How to Reset a Xiaomi Device: Everything from Soft Reset to Full Hard Reset

Resetting Xiaomi devices to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a gadget for sale to eliminating critical failures. However, an improperly performed reset often leads to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and smart devices (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark), taking into account the features of MIUI 12-15 firmware and new models from 2023-2026.

It is important to understand that the reset procedure differs depending on the type of device and its condition. For example, Soft Reset is suitable for working devices, while Hard Reset (hardware reset via Recovery or Fastboot) can save a “hungry” phone. We will also consider the unique reset nuances for devices with a locked bootloader and a tied Mi Account, which often cause errors in users.

1. When do you need to reset a Xiaomi device?

Before you start the procedure, determine if it is really necessary. factory reset is a last resort that erases all user data, including:

• 📱 Contacts, messages and call history (unless synced with Mi Cloud)
• 📷 Photos, videos and uploaded files in internal memory
• 🎮 Installed applications and their settings
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts and banking applications
• 📊 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, gestures, etc.)

The main reasons for discharge are:

• 🐢 Severe slowdown of the device after the MIUI update.
• 🔄 Preparing the phone for sale or transfer to another user.
• 🚨 Critical crashes: constant reboots, black screen, application errors.
• 🔒 Removal of viruses or suspicious programs (if antivirus does not help).
• 🔄 Recovery after a failed rooting or firmware.

⚠️ Warning: If your Xiaomi device is tied to your Mi Account and you forget your password, a non-decoupling reset will result in a lock (Mi Cloud Lock) in which case you will need to officially unlock through the service center.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

The unpleasant surprise after a reset is the loss of important data. To avoid this, follow a few mandatory steps:

Data backup

Use built-in MIUI tools or third-party services:

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud: sync contacts, notes, photos and notebooks. Check out free space in the cloud (free 5GB).
• 📱 Local backup: go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Save the file to a memory card or PC.
• 🔗 Google Account: sync contacts, calendar and email through Settings → Accounts → Google.
• 💾 App side: Titanium Backup (requires root), Swift Backup or Samsung Smart Switch (yes, works with Xiaomi as well).

2.2. Checking the Mi Account

If you don't remember the Mi Account password, a reset can lock the device to avoid problems:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Make sure you are logged in and your email/phone is up to date.
3. If the device was purchased with your hands, check the binding through Settings → Password and Security → Mi Account Link.

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the authorization in Mi Account|Write it down. IMEI devices (in case of blocking)|Charge the battery at least 50 times%|Delete the memory card and SIM (optionally)-->

Charging the battery and connecting

The reset process can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes to avoid interruption:

• 🔋 Charge the device to a minimum of 50% (optimally 70-80%).
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (if reset via settings).
• 🔌 For Fastboot reset, prepare USB- cable and PC.

⚠️ Warning: If the battery runs out during Recovery reset, the device may stop turning on, requiring firmware through EDL- mode (power users only).

3. Method 1: Soft Reset via MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from a working system, suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and MIUI 12-15 tablets.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Tablet) section.
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Settings Reset.
5. Select Delete all data (on some models, Delete everything).
6. Enter a password/pattern lock if the system requests it.
7. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The device will restart and start the cleaning process, which takes 5-15 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

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If the menu does not have "Reset" option, try to enter "Reset" in the settings search bar. On some firmware, the item is hidden in the "Additional" submenu.

Features for different models:

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Soft Reset doesn't remove system updates. If you need a reset because of a failure after a MIUI upgrade, this method won't help - you'll need to flash it.

4: Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If the device is not turning on, stuck on the logo or not responding to touch, it will require a reset via Recovery mode, which works even on locked phones, but requires physical access to buttons.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

The combination of buttons depends on the model:

• 📱 Smartphones with Bixby button (rarely): Power + Volume up + Bixby.
• 📱 Most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models: Power + Volume up (hold 10-15 seconds).
• 📱 3.5mm connector devices (e.g., Redmi 9A): sometimes Power + Volume up + Volume down.
• 🖥️ Xiaomi Pad: Power + Volume up (hold 20 seconds).

After successfully logging in, you will see a MI-Recovery menu with the Xiaomi logo and the Chinese/English inscription.

Resetting instructions:

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on newer versions of Recovery).
2. Confirm your choice by clicking on Wipe All Data (password may be required).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: Some firmware (e.g., MIUI 14 Global) may require re-authorization to Mi Account after resetting via Recovery, even if the device has been unlocked before.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If Soft Reset and Recovery fail (for example, because of a damaged firmware), Fastboot resets, which requires a computer and basic knowledge of ADB/Fastboot.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔋 Charged device (minimum 30%).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB/Fastboot on PC and connect the device in Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the phone. (b) Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. (c) A hare in a header will appear on the screen (Fastboot logo).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
3. Check the connection of the device command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.
4. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once rebooted, the device will be reset to factory settings, a method that doesn't remove the firmware, but cleans all user data.

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If the device does not appear after the fastboot device command, install Mi Phone Manager drivers or manually update the driver through Device Manager (select "Android Bootloader Interface").

Extended reset (to remove firmware):

If you need to completely reflash the device (for example, after a failed update), use the command:

fastboot flash all [name firmware].zip

But remember: this will result in complete data loss and requires official firmware for your model.

6. Reset of Xiaomi smart devices (bracelets, watches, speakers)

Apart from smartphones, Xiaomi has a range of smart gadgets that sometimes require a reset.

6.1 Mi Band and Xiaomi Smart Band fitness bracelets

For the Mi Band 5/6/7/8 reset:

1. Disconnect the bracelet from your phone in the Mi Fitness app.
2. On the bracelet itself, go to Settings → Resetting (scroll down).
3. Confirm the reset by clicking on the screen.

If the bracelet does not respond, perform a hardware reset:

• 🔋 Charge the bracelet to 100%.
• 🔄 Turn off charging and immediately press the touch button for 10 seconds.
• 📱 Once vibrating, the bracelet will reset and require re-tuning.

6.2 Xiaomi Watch and Redmi Watch

For Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 and Redmi Watch 2/3:

1. Open the menu on the clock by scrolling the screen upwards.
2. Select Settings → System → Resetting settings.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

6.3 Xiaomi Smart Speaker speakers

For reset Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker or Redmi Speaker:

1. Turn off the power column.
2. Press the Bluetooth (or Mode) button and connect the power.
3. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes.
4. The column will reboot and be ready for a new setup.

7. Frequent errors and their solution

Even when following instructions, users often face problems.

7.1. "This device is locked" (Mi Account Lock)

If after reset, the device requires the username / password from Mi Account, whom you do not remember:

• 🔑 Try to restore access through the official website.
• 📧 Check the email linked to your account — there may be a backup email.
• 📞 If the device is purchased by hand, contact the previous owner to unbundle.
• 🔧 In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center with a check to purchase.

The device shall not be switched on after discharge

If the phone does not start after Hard Reset:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (plug in to charge for 30 minutes).
• 🔄 Try re-entering Recovery and selecting Reboot.
• 💻 If it doesn't work, run the device through the Fastboot (see Section 5).
• 🛠️ In the case of a “brick” (completely inoperable), firmware will need to be run through EDL- mode (power users only).

Error "Cannot erase userdata"

When resetting via Fastboot, an error may occur:

FAILED (remote: 'Partition not found')

Decision:

• 🔄 Reconnect the device and repeat the command.
• 💾 Make sure you use the official firmware for your model.
• 🔧 Try an alternative command: fastboot -w (clears only user data).

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions