cloud

Google Drive

Delete SIM and SD-map|Disable Mi Account Synchronization|Delete all accounts (Mi, Google, social networks)|Find Device and Google Find My Device|Create a backup copy of the data-->

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Mi Account password, restore it in advance. After resetting without logging out, the phone may require the username/password of the previous owner to be entered at the first setting, even if you hand it over in a factory state.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO,Released models after 2018 (starting with MIUI 10).The main advantage is that it does not require additional tools and retains the ability to unlock the bootloader in the future.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Update your system and make sure the device has the latest version of MIUI installed (this minimizes the risk of reset errors).
2. Return to the main settings menu and select: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset settings.
3. Click “Delete all data” and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password (if it is installed).
4. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-7 minutes) and the phone will automatically reboot.

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it. Don't connect to Wi-Fi or enter your account details -- hand the phone to the customer in this way.

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If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t respond to touch after reset, plug it into charging for 10-15 minutes.Some models (Redmi 9, POCO M3) temporarily turn off the sensor when you first start after reset.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If your smartphone is locked, does not respond to touch, or “hangs” on the MI logo, use Recovery Mode. This method is also useful if you have forgotten the pattern lock. Important: on some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50), Recovery Mode can be blocked if the bootloader is not previously unlocked.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F4/F5: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi 13 Ultra: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

If you see the Recovery menu saying “This device is locked,” it means that the bootloader is locked, in which case the reset is only possible via Fastboot (see next section) or after unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Resetting via Recovery can lead to an error called “Invalid” IMEI», if previously changed IMEI This will require restoration through QCN-file-in-center.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or respond to Recovery Mode.
• 🔒 The bootloader is locked and you cannot reset in other ways.
• 📱 You need to completely reflash the device (for example, to remove custom firmware).

To reset via Fastboot you will need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (download here).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Teams ADB.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: For most models: Volume down + Power. For POCO X3/X4: Volume up + Power.

Android Bootloader Interface

Win + R → cmd

fastboot devices

(Your phone serial number should be displayed)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If the phone requires a Mi Account password after rebooting, the account was not deleted before reset, in which case you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (instruction below).

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Fastboot reset erases all data without recovery, but it doesn't unlock the bootloader. If you plan to transfer a phone with custom firmware installation, the bootloader needs to be unlocked separately through the Mi Unlock Tool.

How to delete Mi Account if you forget your password

If you do not remember the data from Mi Account, but the phone is still turned on, use the official recovery procedure:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and click “Forgot your password?”
2. Enter your linked email or phone number. If access is lost, select "Other Ways" and follow recovery instructions through backup email or security questions.
3. After access is restored, delete your account on your phone: Settings → Mi Account → Delete your account.

If the phone is already reset and requires a password from Mi Account on the first turn on, act as follows:

1. Contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the device from the list of those tied up on the Mi Account website.
2. If you cannot contact us, contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement).
3. For Xiaomi models with unlocked bootloader, you can use the Mi Flash Tool for full flashing (but this voids the warranty).

⚠️ Attention: Forums often advise using “circumvention” methods through EDL-Test Point, or mode, works only on older models. 4X, Mi A1) They can permanently lock the phone on new devices (such as Xiaomi 13 or X-ray). POCO F5).

Checking the phone before transferring to the buyer

After resetting, make sure the phone is ready for sale:

• 📱 First turn on: The phone must start with the language selection screen (like new). If a password request appears, the reset is incorrect.
• 🔍 Verification IMEI: Type *#06# - the original must be displayed IMEI (not "0" or "null»).
• 🔋 Battery Charge: Make sure the charge indicator shows ≥50% Some buyers check battery health via ##4636##.
• 📶 Network and Communication: Insert your own SIM-map and check the work of calls, mobile Internet and Wi-Fi.
• 🛠 Diagnostics: Test the equipment through Settings → The phone. → Diagnosis (not available on all models).

If the buyer is experienced, he can check:

• 🔓 bootloader status: fastboot oem device-info (should be "unlocked: false" if not unlocked).
• 📊 Battery status: through applications like AccuBattery.
• 🔄 Root rights: via Root Checker.

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To avoid complaints, take a picture of the phone screen (Settings → Phone) and send it to the customer before the meeting, which will confirm that the device is not locked and ready to use.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset before sale