How to completely reset your settings on Xiaomi: 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 failed experiments with firmware. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi phones (including the Redmi, POCO and Black Shark sub-brands) have unique nuances: binding to the Mi Account account, protection from reset via Fastboot, and the features of Recovery Mode. This article covers all the current methods of resetting – from the standard menu to forced methods for locked devices.

It is important to understand that a full reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, messages, installed applications and account settings. SD-The map or data in the Mi Cloud can be saved, and we'll learn how to minimize losses, what to do if the phone doesn't turn on, and how to avoid common errors like "This device is locked" or asking for a password after a reset.

This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi models (2018-2026), including the Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5 and others. Instructions are checked on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, follow the steps to avoid losing important data and problems with your Mi Account:

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Settings feature. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) List of installed applications (can be exported via Mi Mover)
• 🔒 Make sure to remember the Mi Account. After reset, the device may require you to enter your username and password to unlock (Mi Cloud Activation Lock function). If you forget your password, restore it on the official website.
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to the inability to turn on the device without service intervention.
• 📡 Turn off your Google Account (if you plan to sell your phone). → Accounts. → Google and delete your account so that the new owner doesn’t run into the FRP-lock-in.

If your device is already locked (for example, after a failed update or a forgotten pattern lock), skip this section and proceed to the Recovery reset method.

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If the phone is very slow and does not allow you to create a backup, connect it to the PC through USB-cable and copy files manually through the conductor Windows/macOS.

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, which is the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action by entering PIN-code/password/pattern lock.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once you reboot, you will be asked to configure the device as new, and if you previously had a Mi Account attached, you will need to enter its data to unlock it.

Full battery charge|Disabling your Google Account (if you are selling your phone)|Backup of contacts and photo|Remember the password from the Mi Account|Important data from SD-cards (if any)-->

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

Recovery Mode is an emergency boot mode that allows you to reset settings even if the system does not start. The instruction is suitable for devices with a locked screen, cyclic reboot or errors like "System UI stopped."

Note: new Xiaomi models (released after 2021) may require unlocking the bootloader to access the full Recovery functionality. If after entering the mode you only see the menu in Chinese, then the bootloader is blocked.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power (hold 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears). For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume up + Volume down + Power. For Black Shark: Volume down + Power.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the Mi Account password, but you do not remember it, use the unlock instructions below.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 Recovery Mode is not available or working;
• 🔒 Phone locked off Mi Account after reset;
• 🛠️ You need to refashion the device from scratch.

To work, you will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool.

Note: Fastboot resets all data without recovery, including files on internal memory, and this method can lock the device if the bootloader is not officially unlocked.

1. Download and install: Mi Flash Tool (official tool from Xiaomi); ADB and Fastboot drivers; Firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot ROM version) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.

Fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.

Mi Flash Tool

Refresh

Clean All

Flash

Wait for the process to be completed (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If after firmware the phone requires authorization in Mi Account, but you do not remember the data – see the section unlock the account.

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset |Another way-->

5. Method 4: Reset via Find Device (if the phone is lost or stolen)

If your Xiaomi is lost or stolen but tied to your Mi Account, you can remotely reset it via Find Device, a method that is also useful if you forget your pattern lock but your phone is connected to the Internet.

Limitations:

• ⚠️ The device must be on and have access to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet);
• ⚠️ Find Device must be activated in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device);
• ⚠️ The phone will be blocked from Mi Cloud Activation Lock.

1. Go to Find Device and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Select the lost device from the list.
3. Click Erase Device and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the command to be executed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: After a remote reset, it will be impossible to recover data from the phone. If the device is found, it will have to be unlocked through the Mi Account.

6.How to Unlock Xiaomi After Reset (Mi Account Lock)

One of the most common problems after a reset is asking for Mi Account passwords when you first download them, which is theft protection that activates when the device is linked to an account, and we'll look at legal ways to bypass the lock.

Official method (if you remember the account data)

1. On the lock screen, enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
2. Enter your password. If you forget, restore it through the official website.
3. If the account is linked to a phone number, you may need to enter SMS-code.

Unofficial methods (if you do not remember the data)

If you don’t remember your account information but your phone belongs to you, try the following methods:

• 📧 Appeal for Xiaomi.Submit a purchase check or box with IMEI — Sometimes it helps to unblock the block.
• 🛠️ Unlocking through EDL-mode (only for experienced users) requires special equipment (EDL cable) and firmware via Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL. Risky for newcomers!
• 💰 Official service center: in some cases, it is possible to confirm ownership and remove the lock for a fee (from 1000 to 3000 rubles).

⚠️ Warning: Using “grey” unlocking methods (such as code generators or paid services on the Internet) can lead to the complete loss of the device, many of which are fraudulent or install malware.

7 Frequent discharge errors and their solutions

Even when you follow instructions, users face problems, and we'll look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Error: "This device is locked" in Fastboot

Reason: locked bootloader. Solution:

• Officially unlock the bootloader through the Xiaomi website (it takes 7-15 days to wait).
• Use the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions on the screen.

Error: "Can't verify update" in Recovery

Reason: Firmware damaged or incompatible version of Recovery.

• Download the official firmware for your model and repeat the reset.
• If the error repeats, run the device through Fastboot.

Mistake: The phone doesn't turn on after resetting

Reason: interrupted reset or incompatible firmware.

• Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes, then try turning it on.
• If it doesn’t work, run the device through Fastboot or EDL.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset for more than 20 minutes, don't panic. Wait 1-2 hours: sometimes the first download after reset takes a long time.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions