Xiaomi resets to factory settings: 3 proven ways (including locked phones)

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from brakes and viruses to errors after updating MIUI. But the wrong approach can lead to data loss, account locking or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of reset (including phones with a locked screen), explain how to prepare for the procedure, and warn against typical errors that users make.

Xiaomi smartphones feature a Mi Account binding feature that can make it harder to reset. If you forget your account password or your phone is locked, standard methods won't work. We'll show workarounds, including Fastboot and Recovery Mode. And for owners of older models (like the Redmi Note 4X or Mi 5), we'll give you nuances related to outdated versions of MIUI.

Important: Xiaomi’s reset procedure is different from other Android devices because of its proprietary shell. For example, some firmware lacks the classic Recovery and Reset clause, and instead it does Settings → Phone → Reset, and we took all of these subtleties into account and gathered up-to-date information for 2026, including changes after the release of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS.

1.Reset preparation: what must be done before the procedure

Before you click the Reset button, follow 4 critical steps to avoid data loss and Mi Account issues:

• 📱 Back up. Use the built-in Settings tool. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root).Please note: backup via Mi Cloud may not save SMS, Call history and some application settings.
• 🔒 Make sure you remember the Mi Account. Once reset, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from the account associated with the device. If you forget, restore access to the official Xiaomi website.
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. interruption of the reset process due to battery discharge can cause damage to system files and the need to firmware through Fastboot.
• 📡 Disable Google Account (if used). Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and delete your account. That'll prevent you from blocking it. FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after discharge.

If your phone is already locked (no touch response or requires a pattern lock), skip this section and go to Recovery or Fastboot reset methods, but remember: in this case, all data will be lost without recovery.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, Poco M3) After resetting via Recovery, you may see a "This device is locked" error. This is normal - just connect to Wi-Fi and log in to Mi Account.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for working phones)

The easiest method is to use the built-in reset function in MIUI. It is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch;
• 🔓 You know the pattern lock./PIN-code;
• 🔄 You need to clean the device before selling or eliminate software lags.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action by entering a password / pattern lock.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50) the path may be different:

Settings → Memory → Backup → Resetting settings

If you do not find the item "Reset", use the search in the settings (the magnifying icon in the upper right corner) and enter the request "Reset".

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Create a backup copy of important data

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Disable Google Account (if linked)

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⚠️ Note: On phones with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13) after reset, the device may need to be re-activated via the Internet.If the phone is not connected to Wi-Fi, use the mobile network or SIM-card.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the phone doesn’t respond to touch, the pattern lock is forgotten, or the device is getting stuck on the MI logo, resetting through Recovery Mode will help.This method works on 90% of Xiaomi models, including Redmi, Poco and Black Shark.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone. If it's frozen, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For Poco F1, Mi 8: Power button + Volume down. For Redmi Note 10 Pro and newer: you may need to first press Volume up + Power, then release power by holding the volume.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Reboot

If you need to enter a password in the Recovery menu and you don’t remember it, this method won’t work – go to the method from Fastboot (section 4).

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the last chance if:

• 🔐 Phone locked and Recovery requires password;
• 🤖 The device does not load (hung on the logo) MI);
• 🛠️ You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Fastboot utility (part of Android) SDK);
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original);
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if the phone is tied to Mi Account).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone. Press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the Fastboot folder and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the drivers.
4. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.
5. The phone will reboot and start setting up from scratch.

⚠️ Note: On phones with a locked bootloader, the fastboot erase userdata command may not work, in which case you will need official unlocking through the Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).

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If the phone does not turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing stock firmware using the Mi Flash Tool utility. You can download it on the official Xiaomi website in the "Service and Support" section.

5.How to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset

One of the most common problems after Xiaomi resets is asking for a username and password from Mi Account, even if you don't remember that data, which is protection against theft, but it also hinders legal owners.

• 🔑 Restore your account. Go to the recovery page and follow the instructions. You will need to access an email or phone linked to your account.
• 📄 Call for Xiaomi support: Provide a purchase check, phone box and passport. Support can unblock within 3-5 days.Feedback form.
• 🛠️ Unlock via Fastboot (unlocked bootloader only). Use the command: fastboot oem clean_all This method will delete all data, including IMEI on some models!

If the phone is bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact him. Without this, it is officially impossible to bypass the lock - all "bypasses" through the firmware or engineering menu lead to the loss of IMEI or break the communication module.

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The only legal way to remove the Mi Account lock is to restore access to the account or provide proof of ownership of the device in support of Xiaomi.

6. Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes that make a simple reset a headache. We have compiled the TOP-5 problems and solutions:

If the phone is running slower than before the procedure, check:

• 📱 Firmware version - perhaps installed test or custom assembly;
• 🧹 Residual files – use the application SD Maid for garbage cleaning;
• 🔋 Battery status: If the capacity is below 70%, the phone will brake.

7.Reset on older Xiaomi models (Redmi 4X, Mi 5, etc.)

Owners of devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 625/650 (for example, Redmi Note 4X, Mi 5, Mi Max 2) should take into account the nuances:

• 🔄 On these models, resetting via Recovery can cause a "Can't mount" error. /data". The solution is to use Fastboot or reflash the device.
• 📱 V MIUI 9/10 Item "Resetting settings" is in Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
• 🔋 After reset, the battery calibration may fly. To restore it, completely discharge and charge the phone 2-3 times.

The Redmi 3S/3X and Mi 4 have a problem with the /data partition, which may not mount after reset.

1. Download stock firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads website.
2. Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
3. After the firmware, reset again through the settings menu.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions