How to Reset Xiaomi to Factory Settings: All Ways in 2026

Resetting Xiaomi's smartphone to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes necessary, step: Are you selling your phone, the device is slowing down after a MIUI update, or have a virus? In each of these cases, a complete reset can be the solution, but the procedure has nuances, from losing data to blocking your Mi Account account when you do something wrong.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones (including the models from 2023-2026), learn how to save important data before reset, what errors lead to a “brick”, and what to do if the phone does not respond to commands, and also a unique unlock algorithm after reset, if you forget the password from Mi Account.

Why do I need a factory reset?

Resetting is not always a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary:

• 📱 Selling or transferring a phone – deletes personal data, accounts and files.
• 🐢 Strong brakes help if you MIUI slugged after updating or infection with the virus.
• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock is the only way to unlock your phone without losing data (unless there was a backup).
• 📲 System errors – for example, constant reboots or inability to go into settings.

But there are contraindications:

• ❌ If the phone is unlocked via Fastboot (may result in the bootloader being blocked).
• ❌ If you're not sure about the version MIUI — On old firmware, a reset via Recovery can cause a Can't mount error /data".
• ❌ If the phone is not charged at least 50% - the risk of interrupting the process and getting a brick».

Preparation for resetting: what to save and how

Reset removes everything: photos, contacts, messages, app settings, even some system files.

1. Backup Contacts – sync with Google Account or export to.vcf.
2. Photos and videos – copy to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
3. Messages – Use apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
4. Wi-Fi passwords – Write or save through Settings → Wi-Fi → Saved Networks.
5. App Data – Check if your games/social networks support backup (e.g. WhatsApp saves chats to Google Drive).

Pay particular attention to:

• 🔐 Two-factor authentication keys (Google Authenticator, Telegram) without them you will lose access to accounts!
• 💳 Banking applications – some (e.g. Sberbank Online) require re-activation after reset.
• 🎮 Game saves – if they are not linked to an account (e.g. Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings).

💡

If you use Mi Account for sync, check if the option is enabled in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sync. After reset, the data can be restored when you re-enter.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. It works for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 and later.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone → Reset (on some models, path: Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset).
3. Choose to erase all data.
4. Enter your password/pattern lock (if requested).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process (it will take 5-15 minutes), and after switching on, you will be asked to configure the device as new.

The phone is charged at least 50 times%|Backup of important data is made|All accounts are disabled (Google, Mi)|You know the password from the Mi Account (if you were tied)-->

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - do not try to guess! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the smartphone does not respond to clicks, hovers on the logo or does not load – will help Recovery Mode. This method works for all Xiaomi, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to loss of IMEI or lock the bootloader.

Instructions for phones with MIUI 12-14:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F4/F5 and some Redmi Notes: Volume down + Power.

Mi

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the phone will restart automatically).

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — Data reset (Wipe Data).
• 🔄 — reboot (Reboot).
• 📱 — Installation of the firmware (Install Update).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (especially custom ones), a reset via Recovery may result in the “Data wipe unsuccessful” error, in which case try repeating the procedure or using the Fastboot method (described below).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is not available or working.
• 📦 You need to reflash your phone (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 Your phone is locked, but your boot loader is unlocked.

To reset via Fastboot you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (you can download on the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the eardress cap.
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format).
4. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After resetting via Fastboot, the phone will be as new as the new one, but:

• ✅ All data is deleted without recovery.
• ✅ Clean firmware installed (you can choose the global or Chinese version).
• ❌ Possible loss IMEI (If the firmware is not for your model).
• ❌ Re-unlock the bootloader (if it was previously unlocked).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on with the welcome screen.

1. Select the language and region – it is better to specify the same region as before the reset (for example, Russia), to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi – without the Internet, you will not be able to log into accounts.
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if you were tied before the reset) without it, the phone may lock!
4. Recover the data: 📱 From Google Account (contacts, calendar, some settings). ☁️ From Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled). 💾 Local backup (if done through Settings) → Additionally. → Backup).

Update MIUI

Settings → About the phone → System update

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 🔋 Battery discharges quickly - give the phone a 2-3 full charge/discharge cycle for calibration.
• 📶 No network - check the settings APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
• 🔊 Missing sound – reset the sound settings in Settings → Sound and vibration → Resetting settings.

💡

If after reset, the phone requires activation through Mi Account, but you don't remember the password - don't enter it at random! Use the official recovery procedure on Xiaomi's website. Attempts to bypass through third-party programs often result in the device being completely locked.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

A few more unobvious points:

• 📡 If you reset Xiaomi with dual firmware (for example, global firmware). + Chinese version may only be left after reset MIUI.
• 🔐 On some models (Redmi) K50, POCO F4 GT) Resetting also resets settings TWRP (if it is established).
• 📦 If the phone has been rooted, after being reset via Fastboot, the root rights will disappear, but the bootloader will remain unlocked.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset