How to completely reset all data on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi devices to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes necessary, step that helps solve performance problems, remove viruses, prepare the gadget for sale or just start with a clean slate. However, an incorrect reset can lead to loss of important data, locking an account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting, from the standard menu to forced through Fastboot, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It’s important to understand that the reset deletes all user data, including photos, messages, installed apps and settings, while the system files and firmware remain intact. If you plan to sell or transfer a device, be sure to unplug the Mi Account — otherwise the new owner will not be able to use it. For models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 12T or POCO F5), the process may be slightly different, so we will specify the nuances for each case.

1.Dumping Preparation: What to Do Before Cleaning

Before you start resetting, do a few critical steps to keep you from losing data and having problems with your Mi Account.

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, especially for contacts, SMS note-book.
• 🔒 Make sure to remember the data from Mi Account. After the reset, the device may require the username and password to unlock (Mi Cloud Lock function).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge is fraught with software failures.
• 📡 Disable all accounts (Settings) → Accounts: This applies to Google, social media and banking applications.

If you reset your device before selling, be sure to remove it from the trusted list in your Mi Account. Go to account.xiaomi.com, select Devices and click Delete next to the desired gadget, otherwise the new owner will not be able to log in.

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If you forget your Mi Account password, restore it to the IRS. After the reset, it will be more difficult to do this - you will need confirmation through the linked number or email.

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

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the interface. MIUI. It is suitable if the device is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Reset settings (may be called Delete all data).
5. Enter the screen lock password if required.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

The process will take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model (Redmi Note 12 will cope faster than Xiaomi Pad 6 due to the difference in memory capacity).

Screen lock password known |Mi Account not blocked |Important data transferred to PC/cloud |The device is connected to charging-->

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) after reset, you may be asked to enter the old Wi-Fi password. If you do not remember it, connect to the network via mobile Internet.

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (buttons)

If your smartphone is not turning on, getting stuck on the MI logo, or locked, use Recovery Mode, which works on all Xiaomi devices, including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark.

Instructions for most models:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10 seconds if it is getting stuck).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most smartphones: Volume up + Nutrition. 📱 For POCO F4 GT And some of the others: Volume down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

On new devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the Recovery menu can be in Chinese, in which case look for characters (clear data) and (confirm).

4. Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for advanced)

This method is suitable if the standard reset does not help or the device "bursts" after a failed update. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
2. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-ear (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect the device to the PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
5. Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you're selling a device, don't sign in, just skip this step. The new owner will need to create their Mi Account.

On some models (e.g. Redmi K50 Gaming) after reset, the NFS partition may disappear or the No Command error in Recovery appears. This is treated by re-routing through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option option.

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If the device requires an old Wi-Fi password after resetting, but you don’t remember it, temporarily connect to another network via mobile data or SIM-map.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes experience reset problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

If the IMEI or serial number is lost after the reset (checked in Settings → About Phone), this means damage to the NVRAM partition. It can only be restored through a service center or specialized utilities like the SN Writer Tool (requires skills).

7. Reset on a locked device (without password)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code, you can reset the device, but there are nuances: On modern Xiaomi smartphones (released after 2021), resetting via Recovery will require data input from the Mi Account tied to the device.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to Enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. After the reboot, the system will request an email and password from the Mi Account.
5. Enter the data - the device is unlocked.

If you don’t remember your account details, restore them to account.xiaomi.com. In extreme cases, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy – they can help unlock the device (the process takes up to 3 days).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 and newer after 5 Failed attempts to enter the account password, the device is blocked on 24 Don't try to find a password, it'll only make things worse.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset