How to Reset Your Settings on Xiaomi Completely: All Ways (including Locked Phones)

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to eliminating critical errors in the system. However, not all users know that there are several types of reset, each of which has its own characteristics and consequences. For example, soft reset saves user files but deletes application settings, while hard reset returns the phone to a factory state, erasing everything without the possibility of recovery.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including the models of 2023-2026), as well as how to prepare for the procedure so as not to lose important data. Particular attention will be paid to resetting through Recovery and Fastboot modes – these methods are often the only way out if the phone is locked or does not respond to commands. If you are looking for a way to bypass the graphical key or restore the “brick” after a failed firmware, here you will find step-by-step instructions based on the latest MIUI 14/15 updates.

1.Reset preparation: What to do before cleaning your phone

Before starting a reset, you need to save important data, since most methods delete information irrevocably. Even if you plan a soft reset, it is better to be safe - errors in the process can lead to complete loss of files.

Here's what you should do in advance:

• 📱 Sync your contacts and notes with your Google or Mi Account account. → Accounts. → Synchronize and enable the option for the desired data.
• 📁 Copy photos, videos and documents to your computer or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk). MTP (file transfer).
• 🔐 Write down the passwords from Wi-Fi and apps, and you'll have to re-enter them after you reset them, 1Password) or take screenshots of screens with settings.
• 🎮 Export game data if it is not tied to your account. Many mobile games (such as Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings) allow you to save progress through Google Play Games or your own servers.

If your phone is still stable, use the built-in backup function in MIUI:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select the data to save (contacts, messages, system settings) and click Create a backup.
3. The backup file will be stored in internal memory along the /MIUI/backup/AllBackup path – copy it to your PC.

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If you have root access or custom Recovery (TWRP) installed, make a full /data partition backup via Nandroid Backup. This will allow you to restore even system settings after reset.

⚠️ Warning: Don't rely on backups in Mi Cloud if you plan to sell the phone. Once reset, the new owner will be able to recover your data if he doesn't log out of Xiaomi's account. Always log out of Mi Account before handing over the device!

2.Soft Reset: Returning settings to factory settings without losing files

Soft Reset is the removal of user settings and application data, but with the preservation of personal files (photos, videos, music) and is useful if the phone is slowing down, overheating frequently, or there are errors in the operation of applications.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Reset (on some models – Reset all settings).
3. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
4. Wait for the device to restart (it can take up to 5 minutes).

After the soft discharge:

• 📱 Applications will remain installed, but their data (e.g. saved in games) will be deleted.
• 🔄 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and system settings will be reset to factory.
• 📂 Files in folders DCIM, Downloads, Music will remain intact.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO F5 or POCO X6 Pro) soft reset may result in files being deleted from the folder Android/data, where the game caches are stored. If you play heavy projects (for example, Call of Duty Mobile or the game is played in a video game). PUBG), Transfer this data to the memory card in advance.

3 Hard Reset via Settings: Complete cleaning of the phone

Hard Reset is the complete removal of all data, including user files, apps and settings, and after the procedure, the phone returns to the “out of the box” state, a method recommended to use before selling the device or if a soft reset does not solve the problem (for example, the phone constantly restarts).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Reset to factory settings (or Delete all data on newer versions of MIUI).
3. The system will tell you whether to clear your internal memory. If you sell a phone, mark Clear everything.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the Mi Account (if it is linked).
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 10-20 minutes).

What happens after a hard reset:

Backup of important files |

Google account is untied (if you sell a phone) |

Passwords from Wi-Fi and apps recorded |

The battery level is checked (minimum 50%)|-->

If you need to enter a password from Mi Account after resetting, but you don't remember it, you will have to use the official unlock tool (Mi Unlock Tool) or contact the service center.

4. Recovery Mode Reset: When the phone is not turned on or locked

If a Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t respond to commands, hovers on a logo or is locked with a pattern lock, you can reset via Recovery Mode.This method works even if the system isn’t booting, but requires physical access to the phone’s buttons.

Instructions for all Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 📱 For POCO F4/F5 Redmi Note 12: Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

If you don't have Wipe All Data on the Recovery menu, you may have custom Recovery (TWRP) installed.

1. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check the Dalvik, Cache, Data, System sections.
3. Swipe your finger across the screen to confirm (Swipe to Wipe).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers on your PC.
2. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\rom).
3. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
4. Connect your phone to your computer. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. At the bottom, select the firmware mode: 🔄 Clean All – Complete cleaning (recommended for resetting). 🔄 Clean All and Lock - Cleaning Up + Locking the bootloader (only if you sell the phone).

Flash

If the Mi Flash Tool is an error, "Can't find 'flash_all.bat'", check:

• Is the firmware properly unpacked (there should be a file) flash_all.bat).
• Does the firmware match the phone model (for example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 11 is not suitable for the Redmi Note 11 Pro).
• Are Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers installed (depending on the processor)?

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Fastboot only erases all data, including IMEI, if Clean All and Lock mode is selected. In normal Clean All IMEI mode, the serial number is saved.

6.Reset of a locked phone: bypassing the pattern lock and Mi Account

If you have forgotten the pattern lock, PIN-Mi Account code or password, resetting through standard methods may not work — the phone will require account confirmation. In this case, there are several ways to bypass the lock, but they require additional actions.

Method 1: Recovery reset (if no Mi Account is required)

On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3), a reset via Recovery does not ask for a password from your account.

1. Download to Recovery (as described in Section 4).
2. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. If after rebooting the phone does not require a password, the lock is reset.

Method 2: Use of Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

If your phone is locked on Mi Account, you will need to unlock:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to the tool under the same account that is linked to the phone.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.
4. If your account is not yours, contact the previous owner or support Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

Method 3: Firmware via EDL (for power users)

If the phone is completely locked and does not respond to commands, you can use Emergency Download Mode (EDL) mode.

• 💻 A computer with QFil installed (for Qualcomm) or SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek).
• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new models).
• 📥 Special firmware in.mbn or.bin format.

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Forums (such as 4PDA or XDA Developers) can find "authorized" firmware for EDL, but using it may violate the warranty. Officially, Xiaomi only provides access to EDL service centers.

⚠️ Note: After discharge through EDL phone may lose IMEI or a serial number if the firmware is not properly selected, and you can only restore them through the engineering menu (#4636##) or the service center.

7.What to do after the reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, Xiaomi’s phone will launch in initial setup mode, just like after purchase.

Step 1: Choosing a language and region

• 🌍 Select a country in Russia (or your region) to avoid problems with Google services.
• 📱 If the phone is to be installed MIUI for another region (for example, MIUI Global instead MIUI Russia, opt out – this may result in loss of functionality (e.g. Google Pay will not work).

Step 2: Connect to Wi-Fi and accounts

• 🔗 Connect to a Wi-Fi network (preferably a home network to avoid mobile traffic restrictions).
• 📥 Sign in to Google account – this is a must to access the Play Market.
• 🔑 If you are selling a phone, skip the Mi Account binding.

Step 3: Data recovery

If you have made a backup copy, restore the data:

• 📁 For local copy: connect your phone to your PC and copy files back to folders DCIM, Downloads, etc.
• ☁️ For cloud copy: go to Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Restore from backup copy.

Step 4: Optimizing the system

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Disable unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) via Settings → Annexes → Delete/Disable.
• 🔋 Enable battery optimization for important applications in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

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After reset, it is recommended to format the memory card (if it was used as internal memory). To do this, go to Settings → Memory → SD card → Format as a portable device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset