How to reset all settings to factory on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution when selling the device, critical system failures or after unsuccessful firmware experiments. The procedure removes all user data, applications and personal settings, returning the gadget to the “out of the box” state. However, many owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi face problems from a blocked Mi Account to errors in Recovery mode.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), explain how to bypass common errors (such as "This device is locked"), and give a checklist to save important data before the procedure. MIUI 14/15 and chip-sized models Snapdragon/Mediatek — Their reset algorithms may differ.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you start the reset, make sure you don't lose critical data. Even if the device is unstable, try to save:

• 📱 Contact and SMS — sync with Google Account or export to.vcf file via Contacts app.
• 📷 Photos and videos - copy to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) on some models (Redmi Note) 12 Pro+) Media files are stored in a folder DCIM/Camera.
• 🔑 Passwords and logins – check the saved data in Settings → Passwords and security → Password repository.
• 🎮 Save Games – Use built-in backup features (e.g. in Genshin Impact or in the Game of Thrones). PUBG Mobile).

Important: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a Fastboot reset can result in Mi Account being blocked if you don’t untie your account in advance. Check the lock status in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers → Mi Unlock Status).

Backup | Record IMEI (dial *#06#) | Untie Mi Account (if you sell the device) | Charge the battery to at least 50% | Make sure the Internet connection is stable (for cloud reset)

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If the smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the logo MI, skip this step and move on to reset methods via Recovery or Fastboot. AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) before reset, it is recommended to disable the Always On Display function in the screen settings - this will prevent possible artifacts after the reboot.

Method 2: Reset via the settings menu (for working devices)

The easiest way is to use the built-in function in MIUI. It is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12–15:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap on Backup and Reset (in some versions – Additional → Resetting).
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter a password (if requested) and confirm the action.

The screen will display a deletion warning, which takes 5-15 minutes to reboot the device several times, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the menu interface has been changed: the path to reset now Settings → About Phone → Data Reset. HyperOS also added the option “Reset Network Settings” – it deletes only network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), without affecting personal files.

Through the Settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset

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Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (for non-functioning devices)

If your smartphone is not loading or locked, use Recovery, which works even when your firmware is damaged, but requires physical access to the device’s buttons.

Instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models:

1. Turn off the device (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔋 For most models: Nutrition + Loudness up. 🔧 For older devices (e.g., Redmi) 4X): Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down.

Mi

Recovery

Nutrition

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Once complete, select Reboot → Reboot to System. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

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If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons: icon 🧹 or 🗑️ data-dumping.

On some devices (such as the POCO X3 Pro), the Recovery menu may request the Mi Account password. If you don't remember the login details, you'll have to use the Fastboot (method 3) or the official Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, resetting via Recovery may lead to activation of protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection: After the reboot, the system will require you to enter the Mi Account data associated with the device previously.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most reliable, but requires a PC and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.

• 🔄 Devices with damaged recovery.
• 🔒 Smartphones with Mi Account blocked (after unlocking Bootloader).
• 🛠️ Models that do not respond to other resetting methods.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds
3. Connect the device to your PC via USB and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices (serial number should be displayed).
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), use the command:

fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img


fastboot reboot recovery

When the device is reset, it will be reset, and if the error "FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')" appears, the bootloader is locked, it will need to be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, users face problems, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

5.1 Device asks for Mi Account after reset

This is a manifestation of FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection.

• 📱 Enter the Mi Account that was previously linked to the device.
• 🔓 If you do not remember the password, restore access through the recovery page.
• 🛠️ Unlocking without an account requires the official Mi Unlock Tool and proof of ownership (checks, box).

The discharge is interrupted or the device is getting stuck.

Causes and actions:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – charge the device to at least 30% and try again.
• 🔌 Unstable PC connection – use the original USB-cable USB 2.0.
• 📱 Damaged firmware - reflash the device through Fastboot with the official ROM.

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If the smartphone is stuck on the MI logo after reset, try going to Recovery and repeat the procedure. If that doesn't help, you need to flash it.

The sensor is not working after resetting

On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X4 Pro) after reset, the reaction to touch may disappear.

1. Restart the device in Safe Mode (clip Power → hold Power off until the request appears).
2. If the sensor is running in Safe Mode, the problem is with third-party software – reset again.
3. If it doesn’t work, reflash the device via Fastboot.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with AMOLED-You can see flickering or uneven lighting on your screens after reset, and that's a temporary effect -- let your smartphone work for 10 to 15 minutes to automatically calibrate the display.

Reset on specific models: features

The reset procedure may vary depending on the model and firmware version. Let's consider the nuances for popular devices:

For devices with a Mediatek chip (e.g. Redmi 10C, POCO M5), resetting via Fastboot may require additional commands to unlock partitions. In this case, use the SP Flash Tool utility with official firmware.

7. Data recovery after reset

If you have made a backup copy, you can restore the data in several ways:

• 📱 Through Mi Cloud: Sign in to Mi Account on the reset device. Go to Settings → The phone. → Recovery and discharge → Restore from backup copy.

Through the PC.

• Connect your smartphone to your computer and copy the files manually.
• Use programs like Mi PC Suite or Dr.Fone to recover deleted data (~60%).

Through Google Account

• When you first turn on, select the option “Recover data from Android”.
• Log in to Google – contacts, apps and some settings will be restored automatically.