How to reset all settings on Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks. The procedure returns the phone to a factory state, removing all user data, applications and personal settings. However, many users face difficulties: they can not find the right item on the menu, are afraid of losing important files or do not know how to bypass the lock Mi Account after a reset.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of reset for modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including devices on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), tell you how to prepare for the procedure so as not to lose important data, and explain what to do if the smartphone does not respond to commands.

When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi?

Factory resets are not a panacea, but in some cases, they are the only way to make the smartphone work again.

• 🐢 Phone slows down, apps constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 The device is locked after unsuccessful attempts to unlock the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 📱 Planned to sell or transfer the phone to another user – reset will delete all personal information.
• 🦠 Suspicion of virus infection (for example, advertising in the browser, unknown applications in the menu).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI HyperOS has critical errors (infinite boot, black screen).

It is important to understand that resetting will not help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions: a broken screen, a broken battery or a damaged motherboard, in which cases repairs are required at the service center.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to untie it from your Xiaomi account via Settings → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!

Resetting: How to save important data?

Resetting permanently deletes all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. To avoid losses, follow the following steps:

1. Sync your contacts and calendars with your Google or Xiaomi account: 📱 Go to Settings. → Accounts and synchronization. 🔄 Select an account and enable sync for Contacts, Calendar and Notes.
2. Save photos and videos: ☁️ Upload files to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or to your computer via cable. 💾 Use Explorer (Device tab) to copy files to SD-card (if supported).

Export SMS and call log

• 📲 Install the app SMS Backup & Restore from Google Play.
• 🔄 Backup and save it to the cloud or PC.
• When the Mi logo appears, release the buttons and you will be taken to Recovery Mode.
• Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
• Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in newer versions).
• Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
• Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If you need to enter a password in Recovery Mode, and you do not remember it, go to the section about unlocking Mi Account.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and knowledge of ADB/Fastboot commands.

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 🔒 Phone locked but unlocked boot (OEM Unlock).
• 📱 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

To reset via Fastboot, follow the following steps:

1. Install Android Platform Tools on PC (includes fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Power (hold until the hare appears in the hat-eared).
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once rebooted, the phone will be in factory condition, a method that doesn't delete data from internal memory (photos, videos), but resets all settings and applications.

⚠️ Note: If the Fastboot screen says Device locked, it means that the bootloader is locked. To unlock, you need to link the device to your Xiaomi account through the official tool!

Method 4: Unlocking Mi Account after resetting

One of the most common problems after a reset is requesting the data of the Xiaomi account that was linked to the phone. If you do not remember the username or password, use these tips:

1. Restoring access to your account: 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com. 🔑 Click Forgot Password? and follow the instructions (requires access to email or phone linked to your account).
2. If your account is not yours (buy a used phone): 📞 Contact the previous owner and ask him to untie the device via Settings. → Xiaomi account → Devices. 🏢 Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase (if the phone is officially purchased).

Bypassing the lock (unofficial method, risky!)

• 🛠️ Use tools like Mi Account Unlock Tool, but this can lead to blocking. IMEI!
• ⚠️ Warning: Unofficial methods violate Xiaomi policy and could make a phone a brick".

Note that once you remotely reset, your phone will be uncoupled from your account and no longer trackable, and this only works when you're connected to the Internet.

What to do after resetting the settings?

After a successful reset, the phone will return to factory settings.

• 🔄 Set your phone up as new (select language, connect to Wi-Fi, sign in to your Google account).
• ☁️ Restore data from a backup (if you did it through Mi Cloud or Google Drive).
• 🔒 Set a strong password (recommended) PIN-code).
• 🛡️ Update the software through Settings → Updating the system.
• 📱 Install the necessary apps from Google Play.