How to completely reset the settings on the Xiaomi phone: 4 proven ways

Introduction: why you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Resetting a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone to factory settings is a radical but effective solution to a host of problems: Maybe your smartphone started to brake after the MIUI update, got stuck in a reboot cycle, or you just want to sell the device by deleting all personal data. Either way, hard reset will return the phone to its original state, as after buying.

It is important to understand that resetting deletes all data: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and even account settings. Therefore, you need to back up before the procedure. In this article, we will discuss 4 official reset methods (including hidden ones), as well as how to avoid typical errors and restore the phone if something goes wrong.

If you've never reset to Xiaomi, don't worry: it's as automated as possible. The key is to choose the right method depending on the situation. For example, if the phone doesn't turn on, you'll need Recovery Mode, and if you forget the pattern lock, you'll need a tied Mi Account.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you can go to the menu. It is the most secure and does not require additional tools. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14.

How to perform the reset:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process. It can take 5 to 15 minutes -- don't interrupt it! -- once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like when you first turn on.

Backup to Mi Cloud or PC|Remember the data from the Mi Account|Connect the phone to charge (minimum 50%)|Remove the memory card (if you don’t want to format it)-->

⚠️ Warning: If you use Mi Account and forget your password, a menu reset may lock your phone! After cleaning, the system will require you to enter the account details associated with the device.

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

If the Xiaomi smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to pressing or does not load beyond the lock screen, Recovery Mode will help. This mode is sewn into the firmware and works even in case of serious system failures.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears and vibrations (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. Release the buttons and you will see a menu in English or Chinese.

Next, select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware), and control is done by volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and power button (select), and after confirmation, reset will begin.

Redmi Note Series Series Series|POCO X/F series|Xiaomi 11/12/13|Redmi 9/10 series|Another model-->

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if the pattern lock is forgotten)

If you forget your password or pattern lock, but your phone is tied to Mi Account, you can reset the lock remotely. This method only works when you have active Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and if you have previously enabled the Find Device service.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

The phone will receive a reset command and restart, after which the lock will be removed, but you will need to re-authorize in the Mi Account on the first turn on.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has the Internet turned off or the Find Device service has not been activated, this method will not work, in which case only Recovery Mode or contacting the service center remains.

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Before using the Mi Account, check if two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled.If so, you will need access to the linked phone number or email to confirm the reset.

Method 4: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires you to connect your phone to your PC.

• 🔹 The phone does not respond to buttons and does not enter Recovery.
• 🔹 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔹 You need to unlock the bootloader (bootloader).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, perform a full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After this command, the phone will be completely cleaned, including internal memory.This method also resets the bootloader settings, so it is not recommended to use it without extreme necessity.

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Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, including files in the DCIM folder. If the phone turns on at all, try other methods first.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi phone will start in initial setup mode.

1. Select the language and region (Russia is recommended for the correct operation of services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi or insert SIM-activation.
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if the phone was tied).
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

If you sell or transfer a phone, don't restore your account, just turn off the device after you reset it, and the new owner can set it up on their own.

Tips for optimizing after reset:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to 100% before first use.
• 📱 Disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset