How to completely reset the settings on Xiaomi: all ways with explanations

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare a device for sale or eliminate the consequences of failed firmware experiments. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones have several unique nuances, from hidden menu items to the features of working with MIUI Recovery. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting, from the simplest (through settings) to the most complex (using Fastboot), and also explain why sometimes standard methods do not work and what to do in such cases.

It is important to understand that resets delete all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. However, not everyone knows that some system files (for example, OTA updates or application cache) can remain intact - this depends on the method chosen. We will discuss in detail which data is erased in each case and which are not so that you can choose the best option.

When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi?

Resetting your smartphone to factory settings is a very different matter, and here are the most common reasons users face:

• 🔄 Slowdown: the phone has started to “brake”, applications have long opened, animations twitch – even after cleaning the cache and optimizing.
• 📱 Preparing for sale: so that the new owner does not get access to your data (accounts, photos, passwords).
• 🔧 System errors: persistent app crashes, spontaneous reboots, or errors like “com.android.phone stopped».
• 🔒 Removing viruses: if the antivirus detects malware that is not removed by standard methods.
• 📲 Failed Update: After installing a new version MIUI Bugs (for example, the camera or mobile network is not working).
• 🔓 Resetting the pattern lock: if you forgot the unlock password, and Find My Device does not help.

However, resetting is not always a panacea, for example, if the problem is hardware-related (a broken screen, a faulty battery or a Wi-Fi module), then going back to factory settings will not help, and it is useless to reset the phone if it is locked by the operator (IMEI unlock required).

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone because of a forgotten password, note that after the procedure, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account account associated with the device!

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

This is a standard method that works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with a serviceable system. Suitable if the phone turns on, responds to touch and you have access to the menu.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – About Device).
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (or Reset in new versions).
4. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
5. If necessary, enter PIN-code.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (or Remove Everything).

It takes 5 to 15 minutes, and when it's done, it will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new, which doesn't require a computer, and it's suitable for most users.

Backup important data (photos, contacts, messages)

Remember the username and password from Mi Account (if linked)

Connect your phone to charge (the battery must be at least 30% charged)

Make sure that SIM-The card is removed (if you plan to sell your phone)

-->

If after reset, the phone asks you to enter data from Mi Account, and you do not remember them, use the instructions for restoring your account (see section below).

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

If Xiaomi’s smartphone doesn’t load beyond the logo, freezes on the screensaver, or doesn’t respond to the on button at all, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which will also help if you forget your pattern lock or password.

Instructions for stock Recovery (standard from Xiaomi):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume Up button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will open.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear All Data in newer versions).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you have custom Recovery installed (like TWRP), the process will be slightly different:

1. Download to TWRP (similar to drain recovery).
2. Tap it on Wipe. → Format Data.
3. Enter yes to confirm.
4. After formatting, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → System.

⚠️ Attention: B TWRP Wipe wipes all internal memory, including files in folders DCIM, Downloads, etc. If you need to save media files, pre-connect the phone to your PC and copy the data.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔧 Recovery damaged or missing;
• 📱 The phone is locked and does not respond to other methods;
• 🔄 you need to reset the settings without losing the bootloader unlock (relevant for custom firmware).

To work, you will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Fastboot utility (part of the Android SDK).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume Down button for 10-15 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) on your computer and type:

fastboot devices

(Your device serial number should be displayed. If not, check the driver.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands will clear user data and cache completely, after which the phone will restart to its original state. If you also need to reset the system settings (for example, after a failed update), add a command:

fastboot erase system

But remember: after that, you will need to reflash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool, otherwise it will not boot!

1. Use the original USB-Xiaomi cable (not all cables support data transfer).

2. Connect the phone to a USB 2.0 port (on the back of the PC if it is a desktop computer).

3. Install the driver manually through Device Manager (select ADB Interface).

-->

What to do if your phone needs a Mi Account after a reset?

One of the features of Xiaomi smartphones is the binding to the Mi Account account to protect against theft. If you reset your settings and your phone asks you to enter your username and password from your previous account, there are several ways to solve this:

• 🔑 Restore your account: Go to account.xiaomi.com, click on “Forgot your password?” and follow the instructions.
• 📧 Contact Support: If you don’t remember your account details but the phone is officially purchased, contact Xiaomi Support with a check to purchase.
• 🔧 Bypass locking via Fastboot: this method does not work on all models and requires an unlocked bootloader.

If the phone is hand-held and the previous owner hasn’t untied his account, contact him.Without Mi Account data, it’s officially impossible to unlock the device (except for models older than 2018, where EDL Mode bypasses sometimes work).

Yeah, I had to re-establish my account.

Yeah, but I bypassed the lockdown through Fastboot.

No, never blocked.

I don't know, I didn't reset the settings.

-->

Resetting settings on specific models: features

Despite the general logic of MIUI, some Xiaomi models have unique nuances when reset, and the table below shows the key differences for popular devices:

If your model isn’t in the table, check the official documentation on Xiaomi’s website or thematic forums (like 4PDA or XDA Developers).For new flagships (like Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6), the reset process is usually no different from the one described above, but there may be nuances with HyperOS (new shell instead of MIUI).

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes have problems resetting, and here are the most common errors and ways to prevent them:

• ❌ Interrupting the process: if you take out the battery or turn off the phone during the reset, it can lead to a breeze (completely inoperable.
• ❌ Low battery: if the battery is under 20%, the phone may shut down during reset.The minimum recommended charge before the procedure is 50%.
• ❌ Use of non-original cable: cheap USB-cables may not transmit data in Fastboot mode, which leads to errors such as waiting for device.
• ❌ Failure to follow the sequence of commands: for example, if you first enter fastboot reboot in Fastboot and then fastboot erase userdata, the data will not be deleted.
• ❌ Ignoring backup: Many users forget to save data from a folder Android/data, where game saves and settings of some applications are stored.

If the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo after reset, try:

1. Download to Fastboot and re-reset via fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase cache commands.
2. Flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (you will need the official firmware for your model).
3. Contact the service center if you suspect a hardware malfunction.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after reset, DO NOT TRY to reset it via Recovery - this can aggravate the problem. EDL Mode.

How to bypass the Mi Account lock after reset (unofficial method)

⚠️ Warning: This method does not work on all models and may violate warranty conditions. Use it only if you are confident in your actions and understand the risks.

To bypass the Mi Account lock via Fastboot, you will need:

• Unlocked bootloader (if not, unlock through the official Xiaomi website);
• The Mi Flash Tool utility;
• Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).

Instructions:

1. Download your phone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Reduction).
2. Connect to your PC and open the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format).
4. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) mode.
5. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

Once flashed, the phone boots up without being tied to the Mi Account, but this method erases all data and returns the device to a "out of the box" state.

⚠️ Note: On models with a Qualcomm processor (for example, POCO X3, Redmi Note 11 sometimes helps to put the phone in mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode) by short-circuiting test contacts on the board, which requires disassembly of the device and is only suitable for advanced users!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions