How to completely reset the settings on the Xiaomi phone: all the ways

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO sub-brands) is a universal solution to fix software failures, prepare a device for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks. However, an improperly executed procedure can lead to loss of all data, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of resetting – from the standard menu to forced flashing through Fastboot – and explain how to avoid typical errors.

It is important to understand: modern models of Xiaomi (starting with the MIUI 12) use enhanced data protection, which means that after a reset, you may need to enter a username and password from the Mi Account associated with the device, if you do not remember this data, it will be more difficult to restore access than on smartphones of other brands. on models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) Resetting through Recovery without detachment of the account will lead to permanent blocking.

This article is updated for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS (2026) and if your device runs on an older version, some menu items may differ – we will specify alternative paths. We will also take a separate look at the nuances for popular models: Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 12/13 and the budget series Redmi A.

1. When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Resetting to factory settings is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in the following cases:

• 🔄 Phone slows down, apps constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 📱 You sell or transfer your device to another person and want to delete all personal data.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-screen-lock.
• 🦠 Suspected infection with a virus (for example, there is an advertisement in the status bar or unknown applications).
• 📲 After updating MIUI/HyperOS Critical errors (cyclical reboot, black screen).
• 🔧 You need to resolve conflicts after manually changing system files (for example, through the use of a computer). ADB magisk).

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions: a broken display, a broken power button, a damaged motherboard or a discharged battery, in which cases repairs are required at a service center.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset may result in the loss of root rights (root) or custom recaveri (TWRP). If you use unofficial firmware, pre-create a backup through Nandroid Backup.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before resetting the settings, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Back up your important data: contacts, photos, messages and files. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical copying to your computer. Note: After a reset, it can take several hours to recover data from a backup.
2. Make sure you know the username and password from Mi Account. Without them, you will not be able to activate the device after the reset (on models with an account link).
3. Untie the device from services: 🔗 Google Account (in Settings) → Accounts). 🔗 Mi Account (in Settings) → Xiaomi account). 🔗 Remove the device from the trusted list in Google Smart Lock (if you used it).

If you are planning to sell your phone, you should also:

• 📱 Get out of all social networks and messengers.
• 💳 Remove Bank Cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay.
• 📍 Turn off the Find My Device function (in Settings) → Google → Security).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) After a reset, you may need to re-attach your Mi Account even if you untidy it in advance.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in HyperOS – About Device).
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (or Reset in HyperOS).
4. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new, and if you reset the error "This device is locked," you've not untied your Mi Account, you'll need to enter your account details.

For the Redmi A (Series with lightweight firmware Go Edition) the way is different:

Settings → System → Additional → Reset parameters → Delete all data

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

If your smartphone doesn’t load, lock, or reboot cyclically, use Recovery Mode, which works on all Xiaomi models, but requires caution: wrong actions can result in a loss of IMEI or a lockdown of the bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔘 For POCO F3/F4: Loudness down + Nutrition. 🔘 For Xiaomi. 12/13 With HyperOS: Volume up + Loudness down + Food (hold on) 10 sack).

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If you don't have Wipe Data on the Recovery menu, you have a customized Recovery (TWRP) installed.

1. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage.
3. Swipe to Wipe (Swipe to Wipe)

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in an error of "This device is locked by Mi Account." In this case, an official unlock through Xiaomi's website (the process takes up to 72 hours).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on for more than 10 minutes after resetting via Recovery, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't help, the device may require a flashing over the Fastboot.

5. Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you forget the screen unlock password, but remember the Mi Account, you can reset remotely via Xiaomi's Find My Device service, which only works under the following conditions:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Find My Device was activated before being blocked.
• 🔒 The device is tied to your Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Find Device section, select a locked phone.
3. Press Erase Device (Erase Device).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

After resetting, the phone will restart and prompt you to perform the initial setup, and note that this method does not work if:

• 🚫 Find My Device is disabled on the device.
• 🚫 The phone is dead or not connected to the network.
• 🚫 The device was re-interviewed with the removal of the original Recovery.

6. Method 4: Forced Fastboot reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 The phone does not respond to other resetting methods.
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked.
• 📱 Refuse your smartphone after a failed update.

You will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a bootloader unlocked.Warning: this method deletes all data without recovery and may result in a loss of warranty.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.

Connect your phone to your computer via USB.

cmd

platform-tools

fastboot devices

The serial number of the device must be displayed.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If the phone does not turn on after these commands, you will need a complete flashing through Fastboot using the official ROM You can download the firmware on your model. MIUI Downloads.

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO C40) Fastboot requires an additional LibUSB driver. Without it, the computer will not recognize the device.

💡

Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and only use it if other methods have failed, as it requires technical skills and can result in the loss of IMEI or serial number.

7. Frequent errors after reset and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, problems can arise, and the table below shows the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If photos or contacts are lost after reset, try to restore them using programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (only if you did not flash back!). To recover data from internal memory, Xiaomi will do the Mi PC Suite utility, but it does not work on all models.

8. Features of reset on popular Xiaomi models

Some devices have unique nuances when reset. Let's take a closer look at them:

• Xiaomi 13/14: Uses a new encryption system. Recovery without detachment of the account will lead to blocking.

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the path to reset has changed:

Settings → About Phone → Reset and Reset → Reset settings → Erase all data

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions